Swimming with Dolphins

One chatty mammal met another chatty mammal during a delightful afternoon in the water. The excursion van picked us up late afternoon and took us for a short drive through downtown Cancun and dropped us off at the marina. We put on lifejackets and were escorted down the dock to where the dolphins were. TContinue reading “Swimming with Dolphins”

Stand Under My Umbrella

Six years ago today, also a Wednesday, T, the hubby and I became a forever family. In many ways, it feels like a lifetime ago when our adoption was finalized in court – and in other ways, I think with awe, “Has it been only six years?!” So many moments have happened since – joyousContinue reading “Stand Under My Umbrella”

I’m Blue (Da Ba Dee)

Our little guy got his hair done and he’s blue like Sonic the Hedgehog. T had been talking recently about wanting to colour his hair. After swim lessons last Saturday – where he did his first two consecutive laps for the first time! – we visited the barber. T sat patiently for his turn andContinue reading “I’m Blue (Da Ba Dee)”

Play Date

A rainy Sunday morning at a McDonald’s Playspace was just what the doctor ordered. One of the biggest changes in T’s school life happened earlier this year when his CYW in SK and half of Grade 1 moved to a different school. We all felt the loss of this wonderful person, especially T, and itContinue reading “Play Date”

On a Night Like This

When the unicorn of a night out without T presents itself, I grab it by the horn and go for a ride. Going into parenthood 6 years ago, I knew weekend night outs by myself would be rare. When we do go out, it’s usually with friends; company that we enjoy. Parenting a child withContinue reading “On a Night Like This”

Secret Sauce

Asian cooking and special needs parenting have one thing in common: assembling your ingredients. Hear me out. I have not gone off the deep fried end; not yet, anyway. As parents of a child with FASD, the hubby and I have learned so much. We’ve been blessed with help to create a toolkit of ingredientsContinue reading “Secret Sauce”

Guiding Light

Earlier this month, Pa would’ve turned 100. I thought about him when T had his first swim lesson. T’s always loved the water. The outdoor pools saved our pandemic summers and T loves swimming in lakes during our outdoor adventures. He’s very comfortable in the water and it was time he learned proper swim technique.Continue reading “Guiding Light”

Sanity Savers for Enjoying An Outing with A Neurodiverse Child

Some people joke their restless kids are “climbing the walls.” Kids like our T actually climb them. I’ve seen memes of this boy climbing a pillar in an airport (below) many times on social media. I empathize with this kindred spirit. Even though it’s never disclosed why this kid was climbing, I infer and understandContinue reading “Sanity Savers for Enjoying An Outing with A Neurodiverse Child”

Crab Semetary

A child’s ability to find fun and enjoyment is as limitless as their imagination. The calming breezy saltwater bay ushered in the next wave of our family summer vacation. After a short visit from T’s aunt and cousin, we headed off early Friday morning on a 16-hour drive for our annual visit with T’s grandparents,Continue reading “Crab Semetary”

Summer in the City

Sometimes, you only need to look at your own backyard to find lots to enjoy. The big day finally arrived: T’s cousin A’s big summer visit. He’d only been counting down since they last saw each other at Christmas. After spending the weekend cleaning, I sat down Sunday afternoon to enjoy a cup of tea,Continue reading “Summer in the City”

Exploring Flowerpot Island and the Grotto at Beautiful Tobermory

We kicked off T’s summer with a camping weekend filled with nature at beautiful Tobermory. The highlight was Flowerpot Island at Fathom Five National Park, known for its rock formations, scenic caves and lighthouse. Our ferry ride to the Island on Sunday morning started with a tour of sunken shipwrecks along the Tobermory coast. TContinue reading “Exploring Flowerpot Island and the Grotto at Beautiful Tobermory”

The Power of Anticipation

After starting his countdown right after Christmas, the big day is finally near. T had a blast spending Christmas in New Brunswick with his cousin. When we got home, he asked how many more days till her visit this July. During a recent bedtime, I told him that it was 45 days until she visitedContinue reading “The Power of Anticipation”

Gym Coach

I will soon add wannabe basketball coach to my CV. As a student, gym was not my strong subject. I did well in sports like cross country and baseball, but basketball terrified me. Similarly, participating in class, including gym, is an ongoing struggle for T in Grade 1, his first full year of in-person learning.Continue reading “Gym Coach”

The Giving Tree

A scary thunderstorm downed a tree and created unexpected treehouse fun for neighbourhood kids. Saturday started off like any other Saturday – with T getting up earlier than my brain and body was ready for; playing dead no longer works. After lunch, as I was about to head out for groceries, Environment Canada issued aContinue reading “The Giving Tree”

The Boy at the Waterpark

The boy wore a swim shirt like T and zeroed in on him in the wave pool. I watched with amusement as he tried to get T’s attention. As T bobbed up and down, splashing water, lost in his own world, the boy followed in pursuit. I felt the parental duty to intervene and finallyContinue reading “The Boy at the Waterpark”

Bedtime Stories We Loved: Volume 3

Reading to T as he rests his head on my shoulder is a joyful way to unwind. We’ve been reading at night with T since we adopted him at 14 months. As noted by the American Library Association, young kids that are frequently read to are more likely to recognize letters, have word-sight recognition, andContinue reading “Bedtime Stories We Loved: Volume 3”

Cool As A Cucumber

Making cucumber kimchi and sledding down icy hills helped us keep it chill this weekend. Six weeks into the new year and I’ve been working hard at my resolution: to be the calm in T’s storm. It’s a life lesson I wish I could’ve applied earlier in my parenting journey – especially now that T’sContinue reading “Cool As A Cucumber”

Light Up the Dark

The colorful ghosts of Christmas past emerged this weekend, sparking wishes for future memories. After I did my Friday night groceries, I returned home to Christmas cheer thanks to T and the hubby. It’s only mid November, but it’s family tradition to put up the tree, decorations and lights after Remembrance Day. Christmas is withoutContinue reading “Light Up the Dark”

Fish Maw Soup

Our six-year-old picky eater has one fishy sense of humour. This past weekend, we celebrated my second cousin’s 18th birthday. My cousin and her husband treated the family to a sumptuous lunch at Congee Queen, one of my fave Chinese restaurants. Anytime we eat at a restaurant, we pack food for picky eater T; thisContinue reading “Fish Maw Soup”

Introducing My Son to Horror

Watching people get stabbed to death is one way that I like to relax. Before anyone freaks out, I’m talking about horror movies! I was 15 when I became a lifelong horror fan after watching Scream at a friend’s house. It’s somehow therapeutic sitting through horrifying, intense and sometimes hilarious situations and coming out ofContinue reading “Introducing My Son to Horror”