To the Caribbean we go

I finally redeemed the prize I won at my D&D over the weekend - a 3 bedroom, 2D/1N stay at the Caribbean Residences along Keppel. Despite it only being a 1 night stay, there were so many things to pack for Natalie's first 'holiday'. We each had an overnight bag, but she had two!

It was so near home and I was quite half-hearted when I first won the prize because I wondered what was the point of just going away for 1 night. But nonetheless we decided to make the most of it and take the opportunity to introduce the Munchkin to swimming.

Rain threatened as we checked in but the weather held till we got changed and hit the pool. After anticipating her first dip for weeks, it turned out to be an anti-climax. She HATED it! Maybe the water was too cold or the float was uncomfortable but after barely 2 minutes she started protesting and signaled to be airlifted. Just as we got out, the rain made its appearance.

Still, she looked cute in her little Osh Kosh swimsuit and we shall try again soon at another pool.

Ma, Swana and Gigi came over later in the afternoon, they were staying too since there were ample beds. Kevin is on a local project so couldn't stay. Actually the apartment was pretty nice, I used the think the development was congested but once you get inside, it's surprisingly quiet and tranquil with lots of space. We stayed at Blk 44, on the 6th floor, could see a bit of the 'pier' from the living and master bedroom.

The unit was spacious by condo standards, the 3 bedrooms held a king, queen and 2 single beds. Actually for out of town guests, the rates are quite reasonable. $420++ per night but 6 people can stay, much cheaper than 3 hotel rooms.

We snapped loads of photos in the afternoon of the two babies, somehow Nat's, Ma's and Gigi's outfits were colour co-ordinated.

In the evening, the ladies decided to explore the neighbourhood while Nick babysat Gigi. We feed Nat her dinner in one of the numerous decks and then walked the perimeter, passing by a lap pool and a walkway facing Keppel Marina. We snapped away like 'suaku' tourists, gushing at the view and wishing we lived there.

For dinner, we headed to the Coffee Club at Harbourfront. Though it was a short walk away, we drove, only to get turned away from a full carpark. Nick decided to drop us off first, then went back to the condo to park before making his way back on foot. Kevin and his mum joined us for dinner and then we walked around Vivo for a bit, since most shops were open till 11pm.

Before long, the babies started getting tired and sleepy so off we trooped back to the Carribbean. Caught the Miss World competition 'live' on TV, right off the bat I knew Russia was a serious contender and she won!

Nat slept with us on the king bed but she was so restless, tossing, turning and sighing every half an hour, we barely got any sleep. I think she missed her cot. When we got up this morning, I declared to Nick we were not travelling with her anytime soon! Or at least not until she's potty-trained, eating proper solids and capable of sleeping on her own and not falling off the bed!

Breakfast was at the Prive Bakery and Cafe at Keppel Marina. We were a tad early and snacked on some danishes till their kitchen was open. Among us, we ordered 3 ultimate breakfasts, pancakes and a salad. The pancakes were yum and so was the ultimate breakfast, the scrambled eggs were just right.

Sigh, though it was a short stay, we still managed to have fun and pretend we were on an actual holiday. This was just the dress rehearsal to give us a taste of what travelling with kids was like and me and Swana both came to the same conclusion - bring Mummy and Arlyn wherever we go!