Little Belle's Mama

Taking our daughter Bella on her very first international trip was something we had looked forward to from the moment we knew we were going to be parents. Even in our earliest conversations about the future, my husband and I would imagine traveling with her, watching her discover the world one city at a time. At just three and a half months old, she was already ready for her first little adventure beyond the borders of home. Amsterdam—a place both familiar and deeply meaningful to us—was the perfect starting point.

The drive from Germany to the Netherlands took just under three hours. Bella, snug in her car seat, was surprisingly calm the entire way. Her bright eyes followed the changing scenery outside the window, and it almost felt like she understood this wasn’t just another car ride—this was something special. She didn’t fuss or cry, just quietly observed the trees, clouds, and highways flashing by. For us, that peaceful drive was the calm before the beautiful whirlwind that would unfold in Amsterdam.

Returning to this city was deeply nostalgic for me. Amsterdam was the first city I visited after moving to Germany. It had welcomed me with open arms back then, and walking its streets again now—this time with my daughter, my mom, and my sister—felt full-circle. It was more than just another trip. It was a layering of memories, old and new, personal and shared.

My mom and sister had never been to the Netherlands before, and watching them experience it for the first time was heartwarming. For my mom especially, this visit meant more than just ticking a place off a map. She had never even dreamt of setting foot in Amsterdam, a city she had only seen in movies and heard about from Filipino celebrities who spoke about their trips here with wonder. When I first moved to Europe and mentioned visiting the Netherlands, I could see in her eyes a mixture of pride and disbelief. And now, here she was, walking those very same streets. It was a surreal moment—for her, and for me.

My sister, ever the fashionista, was totally prepared for the trip. She had carefully planned her outfits, knowing full well how photogenic Amsterdam can be. She has a natural talent for posing and projecting confidence—every shot we took of her looked like it belonged in a magazine. It was so much fun capturing her in these vibrant surroundings, framed by flowers, canals, and quaint little alleys. She brought a playful energy to the trip that made even the quiet moments feel lively.

One of the loveliest stops on our walk was the square near Madame Tussauds. The place was buzzing, yet somehow peaceful. We stood in the middle of the square surrounded by the chatter of tourists and the gentle flapping of doves, which flew freely and landed close without fear. My mom, smiling like a child, stood still as the birds gathered near her. She laughed as one came close, clearly enjoying the moment. Bella, too, was unusually animated—her little arms wiggled with excitement, and she stared at the doves with such focused curiosity that it felt like she knew something magical was happening.

After exploring the city center, we took the ferry across the river—a fun little ride that felt like a mini adventure in itself. Bella seemed fascinated by the movement of the boat and the views from the water. Once we got off, we walked a short distance to find a place to eat. Lunch near the A’DAM Lookout was a welcome pause. We didn’t have coffee, but we enjoyed cool drinks and comforting food, resting our feet and soaking in the atmosphere. Bella stayed cheerful, calmly sitting in her stroller or resting in our arms, making the meal feel even more relaxed. It was one of those perfect travel moments—good food, laughter, and that sense of togetherness that makes everything taste better.

After lunch, we made our way to A’DAM Lookout, which was just a short walk away. We didn’t expect it to be so convenient, but the location was easy to navigate, especially with a stroller. Taking the elevator to the top gave us that little flutter of excitement again, and when the doors opened, the view took our breath away. The city spread out beneath us, full of life and color. Standing there, high above the canals and rooftops, with Bella nestled against me, felt like a quiet dream.

In hindsight, we all agreed—we should have started our day there. Parking under A’DAM Lookout was not only easy but also affordable, especially for Amsterdam standards. If we had parked there first and built our day around that spot, everything would have flowed even more smoothly. But sometimes, it’s those on-the-spot discoveries that make a trip memorable. Now we know for next time.

Traveling with a baby is often seen as challenging, and in many ways, it can be. But what I realized on this trip is that babies are more adaptable than we give them credit for. Yes, we needed to plan ahead, pack more carefully, and build in extra breaks. But Bella taught us that adventure isn’t limited by age. Her presence didn’t make the journey harder—it made it richer. Watching her take in the world reminded us to slow down, to appreciate, to see beauty in things we might otherwise rush past.

For my mom, the entire experience felt like a dream. She kept repeating how she never imagined she’d step foot in the Netherlands, let alone in one of its most famous cities. And now, she has her own set of memories—of birds in the square, of photos on the canal bridges, of her granddaughter’s first big outing. My sister left with a phone full of perfect snapshots and a heart full of beautiful moments. And I came home with a refreshed love for a city I thought I already knew.

As the trip drew to a close and we began our journey home, I felt an unexpected mix of emotions. I was happy, of course—grateful for the memories we made, and proud of how well Bella handled everything. But I also felt a sense of something beginning. This was no ordinary vacation. This was the start of Bella’s travel story. One day, she might flip through photos from this trip and smile. She might ask questions about where we went, who was there, and what she was like as a baby. And we’ll have stories to share—stories filled with love, laughter, and discovery.

Parenting often feels like a series of firsts. The first smile, the first word, the first step. This trip added another milestone: the first time venturing beyond our familiar borders. While there was no passport stamp, every moment felt like an indelible imprint on our hearts. And while Bella may not remember this journey in the traditional sense, I believe experiences like these shape us in quiet ways. Maybe it’s the feeling of being loved and safe in unfamiliar places. Maybe it’s the rhythm of new sounds, the colors of a new city, the gentle kindness of strangers. Whatever it is, I know it’s already part of who she’s becoming.

I’ve always believed that travel teaches us more than textbooks ever could. It opens our minds, builds resilience, and connects us to people and places we might never have known. Introducing Bella to this world is one of the greatest gifts I can give her. And as I reflect on our trip to Amsterdam, I realize that she’s also giving something to us—new perspectives, deeper joy, and a reason to slow down and savor every moment.

In the end, this trip wasn’t just about seeing Amsterdam again. It was about beginning something together as a family. It was about watching Bella’s eyes widen at a new world and feeling, in our hearts, that this was only the beginning. This wasn’t just Bella’s first trip—it was a first for all of us in some way. A first time seeing old places through new eyes. A first time traveling as a family of three. A first step into a future filled with adventures we’ve only just begun to imagine.

And as we pulled back into our driveway, tired but happy, we knew we’d do it all again in a heartbeat. Because now, more than ever, we understand that traveling isn’t just about the destination—it’s about who you take with you, and the memories you create along the way. Bella’s travel story has started, and we’re so lucky to be writing it alongside her.