Kid Updates and then some...

Kids change so much each month, each week, each day...It's very hard to chronicle everything without feeling you're enjoying the moment....especially when that moment is called "teething".


This summer, Julian has...
* learned how to ride a 2-wheeler!  straight from his Strider to a 2-wheeler. so proud.
* rode the seawall with his mommy for the first time
* started writing his name, over and over and over again, backwards, forwards, upside down...
* discovered a love for art...always taking paper from our printer and taping his art on walls
* started piano lessons (actually I think that was in the spring)
* continued to love his swim and soccer activities


This summer, Amélie has...
* a new molar...tooth #9
* discovered a love for jewelry...she snatched the bangles in H&M and shows them off daily
* showed her love of shoes
* started to climb the stairs in the playground and attempt the slide by herself
* started saying: mama, papa, bye, hello, thank you (we think)
* kept her morning and afternoon naps, despite mommy's attempts to drop her morning nap. Don't get me wrong, I love the down time!


On a completely separate note, Melvin's company announced they will be doing 30,000 layoffs this past Monday. It will be over the span of the next couple years, but of course, we're not protected. Conversation of the month: where should we move to next? Spain, perhaps?

I'm back...

So, people have been encouraging me to keep writing (even if mainly for myself) and I keep coming across things this summer, I want to write about so it just makes sense to keep doing so!

Our one-year anniversary in Canada has come and gone and this summer is vastly different from last. The main reasons for this difference is we know more people and feel like Vancouver has become more our home. It's been so great going to BBQs, festivals with people, birthday parties, etc. At the same token, we are certainly feeling that "all things familiar" (family, NY, bagels, Americans and all their idiosyncrasies, etc) are SO far away. Even though America is just 45 minutes and a border crossing away, Canada and its people are still VERY different!

Since I "closed" the blog, we had the unfortunate incident of the Vancouver Riots over, what else, but The Stanley Cup Final. What do I have to think about that? LAME. The cops here were a sorry bunch...half had the day off and the "reinforcements" sent from the suburbs consisted of two police cars (which we saw racing across Cambie Bridge) 30 minutes after a lot of the fires started. It's been a bit funny hearing of the stories of people getting fired from their jobs, the arrests of spoiled rich kids, etc since then.

NOT TOO FAR FROM OUR APARTMENT!

Fast forward after the riots and we enjoyed a wonderful time at this year's International Jazz Festival, which is held all over the city. The nice part is the final weekend is a huge festival at David Lam Park which is a block from our apartment. We went both days and sat out in the hot sun with friends...The first day, we were out for 6 hours and I got a nasty farmer's tan on my arms...Typical mother: makes sure everyone is lathered up with sunscreen and then slaps some on herself carelessly. I'll be paying for it til the fall, I'm sure.


What else? Hmm, we saw Wicked, the musical.  Absolutely amazing and surprisingly funny. It was our first time at Queen Elizabeth Theatre, which is about a 10 minute walk from our apartment, fairly new and pretty impressive. It was nice to go to a musical without fighting huge crowds, longing for free parking or dealing with massive amounts of tourists. 

The weekend after we watched Wicked, we packed up the kids and went to Kelowna. All I have to say is AMAZING. It was about a 3.5-4 hour drive and Napa North welcomed us. Melvin and I agreed that it was actually more pleasant than Napa though because of this beautiful lake and a number of beaches that were accessible. Also, it was less commercialized and touristy...residents were abound with their local produce stands on the road, family vineyards and wine shops. We hope to go back again soon.

July's weather has been a disappointment on most days. It's been warm but quite grey. August seems to be making up for it though and I don't think I prefer to be in the East Coast's stifling heat either. At least we are able to go outside in comfort....If most of the year weren't so grey and rainy here though, we have to admit that it's the perfect climate to live in.

This is quite a long blog post, so I'll save more for later, especially all kid updates. We also have more visitors in town next week, so more fun in the sun (I hope) is to be had!


It feels great to be back :)

Announcement

...no I'm not preggers!  HAHA

Actually, I was referring to the announcement that was made on my United Airlines flight on Friday night. Hello Ladies & Gentleman, we don't know who your pilot will be, where they are or when they will get here, but sit tight and we hope to have an update shortly. We cannot let you off the plane because this is an international flight and all your documents have already been checked.

Isn't this the most ridiculously thing you've ever heard? Long story short, we waited on the plane in San Francisco for 2 hours before we took off for the 1 hour, 45 minute flight to Vancouver and I got home close to 2:00am. Ahh, life on the road. I filed a complaint the next morning and should be hearing back within 10 days, according to United's automated system. They SUCK!

Yesterday, we went to Grouse Mountain for the lumberjack show and to Eat! Vancouver (food & cooking festival) at the new convention centre. I had major déjà vu because I clearly remembered blogging about this event last year before we moved. I had lamented that we missed out on it and that we'll have to go "next year"...that being this weekend. I can't believe how time had flown. It's actually a bit scary.

With that said, the real "announcement" is that I reflected on life a lot this past week and I've decided to bring this blog to a close...Our "relocation process and experience" is technically over and now this is our home. We just signed a 2-year lease on our apartment, so we'll be here for awhile and hope to paint a bit. This summer, we have plans to take a paddle surfing lesson, explore more of B.C. (fingers crossed that includes Kelowna and Tofino) and of course, will be welcoming more visitors to show our city to. 

Now that we've come to this time in our "experience", where we've got a daily routine, know people, have a pretty full schedule, etc., I believe it is time to enjoy and savor the moments, rather than spend it documenting, journaling and hoping we won't and don't forget it. It's like having a baby, right? A lot of mothers worry so much about writing down what time that baby pooped, slept and ate that the entire experience just passes by. Or, it's like being on vacation and trying to capture every step, sight and moment on camera. You just can't...so why not just savor it?

That being said, we're off to a BBQ in East Vancouver and to enjoy the sun! As always, thanks for reading. Until next time...

Kimpton

I'm experiencing my first time at a Kimpton Hotel. So far so good...I arrived San Francisco at 8:00am this morning and my room was ready after my breakfast at Grand Cafe. It's a boutique hotel, which I really like because when you're in and out hotels often, you can only take so much of a Marriott or Hilton. The hotel hosted us for a lunch "meeting" and who can beat a lobster club sandwich and truffle fries? After lunch, I went back to my suite and received a bottle of red wine as an amenity...They really know how to win me over!



So Kimpton actually started the whole "afternoon reception or gathering in the lobby". Apparently this was something Mr. Kimpton liked to do, so alas, a tradition was started. Whoever started it, it's a great idea. Unlimited wines (and good ones), snacks, massage chair??  Goodness.

I'm hanging out in my room before my dinner event begins. Tomorrow, I have an early breakfast and meeting start time of 6:30am and won't arrive in Vancouver until 11:00pm, so best enjoy my night. Ahh, life on the road.

I'll be nice and bring the bottle of wine home to share with Melvin.

Go Canucks Go!

Go Canucks Go...This is the very sad "chant" that Vancouver has created for their precious Canucks Hockey Team. You would think they could be a little more creative. Anyway, we went out to dinner with our friends on Saturday night during the 2nd Stanley Cup Playoffs game and got ridiculed for not wearing blue. The Canucks won that night and Vancouverites, as well as "bridge & tunnel" (or should I say, bridge and ferry) people, proceeded to celebrate as if they won the Stanley Cup. It was fun to watch and listen to, but not at 4am when people were still honking their car horns.

They were silenced very quickly this week by Boston...Monday's game was 8-1 Boston and tonight's game was 4-0 Boston. I'm not a hockey fan, but I'm rather embarrassed for Vancouver; I even feel pretty bad for the fans.

I guess we'll see how Friday's Game 5 turns out. Too bad I won't be here...I'll be in San Francisco for a work program. My flight is bright and early at 6:00am tomorrow, so I better get packing.

More Visitors

A day and half after returning from our cruise, our dear friends Erica & Jim came out to visit us. They did a combo Seattle/Vancouver trip, so I picked them up from the train station on Thursday and they stayed until Sunday morning. It's been quite a whirlwind of making sure there are clean sheets, clean towels and Aerobeds with enough air the past few weeks, but it has been fun.

We had a great weekend, as we welcomed Vancouver's first official summery days and it was hot. We checked out Granville Island's Children's Festival, Capilano Suspension Bridge (again) and Grouse Mountain, whose resident Grizzly Bears are out and about. Melvin overcame the Grouse Grind with Jim, while still officially closed (twice this season), so he's becoming an expert. We were also lucky enough to take an awesome boat ride out of Horseshoe Bay on Saturday. We closed the weekend with dinner at Hapa Izakaya (pleasantly surprised by the food). I discovered Hapa Izakaya makes their own chocolate banana crepe mille feuille, so of course I was in heaven and will surely be returning specifically for that!

As with every restaurant/bar in Vancouver Saturday night, the 2nd Stanley Cup playoff game was being shown. Crazy Canucks fans everywhere, probably wondering why we weren't as excited as they were each time someone scored....

So Jim & Erica left early this morning and we attended a 1st birthday party for Julian and Amelie's friend, Gavin. He spent some time in BC Children's Hospital's NICU after his birth, so in place of a traditional birthday party, we did the Kids Fun Run to help raise money for the hospital. Team Gavin raised over $6,000 CAD.

Needless to say, we are exhausted! I can't believe I'm saying this, but I welcome the daily grind and routine...and the diet starts tomorrow! The Aerobeds will take a break until end of July when our next set of visitors arrive :)

Cruisin'

We returned from our Alaskan cruise yesterday...much heavier in weight, but fully enjoyed vacation mode. It's always hard coming back to the daily grind, no matter what it is...It was wonderful seeing our family and showing them Vancouver, before we embarked the Disney Wonder for Alaska.

What did I think of Disney Cruise Line? Well, I am generally not a fan of Disney and my kids will not be going to Disney World until they are both over 4, can remember the trip, and are not napping. However, I highly recommend the cruise experience for parents! You can drop the kids off at the kids club all day, any day, while you go off to the gym, spa, a wine tasting, game of family feud or to simply stand on the deck and look for whales as the Alaskan coastline passes by. The food is not marvelous, but it's better than good and there's always a lot of it. Plus, Disney is the only cruise line that is BYOB. Cruising is definitely not for everyone though, so always something to bear in mind. My sister and her fiance, while childless, had a good time with their excursions and port of calls, so all were happy. Conclusion: we would cruise with Disney again.

Another interesting fact is that Alaska is really popular for their wholesale jewelry, just like in the Caribbean. Many of the vendors spend 5 months in Alaska and the rest in St. Thomas, St. Maarten or wherever else in the Caribbean...Who would've known?  So what did we do in Ketchikan, you ask? My sister scored a beautiful wedding band and I got Amelie some bling - her first pair of diamond earrings...of course, my daughter's birthstone is diamond.

Countdown

We've been eagerly awaiting my family's arrival on Friday and Julian's counting down the days his auntie brings him his first pair of skates (that's what he's been asking for).  As much as I try to clean our apartment, it  just gets messed up again pretty quickly, so Melvin told me to give it up and just clean Friday. Ugh. Good news is that the sun is out and it was actually hot today, well, at least warm enough for me to spend 2 hours at the playground with the kids.

We're also counting down the days 'til our Alaskan Cruise on the Disney Wonder, which leaves from Vancouver. A week from today, we should be making our way towards Tracy Arm Fjord, as I sit on the deck, enjoying some grilled salmon and halibut... It is SO wrong that my sister is going to make me try on Matron of Honor dresses the DAY that we disembark.

QE Park & Deep Cove

Almost a year here and we got to visit two new places this weekend.

Queen Elizabeth Park - who would've know that such a gorgeous place was so close to our apartment. We had no idea that about 10 minutes drive away is a park with beautiful gardens, a plant/bird conservatory and the most amazing view of the city skyline and mountains in the backdrop. We'll be sure to take our visitors here.

Deep Cove, B.C. - About 25 minutes north of us lies Deep Cove, B.C. The view is outstanding and this appears to be THE place to go kayaking. In fact, the rental place there offers Full Moon Tours during the summer, where you go out at midnight and they discuss how the full moon effects the water and wildlife there. There are also a ton of hiking trails going up to the cliffs overlooking Indian Arm. Good stuff and Honey Doughnuts & Goodies alone is well worth the "long" drive.

Yes, I noticed that after having lived here, I think that a 20-minute drive is long. We used to think Vancouverites were totally weird for thinking a 15-minute drive was "far". I really hate that I feel this way because when I go back to NY for a visit, I feel like I'm going to go nuts in the car. Oh well, will deal with that next year...

Under the Weather

It's been a long-ish week, which is why I haven't really blogged.  The kids (and now Melvin and I) are fighting a bit of a cold. We also got an insane amount of rain this week, talk about April showers in May. Also, my family's highly anticipated visit is coming up on Friday (my sis, her fiance, cousin, her husband & baby, aunt & uncle). What does that mean?

8 adults + 3 kids in one apartment

Needless to say, it should be interesting...but FUN! I'm trying to stock up the freezer and fridge, as always, and we've been dreading the cleaning that needs to happen before they arrive. Time to whip out the Aerobeds! I also got called to substitute for a 90-minute Yin Yoga class this afternoon. I've only ever just taught a 60 minute class, so I'm really nervous. Luckily, postures are held for 3-7 minutes and will be making sure I put a cheat sheet under my mat!

We checked out an amazing veggie restaurant last night called The Naam.  It's a Vancouver institution and it was awesome...even Melvin (veggie hater until he met me) really liked it. The line was out the door, surprisingly, and we quickly learned why it was open 24/7.  Good stuff.

Rainy Day

In our (almost) year here, I think I've seen the most umbrellas open today. Today was a complete wash....not to mention that our elevator was being repaired for 5 hours, which forced us to not go outside today. Also, the first day we haven't taken at least a short walk outside all year. Needless to say, the kids were bouncing off the walls.  A little glimpse of my day?

* 1 broken baseboard heater

* a little push here, a big push there

* both kids standing on top of the train table, with kids chair, with baby stroller, tape streamed across all items (according to Julian, they were setting up for a party)

* lots of Sesame Street, Curious George, and Thomas

* kids unfolding laundry I just folded

There was only one thing that could make me feel better today....Indian food for dinner. Nothing a little Dal Turka and Aloo Gobi couldn't fix...

Tea Party

A couple of weeks ago, I received an invitation in the mail to attend a Mother's Day Tea Party at Julian's school.  What a treat I had today! I think Julian's Nana would've really loved it if she were around, as well.

In addition to the tea sandwiches, pound cake and black tea, served on fine china....the kids took turns saying what they love about their moms.  Apparently, Julian likes singing with his tone-deaf mom (who would've thought). We also had the pleasure of watching a video of all the kids in class AND best of all, they sang "Just the Way You Are" by Bruno Mars.

Um, yeah I was crying...

Bin Laden dead means...

...MASSIVE headaches at the airport!

I definitely do not miss doing this almost every week. I just want to get home!!


On another note, I'm really proud of Melvin for spending his first full weekend and 2 nights alone with the children! He was quite the overachiever, I must say...The kids and him went to check out the Vancouver Marathon festivities, went to a playgroup and even went to supermarket together, which I know is a huge task!  The apartment better be clean when I get home!! (j/k)

Florida

I'm in Fort Lauderdale right now for work (9 hour journey from Vancouver-ugh)...It's amazing how you don't know how to spend your time, after you've had children. I mean, I read a book, 2 magazines, had a nice dinner, took a walk and I still HAD time! So...I decided to get a massage last night after dinner....

While the masseuse was walking on my back (good stuff), we got to chatting. I was lamenting about missing my children and found out later she has not seen her 11-year old twins for THREE years!  Needless to say, I felt terrible.

She has been working 7 days a week to save up enough money to buy a house and bring them over from China and away from her evil in-laws, who have been poisoning their minds about her. Her husband had come to FL 5 years before her and when she got here, she found out he had found someone else!  Seriously, I felt horrible about bitchin' about being away from the kids for 3 days. I could see the pain while she was telling me this and my heart just went out to her....

Let's just say, I gave her a $40 tip....for an $80 massage. I hope she wasn't pulling my leg...

Empowerment

the feeling you get after lugging 2 toddlers on a double stroller onto the subway, filling out papers at our new doctor for the entire family, and then heading to Whole Foods. Then, with kids, stroller and groceries in hand (both hands), getting back on the subway, unloading groceries and cooking dinner, while talking on the phone.


What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

Growth Spurt?

This is how we found Amelie in the morning....


These PJs fit her when I put her to bed...I SWEAR!!!

Good Friday...

is a bank holiday in Canada, so Melvin has the day off!

I think the weather has rounded its spring/summer corner because the sun has been shining all week, so I'm really looking forward to the summer now.

This morning, we ventured to North Vancouver and checked out Maplewood Farm.  What a super cute place!  They had mini tractors with pedals, so Julian loved those and we were able to visit with goats, rabbits, chickens, horses and all your typical farm animals. They really let you get up close and personal at this place! We brought carrots to feed the rabbits and then fed ourselves in the little gazebo with picnic tables at the farm.  

Julian is not crazy about animals, since we're not usually around them, so it was quite amusing watching him get upset when Amélie was walking around...he kept saying "Carry her! Protect her! The cow is going to eat her"!  

Disadvantage to working from home...

Typical conference call scenario:


Coleen chatting away....


CLICK


Coleen wondering, WTF?  Turns around to see Amélie's finger coming off the hang up button.

Cuba - the end of an era...

It has been my long desire to travel to Cuba...Melvin has not wanted to make the trek with me, as American Citizens...To read more on the US embargo against Cuba, click here.  Americans are banned from travelling to Cuba for the purpose of tourism, but there are ways around this, such as 1) travelling a 2-leg flight or 2) applying for a specific license for one of the following reasons:

Persons visiting immediate family in Cuba

Full-time graduate students conducting academic research to be counted toward a graduate degree

Undergraduate or graduate students participating in a study abroad program of at least 10 weeks in length

Professors/teachers employed at a US institution travelling to Cuba to teach

Persons engaging in religious activities

Freelance journalists

Persons engaging in humanitarian projects

Persons engaging in non-profit cultural exhibitions

 It is even possible for an individual with a credible background in, say, freelance journalism or academics, to craft a "mission" for their visit which successfully gets them a permit.  Anyway, we are clearly not journalists or humanitarians and Melvin was not keen on chancing a 2-leg flight and getting caught, so what do we do?

I was / am quite excited to apply for permanent residency and then citizenship, solely for the purpose of having a Canadian passport. Then, I can finally live out my dream of visiting Cuba!  I have met many Canadians that have been there multiple times and have only heard great things...

Today, I found out that Raul Castro succeeds Fidel as Communist Party Chief and it is in effect today.  I feel that this will bring a lot of change; hopefully all for the good, while retaining the unique things visitors are in awe of when the go there, like the architecture, old cars, paladares (locally owned restaurants in private homes) and safety (because it is Communist, there is low tolerance for violence/crime).

NHL Playoffs

Seriously? Are Canadians not aware of the fact that other sports exist?

The NHL Playoffs are happening now and lucky us, we live down the road from Rogers Arena. Therefore, we're subject the crazies in the Royal Blue Canucks jerseys.  That part doesn't bother me as much as the fact EVERY bar, lounge, restaurant seems to have plasma TVs on each wall showing a hockey game!!....EVERY night (or so it feels).

I went out with a bunch of ladies I met on Saturday night and we went to a lounge that seemed to turn into a strange dance club after a certain hour. How weird was it that a hockey game was showing before the DJ took the stage? 

Random Note: The biggest difference between a baby boy and a baby girl (at least in my case) is that the boy is able to sleep perfectly fine in a poopy diaper, while the girl screams bloody murder to be changed ASAP.