It was a busy day today - we spent the morning doing a workout video, which Dude got bored of very quickly. Then, we headed to Kasper & Mayah's house, where the boys had fun and fought together like siblings. After a yummy pizza lunch which Kasper & Dude made, we headed home for naps.
Then came supper, then a Halloween party at a neighbourhood church. Dude got a ton of candy, and had a dazed look on his face the entire time - not because of all the kids in costumes, but because he was focused on figuring out how to get a balloon that all the other kids seemed to have.
We came home, and played for a while, skyped with Auntie Tina, then I put him to bed. I did the usual bedtime routine. As I tucked him in, I expected him to say, "Sing me a song, mommy." Instead, he waved his hand at me, dismissing me, saying, "Go now, mommy."
I guess he was very tired.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Eyes Like A Hawk
Dude has eyes like a hawk and ears like a... I don't know what the analogy is, but you get the idea. So, we have these rice bowls at home, and each person has their own. However, the patterns on them are all blue and white. They're all SLIGHTLY different - so slight that all the adults in the house, with the exception of Popo, don't know whose bowl is whose. Tonight though, Dude directed the placement of the bowls to Kau Fu. Des showed him a bowl, and said, "Is this Daddy's?" And Dude replied, "No, it's Popo's". He proceeded to do that with the rest of the bowls.
We were all super shocked, and had to have Popo verify the answers since we didn't know them. And guess what? He was right.
We were all super shocked, and had to have Popo verify the answers since we didn't know them. And guess what? He was right.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Balls of Fun
This isn't an obscene post. This isn't an advertisement. This is purely meant to be a dedication to the tenacity and single-minded ambition of our little man.
I wasn't sure whether or not I would join the outing with Marion on Tuesday, August 16, 2011. It was meant to be a "Mommy's group" outing. This, plainly enough, is not a group in which I am particularly physically able to join. I do not have the necessary entrance criteria which would allow me to become part of such an elitist organization. I hesitated when Marion first asked me to be part of this particular sojourn to the wilds of Mississauga Ontario. However, given that summer freedom was about to be drawing to a close, I forsook the comfort of my (parents-in-laws') home and decided to set forth with my little entourage to discover for myself what mysteries were to be found and what tales would be told when isolated in a group of mothers of toddlers.
We drove on the 401 towards our destination, christened "Balls of Fun" in regards to the vast assortment of balls and ball related instruments available. Dude (Kaeden) eye's grew to the size of watermelons when he beheld the sight before him. You see, for our little Dude balls are the be all and end all of existence. He sleeps with balls, wakes up with balls, plays any sport that involves a ball, and some of his first utterances were "baw baw" (balls). It is no wonder that when he saw the infinity of balls in front of him he stopped for a moment in reverence at the sight that was before him. I saw in his eyes that here, at last, he had found his land flowing with milk and honey. He was in a sacred place, and he would live this part of his life to the fullest.
He sped towards the gate and tugged with both hands, trying with all his might to enter this most wondrous of lands. I released the latch and from that moment he was a creature of unbelievable energy. He ran. He kicked. He threw every ball he could find with purpose. His hair flew as he ran from station to station. He had many friends, children of those mommies after which the group had been named.
Many fears were conquered in that wonderful place. Slides of all shapes, lengths, and heights existed to intimidate even the bravest of souls. At first Dude was nervous to approach these monstrous creations. He needed my help at first to tackle them. Slowly, he steeled himself and gained his independence. I was left aside after he could do it on his own. I was slightly saddened by the fact he was now able to handle it on his own, but proud of how he had come into his own.
Six plus hours we spent at that place. Other children (and parents, including the author) fell to the powers of fatigue on that day. some napped, some slowed, some complained, but Dude did none of those. He was a Juggernaut, a creature of pure relentless energy. Empowered by the beauty of the balls in that place he was not to be fettered.
He had to be dragged away at the end of it all. We took him to the car to return. At last, at the end of it all in the comfort of his kingly throne at the back of our car, he gave in to the power of exhaustion. With his thumb hanging in the corner of his mouth with a small smile of triumph, he slept.
I wasn't sure whether or not I would join the outing with Marion on Tuesday, August 16, 2011. It was meant to be a "Mommy's group" outing. This, plainly enough, is not a group in which I am particularly physically able to join. I do not have the necessary entrance criteria which would allow me to become part of such an elitist organization. I hesitated when Marion first asked me to be part of this particular sojourn to the wilds of Mississauga Ontario. However, given that summer freedom was about to be drawing to a close, I forsook the comfort of my (parents-in-laws') home and decided to set forth with my little entourage to discover for myself what mysteries were to be found and what tales would be told when isolated in a group of mothers of toddlers.
We drove on the 401 towards our destination, christened "Balls of Fun" in regards to the vast assortment of balls and ball related instruments available. Dude (Kaeden) eye's grew to the size of watermelons when he beheld the sight before him. You see, for our little Dude balls are the be all and end all of existence. He sleeps with balls, wakes up with balls, plays any sport that involves a ball, and some of his first utterances were "baw baw" (balls). It is no wonder that when he saw the infinity of balls in front of him he stopped for a moment in reverence at the sight that was before him. I saw in his eyes that here, at last, he had found his land flowing with milk and honey. He was in a sacred place, and he would live this part of his life to the fullest.
He sped towards the gate and tugged with both hands, trying with all his might to enter this most wondrous of lands. I released the latch and from that moment he was a creature of unbelievable energy. He ran. He kicked. He threw every ball he could find with purpose. His hair flew as he ran from station to station. He had many friends, children of those mommies after which the group had been named.
Many fears were conquered in that wonderful place. Slides of all shapes, lengths, and heights existed to intimidate even the bravest of souls. At first Dude was nervous to approach these monstrous creations. He needed my help at first to tackle them. Slowly, he steeled himself and gained his independence. I was left aside after he could do it on his own. I was slightly saddened by the fact he was now able to handle it on his own, but proud of how he had come into his own.
Six plus hours we spent at that place. Other children (and parents, including the author) fell to the powers of fatigue on that day. some napped, some slowed, some complained, but Dude did none of those. He was a Juggernaut, a creature of pure relentless energy. Empowered by the beauty of the balls in that place he was not to be fettered.
He had to be dragged away at the end of it all. We took him to the car to return. At last, at the end of it all in the comfort of his kingly throne at the back of our car, he gave in to the power of exhaustion. With his thumb hanging in the corner of his mouth with a small smile of triumph, he slept.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
And then he turned two...
It's been another whirlwind year, and before I knew it, my firstborn turned into a toddler. I was thinking about birthdays and how it's neat to have a time when you really think about someone. And there really isn't a better reward than seeing someone's face light up!
Little K was so mystified and thrilled at his special day. He began singing, "Happy Birthday to you," a few days in advance, and on the day of, he was all cranky like any toddler when they sense something strange happening. We had the some good friends over for a yummy Malaysian Mango Curry Chicken with Coconut Rice supper, then we had even more friends (in total, 12 adults and 14 kids) over for cake.
We were pretty proud of his cake - a huge football and a football field (CFL, of course) - and I loved that Kris was the one to do the detailing!! If we had actual cake-making tools, who knows what we could have made!
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| Unwrapping his present and realizing what was inside...a ball! |
Little K got so many presents, even though we didn't want any - he got a piano toy, lots of handmade cards, a dump truck, little trucks & cars (including his favourite, a garbage truck, and pylons!) from his grandparents, Jelly Bellies & Zuliba shoes to match those of his second family, and of course, a kid-sized basketball from us.He now goes around wearing the sandals while playing basketball. It's hilarious how addicted he is and how good he is at dribbling.
We sang Happy Birthday to him, and even though Isaac had practiced blowing out candles with him, little K was so shell-shocked that he didn't know what to do. We gave him a cupcake and he still had a shocked look on his face. And he didn't want to touch it for some reason, and just licked off all the chocolate icing. Like father, like son, I guess (the icing part, not the not touching part)!
He was so well-behaved and after most guests had left, he played for a long time and was in a really great mood. And he even learned to say, "I'm two!"God has blessed us with this precious child, and I hope and pray that he grows up to love God with his whole heart, mind, and soul. He's got such a kind and obedient heart already - I hope we're able to nurture him to develop his character to serve the Lord.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Our Cleaning Machine
Kaeden was playing happily with some toys this morning while I was Skyping. I changed Muimui while skyping, and left her diaper on the floor. Next thing I know, dude has gone to the kitchen. I followed him, wondering what he was up to. He had taken her diaper to throw into the garbage. Hilarious.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Rejected
I should've known it was going to be one of those days. It started off with a phone call saying that the sitter was watching a kid with a very high fever. One thing after another happened, and then I get a phone call.
The preschool no longer wants our precious little boy to go to their school anymore. They said he was too young (immature, I guess).... Aside from my need for someone to watch Dude so I can work, my heart just broke at the thought of how they never even really gave him a chance to show what he's really like: a bright, intelligent, happy, funny little toddler.
Poor Dude - and how he loved the idea of school too!
The preschool no longer wants our precious little boy to go to their school anymore. They said he was too young (immature, I guess).... Aside from my need for someone to watch Dude so I can work, my heart just broke at the thought of how they never even really gave him a chance to show what he's really like: a bright, intelligent, happy, funny little toddler.
Poor Dude - and how he loved the idea of school too!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Dreams...
Dude was hilarious. He ended up sleeping in our bed last night. But he kept waking up all night, saying, "Isaac!!" (as in Isaac Wardle), and "triangle!" Not sure how the two are related... maybe just two of his favourite things?! :)
This morning, he was eating his breakfast and Kris rolled up his sleeves. He was REALLY mad about that. Kris went back to doing something, and it got quiet. Next thing he heard was a sudden yell, "I DID IT!" Turns out Dude had pulled down both his sleeves. Proud moment.
This morning, he was eating his breakfast and Kris rolled up his sleeves. He was REALLY mad about that. Kris went back to doing something, and it got quiet. Next thing he heard was a sudden yell, "I DID IT!" Turns out Dude had pulled down both his sleeves. Proud moment.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Counting
Little Dude started counting today: 1... 3... 7... 4... 7
He apparently dislikes the number 2 in English, Cantonese and Mandarin. He refuses to say it. Maybe because he knows he's turning two soon and doesn't want to get older? :)
He loves swinging Téa in that baby swing. He just loves her and she adores him.
Today, we went to Taisuco to play in their indoor playground. Taiwan is great for the free places to play! We went, of course, with Dude's other "siblings": the Choi boys. But he wouldn't go down the slide cause it went too fast.
He apparently dislikes the number 2 in English, Cantonese and Mandarin. He refuses to say it. Maybe because he knows he's turning two soon and doesn't want to get older? :)
He loves swinging Téa in that baby swing. He just loves her and she adores him.
Today, we went to Taisuco to play in their indoor playground. Taiwan is great for the free places to play! We went, of course, with Dude's other "siblings": the Choi boys. But he wouldn't go down the slide cause it went too fast.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Growing Up
Suddenly my little baby is... a little boy.
On Sunday, I bought him a little Ikea potty, and he sat on it for the first time. Then yesterday, at Angela's house, he sat on the big toilet for the first time. I'm sure he'll love me posting this later on, but it marks such a momentous occasion, a passage of rites.
On Monday, the Choi boys and the three of us went to the Sugar Refinery. Téa sat in her stroller, while Kaeden walked all by himself with his little buddies. He looked so big!! We had a blast there.
On Sunday, I bought him a little Ikea potty, and he sat on it for the first time. Then yesterday, at Angela's house, he sat on the big toilet for the first time. I'm sure he'll love me posting this later on, but it marks such a momentous occasion, a passage of rites.
On Monday, the Choi boys and the three of us went to the Sugar Refinery. Téa sat in her stroller, while Kaeden walked all by himself with his little buddies. He looked so big!! We had a blast there.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Dancing King
Little Superman sure loves music and can he ever boogie. Yesterday, he spent a good hour after lunch, just dancing away by himself. He's got moves. I'm thinking of putting him on the show, "Live to Dance." (It's one of the few English-language shows we get here.) I'm sure he'd win, cause he's such a ham that if there's an audience cheering, he'd dance his little heart out.
Today, he went down to the Coopers. Apparently, they played a dancing game on the Wii, and he came back and kept right on moving, even strapped into his high chair.
He's hilarious. He never stops making me laugh. He's got charm. And he possesses some sort of "neat" gene that obviously did not come from either one of us. Tonight, he cleaned up by putting all his balls into the container, then putting the container back into the exact place it goes. All the while, he's singing, "Clean up,"and dancing away.
Today, he went down to the Coopers. Apparently, they played a dancing game on the Wii, and he came back and kept right on moving, even strapped into his high chair.
He's hilarious. He never stops making me laugh. He's got charm. And he possesses some sort of "neat" gene that obviously did not come from either one of us. Tonight, he cleaned up by putting all his balls into the container, then putting the container back into the exact place it goes. All the while, he's singing, "Clean up,"and dancing away.


