Baby Planet

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We've made a traveler out of Layla. She's been to Town Center thrice, Quezon City about a dozen times, and Aba's house every week. Bringing her to a high school reunion in Town Center was no problem last Friday. She's a very good girl who fusses only when she's hungry or extremely sleepy. She could only take a little over an hour of the adult chatter, though, so we met up with Ninang Bianca in the supermarket and went home early.

The first time I brought her to Town Center, I went alone to escape the expectations and the pressure of neo-motherhood. I decided to go on a dry run! Hehe. So that I could discover on my own what it's like traveling with a baby and what the bare essentials are -- diapers, changing pad, wipes, water, etc. I forgot a few things and took note of them on my handy dandy notebook (Blue's Clues!) so I had a great time, and I think Layla enjoyed her first trip to the mall. I'm so glad I went alone with her. Far better than having someone with you who'll comment on things like I should've brought this, I should've done that...not that it will definitely happen, but prevention is always best. Hehe.

I keep thinking, God gave us a lonely planet baby, a backpacking baby, a quiet observer that will tag along with her parents wherever we go. I don't need bottles because she's breastfed (Just a bottle of water when it gets too hot) and I love it when I'm carrying her and she gets excited about toys or colorful swimsuits.

Although I have a problem with the stroller that we bought for her. It's a wonderful 3-in-1 Syncon USA stroller that has an infant carseat that can be taken out when Layla's old enough for the stroller itself. I've used it many times, but the cushions are so thick, Layla's always sweaty and hot. I end up carrying her around the mall half the time...if that's the case, I might as well just bring my baby sling instead. So anyway, I made a few calls and researched on the net and decided to purchase the Maclaren USA Volo. It's got a mesh seat for Pinoy heat, but you can also put a cushion and some other cool extras if you purchase the accesory set separately. It has great reviews but isn't available here, and Amazon can't ship it. So I've to have it sent to my cousin's house in SFO so that my auntie can bring it here in May. Yeah, I've to wait a month but it's ok because it's for babies 6 months and up and Layla will be 6 months old by the time it gets here.

It's also the most affordable one selling at 99$, with the accessory kit selling for an additional $50. It's a little pricey for most, but I think it'll be worth it. We need it, especially since we'll be going out of town this summer, and for the rest of the year for sure. I'm very busy and I might as well take Layla around with me. A lightweight umbrella stroller like the Volo is just what I need, so I'm very excited.

Meanwhile, I can't wait to go out of town with Layla and the rest of the family. She's going to be one well-traveled baby.