So long, farewell

In about 2 hours from now, we will be handing over the house keys of the newly-built Diamond Road house to the new owners. Edwin has been lamenting how he would miss the house. Naturally, since he had spent an average of over 12 hours a day for the past 9 months at the site/house.

He would probably feel awkward not having to spring up from bed at 6am in the morning tomorrow and sit in his car for the one-hour commute to Richmond. I was horrified when he told a friend yesterday that he can finally brush his teeth in the mornings. Yes, we share a bed and I wonder if he smells good naturally or I have been so accustomed to his "aroma" that I do not know if it would be repulsive.

For me, I am excited to finally have my husband back and someone to divert the boys' attention to. I am looking forward to some me-time, some catch-up time for my business and also to finally check off on my long to-do list.

Personally, I am very impressed with the end-product of the house construction. It's a dream come true for Edwin and I am proud of his accomplishment. I will post some photos of the completed home soon. I reckon he would be looking at them regularly for the next little while to get over his yearning.

Now what? I think I can start shopping for new floors. Yee-ha!

Happy Birthday to me

I turned 33 two days ago. It was a very memorable birthday for me. A day I was touched by the enormous generosity, friendship and love of those around me. Many thoughts are running through my mind now. But I cannot find the right words to describe how I felt. It may sound cliche but no words seem sufficient to fully express how grateful I am to have such wonderful friends. Until I find the inspiration to write again, I wanted to say Thank you to everyone who have made it such a special day for me.

Of Bowties & Carnival

My favourite picture (above). Linus don't often smile for the camera and I am so happy to capture this moment.

A Birthday Carnival for Linus' 2nd Birthday @ Burnaby Railway in Confederation Park.

Spring roll

A new "game" Edwin introduced to the boys.

Basically, he wraps the boys up and tickles them.

He calls it "Spring roll". I call it plain torture and leave me out of it, thank you.

Almost alike but not really

There are days I think the boys look almost identical and days when I look at them and there is not an ounce of resemblance. It's strange.

They do have very different personalities and it's great, but I feel like I am riding on a roller-coaster on some days. My moment of lull and peace watching Lucas do his puzzle turns to an adrenalin rush brought on by a frustrated toddler breaking down at the block that did not fit or rather did not want to stay together. Darn block.

I am beginning to appreciate the fact that they are close in age. They play really well together now and I am relieved. I can hardly sound enthusiastic after singing ring around the rosy more than once and I cannot fathom how it can be such great fun to be pretending to be Spiderman. Twirling around in a tu-tu or sitting at a pretend tea-party could perhaps garner more excitement from me. Perhaps.

Old Orchard Park

Another great picture taken with the Chows in May 2010.
Old Orchard Park is less than 5 minutes from home by car and a great little place to hang out with the kids on a sunny day.

We would stand in line under pouring rain.

Just so the boys can play with sand, have their faces painted and meet the banana-man.

23rd May 2010 - Vancouver International Children's Festival @ Vanier Park Spider-boy at the International Children's FestivalMy favourite picture of the day Lucas+Jack = Inseparable
The man who sang the "little boy walking in his underwear" song; a song that made its way into our household for the next week.

Linus has a fascination for puppets, dolls, stuffies and all things soft and cuddly.

Captain or Pirate of some sort

He thought he was the pirate until these two came along.

He pulls. We watch.

I don't know who was more excited.

Sand-pit of endless fun

Can someone please get the boys out now?

Lucas' first training bicycle

We bought a training bicycle for Lucas recently. We have not had much opportunity to let him ride it since it's almost impossible for me to watch both the boys on wheels at the same time. Perhaps, this Summer.

Above photos taken earlier this month, shortly before KK left for Asia. We miss you!

Giddy happy over a pretty hairband

Who would have known my hairband would provide such great joy to two little boys. And great pain to me when I tried to stop the great battle of who gets to wear it.

My little white pony

I remember Lucas was not keen on riding on a pony last year. But at 3.5 years old, he is now confident to ride on his own for the first time. He was thrilled!

I asked him how it was after the ride and he said,

"Good. I like it. I think the pony did lots of poo poo."

Dear Linus

Sure, this is the 5,928th photo I have taken of you. You are entitled not to be enthused by it. At least it is three times lesser compared to the number of photos I have taken of your big brother.

Not because you are any less adorable but because I am not bolting up and jumping in excitement everytime you clapped your hands or waved at me.

You have reached so many milestones and I am so proud of you.

(1) Counting from one to ten.

(2) Feeding yourself.

(3) Climbing..yes, it is a milestone.

(4) Increasing vocabulary

Having an older brother also means you learn to speak like him, which can be quite amusing.

"Hey guys! Wait for me!" - Linus at 23 months