First look: The lovely Lalvanis

| lifeofbearanddragon
Image
Grace

Well the weather has turned and even the most reluctant of trees appear to be ready to burst forth with their much anticipated buds and leaves. Is there anyone in Brussels now who is not salivating at the thought of shedding winter coats and hats in favor of sundresses and sandals? Ok, that might be a bit optimistic but you see where I am headed, right?

Luckily the studio is always warm and even more so when families like the lovely Lalvanis stop by. Three year old Milan and three month old Olivia kept us all on our toes and we played, tickled and snapped some photos. This exotic German-Italian/Indian duo lit up the space and I am happy to be able to share some favorites with you.

Image
Tickles!
Image
Sweet smile
Image
Proud

First look: Emma and Paul

| lifeofbearanddragon
Image
Brothers

Nothing could be sweeter than the eager anticipation of a little one waiting for their new brother or sister to arrive. Abounding with hilarious theories for why momma’s belly is so big, what does it mean when your belly button pops out and if the baby can see you from inside there. Paul and Emma joined us in the studio recently to play, brush our teeth (most important photo props for Paul are his favorite red shirt and his tooth brush and paste) and give big hugs and kisses to soon to be born brother, Matthew.

Good times and good luck to the family on the very imminent arrival of baby brother!

Image
Sweet Paul
Image
Brusha, Brusha
Image
Play!
Image
Bright

Things to do with a baby in Brussels: Playdate at Baboes

| lifeofbearanddragon
Image
Through the looking glass

Given my love of well stocked playrooms, it is somewhat of a mystery why I just now made it down to Baboes. Organized by the Flemish community but open to all, Baboes is another great place to get out of the house and enjoy some good company with the little one. Targeted towards kids 0 – 4, there are several play spaces. Some for the really small set, and several for the older. My personal favorite is the ball pit, yes, a ball pit! With a slide! Just looking at that sea of little green balls transports me back in time to my own childhood. Wonderful.

Opening hours are geared towards the morning. Oh yeah, THAT’S why we haven’t been much, but one day a week they are open in the afternoon.

There are two locations, one in St Catherine and one near Gare Midi (Nieuwland). The Nieuwland location is newer and really lovely inside but I must confess, rather scary to walk to. I don’t think I will head back that way. The St Catherine location is convenient by metro and to some of my favorite restaurants. Thank you very much.

Please enjoy this lovely space!

How much: Free

When: Open Tuesday mornings (8.45am to 1pm), Wednesday afternoons (12.30pm to 4.30pm), Thursday afternoons (1pm to 5pm) and Saturday mornings (9.30am to 12.30pm).

Image
Toys ❤
Image
The deep, green sea
Image
Welcome to Baboes

Things to do with a baby in Brussels: The best hot chocoloate

| lifeofbearanddragon
Image
Making due with Neuhaus

Holy snowy day Batman. Brussels is kicking up some serious March bluster with driving wind and several inches of fresh snow. Wowee! We are holed up at home, soaking up the heat and watching the swirling drifts.

What, you may ask, could possibility drive us from our warm, safe and cozy home on a day like this? Only one thing: hot chocolate. And if we are going to get all bundled up and go, it must be for the very best hot chocolate in all of Brussels. I am talking about Fredric Blondeel. Located just step from the St Catherine metro stop (probably 30 steps), this little chocolate chop takes the cake In a town bursting with chocolate savants. Self-professed “master in cocoa”, Fredric has truly made an art out of your liquid happiness. Think options like Madagascar chocolate with a hint of vanilla and saffron threads. Oh my god, its good.

You can bring the little one and cozy up on the pillowed bench. Little tables and cushions make a lovely setting for this petite masterpiece.

So if you get outside today, drop in, warm up and die happy.

Image
Baby its cold outside

First look: Elsje and Clara

| lifeofbearanddragon
Image
The best kisses

I first met Clara when she was barely a little bean and now she is growing into a lovely little lady! In mid-February, we had the pleasure of hosting the Fourie family, including grandparents visiting from Beijing, in the Bear & Dragon studio. What a fun afternoon! Clara was a good sport with multiple outfit changes. Good thing we had grandpa to keep her smiling.

Thank you Elsje, Clara and family

PS. Happy Friday!

Image
Love
Image
Sweet nothings
Image
Now how do I get out of this bucket?

Spring lovin’

| lifeofbearanddragon
Image
Buongiorno bellissima

Boy oh boy, is it nice out today!! Being a native Californian, my spring buzzer starts going nuts around the beginning of March. What starts as an annoying jingle soon becomes an all out four alarm fire of must have sun now-ness.  It is with great relief that the snooze button has been pushed by this lovely respite of kind weather.

That brings me to the nice park day I had with Bababoo today. Let me be honest by saying that the Bear and I are already anticipating a teenagehood on high alert. Zoe is tall, blond,  and with her nordic good looks (not from her momma, sadly), lets just say Bjorn is currently investigating gun laws in Belgium. Add to that her sparkling personality and appreciation of older boys and we have a real doozy on our hands.

Today is a perfect example. We were minding our own business, eating blueberries and breadsticks, when a older (maybe 2?) hazel-eyed Italian had to come over to say hi (buongiorno) to Zoe. Well, naturally she was all smiles and a terribley sweet baby flirtation ensued. Luckily I travel nowhere without my trusty Canon so here is the replay. Ahh sweet spring love!

Image
Oh, why, hello handsome!
Image
Ummm, Is that your mom?
Image
Better kiss and run!
Image
Good bye my prince

First look: Ruth, Javier and Eric

| lifeofbearanddragon
Image
¡Vamos

I know what you must be thinking. Oh yeah, nice photos of moms and babies but where are the Dads?! Where are the gorgeous family photos? Well we have plenty in store from that direction! Ruth, Javier and 11 month old Eric are a beautiful Spanish family full of energy and life. Eric is a budding footballer and has a smile that will melt your heart. Together they are a great inspiration and a lovely trio to behold.

Image
Flavour
Image
Here comes trouble!
Image
Love