It took us a long while to decide whether to pay a few hundred bucks, leave the kids behind and relived our wedding day (I could already imagine my mum looking all stressed out caring for the baby day and night)
OR take the risk and pack the kids with us.
We chose the latter, we brought our 7 weeks old baby along.
Nah, it wasn’t anywhere far. We just drove across the little channel to this island called Sentosa for a little getaway, the exact location where we took our wedding vow many years back, this time, back with 2 kids, not as romantic as before.
The island has changed drastically. No longer quite as idyllic nor quiet, with all sorts of entertainment centers sprouting out all over the island. There are nightly fireworks at the Songs of the Sea. There are pubs everywhere. There is an artificial surf center for those who really wants to surf but didn’t have the time to fly down to Bali. There are people tempting fate doing the flying fox down the hill which I thought this might be more interesting to them.
Add the up and coming IR, and all the other interesting attractions, I can already imagine the Sentosa of tomorrow – crawling with tourists, local and otherwise, big jam on the narrow causeway, double digit inflation, and lack of space on the beach which I am so not looking forward to.
The entertainment centers now breathes more life into the island. Gets rid of outdated and loss making parks. Dolphin lagoon appears to be closed. So much for the pink dolphins which I thought was a far cry from being world class. I am not too sad about Dolphin Lagoon closing after hearing that dolphins elsewhere such as at San Diego Sea World were treated better.
Mal was contented staying in the resort, feeding the peacocks, playing with the water slide, taking pictures with cool christmas trees made from recycled materials. Here’s one made from 250ml drinking bottles.
and here’s one with him playing the slide. He could do this the WHOLE DAY!
We woke up each morning, looking forward to our sumptuous buffet breakfast at the resort’s cafeteria
We stuffed ourselves crazy with food and ate like pigs
At night after putting the baby to sleep, we ordered room service and had our dinner at the balcony, occasionally catching the fireworks from the musical afar.
We went on the beach tram to explore the beach area, a large part now lined with shops and pubs. So much has changed and there is even a food court which makes it even more convenient for family with kids to visit the island
Before the trip, we worried that the baby will keep everyone awake at night
We worried that we will end up spending money to get ourselves stressed out
After the trip, we realized that being away from the daily mundane chores is by itself a natural stress reliever.
Nursing the baby under the stars with Pulau Bukom greeting us made waking up in the middle of the night less painful
When we were out and about, I chose slinging the baby over our heavily invested jogger
Going up and down the tram with the baby in the sling was a breeze
I was able to nurse the baby discreetly
Most importantly, I could have both my hands free while carrying the baby.
I am selling these slings here.
This trip has definitely made us more confident in handling baby Marcus and we are now thinking of going further for our next holiday with him along.
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Marcus even beat Deshann to Sentosa! hahaha… It’s nice to have a break. Even in that little island of ours eh? Yes, sling is better than strollers for all that conveniece! Great that you had a good break! And I like that christmas tree! saw pic of another one made from umbrellas.
Awww… i love the last photo.. so lovely. Baby Marcus is so cute, and wow, you are back to shape in no time!
Love tat pic of you on the beach with bb Marcus in the sling. Wished i had the chance to nurse under the stars
Hello Rachel loved all your photos far better than all our snow and ice in Shetland, a big hello to Malcolm and Dave and i wish you all a very happy new year luv alison
Hey you have slimed down really fast!
Love the way your baby smile.
BTW, can check with you, I missed watching the show – Songs of the Sea. Did you family watch it? Good?
We had a get away at Sentosa when we celebrate her first birthday. Really worth the effort to make a trip there. And I do agree with you on coming IR, this make Sentosa less attractive to local.
Rachel : hey shirley, no we did not watch the song of the sea but we did manage to catch some fireworks probably from the musical from where we stayed
Hi Rachel,
nice having you swinging by my blog and I’m so glad I came over to yours too. =)
hey, we’ve many in common! two boys, being SAHM etc. I can’t agree with you more on being a mother and obsessed with our babies ya.
we went for our 1st holiday back in august (Singapore Nation Day). we went no where but in Singapore. booked a hotel room and went to join in the NDP. a great getaway for all of us and yours was a very enjoyable one too.
its been quite awhile since i stepped into Sentosa. and i might just plan for a family trip after seeing your sharing =p
btw, you look great! can’t imagine you just pop 7 weeks ago!
A joyful 2010 to you and your family!
ooh i love the last photo with your two handsome boys, but wow, u look amazing less than 2 months after the baby! must be all that breastfeeding ya? btw happy new year rachel and family
This is a wonderful read.
Yes, the drastic change had myself distant from that mini island I once loved.
I love the slings. NEVER BOUGHT a pram. NEVER OWN one either. Had always been slings for both boys.
To me, NOTHING beats having the baby lying just beside your bosom. The place where its closest to the heart.
*Smile*
Here’s Wishing you and your wonderful family an Awesome, Laughable and Healthy 2010!!!
Happy new 2010 to you and family! You look GREAT! So fast back to your slim self
Here’s wishing you and your beautiful family more health and less illness; more laughter and less tears in the new year 
Awww … I love that last pic too and how baby Marcus smiled so sweetly!
Great that you had that little getaway there!