FIRST Visit to Corito's Garden and FIRST Swim

Lolo Monching was very eager to bring us to the new Corito's Garden. Still jetlagged and exhausted from the long flight, we dragged ourselves to Batangas. When we got there, we understood why Lolo couldn't wait for us to see it! It was paradise...our home away from home! The sanctuary has gotten more beautiful than ever. They really were able to accomplish a lot in the two years we were away.

Henri and Lolo Monching

Henri and Lolo by the Pavilion

I'm eager and excited to work on my new project here. I certainly wouldn't mind being based in Batangas for a while. :) Fresh air, green grass, plants and fruits all around, roaming animals (peacocks, chickens, geese, mini horses), caged animals (spotted deer, monkeys, etc.), creative and artistic Bali-inspired villas, a relaxing pool....what more can you ask for? 

We were up at 5 in the morning and were at the main pool by 5:30...quite an early swim to avoid the harsh heat from the sun. You loved the water and had lots of fun with Dada and I. I told Dada that I want to enroll you in a class so you can learn how to swim early! I'm so glad you enjoyed our family swim! Can't wait to go back there again! 

Splash away little one! :)

Welcome to Manila, Henri!

Last Monday was a sad and tearful day in New York because we left. It was especially hard for grandma because she got so attached to you. She cried when she bid us goodbye in the airport that day. Don't worry because we will really try to convince her to visit us more often.

Traveling with a baby is  a production number in itself. There are just so much stuff to carry - we had two diaper bags with clothes, diapers, food (I still managed to prepare your baon so you don't have to eat processed baby food), toys to keep you from getting bored and another travel bag containing your heavy duty Bugaboo stroller. It wasn't easy getting passed the baggage check all the way up to the plane. Your Dada and I were worried about the long flight. We initially wanted to drug you (give you baby Benadryl or something) but decided to just do it the natural way because you might be allergic to the medicine and that would be a bigger problem. We were given front seats which had room for a bassinet. It was very helpful because we were able to put you down whenever you'd fall asleep. This gave us time to get some rest too! You slept almost half of the time and was very behaved even when there were other babies crying and screaming. Thank you for not giving us a difficult time!

After about 17 hours (in total because we had to stopover Hong Kong), we arrived in NAIA. The whole entourage was there to greet us... Lolo, Ninong Hip, Ninang Addie, Tito Neil and Tita Maan.

Welcome to hot and humid Manila!