fin de janvier 2010

Some mood shots of Keira today (with extra helpin's of ps3)

The perpetual mess in our front entry (winter edition)

tandem home office

Here are the Semikolon boxes I ordered at work! They are well-made storage boxes in an amazing array of colours. Pink & purple, are you surprised?

After many weeks of shopping both physically and online, looking at many many choices and thinking of what Keira will need now and eventually grow into.. we finally settled on a desk for her. Yes. Just - a - desk.

I went to places like Mobilia, Structube and to sites like ohdeedoh.com (I love this site for amalgamating so many real people's incredible designed rooms!), lmnop.com.au (great online aussi mag for kids! also check out their blog), Bloesem Kids and alot of different furniture online companies. There are so many amazing ideas and stuff out there! I was going to design something and get our ebiniste Andrew to make it but.. time was pressing and I really wanted something that would be more versatile than a kiddie desk. So.. after many weeks I decided to go back to... Ikea.

I covered the plastic chair I had in the basement in Ikea's newest kiddie fabric. This particular one had pops of red and pink.

Their Galant system is really great. Good price point/quality/system. Plus, Keira wanted a space beside mine in our home office so it made sense to get something similar to what I had. I also love the fact that the legs are height adjustable and while it's low now, it will get higher as she grows. Eventually, I'm sure she will take over my desk and I'll be shoved away! lol.

Side by side, two by two! Need a rug to tie this space together..

Miss B and Keira try out the desk

Eventually, I'll decide on painting this entire room and then decide on textiles and rugs for this space. But there's enough time for that. For now.. Keira finally has a space of her own to practice writing her alphabets, drawing & bricolage. And of course, she's also staked out prime real estate to place her desk.. right in front of the window!

room inspiration

I love this bedding found on Serena & Lily! I think it would look great in Keira's room. It's so punchy, bright and clean. I love this bed too.

Check out their site for more loveliness and inspiration!

summer pickins

Here are some things I would love to get for Keira... all from La Redoute but I doubt they ship to North America (v.hard to find shipping to info on their site apart from shipping tarifs). There are certain things to keep in mind when shopping for Keira:
1. Items should be pink, mauve, purple
2. If it glitters and shines, all the better
3. If it's yellow, grey or drab you can be sure she will dump it in the farthest reaches of her closet
4. Pants are a super no-no
5. Shoes are harder to find for Miss skinny feet than ever (but aren't those silver sandals to die for?)

Having said all that, I love these bright summery colours and I know she'd love the pink ruffled dress! The jeans are just a pipe dream.. can't wait for summer.

samourai delicatessen - hai ya!

The original: Belushi, Samurai Delicatessen SNL. (Samurai Delicatessen illustration from The Garment District)

Keira doing her best John Belushi impersonation of the samourai, deli not included

This is pretty much what goes on in the evenings before Keira goes to bed. A lot of crazy kidding around!

hai ya!

nearly fatal sunday

Waiting for our ski passes.

And so the saga continues!

Geez. The day started off normal enough. You know, breakfast and then ski. We headed out to our local mountain and we hit it big finding parking right near the chalet! At close to 11am, we'd usually be parking way down the hill. So that was a great start to our ski day.

Plow baby plow!

Everything was great today! Sun was shining, temperature was mild, no wind. The running/magic carpet for kids was packed though. So Keira wanted to go up the ski lift. Came down no problem. Well, I had problems. The snow was almost slushy today and I always have problems in either powder... oh whatevs! I have problems! I don't know what happened after I gave birth but I have all kinds of problems with balance now. Skating, skiing... all these things I used to be able to do.. Now all I do is fumble.

Lunch time break..

Anyways, while we headed to the chalet for lunch, Mr C went on ahead and did his ski runs and while he came back in to be with Keira, I headed out for my ski run. Singular. The ski lift took forever going up because of the constant stop and starts (you know, kids that fall off the chair at the start or finish, people losing their poles etc).

Keira wanted 1 more run so we went up. We were just about to finish off and head back to the car when we stopped at the foot of the hill. We really were at the bottom of a run when we stopped to check out this huge air filled Teddy Bear balloon that they have in the kid's area. There was a slight downhill between us and a clump of fir trees and before we knew it, Keira was slowly heading towards the trees. She couldn't stop. I tried to hurry up and catch her but while she was falling down, my skis got caught up in hers and I fell as well. I think my skis and poles hit her and I couldn't get back up in time.. All I heard was alot of screaming. But I mean SCREAMING. It was horrible! I looked back to see my kid with her legs bent in extreme ways. Good lord but it was ugly! Her legs were bent at the knees, the left bent 90º and the right as well. It was.. gross! I could not for the life of me get back up and used my hands to pry my skis off while Mr C did the same and hurried up to pick her up.

Before the accident

We came back home and checked Keira's legs again. She complained it still hurt so we set off to the ER at our hospital. Now, we have a great social net and healthcare is somewhat free but you have to wait incredibly long hours to get to see a doctor. We went there knowing the wait was going to be just as agonizing as the event that just took place. But one look at Keira and I don't know, I think the triage nurse was smitten because before we knew it, only half an hour passed and we got to see a doctor! The nurse pushed us through. Whoohoo!

Calm, cute and collected in the ER..

By this time, I think Keira's legs were fine. The doctor did all kinds of (gross) movements with Keira's knees (pulling it every which way) and told us that Keira had 2 things on her side: age and flexibility. Told us that kids at this age had ligaments stronger than their bones. If she had broken her bone we'd know it. But she's got tender ligaments right now and that's about it. Nothing a bit of Motrin can't handle.

Good enough for an evening bike ride..

She even wanted to go for an evening bike ride! So we did... I am now extremely tired and relieved. I tell ya, that is one scene and scream I do not want to see again. Ever. It was scary.

But.. all's well that ends well and that's all I'm grateful for. Are we going to go back to the slopes? Uh, yeah!

weird saturdays

Her expression says it all about today.

Ever had those days when you wake up and things just don't feel right? Yep, we had that kind of day today. Woke up really late (8:30am is really late for us, well Mr C and especially the Keikster), too late to head out to the slopes which I would have love to have done. It was a gorgeous sunny day today.

We ended up going to Ikea to get a new desk for Keira. She's been drawing on the floor or in her bed which is ok but now that she's starting her alphabets and stuffs, it's been uncomfortable trying to teach her new letters. I saw a great desk on the Ikea site which was a super red oval top that I was going to put together with chrome legs but I forgot the name of the desk when we got to Ikea and after making a really sweet and helpful floor rep go through the website on her station, found out it was discontinued. Bummer.

We also got to Ikea at a weird time (close to 11am) and after wandering around the floor and a whiny Keira saying, "I hungry. I want macawoni", we ended up eating waaaay too early.

While Keira went to the Smaland, we got her the same make and model as my new desk except with a birch top and it's smaller. It's really cute. The chrome legs are fantastic as they adjust to any height you want.

When I picked Keira up from the playroom, I knew it was different. She even told me she did nothing. Just sat there watching whatever movie was playing. Hm.. We tried to go skating but... it just didn't feel right and we came back home after 15 minutes.

My mom is entering the digital age at age 79. I am really proud of her trying to learn the computer and get it going but it's painful to try to teach her. She can barely use the microwave without panicking. Anyways, she gets korean dvd's from the korean grocery but this time, her friend burned a disc for her with avi's. She's had these discs for over a month and dying to watch them. So I told her that I would come this weekend to set up an mplayer on my old iMac (that I gave her) so she could watch them. Now I love my mom and would love to be able to spend more time with her at her place but parking is limited and so is time. So we headed off to her apartment downtown only to find out when we got there that she had given the discs back to her friend! Fuuuuuuuuuuuuh. There was nothing to do but install the player and leave. I gave her a mini lesson on how to use the mouse but.. oi. Painful.

It's been that kind of hit and miss day. All day. At least our evening ended right. My mom's place is close to chinatown so we ended up having dinner at our fave resto. I think next time we'll try one of the several vietnamese restos there instead.

I hope tomorrow isn't as wonky as it was today....

priorities

Hi 5 Papa!

This year, I promised myself that I'd get off my duff and really start cleaning up and decorating our home. The last time I decorated, but really decorated was right before the Keikster showed up in our lives. She is also the only one who has full-priced new furniture in her bedroom.

I wanted to get to the fabric store today or at least head out to St Hubert street like I used to do way back when. I want to sew new curtains and cushion covers. I'm even thinking of adding piping to the cushions! But as usual, if there's a chance the weather's good I'd rather be outside with my family than out there sourcing material. I do wish I'd take the time to get out there and source all the design deals but there's no contest I'd rather spend my weekend with the Keikster. Honestly, how long do I get with her during the work week? Let's see, about a half hour in the mornings before I hurry up to work and then about an hour and a half in the evenings. There are priorities in life and then there are priorities in life.

Maybe my answer lies in sourcing on the web...

That is one pink fluorescent helmet! Winter Olympics 2026, here she comes.

Fancy meeting you here! with school chum Mr O

keira revisits the carebears

She found her old costume and wore it all day.

Made me download some Carebears colouring pages from the web & watched some episodes on youtube.com

Then made me cut out each of her finished pages and stuck them on her bedroom wall.

playdate

Keira and Miss B. Can you believe Miss B is actually younger than Keira?? Younger & about 6 inches taller.

And so it begins... playdates.
For the past week, Keira has been talking non-stop about wanting to have her friend Miss B over. Well, after the weird week (starting back to work, a funeral, Haiti), I wasn't sure about it. I also had to find Miss B's phone number.

So last night, while catching up on some emails the phone rang and it was none other than Miss B's mom! I was so surprised I almost laughed. It went like this:

Phone rings, I pick up:
"Oui, allo?"
"Hello! It's D."
"Oh yes. Miss B! This is so weird (chuckle) because I've been sitting here wondering if I should call you. Keira has been talking about Miss B the entire week."
"Well I have Miss B bugging me each evening to call you. She wants to come over."

Costume change #2

Hmm.. I think this was a coordinated offensive by the two. It was a great day for a playdate. Too warm to go skating or skiing outside (everything is melting), we would have been stuck inside. Doing nothing. Or outside running errands. So it was perfect! The girls really get along and I think they had a great time watching movies, having lunch, going sledding and of course, wearing costumes.

This is also a great way for me to meet the parents of Keira's friends and hopefully start up our own network. Keira went for a nap right after Miss B left. Naps which are often rare around here so.. I am all for more playdates!

Heading to the park for fun and sledding. Pulling these two was a workout!

Whee!!

Resting

Back home for some hot chocolate and a movie

Sledding from chantal on Vimeo.

a tribute

It's been a sad week that just passed. I was shocked to learn that my old friends and fellow bloggers' father passed away suddenly. Even though he was not in the best of health, he had only just came back from the West Coast from a holiday visit and, judging from their holiday post, seemed fine.

I must admit, there are big holes in my memory concerning my childhood. Mainly with people. I think it has to do with the fact that I was incredibly shy as a kid, still am a bit, and it took me forever to get to know people let alone look them in the face. Perhaps it's why today, I don't recognize people who recognize me.

Long ago and far away... (yes, that's me in the tartan red coat)

There are certain families however who I have always felt in my heart to be a big part of my life. They are the basis of my memories. Good memories. And certainly the A-clan have been integrated in my life. I had always thought that their father was one of the more liberal korean fathers. He didn't have that rough loud voice most koreans seem to have. Instead he loved to joke, smile and laugh. Even with us kids! There was a reason why I loved being around the A's house and family.

This post is dedicated to the memory of my friends' family and father. Hopefully my own father is up there waiting for his old friend with a glass of whiskey welcoming him with a party in his honour.

Keira Skating from chantal on Vimeo.

she skates!

It's a balmy -9º c today (that's about 15º f), give or take a few with the wind chill. We finally went and exchanged Keira's old skates for a bigger sized one. We got 20$ for the old one and put that towards a new pair that fit better and were exactly the same make and model.


Keira Skates Alone from chantal on Vimeo.

There's a lot in our neighborhood that is the only one left empty. It hasn't sold because it's an extremely odd shaped corner lot. Last year, at the tail end of the winter season, we noticed that someone had created an ice rink there. This year, since one of Keira's school chums lives in front of it, we were told to come and enjoy the ice rink there. Yippee! It's such a short walk and we get to enjoy good company. Keira especially loves recognizing alot of our neighbors and school friends.

Not sure if the new skates made a big difference but Keira skated on her own for the first time today! And she was pretty darn good! Okay okay, I'm biased. It's a bit sad to see your child wanting to do things all by herself, growing up. Oh we're still the cook, the slave and servant rolled into one for her but she's starting to want to play with her friends and start learning on her own which we're so proud of but still... it's bittersweet...

Enjoying a well deserved hot chocolate. Yum!

chinese lunch celebration

Popeye, Keira & Adam

We had a sumptuous chinese lunch yesterday to celebrate my mom's and Mr C's birthdays (Jan 5 & 8 respectively). It really was one of the better meals we've had so far at our favourite restaurant on Clarke str, Mon Nam.

Perfect for this cold weather: Babo soup

More lobster!! I need it, I want it, I have to have it.

We also ordered a cantonese lobster dish and it was hilarious how Adam kept turning the Lazy Susan so that he didn't have to look at it! He said it was "scary". He also poked the dish several times making sure the lobster was "dead". His brother on the hand couldn't get enough of it!

Chinatown

On our way to market.. Yes, my crazy sister walking in winter minus the socks.

On our way to buy fortune cookies and other stuffs.

rue de la Gauchetière 

And Keira.... well, let's say she finally ate some rice and noodles.

i double dog dare ya!

I double dare ya! I double dog dare ya! A Christmas Story

This event happened a few weeks ago but when I saw this image from A Christmas Story, I couldn't stop laughing & remembering.

So a few weeks ago, I went to pick up Keira from school. As usual, I found her in the gym with the rest of the kids (in the after-school daycare service) running around laughing and chasing each other. I didn't think anything was wrong at first glance. However, on our walk to get her school bag and coat, she pointed to her tongue and said, "bo-bo". At that point, we were at her coat hook and a daycare worker I hadn't met before came up to me and told me that Keira was told several times while they were all outside, NOT TO LICK THE FENCE. Several. Times.

Yet despite all the warnings & severe No's, she went ahead and put her tongue to the fence post. In below freezing weather. And her tongue and lower lip got stuck. She apparently yanked both off and parts of her lip and tongue were ripped. OUCH! Blech.

Anyways, the monitor saw her and in spite of the pain she was probably in, because she knew she wasn't supposed to do it, she kept quiet and stayed by herself, bleeding. The monitor went to her to care for her but she told me (by this part of the story, she and I were trying really hard not to laugh hysterically with Keira listening in) Keira didn't cry. Yes, my brave little nutso. Was she double dared by someone? Nope. Apparently, she just wanted to see what would happen. Ye-ah.

I relayed the story back with Mr C and we were both laughing on the floor because seriously, we did the same thing when we were youngsters. Did you?

you rock! i rock! we all rock!

This eyesore is still floating amongst us at home. Still able to belt out that single tune whenever you hit it. Seriously, I got my money's worth when I bought this for the Keikster's birthday party (back in early November of last year!). It'll probably stick around until it finds itself on the floor and it warbles out it's last Best of Both Worlds song. I can't wait...

kristi yamaguchi in the making?

Skating from chantal on Vimeo.
Keira doing her best to stay on her feet!

truly canadian

She shoots, she scores!

Growing up, my sister and I would meet up with our neighborhood friends at the local park during winter and skate at the rink. I don't know where the skates were bought (new if sales at my parents business was good, used if it was slow) but they appeared each year. All I know is, I loved skating! I felt like Guy Lafleur each time I laced up!

My sister and her hubby have set up a backyard rink going on 2 years now. It's alot of work but so much fun! Their backyard has turned out to be the neighborhood rink. Since it was Keira's last 2 days of freedom before starting school (sadness), I decided to head out (waaaaaay out) and have a skate day/sleepover at my sister's. What a great day for skating! Beautiful actually.

Uh oh, wipeout!

Mr Fearless

My sis and the Keikster. What do they have in common? They both hate wearing socks in winter!

There is a reason why most parents buy used sporting goods for their children. I thought that by buying 1 size up last year Keira's skates would still fit this year. Wrong. But since she really wanted to skate, she made me slap those pink blades on. And skate she did! Hahaha, more like, walk along but she's learning. Her cousin Adam though, started to skate on his own. It was hilarious but we were so proud of him. He really is pretty fearless. And all done with a smile on his face.

Hm.. more Brodeur than Roy

There is nothing more Canadian than having a backyard rink, with the neighborhood kids over and playing a game of hockey. Guys n gals. Actually, these gals were a bit better than the guys truth be known. Sh! And does my sister know how to keep everyone fed and happy! There were home-made cookies (peanut butter), liquid refreshments... sigh.

It was really a great day and sleepover. I'm glad Keira had fun with her cousins. My 2010 resolution? To have more family outings and getting everyone outside for more sports and activities. We've started off on the right foot. Now to keep it going...