Ordering in..

I may have mentioned that with the not-so-new baby, my workload hasn't doubled. It has increased exponentially. There isnt enough time for anything other than child rearing. AND Sash is in day care 3 days a week. I am not too fussed about the extra load of laundry every week (another reason to be grateful for non-9-to-5 jobs, waaaay less ironing of dress shirts), or the extra toys to pick up. Its the time spent feeding, putting to bed, playing, reading, poop cleaning etc/repeat for BOTH. Something has to give. I have decided that it is to be meals. D is the most easy going person ever and is quite happy to eat Korean instant noodles for lunch and grilled meat and a side for dinner every night. I, however, quite enjoy my food. Now, the chances of me learning to cook yummy interesting healthy dishes ready in 15 minutes is rather slim. So I have decided to try this new service where a very nice lady who cooks, well, cooks and freezes the meals and delivers them to my door. For the same price as pre-cooked frozen meals bought at the supermarket, or even getting the ingredients myself and spending precious minutes over a hot stove, I can get food made to order delivered to my door. Brilliant non? All I have to do is go online to her website, order my Sheppard's pie, Moroccan burgers, mushroom risotto, carrot and ginger soup etc, and I pay upon delivery. Delivery is free when I order more than 100 bucks worth of food and that's basically a weeks supply anyway (the downside of non-9-to-5 jobs...lunch is also eaten at home), which is also approximately what we spend on ingredients (the downside of marrying a mat salleh, more protein based meals than carbo rich ones). I will of course not eat these ready made meals every day because it is quite easy for me to whip up a salad, bake some potatoes and grill steak/fish/chicken or bung some meat in my all time fave Brahim instant curry mix. These meals are just for those days when a change is needed, a sort of pick me up for dinner. I am waiting for my first delivery, and have bought a deck of Go Fish cards in anticipation. While my meal defrosts in the oven D plans to teach Sash and I a few card games. I only know Blackjack and Gin Rummy so the lessons should be fun.

If you have been reading this blog, you know we have brunches over at ours quite often. While impromptu playdates are fun, sometimes it is nice to get the working dads involved. They tend to miss out on the "everyday" events, so a get together over the weekend lets them experience the chaos of playdates, while the mums enjoy their breakfast. And the kids have fun of course.





Yesterday, neighbour R called and asked S, D and I to pop by for a little play in the afternoon. She had cabin fever and to be honest I was going stir crazy myself. When we went over she immediately apologised for the mess in her house. I of course told her not to be silly, and that she should see my house. She made the funniest comment about how my home seemed to be spotless all the time. I swear I nearly spit up my wine. I told her that appearances can be deceiving. I sure as heck do not clean that often as I am as lazy as hell but what I do have is lots of storage/hiding room. When the mess gets a bit much, and by that it I mean there are too many toys laying about, I just stuff everything into the closet, built in cabinets, coffee table compartments..where ever. I dont even bother organising them as S, and soon D, will just be taking the toys out again. I do this so often that I can do it in minutes. Out of sight, out of mind. I try not to "clean up" too often though as I feel it is good to have some toys randomly laying about, for Sash to pick up anytime she feels the urge to play or use her imagination, because that what they are for. I just have to figure out where to stash Dylan's toys when the time comes...

I brought Dylan in to the pediatrician this morning because his congestion seemed to be lingering. Luckily, when we made the appointment yesterday the nurse recommended that we install a humidifier in his room, which seemed to work wonders. Who would have thought. Anyway, he was given the all clear but also two immunization shots. The boy was not happy. We have also been given the all clear to give him solids for each meal in view of his size. He is now 28.5 inches and 19.5 pounds. You kind of suspect that isnt really the normal growth projection when the doctor asks you how big his father is, and still seems perplexed when told 5'10". But when told that paternal grandfather is over 6' 2"...well, then he seemed satisfied. Apparently Dylan is the size of a 9 month old..hence the need to get more food into him especially iron rich cereal. This kid will be taller than me in a few years.

The pros of having Sasha in gymnastics:

She is learning how to take part in organised activities
She is learning how to interact and take direction from another adult
She is becoming more agile, more aware of her body's capabilities
She has loads of fun

The cons:

She has learned how to climb into her brother's crib. Where I found her this afternoon during/after Dylan's nap. The look of fear on his face..priceless. The look of achievement on hers..priceless too. Poor Dylan...his last line of defence..the crib...gone. His only hope is to learn how to run..fast.

What I want for you...

Excerpt from a letter by President-elect Barack Obama in Parade magazine
Publication Date: 01/14/2009

Next Tuesday, Barack Obama will be sworn in as our 44th President. On this historic occasion, PARADE asked the President-elect, who is also a devoted family man, to get personal and tell us what he wants for his children. Here, he shares his letter to them.


Dear Malia and Sasha,

I know that you've both had a lot of fun these last two years on the campaign trail, going to picnics and parades and state fairs, eating all sorts of junk food your mother and I probably shouldn't have let you have. But I also know that it hasn't always been easy for you and Mom, and that as excited as you both are about that new puppy, it doesn't make up for all the time we've been apart. I know how much I've missed these past two years, and today I want to tell you a little more about why I decided to take our family on this journey.

When I was a young man, I thought life was all about me-about how I'd make my way in the world, become successful, and get the things I want. But then the two of you came into my world with all your curiosity and mischief and those smiles that never fail to fill my heart and light up my day. And suddenly, all my big plans for myself didn't seem so important anymore. I soon found that the greatest joy in my life was the joy I saw in yours. And I realized that my own life wouldn't count for much unless I was able to ensure that you had every opportunity for happiness and fulfillment in yours. In the end, girls, that's why I ran for President: because of what I want for you and for every child in this nation.

I want all our children to go to schools worthy of their potential-schools that challenge them, inspire them, and instill in them a sense of wonder about the world around them. I want them to have the chance to go to college-even if their parents aren't rich. And I want them to get good jobs: jobs that pay well and give them benefits like health care, jobs that let them spend time with their own kids and retire with dignity.

I want us to push the boundaries of discovery so that you'll live to see new technologies and inventions that improve our lives and make our planet cleaner and safer. And I want us to push our own human boundaries to reach beyond the divides of race and region, gender and religion that keep us from seeing the best in each other.

I hope both of you will take up that work, righting the wrongs that you see and working to give others the chances you've had. Not just because you have an obligation to give something back to this country that has given our family so much-although you do have that obligation. But because you have an obligation to yourself. Because it is only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you will realize your true potential.

These are the things I want for you-to grow up in a world with no limits on your dreams and no achievements beyond your reach, and to grow into compassionate, committed women who will help build that world. And I want every child to have the same chances to learn and dream and grow and thrive that you girls have. That's why I've taken our family on this great adventure.

I am so proud of both of you. I love you more than you can ever know. And I am grateful every day for your patience, poise, grace, and humor as we prepare to start our new life together in the White House.



Love, Dad


I love this man. God keep him safe for him to fulfill his dreams...

Dylan has a cold. He started coughing yesterday evening and his congestion just escalated to the point of concern last night. Funny how two kids can be derived from the same genetic material but be so totally different. When Sash was a baby she used to get colds quite often but they never really bothered her ie us. Dylan however becomes rather grumpy and needy. He is not drinking as much and he is unable to sleep due to his stuffed nose. He slept with me last night while D slept with Sash. I couldnt really sleep as he was just up every hour or more feeling frustrated and wanting to hold on to my pinky. He didnt want to drink his milk...he just wanted to snuggle. Cute initially, but less so by 2am...2.30am...and so on.

So instead of dragging him along to Sash's gym class I got D to postpone his lunch appointment and take Sash to her class while I stayed home with Dylan. It is -25 or something ridiculously close out there so perhaps it was best that Sash not be exposed too long in that weather. Against better judgement I also asked D to pick up some sausages and eggs for Saturday's brunch. So in the past 20 minutes I have received 5 phone calls from him regarding the shopping task. He has so far picked up 2 tubs of Hagaan Daz Ice Cream, some "fancy" cookies (No idea what he means...probably has sprinkles or are moose shaped...he is pretty easy to please in that regard), sushi for my lunch (sweet)and other snacks, but no sausages, or eggs. I remember now why I do all the shopping...

Make my day

So, this morning as I was changing Dylan's diaper, I had to turn away for one second to get a bunch of new ones from the bottom of his changing table. Next thing I know, he is spraying an impressive arc of pee into his own face. What made me totally crack up was the look on his face as he was vigorously shaking his head from side to side to avoid his own spray. It was this make it stop, make it stop look, combined with confusion and helplessness. I could have covered his little willy to make it stop..but I was otherwise occupied with laughing out loud. One day, when he is accepting his nobel prize in Stockholm, I will remember this morning when my baby boy peed in his own face. This and yesterday's incident when he discovered he had another thumb while he was sucking one already. The look of confusion, wonderment followed by absolute glee as he figures out that his other fist contains another thumb. Priceless I tell you.

I have been planning to head out to the shops round the corner to get myself one of those puffy jackets that will keep you warm hiking the Antararctic. Father in law gave me cash for Christmas (nice of him eh). I have been putting off getting "real" winter wear because I am still unconvinced we will be staying here permanently what with my inability to get a position and our track record of moving..and I really do have enough jackets. I usually use the shearling coat we bought in Milan in anticipation of our move to NY when weather gets bad but I find it too heavy (thing must weigh 10 pounds) and a draft seems to find its way in through the button closures. Not overly practical. But it is -19 outside. So I now have to figure out what to wear to enable me to buy something to wear in this weather.

To block or not to block

Got up this morning, made some coffee, switched on the comp and checked my email accounts. Read an email that rather unexpectedly woke me up. Considering that I fell asleep at midnight, woke up at 2, 4 and 6 to feed and soothe Dylan who had a nightmare (poor baby) and to jump into bed with Sash who I guess also had a nightmare, it had to be a doozy of an email. It was essentially a comment made about my most recent post about errands/publishing. The comment itself didnt bother me, as it had basis and was valid criticsm. It was the fact that someone out there actually takes what I write on this blog at face value which bothered me. Someone out there takes me seriously. Seriously. This would ordinarily make me puff up with pride and achievement as I can honestly say that I dont know a single person who takes me seriously. Seriously. I of course had to point out that I write this blog with tongue in cheek. I joke, I exaggerate, I take the piss, I make things up. Some of you may actually think I have a son with a Star Wars related middle name. Oh wait, that IS true. Then I started thinking of all those other readers that I may have offended or worse, who may have actually taken my posts at face value and oh, I dont know, raised their kids as per I have raised mine. Oh shit, that scared me more. I am thinking of limiting this blog to invited readers only as I would hate to think that what I write on a lark is taken seriously. Seriously. I am as yet undecided but the lawyer deep down inside me thinks that you should read this warning:

Under no circumstances should you take what I write at face value. Do not base your life decisions on what I write and for Gods sake, do not by any account raise your kids as I have mine.

Mondays..

Monday has always been "run those darned errands" day. Sasha is sent off to daycare, fresh bagels are bought at the corner market, a leisurely breakfast is had before we list what we have to do. Today it was buy printer ink, order "aquarium" cake, make spag bog sauce, pick up drycleaning, send lap blankets in for drycleaning (God my son drools), visit docs to get prescriptions, make dentist appointment, open tax free savings accounts, pick up Lost DVDs from rental shop, and sort out pics to print online (way cheaper at 13 cents each as compared to 29 cents each at the local photoshop..and we havent printed anything since Dec 07). The sauce took a few minutes to prepare and bung in the pot while Dylan took his post breakfast nap. After his nap we bundled him up and strolled south towards the bank. On the way to the bank we picked up D's jacket that I had dropped off to replace the buttons. Then dropped of the faux fur lap blankets that keeps us warm and cozy as we watch TV, but has been become suspiciously smelly post-Dylan. Little Dude does drool alot so I guess it is time for the blankets to go in for their annual wash. The baker on the way to the bank makes yummy cakes to order. Spent some time sorting out the order for a Nemo aquarium cake with chocolate fish on top and sides of cake...to look aquarium-like. The cake is for this Saturday's brunch. Yup, we are hosting another one. Not our usual brunch fare but Sasha has been feeling left out with all the birthday celebrations at daycare so we have decided to humour her. Hell, you are only a kid once so why not make it a magical experience. An aquarium cake is such a small thing to ask for in the whole scheme of things. It could have been worse. She could have asked for a real aquarium with real fish.

The docs and dentist also on the way so by the time we hit the bank most of errands had been run. Our main errand this afternoon was to open a couple of the newly introduced tax free savings accounts. You see, as a result of the recent elections, the government introduced these special accounts where anyone over 18 could deposit up to 5000 bucks annually. Any interest earned is tax free and you are able to take the money out anytime without penalty. Good deal eh? Anything to avoid taxes...

So errands are done, time to pick Sash up and we came home to play...

Sales

With the media ranting on about doomsday and the impending depression, the post Christmas sales in the shops in this area have been phenomenal. Granted, some are closing down sales. The one that I find saddest is the local baby boutique opened rather recently by a Manhattan-ite ex-model, deemed to be THE place for uber-cool kids to shop. I suppose most parents here havent deemed it necessary for their kids to be uber cool in 60 dollar T-shirts and 30 dollar alice bands. I really liked their wooden toys but not enough to shop there more than a couple of times. I am hoping that the recession doesnt affect my Baby Gap too much...then that would mean that the kids will have to be naked until it is over.

The best thing about being away for Christmas is putting off buying snow suits until the post Xmas sales. Now, I am absolutely anal about being winter prepared. I have visions of the kids huddled around the fireplace during an ice-storm, or worse, stuck in the car off a road somewhere due to a car breakdown. As a good friend always says, there is no bad weather, just bad clothing. Mind you, on a bad day in TO, Sash may head out to daycare in -8 degree weather.





What if it is a horrendous day? So you can understand why I have no qualms about spending 300 bucks on a snow suit for a two year old. And you can appreciate how chuffed I was to find one on sale for half price. Also bought Dylan a snow bunting for less than a hundred bucks, at half price. This is Canadian weather people, nothing to play around with (During Winter, I keep bottled water and firewood at home in case of emergencies). Am so loving the sales..

Unfortunately so is D, who spent whatever I saved on a car race track thinggy. Apparently it is for Dylan..



Yeah...

We are back

It has been tough but we are finally getting into the swing of things. Sasha has finally stopped waking up at 2.30am asking for juice and a banana. She now wakes up at 6am and asks for these things. Dylan unfortunately is still sleeping at 5pm and waking up fresh as daisies at 3.30am with milk breaks every 3 hours. Am not sure whether this is still jet-lag or he is just fallen into a rather inconvenient routine. I know I should try and keep him up till at least 6 or 7pm, but he looks so adorable sleeping that I just let him be and bear the brunt of his smiles at 3.30am. This phase too will end..all too soon. I finally put away the unpacked lugggage. There were clothes and baggage strewn across our dinky house for ages. I am waiting for my laundry as I type this. Sasha is eating more than a couple of spoonfuls of pasta a day. She stopped eating while we were in Phuket as she developed a fever, cold and flu. We were getting worried as she had lost alot of weight but she was not overly listless so we put off a visit to the pediatricians. She asked for her second piece of waffle this morning. And she is back at J's (Woohooooooo) where she is eating her usual amounts. I finally have the pantry stocked up and cooking again after. Quite refreshing after eating out every day since mid-November. Sasha is back at Kidnasium where I have signed her up for classes twice a week. I figure if she enjoys it once a week she will probably enjoy it twice a week. In this weather any activity is crucial. We have had our first play date with the neighbours. Kids played with W's Christmas presents, ate popcorn and watched a movie while the Mummies drank wine...at 4pm..on a Thursday. I love my neighbours. Did I mention that we came home to a SHOVELLED driveway? We arrived home in the early morning expecting to dig our way to our front door from the taxi. We were shocked to find it shovelled. Not only that, a few hours after our return R, the angel that he is, not expecting us back for a couple of days, shovelled it again as we were sitting inside having our coffee. D immediately rushed over with a couple of little souvenirs we bought with the extra change we always have at airports, and a bottle of Moet. I ALWAYS keep a couple of bottles of chilled champagne handy in case of emergencies like this.

We have had a couple of snowfalls since we have been back and it has been freezing. We do miss not having to bundle up before stepping foot out of the house, but damn its good to be back!


Where is Dylan?


Sunbathing

The kids are missing...


Tot


Uncle Lui


Auntie Dora


And Phi-Phi Island...