Recently

School started again so the days are pretty busy. Work was very busy in April therefore the lack of motivations to write anything down, not that there was nothing happening. Both Sam and Lara were sick. Sam had an awful, itchy rash all over his body and didn't want to do anything (or eat anything) for a couple of days, that was very unlike him. Lara also had temperature and was lethargic and off school sick. After that, Simon got Sam's rash and had temperature and achy hands for a few days. I also have this frustrating cough for a few weeks now. I got into 'coughing fits' at work sometimes, I coughed so much that I wanted to throw up and had tears running down my face. I think I'm feeling a little better today.

Mum was here for two weeks and left this morning. I took her for a traditional Thai massage last week for Mother's Day. Those tiny Thai ladies were very skillful at the massage table. When asked what strength I wanted, I said 'strong' thinking I can take 'tiny ladies'. But when they sat on me and dug their knees or elbows into my back, it really hurt. I had to ask them to ease off. Mum and I both enjoyed that hour of bliss.

I found I couldn't read some labels on jars recently and had my eyes checked out a couple of weeks ago. I can't believe my short-sightedness actually regressed/improved. Is this a sign that I'm getting old? The new glasses, after private health rebate will be close to $600!! I don't know if I should still have the laser surgery? (it will cost nearly $7000). Decision decision.

I spent a good part of my waking hours recently thinking about Lara's violin situation. Lara's young teacher went overseas for 3 months to further her studies, and I wasn't very impressed with the substitute teacher. I am afraid this might not be a one-off occurance. The teacher's boyfriend lives in France, and we already had her going to France twice in the 6 months we've been with her. This teacher-changing is interruptive. In the long term I need to find a teacher who stays, and that probably means someone older. I've made a couple of phone calls, but finding a teacher is not an easy task. Most Suzuki teachers in the area are either fully-booked or not experienced enough. I also have to be careful not to hurt anyone's feelings. This situation now goes into my 'monitor-for-now' list. Something to think/worry about later.

Food glorious food

Mother's Day dinner at Darshna's place. Darshna looks after Sam 3 days a week at her house. She frequently makes Roti for the kids for breakfast (those lucky kids!). I had her savory breakfast pancakes the other morning, it was so yummy. I took Mother-in-law with me to her Mother's Day dinner. I'm getting recipes from her, I love her curries!


For Sunday morning breakfast we had Pattisons' pastries.


Mum's steamed buns. I bought a big stainless steel steamer last weekend, its purpose is to cook homemade buns like these... when I have time....

Some pictures of Sam

Some photos of Sam, the first few in his family daycare.

Sam reading to little boy Jacob.
Sam loves to read. He frequently brings a book to us so we can read to him. He likes the 'In the night garden' book, 'Spot' books and his Masiy cloth book. Sam's not very careful with his books, h ripped books apart and threw them about.


Sam enjoying a cup of babyccino.
He loves to drink our tea too. Sam loves Indian food! He can eat very spicy curries!





Sam playing with toys.
He loves cars and balls. And trains too. He says 'all on board' (in his own way) every time he sees a train. Did I mention he talks all the time now?



Sam fascinated by Lara's face-parinting in school's 'family fun day'.
We have been to a couple of fairs recently. Both Lara and Sam enjoyed being out in the beautiful winter sun, patting the animals and the play facility. The most recent one we went to was 'Festival on the Green' in St Ives. We paid for Sam to go on a $5 jumping castle and he wanted to get out in 10 seconds....