Brothers

The other day, we were driving home from breakfast.  Tummies bulging, and feeling a bit sleepy, Little A calls out from the back-seat:

"Daddy--what's your brother's name?".

Just out of nowhere.

Peter replies, "You know my brother's name."

She pipes out, "Is it Kim Hong?".

It has been a little over a year, since Kim Hong died.  I don't think that time has eased his passing for his wife Kimberly.  I spoke to her over the phone, just a few weeks back.  She sounded wonderful--but did share with me how the anniversary date of his death was so very difficult for her.

I remember when she told me that she didn't know where Kim ended and she began.  I am not sure that time ever will be able to heal the sense of loss that she feels.  I hope that it will.  I wish I could be more optimistic.

We managed to share some laughs, and talk openly.  It has always been so easy for Kimberly and I.  I am looking forward to spending some time with her this summer.

Reunions

On Tuesday afternoon, little A was reunited with her friend Mariah, who has returned from her family holiday to Lebanon.  The little ones had a great time catching up with one another and played the afternoon away.  I also enjoyed catching up with my friend Lina, who fed me until I (almost quite literally) burst.  For some reason (possibly I had consumed too much food?) once I got home I couldn't see straight, had to abdicate all my parental responsibilities and hit the bed-- HARD!!  Ooomph!  

Mariah is one of A's favourites from GEMS AA.  I am happy that they will be taking gymnastics and art classes together this year, and I am hoping their friendship will endure.  Mariah is a very sweet little girl, and helped little A through her 'transition' phase of kindergarten--when she would cry at drop-off time.  I remember coming to school and getting a little 'report' from Mariah, about how little A did that day:  how much or little she cried, and how she settled down.  Little A's first stories were about Mariah, and how they played "Lion King" on the playground (whatever that game involves).  It also helps a lot that it is really easy to spend time with Lina--she is a really good person.  Kind, generous and a FABULOUS cook!!

Also on Tuesday, Magoo finally managed to find a shopping car (minus the 't') at Lulu.  This made her day (as you can see).  I had to push the cart and pull a second rolling basket, to accommodate my grocery needs, but it was well worth it for all the fun she had.  

Also, the kitten (formerly known as:  Kitten, Lilly, Jasmine, Jewel, Street-cat Anu) returned home on Thursday morning, after a six day stay at the vet, after her spaying.  She now has a name (Niblets) and has settled right back into 'garden-cat' life.  She has had some unpleasant nocturnal visitors (other stray cats looking for food), but I am now removing her food at night and hope that this will end the night-time yowlings.  

Welcome home!

We had a lovely Friday dinner party with friends on Friday.  Team Kanda joined us for the afternoon, and the children had a blast.  A little later, Raquel and Izzy came over, and we started our dinner.  The food was only bested by the company and we all shared some good laughs.  Putting the kids to sleep was a bit later than usual (Pickle--usually the easiest--refused to sleep and we gave up and let him pass out on the sofa to some Baby Einstein).  Little A had her first 'mini-sleepover', where her friends were collected only when their parents left around 1 A.M.

I was blessed with a four hour nap today, to make up for the sleep I didn't get last night.  Magoo woke up repeatedly and asked me "Is Santa Claus coming tomorrow mommy?" and then told me how much she missed Arysha and Amalya.

 

Now, at 9:15, she is lying down on the floor beside me.  Time to go.

Back-to-school

Yesterday I sent Baby Sunshine off to nursery.  He was not super-excited, nor was he upset and crying.  He just accepted that he was going.  He had remembered most of his teacher's names (Ms. Lindsay, Ms. Jean, Ms. Sandy)...with a little help from Magoo.  We packed his lunch, and off he went.  There were so many new faces, and it was a treat to see two of the moms that helped pioneer the school when it opened last January.

Rachel Riley shirt from Marylebone High Street
(so a souvenir from our summer holiday)

At pick-up time, Sunshine's sisters came along, and it was sweet to hear him come running 'Mommy! Mommy!' and hug my knees with a fake whimper.  He obviously heard that a lot in the classroom, and thought that was protocol for when your mommy picks you up from school.  Then he said 'Let's go home!' and proceeded to usher us out of the classroom at top speed.

He had a great nap in the afternoon, and little A and I went over to Aunty Yang's, where we made DUMPLINGS (her favourite).  She was also very excited to get to spend some time with Fidelia, who I think she believes to be a really TALL kid.  We had a lot of fun, improved our dumpling folding skills, and nobody was more surprised than I to see little A practically polish off an entire plate of dumplings!  That was little A's special BACK-TO-SCHOOL activity.

The 'kids' rolling the dough

The eating machine...she finished that whole plate!

Peter and I attended a parent information evening at the school, where we got an overview of the IBPYP program, and what a school day will look like for little A.  I like that they incorporate a FRUIT SNACK break at 9 am (only fruits), and then have regular snack and lunch too.  I also like knowing what times these events take place.  Despite the tight quarters, they were better organized than GEMS AA, and that was one of my reasons for switching schools.

Taking little A to school this morning was bitter-sweet.  She was excited to wear her new uniform (she loves the gingham dress), and got herself ready on time.  The drop-off was difficult though, as she was 'nervous' and did cry...and that always makes me sad.  I wish that the school would allow little ones to start at 1/2 days...especially here, where 50% of the children (or more) in every class will be new to the school and/or country.

A new student to embrace at RIS

I was a little underwhelmed by Little A's teacher.  I was not pleased that she didn't introduce herself at the door, and greet the children (which is Teacher 101).  I had to ask for name-tags, which were lying on a table, and had to settle her in myself.  I managed to pull-over the aide (Ms. Rose), when I had to go, but really...there was a lot of 'me' happening there.  Based on how she feels at the end of the day, I am considering changing her to another class (if possible).

I met a lovely lady named Julia in the library (who I have always seen around and even spoken to in the past).  I am looking forward to getting to know her better over the year, as she seems to be a really gentle and kind person.

I opted to let Sunshine be late for nursery.  Despite the fact that he protested repeatedly that he did not want to go, he motored up the stairs, and opened the school door for himself.  Then he made his way up the inside stairs, and had already rounded the corner out of view, before the receptionist, Iva, managed to catch up to him.  Not even a backwards glance.

I met Asima, the newest coordinator of Redwood, and we were both very happy to meet a fellow Canadian.  She has only been here a little over a year, and has an 18 month old baby.  I look forward to getting to know her better, though she is a 'working mom' and in my experience, that doesn't leave a lot of time for morning visits.

In one hour I am looking forward to heading off to pick up little A and see how her day has been.  I hope that she will be smiling, and will have found a place for herself.  It is a big adjustment--not just a change in grade, but a change of schools also.

Magoo has found lots of ways to keep herself busy.  This morning she did a little painting, and as I type, she and Sunshine are busy playing with Little A's 'Littlest Pet-shop' set, something they are NOT allowed to do while their big sister is around.  Magoo will be starting Music Monkeys on Thursday mornings, in an effort to keep her stimulated and active.  I felt like last year, she got shafted a lot, and spent too much time sitting around the house, while Malou cleaned around her.

John Robbins...

If my 'friend', John Robbins, heir to the B&R ice cream fortune, and author of The Food Revolution, (the book that almost made my husband a vegetarian) can go a year without updating his blog, surely I, a mere HOUSEWIFE can be forgiven for missing a few months.

It always feels like nothing BIG is happening...yet, looking back, soooo much has happened.

In June, we had the big 'gradulation' ceremony for Little A.  She had a solo singing part, in her graduation ceremony and told me "I wanted to make you proud of me, mommy".  What a difference from the child who refused to read on stage at any of the previous presentations.  I AM proud of you, little monkey.  Every day.

A and Nathan

She has just spent the past two weeks taking intensive swimming lessons, and now is balking at wearing her water wings in our pool.  I have to hold my breath every time she jumps in from the side of the pool.  At the end of two weeks, she 'gradulated' from Beginner level 1, to Beginner level 2, which she will take in September.

Pickle's language has really taken off.  Upon reuniting with his beloved speech therapist, Paula, she was thrilled to report he had so many new words, and she could understand up to 75% of them.  We had a little 'drama' with Paula, as I returned from holidays to learn she had QUIT working for STARS in May or June (they weren't really sure when).  After getting off the phone with them, I took a chance at calling Paula, on her personal number.  I was so thrilled to hear her voice, but sad to learn how poorly she was treated by STARS (who had let her go, for 'restructuring'...which is what they call it when someone is a challenge to authority).  We have resumed our speech sessions at home, and in the fall, Pickle will also take speech at one of the nearby nurseries.  I am hoping to start getting some of this therapy covered by Daman soon (who used to cover it...then didn't...but might once again...cross your fingers).

From our time on holiday, Pickle has coined a new nickname for himself, from a song that I like to sing to him:  Baby Sunshine.  I love when he refers to himself in the third person, such as "baby sunshine doesn't want to go to sleep."

Hoping for rain outside Bentinck Cottage,
Marylebone, London

The Magoo--well--what can I say.  She walks, she talks, she makes jokes.  She continues to shine.  She is just crazy, in the best way.  Yesterday morning she told me (as I walked in with my eyes barely open, to say 'goodmorning' and give her dad some more sleep) "I love you mommy, just the way you are".  Bruno Mars is a big favourite around our house.    

Ms. Magoo

We have spent the last week, organizing our house.  I went cuckoo looking for hooks for our sail-shade, and then a circular extension cord--neither of which I managed to find.  I decided it was time to get my house in order (literally).  In another few days, I think I will be close.  By the time Peter's sister and brother-in-law Gerry arrive in December--it will all be ready (I hope).  

Our holiday was amazing.  I LOVED the Netherlands.  Amsterdam was good fun, and I want to always remember the old couple living in the apartment on the main floor, who gave our children the Disney figurines.  It took them a few days to warm up to us, but once they did, it was delightful to chit-chat with them when we were ascending and descending the death stairs to our third floor apartment (with three kids, two strollers and groceries).  

Death stairs INSIDE the apartment in Amsterdam

Captain Peter and his first mate

Pictured below is one of my favourite places--a tea house, where the children ran around chasing rabbits, roosters, chickens and ducks, while Peter and I had a few minutes of quiet time with tea and cakes.  I loved how natural the country-side was.  It was like re-visiting my childhood, growing up in Forestburg.  So much more beautiful though, with all the canals...

Ducklings

We spent every single day outside.  And it even got cold enough that we lit up the fireplace in Zuidewoude.  That is also something else I love and missed--the smell of a real fire!  The best part of camping, hands down.  

Our place in Marylebone, Bentinck Cottage, was a lovely little hobbit-house in the mews.  It was just enough space for the five of us, and we even managed to accommodate all of our friends and family who came to visit us (though at times the space got SMALL and HOT and STUFFY).  I was thrilled to be able to reconnect with so many Sharmas, some of whom I hadn't seen for over 10 years.  It was also great for the children to meet some family on my side, and to watch how quickly they warmed up to everyone.

So much so that Peter and I managed to get out to the Dorchester hotel, to celebrate our wedding anniversary.  Instead of begging to come along, as is her usual song and dance, little A was sooooooo excited to stay up with her cousins (who she called "Aunties") Liz and Caroline, and Aunty Louise (our three babysitters).  

To infinity and beyond

 We were also happy to come home, and have spent the month of August just hanging around at home.  Dr's appointments, swimming lessons, play dates and cats have kept us busy so far.  One of our stray cats, whom Little A has named Twinklebell, will be having a 'happy ending' and should be reunited with her families in early September, when they return from holidays.  I discovered, when I took her to the vet for spaying, that she was chipped.  The German Vet managed to get a hold of the owners (on holidays) about two weeks later, which suited our family perfectly, as it was the same day THIS little one showed up in our garden:

"Kitten"

So, soon we had the cats wars--involving hissing and yowling, as this little kitten seems intent on making Twinklebell (real name Sandy) into his foster-mom.  I got on the phone with the vet, and asked them to ask the owners to board Sandy at the vet--as I am afraid she will not stick around much longer in our yard (as it is, she is only returning in the evening).  Hopefully, tonight I will take her to the vet, and just a little bit closer to her family reunion.  

Last week we celebrated "Raksha Bandan", which I am teaching my children is "brother's AND sister's day"--so that they realize that siblings are interdependent on one another--love, loyalty and care is a two-way street.  Everyone got red-strings and presents (not just Pickle and Phinn) and everyone loved it.  Especially little A, who got to dress up in her "Indian clothes".  

Mommy and Poppy Go to the Movies

It was a big day for us.  The last time we were in a movie theatre, we lived in Edmonton, little A wasn't even walking yet (she was still not even a year old), and we attended a Stars and Strollers presentation of "Mama Mia" (she bounced and danced up and down the stairs--still one of her favourite movies!).  

This was our FIRST MOVIE in the UAE (over four years now).  We waited for a good one, and we found it.

We left the house at 9 AM (yes...in the MORNING...because we just cannot handle late nights anymore...as we just tried again on Thursday night...and waking up is a killer!).  The movie start time was 10:15.  

There were actually people in line ahead of us (if you can believe it), and Peter grumbled about the amount of time it took for the ONE cashier to serve everyone.  He was really disgruntled when the other cashier came out and didn't open another register to serve us (please note:  Peter is the last person in the above pictured line).  I had to laugh when we got up to buy our tickets and spent about EIGHT minutes getting ourselves sorted.

Here is a sample of ticket prices in the UAE.  We decided to enjoy the 3D Max experience for 57 aed.  I was skeptical after hearing the radio dj's discuss whether it was worthwhile for this movie.  However, after seeing it for myself, it was completely worth it!

Three kinds of popcorn??  Kitsch cupcakes??  When did this happen?  There was even a 'cafe' style kiosk on the other side, with fresh sandwiches and coffees.

And then these bong-like contraptions for 75 aed...

Splurging on popcorn and pop (nobody ate the galaxy bar).

Ready to watch 

The movie experience was fantastic!  I am not sure if it was REALLY that great, or whether it is just because I haven't been for so long.  Regardless, I thoroughly enjoyed myself.  Was annoyed by the two phone calls I had to take from SKMC telling me that Pickle's blood test has had to be re-scheduled (could they not have just called ONE TIME when they were sure what was going on??).  Also--half an hour of previews and ads...can that be right??

The we got to come home and splash around with these three lovelies, who missed us so very much.  It was like we had been away for years (instead of just four hours).

38

Life's little gifts:

Today I:
1.  Took Pickle to SKMC for his final appointment with Dr. Hobeldin.
2.  Went for a coffee with my friend Naureen.
3.  Came home to a lovely cupcake birthday party with my family.
4.  Survived a COLD swim in our pool with the littles.
5.  Ate a tasty birthday dinner at Jones.
6.  Opened a creative gift from my eldest:  a square napkin (which can also turn into a diamond shape if you rotate it) and another napkin, folded into an envelope style 'purse'.  I also enjoyed the 'regifting' of my throw-pillows (with the littles collection of faces) from Magoo.
7.  Let my littles open a fabulous camel teapot cover from my friend Farzana (I LOVE it!!), who thoughtfully bought it and gave it to me in advance of her trip back home to the UK.
8.  Watched two episodes of 'The Office' (cannot believe that my brother does not watch that show!!  It's a travesty!).
9.  Ready for bed.  Tomorrow I have something at the gym (we'll see in the morning what it turns out to be) and then a massage with Tod in the afternoon.  PERFECT!!

Spring Breakers

Our second week of Spring Break was great (even though Pickle, Magoo and myself were inflicted with awful phlegmatic cough).  We kept things easy, and filled our holiday with little things.  

Posing at the Shangri-la.

Peter flew back from Switzerland and met us at the Shangri-la for breakfast.  Pickle was so engaged in looking for his father (whom he spoke to on his hand-held...well....hand phone all the way down the stairs), he did not have time to cry when the valet took away our truck to park it (which has been a bit of an issue).  I enjoyed when I tried to hold his hand..er...phone, so that he wouldn't fall down the stairs, and he yelled "hey!  don't touch my phone mama!".

Tips & Toes

Pickle rocked a shade of navy blue, just so he could be included with his sisters, sporting Mermaid's Hair and Rock Star.

"Happy Bananas!" is a song that Little A has invented.  Here are the 'twins', their own version of happy bananas (with actual bananas). 

Porch swing at ACE Hardware

The best place to swing is in the hardware store.  No bugs, no bird droppings, and it is climate controlled.  Here are Pickle and Little A having a snack after our exercise trip to IKEA.

Yesterday we took Pickle to see Dr. Eeva (which kind of sounds like Dr. Evil...especially when the kids say it).  They have a nice waiting room for children, which both Magoo and Pickle enjoyed.

Today, everyone (except Magoo) is back to school.  I have had a few hours to myself, to post some 'for sale' items and to blog.

Life is good.  

Fire and Rain

 (enjoy the music Aumi...the older, wiser JT whom you love so much).

“Bottom line is, even if you see 'em coming, you're not ready for the big moments. No one asks for their life to change, not really. But it does. So what are we, helpless? Puppets? No. The big moments are gonna come. You can't help that. It's what you do afterwards that counts. That's when you find out who you are.” ― Joss Whedon

On March 20, during my appointment with Dr. Zeinab, I could have used Joss and his wise words.

I have been neglecting my blog.  Just realized the other day that it has been almost two months.

My friend Hanim recently decided to start wearing the hijab.  This is a big change for her (and for me as well--Hanim has beautiful hair, and I confess that I miss seeing it whenever I see her), and I am proud of her for following her beliefs.  I am so used to seeing women wearing the hijab, and yet this is the first time I have had a friend who has moved from being uncovered to 'covering'.  I appreciate seeing that she is a full-grown woman (30-something) and that this is clearly HER choice.

She managed to unite a group of her friends for a "Mum's Big Night Out" in early March.  We all went to 18 degrees (in the Captial Gate Hotel), and shared some great food and company.

Phinn made a new friend, Samer from Pooch Parlour.  Samer is the UAE's answer to Cesar Milan.  He grooms dogs, in a little hole-in-the-wall in Mohammed Bin Zayed City.  He is a lovely man, and has a real way with our Phinn.  He managed to calm him down after he jumped off the table (and split open his lip and then was limping around like he had broken a leg as well), and sent him home calm, content and gorgeous.  After trying several grooming options here, Samer is THE ONE!!

N continues to enjoy his days at nursery.  Here you can see him all packed up and shaking hands on his way out the door.  He has just been accepted to go to American GEMS school (with his big sister) in the fall.  I am really sorry not to be able to keep him at Redwood for another year.  That place is a REAL gem.  

We had a lovely visit with Ajay and his mom (pictured above, having a pedicure at Tips and Toes).  She is SOOOOO nice.  When we spend time together, it feels like I am with my own family, and that I have known her forever.  She bought the children all some beautiful Indian clothes, and Shylah loved her Minnie Mouse birthday card.  

We also went to the beach at Al Muneera again.  It is only five minutes away, and even better now that I have a friend there, which allows me to access the guest parking.  Here's N pretending to 'sleep' in the water.  What a change from the little boy who used to cry with every step he had to take on the sand.  

Do the terrible two's really have to start on your BIRTHDAY Magoo??  I was trying to do her hair (after I woke up quite nauseous and sickly on the 24th), and she wasn't very cooperative.  Sadly, I also did not have very much extra patience.  We managed to have a small FAMILY party--catered by Cinnabon.  Note to self:  Cinnabon only makes good cinnamon buns.  

Thanks Uncle Pete for making two girls happy with one birthday gift.  The clips were a big hit, and little A LOVED the turtle (with the rabbit ears).  

Another four months, another haircut (we really like to make our 35 dirhams work).  Pickle started out in the car, but soon moved onto my lap.  He was not a fan of the electric razor, but very politely sad "oh! thanks man" for ever scissor snip.  His 'stylist' (see above) still does not speak any more English than he did two years ago, at N's first hair cut.  

A side of mayo comes like THIS in Abu Dhabi.  So pretty--I had to take a picture.  This was the day I took my friend Farzana out to Jones for breakfast (after I went to Yogalates).  We had a nice visit and managed to pick up our new ARG resident cards as well.  

Usually we are joined by our friend Amar(jit)--but she is currently off climbing mountains in Malaysia.  What a star!

Finally--the CHANNEL ROAD to Al Raha Mall has opened--it has only taken 4 years of our life to see Al Raha Gardens connected to the Al Raha Mall.  In the past, this has been a 20 minute drive.  Of course, I had to test it out for myself yesterday.  I loaded all of us (plus Malou) in the car, for an adventure.  We learned that the Lulu there doesn't open until 9 am (but I have written a suggestion in their box to open earlier).  I expect they will get a lot more traffic now that people can easily access their mall.  Hoping that they also start sending better produce to that location as well.  

This weekend we experienced our first 'sandstorm advisory'.  All the radio stations were alerting people to severe sandstorms, and telling people to keep indoors.  If you had to go outside, it was advised that you wear glasses and masks.  On Saturday night, the storm broke, with some thunder, lightning and rain (apparently even flooding in areas).  The atmosphere still had sand yesterday (which I realized AFTER I packed us all up to go to Lulu), but today we have blue skies once again.

For Leo...

We have been up to our eyeballs in snot around here.  It has gotten SO bad, that I have started to use the Snotsnucker (a device which I swore I would NEVER use) myself...mostly because the guy who promised HE would do it NEVER does.  

I know...when she grows up she will HATE (bad word) that I put this photo up.  For right now, though, she is little enough to appreciate that even with a stream of mucous coming out of her nose--she is still so beautiful (to me).  

Frog legs

 I loved it when Oliver used to lie like this.  Then one day, the arthritis got too bad, and he couldn't do it anymore.  I hope Phinny can do this for a long time.

Proud Canadian

I have been busy with the International Food Festival at our school (where our Team Canada consists of two other moms).  Second Cup (thank-you Khaled, Masab and Abdul Aziz) was an amazing Canadian contributor to our table.  In addition to bringing coffee, tea, cold smoothie drinks for the kids, AND muffins they also sent two great guys (Luverne and Gilliard) to help us out.  Tim Horton's (see Timmy's--no link for YOU) finally DID contribute hot chocolate and Timbits (and it was wonderful) but I was disappointed by how difficult it was to get them on board.  

I was also extremely disappointed by the help from the Canadian parents to run our table (and based on the faces who showed up at our table to eat all the free food there were quite a few of them).  There are apparently a lot of PASSPORT CANADIANS at our school (you know, the kind who come to Canada, get the passport and all the benefits of being Canadian and then get out...until of course they need something, and then they are back!).  I really wish that if Stephen Harper does NOTHING else...he could do something about these people who really don't want to be Canadian--just the passport please.  

Brass camel

Thankfully, it is over.  We spent one night at the amazing Bab Al Shams.  It was enough to make me forget about all the stress I felt leading up to the IFF.  I really enjoyed myself there.  Everyone did.  I would love to go back there one day...but it is really expensive!

All Aboard!

Went to pick-up Magoo's Canadian passport (can you believe our embassy is located in a MALL here?).  Then I took this cutey shopping at the Co-op and she discovered a new way to ride (and she was REALLY good at it too).

 On Monday night, I learned that little A's school was having a 'dress-up' day called "NERD DAY".  When I first learned about it (after-school, the day before, from another parent) I felt a tightening in my stomache.  I mentioned my concern to the teacher, who agreed it was offensive, and told me that she had changed the title of the day for her class (Einsten day).  STILL--it bothered me.  I couldn't go to sleep until I wrote an email to the principal and CEO of the school, expressing my feelings about the inappropriateness of this day.

After I finished writing the email, I was so keyed up, I couldn't sleep.

I was so pleased with the response from the CEO, who emailed me at 7:30 the next morning.  He was very supportive of my email, and assured me that this sort of activity would not be repeated in the school.  He completely agreed with everything that I had written, and had spoken to the people involved (I believe it was a brainchild of a grade 5 leadership team--which must have at least ONE teacher attached to it, non?).

To celebrate Little A's cooperation (she was disappointed that she wasn't dressing up...though you can see what she wanted to wear below), we had our own dress-up party at home.  Peter and I took her (and just her) to the Observation Deck at Etihad Towers, where we all had High Tea (a first for all of us) at 300 m up in the air.  She loved the cucumber sandwiches (with red capers crushed into the cream cheese), the juice and being with us.  She does understand the reason she didn't get to participate today:  we don't participate in things where other people's feeling might be hurt.

My little victory (wrt Nerd day) is dedicated to a Mr. Leonard H.  I went to Junior High and High School with Leonard, and cannot imagine anyone who suffered more during those years (except maybe his sister).  I was NEVER a participant, but at that age I don't think I was his champion either (although I do remember a few occasions where I spoke up).  I have no idea what happened to him, but the fact that he survived the school years is a testament to just how strong his spirit must be.