and now.. about the haircut
On a lighter note compared to the previous post, I thought Imran's first 'proper' haircut needed to be documented - especially when it's done by who else but his Papa! The boy behaved very well (thanks to his favourite DVD) and I must say Dino did a very good job!
happy birthday imran!
What a special day it was exactly a year ago today. Although it was a bit unexpected that morning as you decided to come out to the world 3 weeks before the expected date, it was the happiest day of my life so far. I guess all the activities the previous day - the birthday party we attended, the two doctor visits, a site visit to Aunty Nelly's house that was being renovated and finally a get-together with friends at our house made you all too eager to experience it all with your very own eyes.
Delivering you was not too difficult (thanks to epidural!) It didn't take long either - we went to the hospital at 9 am to find out that the contractions has started, the epidural was given at around noon and you came out at 4.11 pm on that beautiful Sunday afternoon. You were welcomed to this world by me and your Papa, and also your Dada, Dadi and Aunty Nelly. It was an emotional moment in the labor room, a moment I will never forget.
From that day on, my life has changed for good, and for the better. I now know the real meaning of life, and with your many more years of growing up, I look forward to my life being enriched even more! Thank you baby for coming into our lives and making it so colourful and meaningful. We love you more than words can say.
p/s The beautiful scarf was hand-knitted by Angela especially for your first birthday!
catching up in london
We decided at the very last minute to go to London for Dino's break. With the year almost coming to an end and us most likely leaving Europe, I thought I would never forgive forgive myself had I not gone to visit my good friend Zetty in her element in London! In fact, with both of us in different countries and having babies recently, we have not been able to catch up on each other's lives for quite some time, so it was time that we did.
It was also special to see our kids making friends, although at this age it's more of parallel play. What more with Zaara already walking up and about - Imran could only sit and watch her in envy! He would be crawling fast to get to the toys only to find Zaara zooming pass him! It was quite funny to watch them. They do relate to each other - Zaara would hold Imran's hand when he's eating on her high chair (which by the way is exactly the same as Imran's - how bizare!)
Things got a bit stressful sometimes though, as Imran found it a bit difficult to adjust to the new environment. I think gone were the days when it was easy to take him travelling around. Now, he is more sensitive and demands for his comfort zone.
But, we still had a lovely time with our hosts Zetty and Juk. We also managed to see the really cool 'crack' exhibition at the Tate Modern, visit Foster's Millenium Dome which is just a few steps away from their place, catch up with some other friends, visit the impressive AA school of architecture and scouting for artworks and small antique items from the London markets which I just adore. To top it all, we had some nice meals too - Zetty made my favourite roti jala with chicken curry, chicken rice and we had yummy chinese food (unlike what you get in Fonty!)
Overall, it was a nice break from our quiet life here. It was probably a bit too exciting for Imran, but I think he likes it as now he can't stop saying 'London' - his latest word!
p/s Imran is wearing Zaara's cardigan - it had flowers on the other side, unfortunately wasn't captured by the camera!
on raya eve
I'm missing my family so much, it hurts. I miss being with them in the kampung enjoying the raya atmosphere together - the pelita-lit fences, the sound of fire crackers, the happy voices of children running around the lawns and the raya songs coming out of the television.
On this raya eve, I wish I was having the best char-kuey-teow in the world (Kuala Pilah has it - trust me on this) and of course enjoying the kampung delicacies and raya cookies. I wish I was house-hopping between my aunties' houses, catching up with cousins and having sneak-previews of their children's baju raya. I wish we were enjoying the cool air cross-ventilating our wooden kampung house while we're chit-chatting, gossiping and laughing away.
It isn't the first time that we're celebrating raya away from home, but never have I experienced raya that is so void of its vibrant atmosphere. Thought we could at least celebrate the day with Dino's Arab and Lebanese classmates here, but unfortunately they really do not care much about Eid. For them it is not a time to celebrate but a time when they feel sad that Ramadhan is over.
So, here we are on raya eve watching Desperate Housewives (in French!) and tomorrow is going to be like any normal Saturday except for the phone calls we'll be making in the morning to our families. And to you friends, we wish you Selamat Hari Raya and enjoy this sacred time with your families - as it is precious...
* The photo is from last Hari Raya of cousin's children in our heritage kampung house
25 spontaneous questions - tagged by mummy-o
1. What do you want for your birthday?
A nice wallet
2. Who will be your next kiss?
Imran when he wakes up from his nap!
3. When was the last time you went to the mall?
About 2 weeks ago to Carrefour
4. Are you wearing socks right now?
No
5. How did you spend your summer?
With beloved family and friends in Malaysia and Perth
6. Have you been to the movies in the last 5 days?
No. The last I went to was The Simpsons
7. What was the last thing you had drink?
Water
8. What are you wearing right now?
An orange long skirt with black 'singlet'
9. What was your last purchase?
Groceries. Does it count?
10.What was the last food you ate?
Baguette with hummus and cherry tomatoes (my usual lunch)
11. Who would be the person you would call if you were up in the middle of the night and couldn't sleep?
Someone in a different country with a decent time to call!
12. Have you bought any clothing items in the last week?
No - I've been quite good lately *wink*
13. Do you have a pet?
No - I just can't be bothered
14. What made you laugh in the last 5 days?
About how silly we were wasting our time watching a stupid movie last night! (Mullholand drive - it's so weird to the point of being funny!)
15. If you could be anywhere right now, where would you be?
I'm pretty happy where I am right now, but otherwise Pangkor Laut would be just fantastic!
16. What is the last thing you purchased online?
Maternity wear - when I was pregnant of course..
17. One thing you hate about yourself?
That I'm too sensitive.. and emotional!
18. What's your favorite soup?
Wild mushroom soup
19. Do you miss anyone?
I miss my family terribly
20. What are your plans for the day?
Wait for Imran to wake up, take him to the playroom at INSEAD while I learn how to do massage (for darling hubby)!
21. Last person you SMS-ed?
My brother
22. Ever went to camp?
Of course - it's great fun!
23. Were you a good student in school?
Well, I'd say above average *another wink*
24. What do you know about the (your) future?
Not much. It's an unknown destination really..
25. Are you wearing any perfume or cologne?
Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel
And now, I shall not tag anyone as I think everyone has been tagged already!
wondering where life is taking us next
This is what's been going through our minds lately. This year has been flying so fast. It feels like yesterday when we were so eager about coming to France and to INSEAD, and now it is almost over. We now have to think where we want to be next year.
The idea of going somewhere else to work for a few years sounds really exciting. Exploring a new place, making new friends, experiencing a different lifestyle all sends a kind of adrenaline rush that is probably best to experience now while we're still 'young'. Well I guess that's all relative, but surely it is best to do now before Imran starts going to school. In addition, working overseas might also add a bit of 'weight' on the CV.
OK, if that's the case - then where? London? Australia? Dubai? Hong Kong?
On the other hand, what about going back home to Malaysia? We can start settling down - get a house that we can call our own and start building our life. There's family support, the comfort of old friends you literally grew up with, cheap services (maids, babysitting, spa, manicure, restaurants, the list goes on), and of course let's not deny the yummy food!
Or what if we decide to settle in Australia? That does not seem like a bad plan at all. It's close to the comforts of home, the lifestyle is healthy and the weather is just perfect.
And then, there's the question of what am I going to do? Do I really want to go back to work and if I do, does being in London or Australia mean that I can be home by 5 or even work part-time so I have enough time with my baby boy?
All these questions that create such a dilemma - for us to decide on which jobs Dino should apply for. But for now, let's just see where the ride is taking us. Whatever it is, it will be for the best of our future. Well, hopefully anyway.