tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78642462244120807672024-03-13T06:05:43.881-07:00A Peculiar Wife in McKinneyLenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10693235532856163560noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7864246224412080767.post-74921424780840152452022-05-31T15:39:00.247-07:002022-06-02T13:55:13.057-07:00Disneyland and Hawaii: A Family Trip <p style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Destination?</span></u></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span>Disneyland, California and </span><span>Honolulu, Hawaii</span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><u>Date?</u></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>Late August early September 2021</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><u>Who?</u></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>A family of four (Mom, Dad, Children ages 5 and 2)</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinvmKqI7JYu3OWs8-kN-o5nHrZmWiAFLWUV0-XChMXLeXZR8UTGTr4RjGZtr7Rb5yHWki_Rs0Tb9zm3M3cVOS5RsmgecIx-BZpFP6v5Onnp3EzWeWVGRMgFVxHLJ8A6p52QWmFeke_Wfrvh8lW0n9Y63mmM0c4viDEtInqMvgux0zPIrSrBZ1HnPew/s2752/firstfamilytrip.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2064" data-original-width="2752" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinvmKqI7JYu3OWs8-kN-o5nHrZmWiAFLWUV0-XChMXLeXZR8UTGTr4RjGZtr7Rb5yHWki_Rs0Tb9zm3M3cVOS5RsmgecIx-BZpFP6v5Onnp3EzWeWVGRMgFVxHLJ8A6p52QWmFeke_Wfrvh8lW0n9Y63mmM0c4viDEtInqMvgux0zPIrSrBZ1HnPew/w640-h480/firstfamilytrip.jpeg" width="640" /></a></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Introduction</span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">It's been a minute. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span>A LONG minute, that is, since I've traveled. </span>ME? A lady who once upon a time traveled so frequently she had a travel blog. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Yes. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Children, homeownership, starting a business, and other money-thinning factors anchored me down. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Covid-19 was the final nail in the coffin. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The drudgery of the pandemic was wearing out by summer 2021, however, and everyone got back on the airspace grid. Our time finally came September 2021. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">We were set on going to the beach, and the impeding hurricane season in the Gulf led us to look westward. California came to mind. Then, Hawaii. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><i>Hey, how about we do both?</i> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">And just like that, we booked our 9-day trip for California and Hawaii! In this blog post, I will provide our personal experience and also lay out the major expenses we had. Let's just say, there's a reason families save up for this kind of trip! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: large;">Disneyland, Anaheim, California. 4 Days. </span></span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">When most people think Disneyland, they either get excited and nostalgic or mentally drained. For most of adulthood, I fell under the second camp. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">But the more I thought about it, the more excited I got. It didn't make logical sense. Being a mom truly changes you as a person. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">There are two main parks at Disneyland 1) Disneyland Park and 2) Disneyland California Adventure. Buying tickets is straightforward on their <a href="https://disneyland.disney.go.com/admission/tickets/">website</a> but prices are not set. They change (like flights and hotels) depending on the time of year and added flexibility. Children under 3 get free admission (woohoo!) so our tickets for<u> end of August for two adults and one child for both parks (no hopping) totaled: $750</u></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; text-align: center;"><span> </span>Disneyland Theme Park Tickets $255 (adult) X 2 + $240 (child 3+) </span><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">= $750</span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>Flights</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">It's been a while, but, the thrill of booking your airline tickets is one of life's great pleasures. I braced myself since I was booking, for the first time, four tickets. It surprisingly didn't cost that much. Tickets from Dallas to Los Angeles were $170 one-way and another $200 or so from LAX to HNL. The way back was a direct flight from Honolulu to DFW, around $600 each. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">DFW - LAX: $170 each</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">LAX - HNL: $200 each</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">HNL - DFW: $600 each</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">For four people, the total flights cost a little more than<b> $2,000.</b> </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>Accommodation</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">There was a time when I took pride in how far my money went during my travels by opting for cheaper lodging. As a respectable mother of Collin County, however, I needed to upgrade. I was going to splurge in Hawaii, so, to offset that, I had to be reasonable in California. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">I've always been a practical person. But being a mom compounded this tendency. So finding a family-friendly hotel that is walking distance to Disneyland was a no-brainer. I followed the advice of this <a href="https://www.familyvacationcritic.com/best-hotels-near-disneyland-for-families/art/">blogger </a>and went with the highly-rated <a href="https://www.hojoanaheim.com">Howard Johnson Hotel Anaheim and Waterpark</a>. We were very satisfied with our stay. Because of Covid-19, cleaning service is limited so keep that in mind when deciding how long you want to stay. Three nights was just about right. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The Hawaii resorts, on the other hand, broke the bank. I had heard raving reviews about <a href="https://www.disneyaulani.com">Disney Aulani </a>Resort in Ko'pai, Honolulu and kept convincing myself (and husband) that we deserve it - even for a couple of nights. As a former employee at Hilton, I also knew that the <a href="https://www.expedia.com/Honolulu-Hotels-Hilton-Hawaiian-Village-Waikiki-Beach-Resort.h68047623.Hotel-Information?semcid=US.UB.GOOGLE.PT-DSA-c-EN.HOTEL&semdtl=a115369980811.b1128916073334.g1aud-1473238162712:dsa-1243122942421.l1.e1c.m1CjwKCAjwv-GUBhAzEiwASUMm4rEc2JCopaHQPj_GcYF9RssACE_L7dPRai-BF9rzCA0l5Iy90UoDnhoCWwMQAvD_BwE.r1.c1.j19026797.k1.d1564329906382.h1.i137850890340.n1.o1.p1.q1.s1.t1.x1.f1.u1.v1.w1&gclid=CjwKCAjwv-GUBhAzEiwASUMm4rEc2JCopaHQPj_GcYF9RssACE_L7dPRai-BF9rzCA0l5Iy90UoDnhoCWwMQAvD_BwE">Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki</a> is one of the best family-friendly resorts on the island. So I booked a few nights here and a few nights there. I like to move around in my trips. See more, do more. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Howard Johnson Waterpark at Disneyland: </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; text-align: center;">$679.95 (3 nights)</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Disney Aulani Resort: </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; text-align: center;">$1,379 (2 nights)</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort: $1,663 (3 nights)</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">For four people, 8 nights, the total cost for accommodation: <b>$3,721 </b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Disclaimer: Most hotel reviews during Covid-19, regardless of location and class, have been overwhelmingly negative. We mentally trained ourselves to lower the bar of expectations. (This is a good coping mechanism in life, though, isn't it?) </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>Covid</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><u>California:</u> Coming from Texas, a relaxed state in terms of Covid-19 measures, California was strict. Masks were required indoors. Nothing unreasonable, except, my children are extremely averse to masking and with<b> long lines fueled by the staff shortage during a pandemic</b> - the pandemic made things more challenging. My kids do not know how to sit still, fight a lot and are quite loud. While they did well on the plane, it was everywhere else that was hard. For example, our total wait time at the car rental near the airport was about four hours. Four hours of my kids chasing each other and not really listening to mom and dad who are stuck in line with their luggage. People staring. It was not the ideal start to our trip!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><u>Hawaii:</u> Hawaii is even more strict, the strictest of all 50 states in fact. You needed a QR code ensuring you met all the prerequisites upon entry to the state. Many restaurants also required a QR code with contact tracing in some cases. Masks were obviously required indoors. We had some major drama at the airport but more on that later...</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><b>Disneyland </b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Following a delicious breakfast at a cafe called Brewberry, across the street Disneyland park, we made it inside the gates by 9:30am. I know everyone advises to go very early but I dont like to be rushed on vacation - and neither do my kids. It was expectedly already crowded by the time we got there.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">After checking in through our phones, we hopped on the horse-drawn street cart that led us through the cobblestone path into the abyss of Disneyland's magic. My kids were gawking at literally everything. It did feel quite magical as we hopped off in front of Sleeping Beauty's Castle. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Everyone advised to get strollers but when I saw the stroller kiosk, I turned the other way. Wasn't that a mistake! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">I researched the 'best rides' for kids and toddlers on the way to Disneyland but in the end, we just went where the kids insisted on going (ie: the Carousel) or didn't have long waits (ie: Mad Tea Party). We did go to some really good rides (Peter Pan's Flight) that were worth the long waits with impatient kids. Here is a list of the rides we went on (all in Fantasyland) and my personal ranking. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span>1</span><b>. Dumbo the Flying Elephant</b><span> - classic so I would do it.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">2. <b>King Arthur's Carousel</b> - I was forced by my toddler, its like the one at the mall...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">3. <b>Peter Pan's Flight</b> - Worth it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">4. <b>Mr. Toad's Wild Ride</b> - Worth it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">5. <b>Mad Tea Party</b> - skip. Classic, but there's a reason it had no wait. Even my toddler wasn't impressed. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">6. <b>Storybook Land Canal Books</b> - skip for the love of God.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">7. <b>Matterhorn Bobsled</b> - Worth it. I would go again and again. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">On the way back, we stopped by some shops for souvenirs. Fortunately, I don't have a strong affinity to Disney so it wasn't hard to resist the overpriced nicknacks. But I did pick up one sweater ($50) and my kids picked one item each. (The bubble wand $30 and a Mickey cap $30). Still, too much.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">My kids were exhausted (and we were too) so we didn't come back for any of the night shows and fireworks. Instead, we drove to <b>Manhattan Beach</b> and let the kids enjoy some ocean fun. <b>It was my daughter's very first time at the beach</b>. Honestly, this felt more magical than Disney to me. My kids absolutely love the water. It was worth the 40-minute or so drive. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Note: I purchased custom matching Disney family shirts for this trip from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/933199793/all-characters-disney-vacation-family?ref=yr_purchases">Etsy</a>. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyD2NuThdWc6SgnvSvpwrYe0zD6Q3SNm0Q4RrhKh2OL4GGZomxfizuwzpWbj-6Yy_hLT9x5tFwYS5hyRuEWuBimFyf67ZKV0oILCh_GQx3da6Po3d5jWkgt8S1AfEsI4T3B7O09bCalkMfJ7BTAX0SCH4nk1_ehx06bXa31W5or8DebtGavw5qQpA8/s2752/disneylandcalifornia.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2064" data-original-width="2752" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyD2NuThdWc6SgnvSvpwrYe0zD6Q3SNm0Q4RrhKh2OL4GGZomxfizuwzpWbj-6Yy_hLT9x5tFwYS5hyRuEWuBimFyf67ZKV0oILCh_GQx3da6Po3d5jWkgt8S1AfEsI4T3B7O09bCalkMfJ7BTAX0SCH4nk1_ehx06bXa31W5or8DebtGavw5qQpA8/w640-h480/disneylandcalifornia.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Disneyland Theme Park 2021</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-XuDxU3oZJXUaJ_8c4xie9fVxaJZBiWbM6VatqvmtNPBPEVjXq9TRnFEeVRIrU9o85yzgtCI0Q6pf5wLbxESdo-pI7gflOl3wcM0toPqYxNckuOBvtuk9ATj4w6Ti2YRt0Cg4z59jukwenzybZAqxwGMHh_kCQzM0Qjvgp7lvuvshDKz6XgH5JXz3/s2752/walkingtohowardjohnsondisney.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2064" data-original-width="2752" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-XuDxU3oZJXUaJ_8c4xie9fVxaJZBiWbM6VatqvmtNPBPEVjXq9TRnFEeVRIrU9o85yzgtCI0Q6pf5wLbxESdo-pI7gflOl3wcM0toPqYxNckuOBvtuk9ATj4w6Ti2YRt0Cg4z59jukwenzybZAqxwGMHh_kCQzM0Qjvgp7lvuvshDKz6XgH5JXz3/w640-h480/walkingtohowardjohnsondisney.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Get a hotel that is WALKING distance from Disneyland like the Howard Johnson </span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcAPb_K3BXwHi7vMhxq_fMuYHHyjffovagmdQhYJLmYAYG-eoHAINqdMWrBteHEluQ1F76jh3LXlXjkggebe8OFKkCDujzaM3LD6fzwVqXRjlKDAULN0nKCdOJ8A9YscR7HIVsYZpLhk_hnJV5kcKhRdin3tIgIgsFhmZirzEMsGmCwwANmdjRB6oC/s2752/breakfastspotsneardisneyland.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2064" data-original-width="2752" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcAPb_K3BXwHi7vMhxq_fMuYHHyjffovagmdQhYJLmYAYG-eoHAINqdMWrBteHEluQ1F76jh3LXlXjkggebe8OFKkCDujzaM3LD6fzwVqXRjlKDAULN0nKCdOJ8A9YscR7HIVsYZpLhk_hnJV5kcKhRdin3tIgIgsFhmZirzEMsGmCwwANmdjRB6oC/w640-h480/breakfastspotsneardisneyland.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Brewberry Cafe did not disappoint near Disneyland</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigM8TUGZfcmThYDC501w43ArHlwGvgPfRrnxx8z27_ZSzGzw-7foYtCPBKpn0BKJfFv1gtKQXuqFgpsF3kYIhAJSYKFrNxNetCpIouECcV6pFVaCcHuA3D3mzBa8JCExcBCJL2e-dR7ewWWrHv9_wlDcfOgfiZw7p2HcgCsNoq663x4VpHE6HGi164/s2752/manhattan%20beach.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2064" data-original-width="2752" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigM8TUGZfcmThYDC501w43ArHlwGvgPfRrnxx8z27_ZSzGzw-7foYtCPBKpn0BKJfFv1gtKQXuqFgpsF3kYIhAJSYKFrNxNetCpIouECcV6pFVaCcHuA3D3mzBa8JCExcBCJL2e-dR7ewWWrHv9_wlDcfOgfiZw7p2HcgCsNoq663x4VpHE6HGi164/w640-h480/manhattan%20beach.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Manhattan Beach, California, Summer 2021</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">California Adventure </span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We arrived early this time, and the first stop was the <b>Radiator Springs Racers</b>. By 8:30am, there was already a 50 minute wait. It was well worth it, and we had to accept to do less rides and wait longer. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The Avengers Campus is the new highlight here, evoking the headquarters and labs of the distinguished superheroes. My five-year old was excited to see the rooftop show of his favorites, namely Spiderman, Ironman, the Hulk, Black Panther, or Captain America in action. Unfortunately for him, and everyone else at the park that day, none of these superheroes were available. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The only superhero to make an appearance was Black Widow. Pretty sure she's not anyone's first choice?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The newly minted Spiderman Ride was an almost two hour wait, and I just couldn't do it. Even without kids, I will gladly pass. They do have an app where they update you on the wait time but we also passed on that. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>This park ended up being the funner of the both.</b> We learned our lesson and got a rental stroller ($30) and were able to convince our kids to get on and stay on most of the time. The park was a lot easier to navigate because it was spread out. You could see the various sections of the park even from the entrance, whereas at Disneyland, it felt clustered. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Note: FastPass was not available 'due to Covid' and a new system was replacing it anyway - which was not ready. Luckily for us. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">(Starting to sound like covid is an excuse not do a lot of things).</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Here is a list of the rides we went and my ranking.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">1. <b>Radiator Springs Racers</b>. 10/10</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">2. <b>Pixar Pal-A-round </b>(Mickey's Fun Wheel) 8/10</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">3. <b>Guardians of the Galaxy </b>- Mission Breakout 9/10</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">4. <b>The Little Mermaids Ariel Undersea Adventure</b> 8/10</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">5. <b>Jumpin Jellyfish</b> 2/10</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">6. <b>Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind</b> 1/10</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">7. <b>Luigis Rollickin Roadsters</b> 7/10</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">8. <b>Monster's Inc Mike and Sully to the Rescue</b> 8/10</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">9. <b>Mater's Junkyard Jamboree</b> 7/10</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">We spent an additional hour at California Adventure mostly because <b>we strategized better.</b> We managed to leave without making any purchases other than some snacks (<b>The churro was bad and the shawarma was OK</b>). </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">One thing I really wanted to do is experience character breakfasts at Disneyland. Using the Disneyland app, I was able to book a slot at <a href="https://disneyland.disney.go.com/dining/disneyland-hotel/goofys-kitchen/?CMP=OKC-354261_GM_DLR_dining_goofyskitchen_NA">Goofy's Kitchen</a>. Unfortunately, because of Covid, even though the characters were not going to make an appearance, the $45.99 price was still the same. I'm not sure if it was worth it but that was one emaculate breakfast buffet. Mac and Cheese and Eggs for breakfast is like a kids dream breakfast, only to be followed by an ice cream buffet. (yes, ice cream for breakfast --- its their vacation... it's OK)</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-KrTV6GqidUTKYoIlPKdu1jghL76_J8MZfdskaXFbt5G85mZ_DwbIyy2go7CD0aZehhrm7YWi4Po3ndWEdJQzhiXhK2yA14c8pSWseSo5iiNMmp-LV0I9Wp9VQX1_SQE56WOsTn_fY1FYUjzQLzhVQQKxNKlbX5eAutyvENAbjCP3hkFQo8ZQGoF/s2064/californiaadventurefamily.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2064" data-original-width="1548" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-KrTV6GqidUTKYoIlPKdu1jghL76_J8MZfdskaXFbt5G85mZ_DwbIyy2go7CD0aZehhrm7YWi4Po3ndWEdJQzhiXhK2yA14c8pSWseSo5iiNMmp-LV0I9Wp9VQX1_SQE56WOsTn_fY1FYUjzQLzhVQQKxNKlbX5eAutyvENAbjCP3hkFQo8ZQGoF/w480-h640/californiaadventurefamily.jpeg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">California Adventure Entrance 2021</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwIgpkXStNh7lNpWcd6Eos0mAcmqctl9QyG3F9ssvAKAPib8cUPLLzjnplaBm4tFc3ZwJ6f4auLtpRct6CxUjjwbvlj5WRP6IP6YNknNVbISisZL4R6XCPbtJRuwIXGoH04vF5xao14SyiGJ-2iGp5Wds-w8p_4ZniqVXum1f6Qy1jvh-swwK1KUKu/s2752/pixarparkmaya.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2064" data-original-width="2752" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwIgpkXStNh7lNpWcd6Eos0mAcmqctl9QyG3F9ssvAKAPib8cUPLLzjnplaBm4tFc3ZwJ6f4auLtpRct6CxUjjwbvlj5WRP6IP6YNknNVbISisZL4R6XCPbtJRuwIXGoH04vF5xao14SyiGJ-2iGp5Wds-w8p_4ZniqVXum1f6Qy1jvh-swwK1KUKu/w640-h480/pixarparkmaya.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Pixar Pier California Adventure 2021</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ptbg9UxKyBXD5RXQKoIEzJE1fZpmwt9WOcSrfIPAAx__zMFy4skZB28g1xGC4eTaYq9xwjkmMc42Ep8F52x6Q4200E5Zi7Tj686Xsh71VegRRk2CvXs_-VVs_QAuzHseOvdfS6lOh32-0mgf2veOG5zDRoRwumS3ub1_DOrVryMTLkZ5ByIDDokg/s2752/marveldisneyland.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2064" data-original-width="2752" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ptbg9UxKyBXD5RXQKoIEzJE1fZpmwt9WOcSrfIPAAx__zMFy4skZB28g1xGC4eTaYq9xwjkmMc42Ep8F52x6Q4200E5Zi7Tj686Xsh71VegRRk2CvXs_-VVs_QAuzHseOvdfS6lOh32-0mgf2veOG5zDRoRwumS3ub1_DOrVryMTLkZ5ByIDDokg/w640-h480/marveldisneyland.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Captain America Tribute at California Adventure Disney Avenger Campus</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzQ27UoDBIitwUWa0_5DM9ckIZWzIqbbK3WLSpjxcrIYJGa8kcuK4EPxDgQH6O8C-NY_xxfiscn1fij-q6artZcYfVyWF9fhJRFQnr9bPhc1yfok-aChyB37TrJjowpHJthtN4WINWo_wzy3C2DZbgCx9nXC8M8ghSNB8XZLae8FS1Ns8xoClQmeK/s2752/shawarmadisneyland.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2064" data-original-width="2752" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzQ27UoDBIitwUWa0_5DM9ckIZWzIqbbK3WLSpjxcrIYJGa8kcuK4EPxDgQH6O8C-NY_xxfiscn1fij-q6artZcYfVyWF9fhJRFQnr9bPhc1yfok-aChyB37TrJjowpHJthtN4WINWo_wzy3C2DZbgCx9nXC8M8ghSNB8XZLae8FS1Ns8xoClQmeK/w640-h480/shawarmadisneyland.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Shawarma at California Adventure left a lot to be desired</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWlGiF42W7LD6EC6Wjn8VkOSsXTuoH9LC11U6hM2sXJ9eNr3m9pqIrrKwBNQGMYVAi7pIbTP2_ZxdKK5HiAprx6PVsX0-KiSQVzX7OoFbLe_bpXRDkDQW5rxICJJZiCA3jqVVJgC45jiL238xOj8gGtlykU9W87nLUgyqMk6OuF2XOKS3GvTrd5OQz/s2752/charcterbreakfastwithnocharacters.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2064" data-original-width="2752" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWlGiF42W7LD6EC6Wjn8VkOSsXTuoH9LC11U6hM2sXJ9eNr3m9pqIrrKwBNQGMYVAi7pIbTP2_ZxdKK5HiAprx6PVsX0-KiSQVzX7OoFbLe_bpXRDkDQW5rxICJJZiCA3jqVVJgC45jiL238xOj8gGtlykU9W87nLUgyqMk6OuF2XOKS3GvTrd5OQz/w640-h480/charcterbreakfastwithnocharacters.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Character Breakfast at Goofy's Kitchen minus the characters in Disneyland Resort</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">It was around 2pm by the time we got back to the hotel. Kids won't nap during vacation no matter how hard you try to force it, so, rather than rest, we took them to the hotel waterpark. It looked like they enjoyed a 3-star hotel waterpark more than the expensive theme parks. Who would have thought. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">We were all very exhausted by the evening and we had a nice family dinner at one of the chain restaurants (Bubba Gump) close to our hotel. No lines. No waits. Nothing special. But happy and fed kids means happy mom and dad. That's the way it goes. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><b>Cost Update</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Let's do a little math. So far, the major expenses minus food have been:</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Flights: $2,000 flights </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Disneyland Tickets: $255 (adult) X 2 + $240 (child over 3) </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Hotel: $679.95 </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Car Rental: $300 </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">-----------------------------</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">= <b>$3,729 </b>(not including food and shopping)</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Oahu, Hawaii. 6 Days. </span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>Covid Drama</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Planning Hawaii during Covid-19 was stressful. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Not at first.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">When I booked months prior, people were fleeting to the golden coasts from the mainland. But as the new Delta variant rampaged much of the US in the summer, hospitalization numbers shot back up. David Ige, the governor of Hawaii, even urged tourists not to come to his state in August. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Not to worry. We just need to follow some protocols such as uploading vaccination cards (if vaccinated) directly on the Hawaiian government website. If you were not vaccinated, like my five year old who is too young for the Covid shot, we needed to provide a negative Covid-19 test result taken within 72 hours upon arrival. This was a little tricky to do if Hawaii is a second or third leg of a longer trip and the fact that most testing sites were booked up weeks ahead. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">We booked a testing reservation at a Walgreens in Huntington Beach, California. However, upon arrival, they said they could not find our names.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">We were screwed. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">If we failed to provide proof of a negative covid test for my son, we would be forced to quarantine for 10 days. That is longer than our entire planned trip there! The whole thing was going to be a waste. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">We scrambled on google to find a solution. And there it appeared. <a href="https://911covidtesting.com">911 Covid Testing </a>near LAX. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">It was going to cost us <b>$300</b> to get it done on time, but we were desperate, and they guaranteed we would get results before we head to Hawaii (in about 36 hours) and that it would be accepted by the state. So we paid up.</span></p><p><b><u><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Unfortunately, we never got the results. </span></u></b></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Like, ever. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">At the airport, while we stood in line at the gate, we had no choice but to go to Hawaii and pray for the best.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3nxKaXJ3WwTZimXsBvKenCuOMYB9njq-boye5Prul9yP2MZy4cWl8Dk-1j7vVmFOgOY7nYa-opmeKaeLQFX3CrKYJl_4uH2GJW4To6yV_uexLztIpf_PvXy2_r5G9sZ2Z_Z-k7fg2qbhqRL4CLciMBMAKu-okS-Vjixdv-wfhOChsVmI5rjKW7h3/s491/nervoustohawaii.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="491" data-original-width="368" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3nxKaXJ3WwTZimXsBvKenCuOMYB9njq-boye5Prul9yP2MZy4cWl8Dk-1j7vVmFOgOY7nYa-opmeKaeLQFX3CrKYJl_4uH2GJW4To6yV_uexLztIpf_PvXy2_r5G9sZ2Z_Z-k7fg2qbhqRL4CLciMBMAKu-okS-Vjixdv-wfhOChsVmI5rjKW7h3/w480-h640/nervoustohawaii.jpeg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Descending into Honolulu Airport 2021</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Once we landed in Honolulu Inoueye Airport, in my state of flurry emotions, I tried to prepare myself for the worst. My fraying nerves. The looming rejection. The humiliation of having to turn back around with all of my nicely-packed luggage. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">When the attendant called us for inspection prior to entry, my husband and I tried to play it cool. We'll pretend we didn't know. Play the 'he's just a kid' card. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">"Where is your son's covid test?" she asked. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Damn it.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">"We don't have one." we both said. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Cool and collected.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">She glanced at us, but focused her attention back on the documents we had. "When did he turn five?"</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">"A month ago" (it was sort of true. A month and a half ago.)</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">I had some sudden hope. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">"Was he five when you booked the tickets?" she asked. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">"No!"</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">"Ok."</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">She rustled the paperwork once more before letting us go. "Welcome to Hawaii."</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">WELCOME TO FREAKIN HAWAIIIIIII!!!!!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">My anxiety melted and my heart stopped beating a million pumps a second. AHHHHH!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Still, I checked my email to see if I got the results. It had been about 45 hours. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">NOPE.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Freaking scam. I was going to make some noise. But not now. I wanted to sue. But later.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"> Now we are going to enjoy HAWAII!!!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">First Stop: Pearl Harbor Museum</span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">We picked up our car that we arranged through <b>Turro</b> at the parking garage, and drove to our first tourist spot on my list, Pearl Harbor National Memorial. It was less than 10 minutes away. We were also pretty hungry, and I had read great reviews about <b>Restaurant 604 </b>nearby. Because of Covid, nobody was taking reservations. I had to go inside and physically put our names down to get a seat. It was around noon and the wait was 30 minutes, <i>just enough time</i> to explore the grounds of the Memorial. </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Admission is free. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Being Japanese, I was worried about feeling unwarranted guilt. Luckily, it never materialized. You just never know in the current political climate! </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Lunch at Restaurant 604 was, in fact, fantastic.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDMjWi7YrISiGKHTNMmo4QzmK281uYtglaOEUMZE67uRnugxZhFvaB2tUi3slKs6YHwcp-eaQzFTzR2vVm_9W_c4ZGxlz2F0SN7V0AZGXfc6Mi6V0KefuaD6jvErdLTlll350sfNZT045eSY-kiyCNo2f_23xgSxtn16Rk94LsE7K9zOSv5eGxMovE/s2752/pearlharborwithkids.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2064" data-original-width="2752" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDMjWi7YrISiGKHTNMmo4QzmK281uYtglaOEUMZE67uRnugxZhFvaB2tUi3slKs6YHwcp-eaQzFTzR2vVm_9W_c4ZGxlz2F0SN7V0AZGXfc6Mi6V0KefuaD6jvErdLTlll350sfNZT045eSY-kiyCNo2f_23xgSxtn16Rk94LsE7K9zOSv5eGxMovE/w640-h480/pearlharborwithkids.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hawaii, 2021</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3xB302oBjuBeGHHBnB3zC6hYJc8s79dMGRsJgLkhU-OoZOmpVQOJuZP_aJn_-6qIQAL7tJitFTAwyhe5QGUmzK9IsDKNqykOx_2Y7_dlQo_83Pcn4UUipaQJNo3EPLuNoa9bvKZjCHLGpoZLVYMS1xGYFfxIfcG9TKV18HKxkEaep8Nx195DCMzw/s3008/pearlharbor.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2256" data-original-width="3008" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3xB302oBjuBeGHHBnB3zC6hYJc8s79dMGRsJgLkhU-OoZOmpVQOJuZP_aJn_-6qIQAL7tJitFTAwyhe5QGUmzK9IsDKNqykOx_2Y7_dlQo_83Pcn4UUipaQJNo3EPLuNoa9bvKZjCHLGpoZLVYMS1xGYFfxIfcG9TKV18HKxkEaep8Nx195DCMzw/w640-h480/pearlharbor.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ7GeSCxRD20kUMngkJWQL_JRi3bEU31O-iVRIUHLCkO5ZZkBviI2Ss1Y1LgoSaiWJDtYbNNWMeNLsVntpf6zqYN8HmL_SNDBjYorC4VmPA3zYAAh_CuJRXDuMs0MR0xwbEjqD03gnwZuI1ktFeiqL-3mhXXkPfdPGAxmWI6QsRL69UHaTAt3fPMUC/s2064/AsianfusionHawaiianfood.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2064" data-original-width="1548" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ7GeSCxRD20kUMngkJWQL_JRi3bEU31O-iVRIUHLCkO5ZZkBviI2Ss1Y1LgoSaiWJDtYbNNWMeNLsVntpf6zqYN8HmL_SNDBjYorC4VmPA3zYAAh_CuJRXDuMs0MR0xwbEjqD03gnwZuI1ktFeiqL-3mhXXkPfdPGAxmWI6QsRL69UHaTAt3fPMUC/w480-h640/AsianfusionHawaiianfood.jpeg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Asian Fusion at <span style="text-align: left;">Restaurant 604<br /></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Second Stop: Ko'Olina Resort - Disney Aulani</span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The time to finally experience the opulent Aulani has come. Ko'Olina Resort, about 17 miles from Honolulu, is a master planned vacation enclave that is home to several five star resorts including Aulani and the Four Seasons. The actual city is called Kapolei but nobody seems to bother mentioning this. The lagoons are manmade and this whole area is probably a nightmare for environmentalists. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The resort premise, which honestly does pay tribute to Hawaiian culture, was top notch with an ambiance (lets just admit it) well-suited for privileged families. I want to add that I generally despise exclusive places like these because I feel out of place but I pretended to fit in. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The Waikohole Valley Pool area, which houses an ample water park, a </span></span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">generous lazy river, a sprawling resort pool, a serene lagoon, and theme-park grade water slides shooting out of enormous lava boulders were huge hits with my family. Despite the fact that Aunty's Beach House, an onsite kids club, was closed because of Covid, my children had the time of their lives. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">For $600+ a night, however, I was sorely disappointed with our standard rooms. I knew it was risky booking a 'Partial Oceanview' room but come on, it was a view of the parking lot - with a side of ocean. We felt shortchanged. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The food options onsite were subpar, partially because of Covid. We had no problem driving around or walking across the street for good eateries. We got to see Disney characters (Mickey and Minnie) but only if we ate breakfast at the onsite restaurant, which was about $45 a person. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">A restaurant we really liked called <b><a href="https://www.monkeypodkitchen.com">Monkeypod</a></b> across the street from the resort was so good, we went twice. There is also a market (part of the ABC Market chain) and coffee shop anchored by the Monkeypod for more food options. But if you're hoping to stay within the resort the entire time, then you'll be overpaying for mediocre food. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">We also opted out of the Luau. For $139 per adult and $89 per child, it was a huge pill to swallow knowing that the food won't be good (according to tons of reviews attesting to this) and my kids won't enjoy staring at people swinging their grassy skirts. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">What we saved from the Luau I spent it at an overly indulgent massage service at the Laniwai Spa. Frankly, it was the most luxurious spa I had ever been to. And till today, I think about how much it cost...</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>Was Aulani Worth it?</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Depends. Staying here is a whopping amount of money, and a lot higher than most hotels of the same class. We even came off season (September) and I couldn't find rooms less than $600 a night. While the premise was steeped in luxury, and the </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Waikohole Valley Pool area is a waterpark in its own right -</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> the resort room left much to be desired. The food options were limited and</span></span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"> perhaps because the kids club was closed and character experiences were curtailed due to covid- it didn't fit the extravagant bill.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">I don't regret coming, but the Aulani price tag would be more worth it if you're 1) not going during a pandemic and 2) only for a few nights stay. The state of Hawaii has so much to offer in terms of beauty, entertainment, and food that it would be a waste to spend so much of it cooped up inside these splendid chocolate-colored walls. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Of course, not everyone will agree. When we checked out, a family told us they had just wrapped up a two-week stay. Everyone does as they see fit. But wow...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO301Dov-tEvqGt5aLU7L7qZheynH42_kc8MAiB6gvI_XUuPyhz59aqAi39y16v8UuTuZxWMeAHnlDTvp06TecAyU-mb8YeT2eg6iyqa7UR5fJCwVYeie4BJZguZ-dRTIuTeNz4TpuSLyJmml4Z9bjdG7QIbYtLJOmzQ0kBPlraRpdTTlBV-POBG8o/s2752/Aulani%20frontal.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2064" data-original-width="2752" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO301Dov-tEvqGt5aLU7L7qZheynH42_kc8MAiB6gvI_XUuPyhz59aqAi39y16v8UuTuZxWMeAHnlDTvp06TecAyU-mb8YeT2eg6iyqa7UR5fJCwVYeie4BJZguZ-dRTIuTeNz4TpuSLyJmml4Z9bjdG7QIbYtLJOmzQ0kBPlraRpdTTlBV-POBG8o/w640-h480/Aulani%20frontal.jpeg" width="640" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-kAPjYr8Y-Xe8ltB-7_bADjTkjkKpShpMn__DtKyMXUMpx2DXe9zUuF-Z7FAxKkGdofMiHFNPI-G2b3tqTXtiEByj7zsCv5WoI965NiGbM2mi7XIL2AGudPAwRJx7OiRKebdkacisS1-ZSWJz1GiZRZzSQ1WcRi74LnL9bB1N3NIN9qunze6y8Dk/s1838/parkinggarageview.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1378" data-original-width="1838" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-kAPjYr8Y-Xe8ltB-7_bADjTkjkKpShpMn__DtKyMXUMpx2DXe9zUuF-Z7FAxKkGdofMiHFNPI-G2b3tqTXtiEByj7zsCv5WoI965NiGbM2mi7XIL2AGudPAwRJx7OiRKebdkacisS1-ZSWJz1GiZRZzSQ1WcRi74LnL9bB1N3NIN9qunze6y8Dk/w640-h480/parkinggarageview.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The partial Oceanview at Aulani</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQjwUkfG8W5Jf8KZ9fyw1_-Y8EiRR-3fKu5Si3PklOzP2sZITG64hbRnLXBrn6IYpjd_NPuhiS6BfmAAf9HbluQwu8vwDWzXrDBOUGq1Mw00DjJdxs9dhgjZ10LXk5nKi6JyEHWpWT84iwe7YU6TTGbOevRSWxffqCaQPARt3m7eU0bwCyazJ67bbz/s2758/waterparkaulani.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2068" data-original-width="2758" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQjwUkfG8W5Jf8KZ9fyw1_-Y8EiRR-3fKu5Si3PklOzP2sZITG64hbRnLXBrn6IYpjd_NPuhiS6BfmAAf9HbluQwu8vwDWzXrDBOUGq1Mw00DjJdxs9dhgjZ10LXk5nKi6JyEHWpWT84iwe7YU6TTGbOevRSWxffqCaQPARt3m7eU0bwCyazJ67bbz/w640-h480/waterparkaulani.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Waikohole Valley Pool Area</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7SzEt3omPvwUu8iIfu_i8e7UIHAcB_C6w48vb-EdfubKJCiAjeKhrqSv5l026oT7cVY7pRS6tV81SzRg8fXRBOMxnGZnybdhjtFas7I2Sd9LP2px7jj4Z6GGtGr-N97SE6znPFZ2aYBZIVa3tBdDVlsEDOcd-vFCcM4DaVP7pvVaKsdFRt7vChNS/s2064/pinacoladaAulani.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2064" data-original-width="1548" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7SzEt3omPvwUu8iIfu_i8e7UIHAcB_C6w48vb-EdfubKJCiAjeKhrqSv5l026oT7cVY7pRS6tV81SzRg8fXRBOMxnGZnybdhjtFas7I2Sd9LP2px7jj4Z6GGtGr-N97SE6znPFZ2aYBZIVa3tBdDVlsEDOcd-vFCcM4DaVP7pvVaKsdFRt7vChNS/w480-h640/pinacoladaAulani.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pina Colada at Aulani Disney Resort 2021</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskxyoPPUpXKUHLLppMyrX027YGZrY410AL2d2J3W10c3v-f9au5hUpCXR8zjQgoqFJvSXvL8EbBY_TuB0XQqp-Ujhc83MUR7K4aTlnZvioYKi1cyzqJTxcocQT5oUUGz-p2qm4qmDsDqy92t6zxuzSuS43ynBqjWD6b4Q7Bfd-odq5voJ4yPcHv3v/s1280/aulaniresortcharacterbreakfast.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskxyoPPUpXKUHLLppMyrX027YGZrY410AL2d2J3W10c3v-f9au5hUpCXR8zjQgoqFJvSXvL8EbBY_TuB0XQqp-Ujhc83MUR7K4aTlnZvioYKi1cyzqJTxcocQT5oUUGz-p2qm4qmDsDqy92t6zxuzSuS43ynBqjWD6b4Q7Bfd-odq5voJ4yPcHv3v/w640-h426/aulaniresortcharacterbreakfast.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Character Appearances during Breakfast at Aulani Disney Resort</td></tr></tbody></table></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlp2hV-uYPtqh7brEtWmQXhVmORTKDOUc9YnIoPOfDsnzXJgOS2nahNXF_h-VyKmXZ91xkfwRpSosTYSm8RK-H64HOhZdEdvv0kazrlfznAdiZA5cPa9NwvpajsEwRFatGsQ570UfA5CrDdNINpK7JbESplkQTAZWW74544kcyTckg5FWTOAU4Is3y/s1754/mostexpensivemassage.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1754" data-original-width="1316" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlp2hV-uYPtqh7brEtWmQXhVmORTKDOUc9YnIoPOfDsnzXJgOS2nahNXF_h-VyKmXZ91xkfwRpSosTYSm8RK-H64HOhZdEdvv0kazrlfznAdiZA5cPa9NwvpajsEwRFatGsQ570UfA5CrDdNINpK7JbESplkQTAZWW74544kcyTckg5FWTOAU4Is3y/w480-h640/mostexpensivemassage.jpeg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I still feel bad for spending so much on this massage at Aulani Spa</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Third Stop: Green Coffee </span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Following three days at Aulani, it was time for us to do a little moving. On our way to <b>Dole Plantation,</b> we stopped at <b>Green Coffee</b> on a whim. I'll just add a disclaimer that I am not - nor is my husband - a coffee aficionado. I appreciate a good coffee but I also dilute it with cream and sugar. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span>Coffee trees enveloped the modest storefront and as we waited in line (already by 8am!) my husband picked at the coffee and explained to my two-year-old what they were. It was a very cute moment!</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span>Inside, nothing looked particularly alluring b</span><span>ehind the foggy display case, </span><span>but we ordered some pastries and iced coffees. We briefly explored the gift shop and took a quick peek at the coffee farm outback. The total time spent was less than 20 minutes. We were then on our way to the tourist trap known as </span><b>Dole Plantation. </b></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsJlyF6sR65tgR8ZPSUrJ_CN8-ui_x2u8IJIzjY7ASwE95pQDS93xniOh7WW1IJ6BQ_U1_OE25vZKnAfOg0GX1mP35pZeAL0_zx4SgwGniwM5nhcn-_keBvxEttgQ-cY0OjPapqBw0q-mRFnBNmP6sHizGFc1_785XyaDUhBx_ncS_TRjlDRc3Gez/s2164/teachingcoffee.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1623" data-original-width="2164" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsJlyF6sR65tgR8ZPSUrJ_CN8-ui_x2u8IJIzjY7ASwE95pQDS93xniOh7WW1IJ6BQ_U1_OE25vZKnAfOg0GX1mP35pZeAL0_zx4SgwGniwM5nhcn-_keBvxEttgQ-cY0OjPapqBw0q-mRFnBNmP6sHizGFc1_785XyaDUhBx_ncS_TRjlDRc3Gez/w640-h480/teachingcoffee.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1nP9eYsTCsiQoIaP_Zvnus_g93gsaed-V4FIJATtLYUfERBsTDQkhOf847XBlN43xHI9qu4p4kQyGJHYCFn8Whedid4Gv_VOD5fN3_YU2ZENwvIHEFiER5oLvCSIXJgxldqrovJWJTLFg2ZHppR9E5KVRQgi63zvZguyP5TCnIRy7uCjr7d1KsAwT/s2164/greencoffee.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="2164" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1nP9eYsTCsiQoIaP_Zvnus_g93gsaed-V4FIJATtLYUfERBsTDQkhOf847XBlN43xHI9qu4p4kQyGJHYCFn8Whedid4Gv_VOD5fN3_YU2ZENwvIHEFiER5oLvCSIXJgxldqrovJWJTLFg2ZHppR9E5KVRQgi63zvZguyP5TCnIRy7uCjr7d1KsAwT/w640-h396/greencoffee.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span><span style="font-size: large;"><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Fourth Stop: Dole Plantation</span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">I'll just cut to the chase because this place has a barrage of haters online as it is. I like tourist traps but I also hate to waste time on something that is mediocre. So was it worth it? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Yes and no.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Had we not been at the very front of the line, in which we still had to wait a good 30 minutes or so with two impatient children, I would say NO, It would not be worth it. However, I would cap the wait time at 30 minutes. Waiting any more would cross you over into the throes of <i>time wasted</i>. So my advise, go early or don't go at all. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Seeing pineapple is always cute. However, I would not go again. The Maze? Skip. The Dole Whip? Definitely not worth the price but I wouldn't skip. Try once for life. Honestly, we got some amazing photos taken here so I actually am glad we came. We also had some roasted corn outside the parameters of Dole Plantation and those were really good. The highlight of the pineapple express was the corn.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1WUyzoxyKd8E-Z2cqGfsMC1n6TcaiKZTkAwiS0zuV8DlM2_5afJewuM_DMy7F4HRJANIv0WfIaxP0H31AYJOTgPSb2cb34VXNe21LvZ8TVUAjUcnrjvQgmSQCo6WCmechnPK6NPN5vu0d9RXxocxQbaeCiG1mmkndkOCrOEGX-Spvwj7c-NYd0Sr/s2752/Dole%20Plantation%20family.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2064" data-original-width="2752" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1WUyzoxyKd8E-Z2cqGfsMC1n6TcaiKZTkAwiS0zuV8DlM2_5afJewuM_DMy7F4HRJANIv0WfIaxP0H31AYJOTgPSb2cb34VXNe21LvZ8TVUAjUcnrjvQgmSQCo6WCmechnPK6NPN5vu0d9RXxocxQbaeCiG1mmkndkOCrOEGX-Spvwj7c-NYd0Sr/w640-h480/Dole%20Plantation%20family.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Dole Plantation a Tourist Trap that could be worth your time. If you don't value your time.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><u><br /></u></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><b>The North Shore (Drive)</b> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">This is obviously not a 'stop' but it was the next thing on our itinerary. I was looking forward to the renowned Kamehameha Highway Scenic Drive since it is an internet favorite. The kids fell asleep almost immediately after we left Dole Land and what a peaceful and picturesque drive it was! We made a couple of pit stops at world famous beaches and top rated food trucks, namely Giovanni's. Since I don't eat shrimp, I can't validate its hype. My husband liked it but said, 'they tasted different.' Maybe 'fresh?' </span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWWHIIycBMbV1W0gWObfsySFrYuvbcSVvLDXKLt3wQu_Fs92CRR2JZl1n0oc2iMN4vtmpO5PwmQJx6ymkzLecToh2RsaAHM_EmYt_R-ousOPJRKM_77H0QO28FR-YKcXGxetuBcx85BWpiQt96qqCz6gBn39XJELrpCXsdOfkjvjs9_cZr-bQrhEV/s2752/scenicdrive%20at%20Northshore.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2064" data-original-width="2752" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWWHIIycBMbV1W0gWObfsySFrYuvbcSVvLDXKLt3wQu_Fs92CRR2JZl1n0oc2iMN4vtmpO5PwmQJx6ymkzLecToh2RsaAHM_EmYt_R-ousOPJRKM_77H0QO28FR-YKcXGxetuBcx85BWpiQt96qqCz6gBn39XJELrpCXsdOfkjvjs9_cZr-bQrhEV/w640-h480/scenicdrive%20at%20Northshore.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Northshore Hawaii 2021</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4inHbT2gk2wkPG82Ti_zQ3z2H_OSzG1dtHp9gTy71OApdBzDo2UnXu3kDfHsbYppi7UontY6_XDMSNoRIeV0qeAbai63LVfaW5MhHeGpPkJX8AV15aJnj_alMh-h2D-jhC5_0tx7vNbk_7sFungKduVL_RZl_Ge9EG7krX8B4AeP64LVdmRf4YiN/s2752/NorthShore%20beach.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2064" data-original-width="2752" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4inHbT2gk2wkPG82Ti_zQ3z2H_OSzG1dtHp9gTy71OApdBzDo2UnXu3kDfHsbYppi7UontY6_XDMSNoRIeV0qeAbai63LVfaW5MhHeGpPkJX8AV15aJnj_alMh-h2D-jhC5_0tx7vNbk_7sFungKduVL_RZl_Ge9EG7krX8B4AeP64LVdmRf4YiN/w640-h480/NorthShore%20beach.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Northshore Hawaii</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpmp7b_j-fC1DQoBO0GBHJrszwGWfn2qfNGFwqobhMaxmmXMjKMAAoV8TISwoyqXpOV-QvKwC26MplwE1l_Ak41_9m1V2xHRHdr6Z-yCuxwageTpOdXdriWuix9W8ACe6bZicjZGuZqX_-UaG_3zjB_Qq7WmPPxsi8F5lZubD47m2SUuwE8ts4Q2td/s2064/Giovvani%20Shrimp%20North%20Shore.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2064" data-original-width="1548" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpmp7b_j-fC1DQoBO0GBHJrszwGWfn2qfNGFwqobhMaxmmXMjKMAAoV8TISwoyqXpOV-QvKwC26MplwE1l_Ak41_9m1V2xHRHdr6Z-yCuxwageTpOdXdriWuix9W8ACe6bZicjZGuZqX_-UaG_3zjB_Qq7WmPPxsi8F5lZubD47m2SUuwE8ts4Q2td/w480-h640/Giovvani%20Shrimp%20North%20Shore.jpeg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Giovanni Shrimp Truck Northshore</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><b>Fifth/Final Stop: Aloha Waikiki!</b> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Saved the best for last. In the south shore of Honolulu lies the spectacular Waikiki. Yes, it deserves all the hype. Don't trust anyone who says otherwise. Waikiki has it all. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">World class beach? Check. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Great food? Check.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Family friendly? Check. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Amazing shopping? Check. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Buzzing metropolitan downtown? Check. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Mountains? </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Check!</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">History and Landmarks? Check!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Nightlife? Check!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Speaking of which. The check-in time was long at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Once that was over, it was all good. The hotel is actually even nicer than I expected. All the bad reviews I read just didn't make sense to me. What were they complaining about? This place is magnificent! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The vibe and ambiance of the resort vicinity was also really fun. I felt like it was a more realistic depiction of a vacation, and a stark contrast to the exclusive flare of Aulani. It's not made only for families, the way Aulani felt like, but it was definitely friendly to all. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The beachfront rooms were fantastic (way, way better than Aulani) and the views from the rainbow tower made us feel like we're entering a postcard. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">My kids didn't waste time and spent as much of their waking hours hitting the waves. Was it crowded? Yes. Was it debilitating? Not at all. (disclaimer: If you are averse to crowds, especially during a pandemic, then it may not be an ideal beach setting.)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">When you're at Waikiki and coming from a landlocked place like Dallas, the beach is all we needed. My family could spend hours easily just playing in the waves. I did get to cross off some things from my checklist like: </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">1) Hike Diamond Head also known by Mount Leahi (solo, no kids)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">2) Explore the palace grounds of<b> Iolani</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">3) Malasadas puffs at Leonard's Bakery</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">4) Honolulu Chinatown</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">5) Staying at a place like the Hilton Hawaiian Village honestly felt like a destination in of itself. Even if you're not a guest, it is worth navigating its vibrant and eclectic premises. The beachfront views of the iconic Waikiki shoreline and Diamond Head Crater were the highlight of the trip. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">6) Strolling along downtown Waikiki and hitting all three major streets (Kalakua Avenue, Kuhio Avenue, Ala Wai)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Every food choice we made, and none are particularly famous, were wonderful. For some reason, my husband always looks for shawarma sandwiches in all our trips and I want to add that, not surprisingly, <u>we did not find a good shawarma place in Waikiki.</u></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvrsx45FexxqB-hDHR5FSFB2HDEFZkvH8GR8SM-VPnPAJGEiMHwbKL04pnyfdgxVy2ydOVJ3R6W3rgQJEx8eMn2IH2wuRz_qbHivgnU4oM2R7uk2nSSCnQXl5z_RMn-NCa-12HztFLLfaoamqrncc-qlT8B-ZsdK3v0-SwszeyLbiivkdsCRmAZGka/s720/honolulu.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="405" data-original-width="720" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvrsx45FexxqB-hDHR5FSFB2HDEFZkvH8GR8SM-VPnPAJGEiMHwbKL04pnyfdgxVy2ydOVJ3R6W3rgQJEx8eMn2IH2wuRz_qbHivgnU4oM2R7uk2nSSCnQXl5z_RMn-NCa-12HztFLLfaoamqrncc-qlT8B-ZsdK3v0-SwszeyLbiivkdsCRmAZGka/w640-h360/honolulu.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Honolulu, Hawaii</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2uRZJikgAVS9QRIHFAONiF2K5eLpTNrzCByOUNGCama9X8LGXPGcTY-7nS8ojAOPQ3n-kJZJIK8NaWIOSstw1_S9zbLui43wW940dBtfu1ZfKm2108vaoPRVsuXOfnUvxMU_qDuO33WeqyVbnPooDzDav1AyxXTszq-zbFbOniCweTUbfSYNcqtJI/s2752/rainbowtowerviewhiltonhawiaanvillage.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2064" data-original-width="2752" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2uRZJikgAVS9QRIHFAONiF2K5eLpTNrzCByOUNGCama9X8LGXPGcTY-7nS8ojAOPQ3n-kJZJIK8NaWIOSstw1_S9zbLui43wW940dBtfu1ZfKm2108vaoPRVsuXOfnUvxMU_qDuO33WeqyVbnPooDzDav1AyxXTszq-zbFbOniCweTUbfSYNcqtJI/w640-h480/rainbowtowerviewhiltonhawiaanvillage.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">View from Rainbow Tower, Hilton Hawaiian Village</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuN7CVx5Q43RnbRaIP-8bwGS32Pn-imWGGhI0k3KOQfhhzKpgkfxLyxccpeWC9x-hBqJ3XN__bT1ncYrmy0Z8ILmA-iGin0FnL4HZuVIXaQLVWRDYjb3ycX5EWQB113zCBMb3Rw4x6qr12-EcsxZbyBXJmIsHp4d9exDNsSS8hMf9wHQ1tMIrMTupo/s2752/waikikibeachhilton.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2064" data-original-width="2752" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuN7CVx5Q43RnbRaIP-8bwGS32Pn-imWGGhI0k3KOQfhhzKpgkfxLyxccpeWC9x-hBqJ3XN__bT1ncYrmy0Z8ILmA-iGin0FnL4HZuVIXaQLVWRDYjb3ycX5EWQB113zCBMb3Rw4x6qr12-EcsxZbyBXJmIsHp4d9exDNsSS8hMf9wHQ1tMIrMTupo/w640-h480/waikikibeachhilton.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Waikiki from Hilton Hawaiian Village</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-hD494aMRzXRhIG-Wfyf1olq1KGuo736yhvnyIT3CqjCw6HUuIS5esgwMWGFv7TyazOyV7E_UZpUNE3OVF30k0J8tA_ycoon6EVih0NAHFNPFLDyqMHCsm_-pqYuuOB82vk47Ge7TRZdc1UoMut1dk2KOLnRgfAjFDjArkqVfjLj1UgMRcjhRO5f/s2752/diamondheadviews.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2064" data-original-width="2752" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-hD494aMRzXRhIG-Wfyf1olq1KGuo736yhvnyIT3CqjCw6HUuIS5esgwMWGFv7TyazOyV7E_UZpUNE3OVF30k0J8tA_ycoon6EVih0NAHFNPFLDyqMHCsm_-pqYuuOB82vk47Ge7TRZdc1UoMut1dk2KOLnRgfAjFDjArkqVfjLj1UgMRcjhRO5f/w640-h480/diamondheadviews.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Diamond Head with a rock in the way</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSv9V962xYQQGMwMHuCuAbNDunGJ9sUYilmNgzK8TBBJrzayGoiEJvUGDWaPwB7BsJ-p7weVIgEYi7s5zi4owpA4VBoSFx0fBmbHjYN7yZgZh8oUlpzJBrgcUzfdYLU6zuiAy2WMLbuEXqYsrHjeLt4GfR0R7p-DZp-ByQ5zxK8lEOivfh5VZfOkio/s3025/diamondheadhikesolohijabi.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1903" data-original-width="3025" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSv9V962xYQQGMwMHuCuAbNDunGJ9sUYilmNgzK8TBBJrzayGoiEJvUGDWaPwB7BsJ-p7weVIgEYi7s5zi4owpA4VBoSFx0fBmbHjYN7yZgZh8oUlpzJBrgcUzfdYLU6zuiAy2WMLbuEXqYsrHjeLt4GfR0R7p-DZp-ByQ5zxK8lEOivfh5VZfOkio/w640-h402/diamondheadhikesolohijabi.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Top of Diamond Head Crater is a Hijabi</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDV2KnvxnEUQ495bbB6nI5uvDarmzKi7Dz7t-0DYWk5fN1RPx2E79wkd7E7Q8DYJ50TcHrm8eIi53g8-1OGSj_o9a4dc0bRxcHPuvpERNFeVgyeL44ahlxspd6Y-SN-OOC9S_eWYAoVVRWDPhP2SMNXMxTAvlem1ktAUOzyyi0MaiSDbGIptqjB6bw/s2752/Iolani%20Palace.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2064" data-original-width="2752" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDV2KnvxnEUQ495bbB6nI5uvDarmzKi7Dz7t-0DYWk5fN1RPx2E79wkd7E7Q8DYJ50TcHrm8eIi53g8-1OGSj_o9a4dc0bRxcHPuvpERNFeVgyeL44ahlxspd6Y-SN-OOC9S_eWYAoVVRWDPhP2SMNXMxTAvlem1ktAUOzyyi0MaiSDbGIptqjB6bw/w640-h480/Iolani%20Palace.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Iolani Palace</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><b>Cost and Conclusion</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Aulani Resort: $1,379 (2 nights)</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Hawaiian Village Resort: $1663 (3 nights)</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Car Rental: $450 </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Covid scam: $300</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">-----------------------------</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">= $3,792 </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Total: $3,729 (Flights + Disney/Cali) + $3,792 (Hawaii) =<span style="color: red;"><b> $7,521 </b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">(not including food, entertainment and shopping)</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Wow. I knew it would be expensive but man, this was definitely over our initial budget. I don't want to know how much it actually cost us with the food, random shopping, etc. We could have easily went to another country with that amount! We won't be going anywhere for a while after this...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The drama at the Honolulu Airport and the scammers at 911 Covid Testing site at the LAX Airport dampened our otherwise near-perfect family vacation. But something always has to go wrong, otherwise, we wouldn't have a good story to tell afterwards! Even with the pandemic restrictions, it was still an amazing trip!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Clearly, this is not a cheap getaway. However, as with most things in life, there are ways to make it more budget-friendly (albeit not cheap) and things I would easily take out are fancy resorts. Opting to stay in modest lodging would significantly reduce the cost without taking away from the best either places have to offer. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">It has been 10 months since this trip and my kids <u>routinely ask to go back</u> to Hawaii and Disneyland. It's definitely a trip of a lifetime! If you have any doubts, I would say DO IT. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>Things I would do again</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"> - Disneyland, both parks, with a stroller </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">- Howard Johnson Waterpark Hotel at Disneyland</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">- Character Breakfast at Disneyland (still impressive without the characters)</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">- Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki (yes, yes YES)</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">- Hike Diamond Head alone</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">- Green Coffee </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">- Eat at less than exciting food chains because they are family friendly </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>Things I would skip</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">- Rides with short or no lines at Disneyland no matter how tempting </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">-Listening to bad online reviews if your gut says its a good choice</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">- Pay $300 so briskly for a covid-testing that 'guarantee' results </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">- Snacks at Disneyland </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>Things I wish we did</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">- Went back for the evening shows at Disneyland</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">- Tried Maguro Brothers</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">- Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art in Honolulu</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Toss Up</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">- Aulani Disney Resort</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">- Dole Plantation and Pineapple Express</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">- Chinatown Honolulu </span></div><br />Lenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10693235532856163560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7864246224412080767.post-26017148661954460202021-02-18T07:11:00.018-08:002021-02-18T08:12:11.795-08:00How Becoming a Stay at Home Mom Changed my Life<p><span style="color: #333333; font-family: trebuchet; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; widows: 2;">Amid a historic pandemic that is approaching its one year mark, we are currently experiencing yet another once-in-a-generation phenomena: A Texas snow storm. </span></p><p><span style="orphans: 2; text-align: justify; widows: 2;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: trebuchet;"><span>O</span><span>nce again, we are told to stay at home. </span></span></span></p><p><span style="orphans: 2; text-align: justify; widows: 2;"><span face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I think I speak on behalf of humanity at this point by saying, I AM SICK OF STAYING AT HOME. </span></span></span></p><p><span style="orphans: 2; text-align: justify; widows: 2;"><span face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Mom or not.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="orphans: 2; text-align: justify; widows: 2;"><span face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">So in a post-covid world, will we still be using labels like, "Stay at home mom?" Time will tell.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="orphans: 2; text-align: justify; widows: 2;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: trebuchet;"><span>In the pre-covid mom universe, this "stay at home mom" designation can get contentious. A simple google search will illustrate just how deep the divisions can be. Even men felt like they were entitled to an opinion. I remember an article that mothers were floating on social media about a father validating his stay-at-home wife by "doing her job" one day and detailing how difficult it was. If </span><span>this</span><span> father says it's a lot of work, then it </span><i>must be true.</i><i> </i><span>T</span><span>hank you, random father. Your </span><span>opinion<i> settles it. </i></span></span></span></p><div class="article-content entry-content" itemprop="articleBody" style="clear: both; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 1.4; margin: 10px auto 5px; orphans: 2; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><p style="color: #333333; margin: 1em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">While I was unperturbed by what other women did with their own children, I knew that if given the option, I would <i>not choose</i> to be a "stay at home" mom. There was heavy intransigence with how I felt about this. </span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: #333333;">When I got laid off in the summer of 2020, however, that's exactly what I would end up becoming. It's a strange time to be a stay at home mom. Because a lot of moms, even the working ones, along with the dads, were now staying at home too. In fact, the vast majority of human beings were staying at home. Yet, on the onset, I struggled a lot with it. But I tried to stay positive and hoped that I <span>could</span> ride out this temporary chapter - until the skies would clear from the bulbous clouds of covid. </span></span></p><p style="color: #333333; margin: 1em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">It has been about ten months since then. And I feel like I can finally make a fair assessment of my experience. </span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: #333333;">While my day-to-day is not nearly as hectic, I am finding myself constantly busy with the kind of intensity and craziness that is part and parcel of what parenting full-time can be. The most rewarding part, of course, is how much time I get to spend with my children. But I also spend a lot more time in the kitchen. More time cleaning. More time in all the things I used to outsource or do sparingly. I haven't figured out yet if this is really a good or bad thing. </span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: trebuchet;">While the sky was the limit inside our home, the apparatus of the ongoing pandemic severely limited our options outside. We didn't travel, near or far, rarely dined inside a restaurant, and playdates were more or less obsolete. Nonetheless, we managed to make the most out of it. We ate at the park, explored different playgrounds and duck ponds, visited the farms, and found ourselves in the toy aisle at Target almost weekly as a reward for good behavior. I'm lucky that my young children are easy to bribe...I mean...incentivize. :D</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: #333333;">But more importantly, it wasn't just the </span><i style="color: #333333;">amount of time</i><span style="color: #333333;"> I was spending with my kids that quantified our new dynamic. It was the </span><b style="color: #333333;">quality.</b><span style="color: #333333;"> Being intentional with how I was spending this newfound time makes all the difference. While I didn't go full-throttle homeschooling on them, the mere act of just <span>being</span> able to pay more attention was in of itself very profound for me. The more I astutely observed them, the more I learned about them, and the more I was impressed. For the first time, I was realizing how incredibly adept my son was. This was contrary to what his teachers had told me in the past. Prior to the pandemic, the assessment was that he was not <i>where he should</i> be compared to his classmates. I immediately assumed that the teachers were right and my son was simply "not as smart as the other kids." How could I have known any different? When you're a busy parent, you outsource all the things you don't think you can handle. Those teachers knew better than I did, I assumed. If they say he's behind, then they must be right.</span></span></p><p style="color: #333333; margin: 1em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">But as soon as I became the primary caretaker and took over the schooling at home, the perception I had of my son changed completely. My son was not behind because he was not as intelligent as the other kids, it was because his teachers did not know how to motivate him. It was a light bulb moment. When this discovery was made, I decided that not only is my son incredibly bright, but that I should be more ambitious with him. I began teaching him Arabic, Quran, and Japanese. I'll show those teachers, I often thought with balmy vengeance. I needed to officiate my theory, though, because I still was no expert.</span></p><p style="color: #333333; margin: 1em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I signed up at the local college to take all the early childhood development classes I could take. Everything I was learning in the classroom was funneled into my day-to-day interactions with my children. I felt equipped with the knowledge to be that mom my children deserved. My confidence helped bring out my kids' confidence, and we were establishing a winning formula at home. Not only was my son quickly learning a second (and even a third) language at home, he was enjoying the experience with me. I had been documenting how I teach my son Arabic on social media and many friends have taken notice. So much that I have become a go-to resource for many other parents! It's almost crazy, really. Me? You're asking me to help you with your child? I would have never imagined. </span></p><p style="color: #333333; margin: 1em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">What if I can help other children learn to read Arabic? The very idea generated a torrent of excitement I never knew existed! This, in part, was the inspiration for what would eventually become a new business initiative, a weekend Arabic programming for children. </span></p><p style="color: #333333; margin: 1em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Arabic Montessori" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U4hE3WXbdYI/YCykofIlFKI/AAAAAAAADSE/6W0vTpY4wScNl1gwbFqRC3NL24WG053YQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_4539.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Arabic Montessori" width="640" /></td></tr><tr></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dQuW730RRl4/YCyiRea47dI/AAAAAAAADR4/2jkeICu0ZiAe9_Z7rbH1DrcqO1cZ8sEngCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5387.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img alt="Arabic moveable letters" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dQuW730RRl4/YCyiRea47dI/AAAAAAAADR4/2jkeICu0ZiAe9_Z7rbH1DrcqO1cZ8sEngCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_5387.jpg" title="Arabic moveable letters" width="480" /></a></div><div class="article-content entry-content" itemprop="articleBody" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 1.4; margin: 10px auto 5px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Is this my calling? I don't know. But I love the idea of doing it at this moment in my life. When else would I have this opportunity? </span></div><p style="margin: 1em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: #333333;">While it's tempting to refer to 2020 (and some of 2021 possibly) as 'the lost year', I am increasingly realizing that for myself and my family, it was a time for "renewal." I may have lost a steady paycheck and what I felt, for a long time, a working mom pride, in its place, I gained something very significant. First and foremost, I gained a newfound appreciation of my children, especially my son, who I did a disservice for years by believing his teachers. And along with that, I discovered a new passion that would lead to a new business venture in the midst of a recession. The age old assuage, "When one door closes another opens" definitely fits the bill. </span></span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: #333333;">I'm also really amazed with what I learned about early childhood, a significant stage in <span>neurological</span> human development. How did I not know anything about this before? It feels like whenever there is a discussion or conversation about early childhood, it is strictly in binary terms. We either focus on the quantitative aspect (raising kids is so much work!) or lament on expensive childcare is. I think those two points have been made exhaustively and few people find interesting - let alone worthy of sympathy. "Why did you have kids, then?" I would read on message forums. </span></span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: #333333;">What is not being talked about enough is just <i>how much</i> the early childhood experience impacts the deep societal fissures of our country. Did you know that a child's zip-code, and not the genetic code, plays the largest role in determining his or her future success? Did you know that a high quality early childhood education thins the school-to-prison pipeline? I certainly didn't. And I had two children in this category!</span></span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: #333333;">Early childhood matters. It matters a whole lot. It's not just about </span><i style="color: #333333;">how much</i><span style="color: #333333;"> work it is, or how </span><i style="color: #333333;">expensive</i><span style="color: #333333;"> it can be. It is much more than that. Quality early childhood is a critical period for human development and directly <span>correlates with the</span> health of our future citizenry. This monumental task cannot, and should not, be shouldered by one parent - regardless of his or her gender!</span></span></p><p style="color: #333333; margin: 1em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">In the meantime, the professional world is still very much a man's world. And because of this, upward mobility often requires mothers to be creative in navigating new opportunities, in stark contrast to the traditional father-friendly linear direction. But it's a world I do plan to re-enter. </span></p><p style="color: #333333; margin: 1em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">As the economy slowly recovers, I look forward to the opportunities that hopefully lay ahead. I miss working. I miss going to the office, having lunch with colleagues, and earning a paycheck. I may eventually go back to that cycle. Or I may decide to focus on my new business venture in early childhood. Either way, I am not only grateful for having experienced this unexpected chapter of being a stay-at-home mom, I know that I will cherish and miss it. A chapter I begrudgingly accepted initially, but now fully embrace as a defining breakthrough in my life. </span></p><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div></div>Lenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10693235532856163560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7864246224412080767.post-84419232112176941512020-11-05T08:38:00.083-08:002020-11-06T07:56:39.910-08:00America Still Loves Trump: Election 2020 <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Election clipart cute, Election cute Transparent FREE for download on WebStockReview 2020" class="n3VNCb" data-noaft="1" jsaction="load:XAeZkd;" jsname="HiaYvf" src="https://webstockreview.net/images/election-clipart-cute-19.png" style="height: 337.43870967741935px; margin: 0px; width: 542px;" /></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Good Morning Kids!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">It's November 5, 2020 and the presidential election results are still pending. The whole country is on edge as the final ballots are counted in battleground states of Nevada, Georgia, and Pennsylvania. The tightening, razor-thin margins are keeping us on our toes. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Before I get into the election and politics, I wanted to share a story of my early years as a journalist.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">My first job as a reporter was at a weekly newspaper in Dallas back in 2009. A 23-year old graduate student in journalism, my eyes were full of spark and heart swollen with ambition. My dream was simple: to become an international journalist and segue into politics.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">This position was the first stepping stone in realizing that dream! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">One of my first assignments as a business reporter was to cover a successful local entrepreneur and her multimillion dollar roof business. I was so nervous, but I thought I did a decent job interviewing the middle-aged female business owner. Her demeanor told me she comes from a a starkly different background than mine, a background that is far removed from anything I was familiar with. Money, privilege, success - and white. The upper-crust of American society. The kind of woman who looks at <i>someone like me</i> with contempt. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">It wasn't just a gut feeling. She was not very warm and made a face when she first saw me. But I was a professional, and sometimes unnecessarily pessimistic - so I tried to put those feelings aside and pretended that she believes we are equals. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Later in the newsroom, as I tried to self-assuage my paranoia, my editor calls me to his cubicle. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">"That was the woman you just interviewed," he said. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">"Is everything okay?" I asked. I am sure he could hear my heart palpitating.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">"Yeah. She just thinks you didn't ask her the right questions. But I'm sure you did a great job. Sometimes, they just worry because they're nervous," he tried to assure me.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">"Oh. Okay." I was a wreck inside. I screwed up my first assignment. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">My editor looked at me, and he wanted to tell me with his eyes that it wasn't what I asked or didn't ask. He wanted to tell me it was something else. But he couldn't really say it. Not then and there. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">He winked at me. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">"Don't worry, Lena. You're doing a great job," he said and turned back towards his computer. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I would be lying if I said this would be the last time something like this would happen. The demographic of the people I would continue to interview and try to network with in this role would always intimidate me to my core. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">While it became easier as I got more skilled and confident, I could never shake away that knot in my stomach when I tried to guess what they thought of me during every interaction. Sure, they were always nice to me. But it never felt genuine. These important men and women did not appreciate a reporter like me, <i>who looked like me</i>, to come to their office and personal spaces. I can only imagine what they were thinking, and who they shared those thoughts with. Sometimes, it went back to the newsroom. I know it did, even if my editors never told me about it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">This gnawing feeling persisted stubbornly until my last day at the paper. I can honestly say that despite those unpleasant chronic experiences, I was nonetheless excited to be a part of the process. Going into the newsroom and writing my stories, fact-checking my sources, navigating the gripping world of journalism was really a dream in the making. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">My editors were always supportive and pushed me to do more, always. I had a fantastic relationship with all of my colleagues, so even when I would go out into a territory that felt hostile to me, I would come back to the newsroom and instantaneously feel welcomed. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Had it not been for that inclusive climate of the newsroom - I may have decided to choose a different path. It's amazing the impact people who stand by and support you can have, especially in your formative years. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">It has been 10 years since I was in that newsroom. A lot has happened. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">But I ask myself, has anything really changed? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">If right now, I try to reprise my role as a journalist and re-navigate the business world of Dallas, a city I've lived in most of my life, would I feel any different? Or would I still be apprehensive before every interview? Despite being a much more experienced and confident woman with 10 years of experience under my belt, will they continue to intimidate me like they did when I was a novice?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I'm not sure.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">There was a period where things seemed promising. The years since my business journalist days were often marked by what felt like a continuum of progress. This was especially the case following the election of Barack Obama to the Presidency in 2008, who ran on a campaign of hope. That moment solidified the conviction many of us had in that the United States is truly a country that represents all of its constituency. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">However, the shocking election of Donald Trump in 2016, the year you were born Malik, told us a vastly different story. Under those eight years of Obama's presidency, a nationalist movement marred by resentment and anger, was brewing throughout the country. This nationalist wave led to the rise of an inexperienced populist who ran on a divisive campaign built on hatred and contempt. His name is Donald Trump.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Most of us will never forget the state of shock we felt that morning of November 4th, 2016, as we tried to come to terms with the fact that Donald Trump will become the 45th president of the United States.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Oh, how we endured since then. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">And now, after four grueling years of head-spinning misdeeds happening almost daily from this administration - </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">we can finally put an end to this humiliating chapter in American history. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">America is better than this.</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> Our country cannot possibly be a reflection of Donald Trump, not even half or a third of its populace. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">We campaigned so hard for everyone to go out and vote. Surely, if we all showed up at the polls in unprecedented record-breaking numbers - we will outnumber the fringe that voted in this man in 2016.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">And here we are, four years later on Election Day, barely able to move the needle. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Despite a laundry list of corruption, collusions, and cruelties and the sheer exhaustion of daily spectacles of this presidency - Donald Trump continues to win the hearts and minds of so many Americans. Adding salt to the gushing wound, n</span><span style="font-family: georgia;">ot only did the unwavering support of the incumbent Trump presidency persist - it would magnify. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="Joe Biden 2020: Election News, Polls for President, Fundraising, Campaign, Opponents, Results & More - POLITICO" class="n3VNCb" data-noaft="1" jsaction="load:XAeZkd;" jsname="HiaYvf" src="https://static.politico.com/dims4/default/40f3904/2147483647/resize/1160x%3E/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.politico.com%2Fec%2F68%2F1e76a4c4450789aa0d5e6e25eb57%2Fpresident-map.jpg" style="height: 401.1603448275862px; margin: 0px; width: 602px;" /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Even our city voted overwhelmingly for the incumbent president. I stood in line with them at the polls. The one across the street from our house! Our neighbors, your teachers, the local librarians and employees of all the stores we frequent- our </span><i style="font-family: georgia;">community</i><span style="font-family: georgia;">. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Despite everything he did, and everything he said. Despite a presidency mired by ruthless policies of separating migrant kids from their parents at the border, despite the racist ban on Muslims from entering the country, and an obnoxious 91%<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Trump_administration_dismissals_and_resignations"> staff turnover rate</a>. <b>What about when he made fun of a disabled journalist on live TV?? </b></span></p><p><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">How can they? </span></i></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">It's anchoring our spirits down. We deserve better than this. My children deserve better than this. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I shouldn't have to go to the playground and wonder, do these moms hate my children for being Arab? For being Muslim? For being Asian? For simply not being like them. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Trump's supporters have been using intimidation tactics in various precincts around the country as I write this, stoking fear in many minority communities. Many Islamic schools and centers in our area even closed down over this concern. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Why is this happening again? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">It happened to us when I was in 10th grade, following</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> the 9/11 attacks</span><span style="font-family: georgia;">. And we thought surely, this is ignorance that we will overcome by the time we have our own children. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">And while you're still young, I simply am unable to shield you from any of it. While politics is rarely discussed in the public sphere we spend so much of our time, like the schools or playground - the probability remains high that behind those friendly smiles and "your daughter is so precious" rhetoric, our neighbors and teachers, our therapists and pharmacists - really have no problem with us being pushed to the margins of society. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">And that deception makes me feel anxious. Like the time my editor told me the woman I interviewed had a problem with me, for no reason she can openly admit. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Whether Trump wins or not is no longer relevant. His ideology, and what is now referred to as Trumpism, has infiltrated every corner of this beautiful country, and we need to work together and chip away at every inch of it. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">One heart and mind at a time. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">We need to get to work now and help facilitate a better America. Together, we will contour this city into one that represents all of us, no matter how we look like or where our parents come from. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">This is my renewed hope. This is my renewed dream. And with you guys by my side, and <i>baba</i> of course, I am confident we can build this dream together. Because for every Trump supporter out there, there are people like my newspaper editors. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">So while I don't want to scare you, it is imperative to always be aware of the reality that we live in. Be optimistic, but stay alert. I won't lose hope for our country and neither should either of you!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Yes, my eyes are sparkling again. And I can't wait for your eyes to sparkle too. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Love you so much, my M&Ms,</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia;"><b>Mommy</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>November 5, 2020</i></span></p>Lenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10693235532856163560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7864246224412080767.post-38662332545500560432020-06-15T12:52:00.000-07:002020-06-17T13:31:43.662-07:00Summer is Here, Kids! And we're not going anywhere... (A Letter to my Children)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dear Malik and Maya,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What began as a relatively promising 2020 abruptly took an unexpected turn. An infectious virus called Covid-19, which started in China and spread through Europe, finally made its way to this country. While the symptoms appear to be mild for the vast majority of those infected, it proved fatal for many others. Since we don't know enough about the virus, and patterns or consistencies haven't been well established, we all had to take precaution. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Quarantine (stay-at-home) officially began in mid-March. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Society virtually shut down and schools </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">never returned from spring break. We stocked up our pantries and freezers and stayed put in our houses - not really knowing what to do next. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Many people who still had jobs worked from home. I </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">lost my job, along with about 26 million people, a few weeks after the lockdown.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Only the things that were considered very important, dubbed 'essentials' like grocery stores, remained open. All recreational venues like parks and playgrounds were shut down.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">By May, hospitals were not overwhelmed anymore and experts said </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">we managed to keep the virus at bay. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The country gradually reopened</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, prompting a semi-return to normalcy. With protocols and safety measures loosening, we had to put faith in self-motivated guidelines. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As we learn more and more about the virus, we're able to calculate risks more accurately. While the vaccine is on the horizon, it could be another year before it's safe for all of us. Your father and I are still staying home as much as we could, even as the outside world is starting to hum again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Since I am not working, I've designated myself to the full-time position of stay-at-home mom. I've always been working from home, so the transition was tepid. The first month, I tried to come up with a routine and schedule to establish a typical preschool vibe. We experimented with different arts and crafts, played soccer and baseball, and took wagon rides around the block. As the weather warmed up, we spend a lot more time outdoors in the backyard. Thank goodness, because I am not creative enough to come up with new crafty projects. Good bye arts and crafts and hello splash pad! </span><br />
<span style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; outline: none; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kC1RDpLKrBw/XuKgO0CNYSI/AAAAAAAAC_0/osYXJphqYqY7tcXRYVqZGFlSck2BZTwgwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/CHDc5mTnTvSoZX02FYmfIg.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;"><img border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="712" height="548" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kC1RDpLKrBw/XuKgO0CNYSI/AAAAAAAAC_0/osYXJphqYqY7tcXRYVqZGFlSck2BZTwgwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/CHDc5mTnTvSoZX02FYmfIg.jpeg" style="-webkit-border-image: url("data:image/png; border: 9px none; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: auto; margin: 10px auto; max-width: 100%; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></span><br />
<span style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; outline: none; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eLmWO8-AXBw/XuKf7tk82XI/AAAAAAAAC_g/OvpwvkY4G6w9Wj9SISdwjwbpmQo0OgCUACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/AMYWOwUUST2qQxLHXps4jw.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eLmWO8-AXBw/XuKf7tk82XI/AAAAAAAAC_g/OvpwvkY4G6w9Wj9SISdwjwbpmQo0OgCUACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/AMYWOwUUST2qQxLHXps4jw.jpeg" style="-webkit-border-image: url("data:image/png; border: 9px none; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: auto; margin: 10px auto; max-width: 100%; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></span><br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ItHA9Tdj5y8/XuKf7jE8YGI/AAAAAAAAC_c/2NDOG8b6uJYIE3KCTGJxnMGLaX28NxEZgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/NHRrXKVYR_C5Rt7EvAGTAA.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ItHA9Tdj5y8/XuKf7jE8YGI/AAAAAAAAC_c/2NDOG8b6uJYIE3KCTGJxnMGLaX28NxEZgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/NHRrXKVYR_C5Rt7EvAGTAA.jpeg" style="-webkit-border-image: url("data:image/png; border: 9px none; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: auto; margin: 10px auto; max-width: 100%; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="640" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Texas summers can get brutal, though, so we also spend a lot of time indoors playing, watching our favorite shows and dancing. Malik, your love for dancing is fun to watch, but sometimes you get carried away. One night, as you were dancing to the '<i>Ramadan Song</i>', you landed on a metal toy bucket and fractured your whole leg. We ended up taking you to the Emergency Room. Luckily, it is a minor fracture called a '<i>Toddler's Fracture</i>', and requires a cast for a month. You got to choose your favorite color, so it was pretty cool! </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You kept it on all through Ramadan. You learned to walk up the stairs and even dance with it on! You have always been so agile! Recovering a little ahead of schedule, we removed your cast just two days before Eid.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Speaking of Eid. I don't think I enjoyed Eid and Ramadan the way I did this year with you guys at home. Malik, you were old enough to actually request for gifts this year and we got you the highly anticipated Avengers action figures. Maya, we got you a nice kitchen set - and not because you belong in the kitchen! You always play with Malik so we figured this is something the two of you can share (without fighting).</span><br />
<span style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; outline: none; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mlg0--Ad09g/XuKhjyh0MGI/AAAAAAAADAQ/XJFJplREyMMR1-jXN1AvKD103Wy1-PVswCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2AJJ8GVjSJuiD4wKUcxR4Q.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mlg0--Ad09g/XuKhjyh0MGI/AAAAAAAADAQ/XJFJplREyMMR1-jXN1AvKD103Wy1-PVswCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/2AJJ8GVjSJuiD4wKUcxR4Q.jpeg" style="-webkit-border-image: url("data:image/png; border: 9px none; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: auto; margin: 10px auto; max-width: 100%; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></span><br />
<span style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; outline: none; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uOBlKR4WijI/XuKhj1QQOfI/AAAAAAAADAM/riFhPYe2gnUvFyMxf-e3fUYoqxJRWkj-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2ChO__jRSKe9wKUko6qYxQ.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uOBlKR4WijI/XuKhj1QQOfI/AAAAAAAADAM/riFhPYe2gnUvFyMxf-e3fUYoqxJRWkj-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/2ChO__jRSKe9wKUko6qYxQ.jpeg" style="-webkit-border-image: url("data:image/png; border: 9px none; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: auto; margin: 10px auto; max-width: 100%; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While you're both learning through play, we do dedicate some time for school work. Maya, you're starting to sing the alphabet song, and even picking up on Arabic. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Malik, we do 15-minutes of daily 'lessons' in my office and work on first concepts like tracing alphabets, numbers and shapes. You're doing really well, and sometimes request to do lessons when you tire of your iPad. You also know all your colors in Arabic and your vocabulary is accelerating at an impressive rate! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What strikes us most about you, though, is your wit. I can imagine how your personality and sense of humor is going to make you one popular kid in the future! You're also becoming a better eater, </span><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Alhamdulilah</i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. With a promise of a sweet treat, you will at least finish your main meal. But anything green? Forget it. (Unless it is </span><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">mlokhyieh</i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Maya-chan, on the other hand, you still love to try new foods - especially vegetables. Your current favorite is still broccoli, corn, cucumbers and grape tomatoes. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As much of a good eater you are, though, </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Maya, your intelligence is the ultimate stand out quality. Not only has your vocabulary exploded, we can actually communicate. Yes, you're talking! You're also very curious, a classic sign of a nerd-in-the-making. Yesterday, you asked sit on the potty!! </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Malik is happy to assist. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; outline: none; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2O5RvP-zvxA/XuKdC6zCKQI/AAAAAAAAC_Q/y_su0y58ka8wRXpibI1cnNzs4VjH0--5gCEwYBhgLKtQDAL1Ocqy_VQPk0tbrMkoe8vUQUY62Do8wkjEclAxxPNCH8hMO_OfY9sfksbV4IMgeh91dcfVkv_1Rny9kFNbjmQfU7DEB6Kp8BVz7N4xts3sO1Tj069XS6sMoiUJ6dAtHGD2luSGZZ2FvCIVNNXZjq6Hmt5m436Yl9qoD8ea1e1hpJxdc9_5_jDkHKtWhcBLkTbphmoG1yCyHdBTR3kwYiV3iDEDayaP2HpqYjdGgF81VwxJu3dm95idXIp05Ura5Tp6JtfESP-foQD-3OcMIgual2DRl59i6zLyvmD4mrhYENAY4b_dI_Ztboej8Y-f_4ShOgsMhzOiSXpAlH9LnICbmNMT2ou4H737V6aO9KiB-nHAt4gDLb12KKyJy-1T57JFnO1igF3SGGM4QjHu4NbEGR_7hK2CEnPy78X5SKKSDc7xKlOJxxPZDvUFl95ukVXSLjPipgsmyJXsdKZSvEttbcBbVOt0qfYgefIQx24p5OAgEds_szbzSe7SSAtamu8Iq7cqRAWqzcEpzwlCAEIq_5vLxPP35XmeAAeZFZoVuuATBOOeEKszMTN8pivDR2bJ6jkSOEhrqKpAzwkMn99lhZhGiXpQwD8kr5e-h_hBETSjMMIHIivcF/s1600/UrwJE-72QSWfvSgDk07svQ.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; font-family: Times; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2O5RvP-zvxA/XuKdC6zCKQI/AAAAAAAAC_Q/y_su0y58ka8wRXpibI1cnNzs4VjH0--5gCEwYBhgLKtQDAL1Ocqy_VQPk0tbrMkoe8vUQUY62Do8wkjEclAxxPNCH8hMO_OfY9sfksbV4IMgeh91dcfVkv_1Rny9kFNbjmQfU7DEB6Kp8BVz7N4xts3sO1Tj069XS6sMoiUJ6dAtHGD2luSGZZ2FvCIVNNXZjq6Hmt5m436Yl9qoD8ea1e1hpJxdc9_5_jDkHKtWhcBLkTbphmoG1yCyHdBTR3kwYiV3iDEDayaP2HpqYjdGgF81VwxJu3dm95idXIp05Ura5Tp6JtfESP-foQD-3OcMIgual2DRl59i6zLyvmD4mrhYENAY4b_dI_Ztboej8Y-f_4ShOgsMhzOiSXpAlH9LnICbmNMT2ou4H737V6aO9KiB-nHAt4gDLb12KKyJy-1T57JFnO1igF3SGGM4QjHu4NbEGR_7hK2CEnPy78X5SKKSDc7xKlOJxxPZDvUFl95ukVXSLjPipgsmyJXsdKZSvEttbcBbVOt0qfYgefIQx24p5OAgEds_szbzSe7SSAtamu8Iq7cqRAWqzcEpzwlCAEIq_5vLxPP35XmeAAeZFZoVuuATBOOeEKszMTN8pivDR2bJ6jkSOEhrqKpAzwkMn99lhZhGiXpQwD8kr5e-h_hBETSjMMIHIivcF/s640/UrwJE-72QSWfvSgDk07svQ.jpeg" style="-webkit-border-image: url("data:image/png; border: 9px none; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: auto; margin: 10px auto; max-width: 100%; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></span></span><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vC_7HQByzp0/XuKiTiyolSI/AAAAAAAADAg/6J3fSrWW5ss9mJyk9qwAXRgTLu95AbqXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/vYx4zOPESrOJmS7tH8YWMQ.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; outline: none; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1092" data-original-width="1456" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vC_7HQByzp0/XuKiTiyolSI/AAAAAAAADAg/6J3fSrWW5ss9mJyk9qwAXRgTLu95AbqXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/vYx4zOPESrOJmS7tH8YWMQ.jpeg" style="-webkit-border-image: url("data:image/png; border: 9px none; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: auto; margin: 10px auto; max-width: 100%; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="640" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While being smart, funny and cute are all fantastic attributes - what we love and appreciate the most about you is your kindness. You love hugging and kissing me, your dad and your brother. You even kiss your toys and stickers! May you always have so much love in your heart, Maya-chan! Your dad and I always laugh during dinner time because </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">if you're in your highchair before Malik is at the table, you will call to Malik, '<i>Kaaaalik</i>!', '<i>Kaaaliiik!</i>' </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As much as you guys fight sometimes, when we try to put Maya to nap, you get so upset with us Malik. <i>'Don't take her!</i>', '<i>Don't take her</i>!!', you'll plead.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> You're always happy to help out, too. When I ask you to bring me a diaper and wipes for Maya, you happily oblige. Sometimes you help me too much by dragging Maya to me when I call her. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Between the toys, water activities and frequent family gatherings - the quarantine has not let us forget our abundant blessings. We also have a more spacious house with dedicated play rooms and a generous backyard. Just eight months ago, we were still in the small apartment! May we always be thankful. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sometimes, you guys do itch for a drive out. When the house is dead silent, one of my first suspicions is that you've snuck into the garage where I find you both sitting in your carseats...waiting for someone to take you out of the house. I know it's hard to understand why we don't take you out much. But Malik, you've been very cooperative. Even when we say no, you reply with, '<i>because there are germs</i>'. And when we go out, you don't protest the masks. At <i>Mitsuwa</i> (Japanese Grocery), when we forgot your mask, you put a paper towel over your mouth the entire time. I was so proud of you! I can tell you that you're a lot more responsible than many adults...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I promise when this is all over, we will be out all the time. I'll take you outside of this city, this state, this country -- and see the world.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Inshallah.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But for now, we're staying put. While the outside world may be calling out to us, Malik and Maya, it can wait. I promise the world isn't going anywhere. Because </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">even within these walls</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, we are cultivating wonderful memories every single day. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Love you both so much,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mommy</span></div>
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Lenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10693235532856163560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7864246224412080767.post-72938671374972851132020-04-27T07:46:00.002-07:002020-04-27T14:17:06.983-07:00Covid-19 Diaries: Quarantine, job loss and rediscovering my children<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
March 11, 2020 marked the day it began for me.<br />
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The news about a novel virus had been brewing for months now. The enigma of the corona virus that shook much of Asia throughout January and February had not grappled our full attention just yet. Even while the outbreaks reached our shores in March, it still felt so distant for me in Dallas.<br />
<br />
The government kept assuring the public that it was diligently monitoring the situation, and restricted entry from all the global 'hot spots'. The US cases were mostly clustered on cruise ships and in California, New York, Washington - and most recently in Houston.<br />
<br />
"They're quarantined, though," someone had mentioned half-heartedly at a party two weekends earlier. The conversation had lasted a mere two minutes, and we moved on to something else.<br />
<br />
The following weekend, we celebrated my sister's engagement at my house. Tables wrapped with white tablecloth and adorned with mason jars, flowers and candles as the newly engaged couple sat in front of a backdrop of string lights and hanging lanterns - we threw my baby sister a beautiful Pinterest-worthy backyard party. We had out of town guests who traveled hundreds of miles to attend the formal affair. Little did we know that it would be the last time for all of us to congregate like this.<br />
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While the news was brimming with virus updates and a faltering stock market, life was carrying on as usual for most of us. Just a day earlier, my out-of-town friend was scheduled to visit that weekend, and we were coordinating our lunch and dinner plans.<br />
<br />
It wasn't until the evening of March 11 that we started to take the rapidly spreading virus seriously.<br />
<br />
The World Health Organization announced that the corona virus, officially coined Covid-19, was a global pandemic. President Trump proceeded to ban all travel from Europe. And that would only be the beginning.<br />
<br />
I had missed the live viewing because as soon as my husband came home that night, I dashed out for a needed massage. It was one of those particularly long and exhausted days. My three-year old son was on spring break so he, along with his one year old sister, were home with me as I scrambled to work my full-time job at my home office.<br />
<br />
I made dinner, probably a typical two-hour meal, and finished cleaning up the table.<br />
<br />
I was out of fuel completely.<br />
<br />
I remember debating if I should make the extra 20 minute drive to Richardson for the superior Chinese massage parlor, or just go to the one down the street. It was 8pm and I opted to stay local. The place was empty. Maybe one other patron. <i>'People are racist,'</i> I remember thinking. We had seen pictures of deserted China Towns in New York and California on the news for a couple of weeks now.<br />
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I came back home an hour or so later, and my husband's alarm bells went off.<br />
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"We need to stay home as much as possible," he said. "It's officially a pandemic."<br />
<br />
A pandemic? So what does that mean? How many times in my life, as an adult, has that word really impacted me in any way?<br />
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The next day, I went to the gym to get some work done as I dropped my kids off at the childcare center. It was a little quite. But nothing too unusual. "I guess some people are worried," I said to the childcare employee. They had hand sanitizers at the front and exit. It was new and mandatory.<br />
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"We're keeping it very clean, so no need to worry!' she said.<br />
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By this point, we already had four locally <i>confirmed</i> cases of the virus. Our county announced that all non-essential travel had to stop.<br />
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Two days later, my friend texted me and said she decided to cancel her flight. National sports leagues cancelled all their games almost immediately following the announcement. Then the cruise lines suspended all their outbound ships.<br />
<br />
Wall Street plunged again.<br />
<br />
People were definitely on edge now.<br />
<br />
It was beginning to feel like a scene from a movie before a catastrophe is about to hit. People clogged grocery stores, which were quickly running out of toilet paper and disinfectant wipes. By the week's end, anything deemed 'essential' was hard to find on store shelves. It was really crazy. I never thought I would ever witness anything like this in my lifetime!<br />
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On March 19th, President Trump 'strongly advised' all Americans to socially distance from one another, and restricted gatherings of 10 or more. We knew that lockdowns were being implemented in China and in Europe, but it was surreal to know it was about to happen here. Every state implemented its own version of a 'lockdown', and each city fleshed out its specific details.<br />
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The county judge issued a disaster declaration later that day and all social gatherings with more than 10 people were effectively banned in our city.<br />
<br />
Almost every business was negatively impacted by these measures.<br />
<br />
Like a stack of dominoes, the economy started to fumble, one industry at a time. First, it was the airline industry, then hospitality, and finally the service industry as a whole. Schools were also closing, including my son's preschool.<br />
<br />
It would be the beginning of the stay-at-home official quarantine. Basically, if it is not an essential reason to leave the house, it was not allowed. Companies were arranging work-from-home measures for their employees. And as schools closed, parents had to scramble working from home and teaching/entertaining their children.<br />
<br />
That is if you were lucky that your job wouldn't be impacted by the economic strain of Covid-19.<br />
<br />
Businesses were suddenly reduced to either '<i>essential</i>' and '<i>non-essential'</i>. Unemployment was hitting record highs. Economists were predicting recessions. Even depressions.<br />
<br />
Working in hospitality, I knew I was about to lose my job.<br />
<br />
Everyone I worked with was worried. I'd look for subtle messages from my superiors as I thrashed my keyboard searching for corporate updates and press releases. Our competitors had furloughed 2/3 of their corporate employees as they shut down their hotels across the globe. The following week, another competitor had done the same thing.<br />
<br />
The anticipation fostered unabated anxiety.<br />
<br />
And then on March 25, I got the dreaded announcement. "I'm so sorry, I really hope that once this is all over, you can come back. But right now it's impossible to know for sure," I was told. I would later learn that the entire corporate office would be reduced to only a handful of people. My last day was the 31st of the month and thus began the journey into the unknown. Will they re-hire me when this is all over? Maybe? Maybe not. When could I even think about looking for a job?<br />
<br />
The economy was bruising badly.<br />
<br />
Epidemiologists and economics clashed daily with their predictions. Politicians on both sides of the aisle varied wildly in their opinions. People floated about in an abyss of questions, uncertainty and anxiety. There were more questions than answers. And worse, the answers were always changing.<br />
<br />
The first month, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention advised against wearing masks, as they do not protect us from the virus spread. Then, they changed their mind and said in fact, masks are precisely the agent of defense. A week later, it became mandatory in some cities to wear masks in public.<br />
<br />
Social media was buzzing. From grim news updates and statistics, to berating the Trump administration for poorly handling the crisis. A few even casted doubt on the whole thing.<br />
<br />
"It's just like the flu," many insisted at first. 'Don't believe the hype!"<br />
<br />
Naturally, conspiracy theories flourished. The most popular claim was that the virus was cultivated in a lab, intended to be used as a biological weapon. From there, the theories varied. Some believed it was part a corporate takeover of the world economy, spearheaded by Bill Gates. Others blamed 5G cellular towers, also blaming Bill Gates. China and the US both blamed each other with the same theory.<br />
<br />
Honestly, it was exhausting. Our minds were already cluttered. Constantly. The daily news updates were depressing. Unemployment kept rising.<br />
<br />
And then came <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiger_King">Tiger King.</a><br />
<br />
A true crime documentary on Netflix that kept our traumatized minds distracted with the dumb foolery at an exotic cat zoo in Oklahoma. Humor wasn't lost during these strange times. From the hoarding abuse to the improvised facial coverings, the internet exploded with <a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_1479492948"></span>comic relief.</a><br />
<br />
Speaking of relief, on March 24th, the day after my lay-off announcement, Congress passed a roughly 2 trillion dollar stimulus relief package. This would include direct cash payments of $1,200 for most Americans and $2,400 for families.<br />
<br />
And while I qualified for unemployment - pumped with supplemental income by the CARES ACT - losing my job was still difficult to cope with. Despite my very busy plate, I loved being a working mom. Even when I was replete with exhaustion, I took pride in my textured role.<br />
<br />
So when April 1st came around, all of a sudden, I had eight hours of my day 'freed up'. From day one, I sketched a daily to-do-list with a goal to do at least two projects. As I began my official stay-at-home without a job and <i>unable to leave the house for relief</i> journey, I stayed as busy as ever.<br />
<br />
The house is cleaner. I vacuum daily now. It's quite wonderful. I now make breakfast and lunch, in addition to dinner. I've never eaten breakfast on a weekday before! I even made myself the trendy <a href="https://www.inverse.com/culture/dalgona-coffee">Dalgona coffee</a> a couple of times. So that puts me in the kitchen for a few more hours than before.<br />
<br />
I spend maybe an additional hour on the daily projects. This includes things like organizing the closet, deep-cleaning the refrigerator, and hanging pictures. This consumed about half my otherwise 'work hours'. The other half, I get to stretch throughout the day with my kids.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dalgona Coffee</td></tr>
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My children are at a stage where they need constant supervision and guidance. Since schools and childcare centers were closed, I could no longer outsource their entertainment or learning development. I had to coordinate and plan it all by myself now.<br />
<br />
So when my son asks me to play with him, I don't say 'no' anymore. And when my daughter brings me books, I let her sit on my lap and we read together. My daughter always loved reading but my son never showed an interest in books. And when he saw how his sister was bonding with me during story time, he would feel motivated to participate. Soon enough, he started bringing me books to read with him.<br />
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I couldn't believe it!<br />
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In addition to his newfound joy for reading, my son's speech was improving at a much higher pace than before. This was probably due to the fact that we were spending more time having conversations, a key to speech development.<br />
<br />
I converted my home office into a 'school zone', and cleared one of my shelves for my son's preschool work. I purchased workbooks and printed activities that I've found online. His school sent me some material too, but I found much more visually appealing material on my own quite frankly.<br />
<br />
As the weather warmed up, we were finally able enjoy our backyard. I even took up gardening and my kids are helping me water the plants. We take the kids on wagon rides around the block, trying to avoid the playground of course. It was the only opportunity my kids had to see other people, and they enjoyed every minute of it.<br />
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I have to admit that as an extrovert who thrived on socializing, I thought I would be really depressed about not being able to see people anymore. But socializing with friends and family, along with my former work colleagues, resumed virtually. Between social media and WhatsApp, the occasional video group chats and Netflix watch parties - somehow it felt like a tolerable substitution. And knowing that we are all in this together softened the blow.<br />
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Still. I would have moments of sadness.<br />
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I had such big plans this year, especially for travel. And it is beginning to look like the only traveling I'll be doing is in my photo albums.<br />
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It's been more than a month since the quarantine, and three weeks since I lost my job. And thanks to the stay-at-home measures and social distancing, the virus appears to be flattening. And grocery stores are pretty well-stocked now. (Except disinfectant wipes are still rare to find)<br />
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But we are anticipating this lull to continue on for a few more months. Lest we forget what happened during the flu pandemic of 1918, when the virus seemed to have disappeared by the summer and only to rebound with a vengeance in the fall.<br />
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And while the limitations are definitely difficult at first, I've found a rhythm that is working for my little family. Even if Texas does re-open next month, I don't anticipate much movement from our end. I think we could do this for a few more months, if we needed to.<br />
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<i>Don't waste a crisis</i>, many psychologists were reminding the public.<br />
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Just because we are called to be idle at home, it doesn't mean our minds have to stay idle. When Ramadan made its debut a few days ago, it came with an opportunity for my family and I to refocus. I tried to upgrade my day-to-day routine from the meager task-based completion to an elevated one of substance and spiritual reflection. I also tried to find creative ways to introduce my children to our religion, traditions and learning Arabic. I decorated the game room, bought books and printed materials to create a binder of Ramadan activities for toddlers.<br />
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Again, I had originally planned to outsource all of this, because I was convinced that I'm not good at any of this early childhood stuff. But maybe when the choice is no longer there, I'll discover that I may not be so bad at this. Had it not been for this pandemic-induced unemployment, I would have never even bothered.<br />
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The whole pandemic is undoubtedly a tricky blend of sorrow and hope. Because while the corporate world has accosted me as a non-essential, I have a newfound awareness that in my house and to my kids - <b>I am an essential.</b><br />
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I can live with that. :)<br />
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Lenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10693235532856163560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7864246224412080767.post-3416215016512798542020-03-01T09:42:00.002-08:002020-03-01T14:58:10.000-08:00Cherish your Family, Near and Far (Letter to my daughter #4)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dear Maya,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's cherry blossom season! </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I've always wanted to go to Japan during this time of year and see the alluring pink-hued blossoms in person. I wish we can go to Japan soon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Or anywhere really.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Traveling has been placed on the back burner for a long, long time. There's a worldwide corona virus outbreak and major cities are placing strict travel restrictions. Saudi Arabia shut down the umrah pilgrimage, and Japan (considered a 'hot spot') closed down all its schools for March. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The outbreak began in Wuhan, China. So the Asian continent is pretty much off-limits. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-69Ei8njveg8/XlvnkpG75PI/AAAAAAAAC1Y/aH7huR54zu0E88zBXvaayn4tKJvzPglPwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/maya%2Bducks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-69Ei8njveg8/XlvnkpG75PI/AAAAAAAAC1Y/aH7huR54zu0E88zBXvaayn4tKJvzPglPwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/maya%2Bducks.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duck Pond in Allen, TX 2020</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I thought about a trip to Palestine and Jordan to visit your family and great grandmother. Your great aunt Suad in Ramle called me the other day and she begged me to come visit. She wants to meet you and your brother so badly. We have a strong connection, Amti Suad and I. When I lived in Palestine about nine years ago, she was the one I stayed with and visited most often. We established a special bond. And even though I haven't seen her or talked to her in years - she still thinks of me often. And I think of her too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's easy to forget about them when you're living in America. In our own, insulated bubble in Allen, TX. Yes, we do have so much going on everyday. Between two full-time working parents, a potential enterprise on the horizon - there is always something going on at our house. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've always believed that we should not put off anything in life, especially travel. What is that saying? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Don't put off until tomorrow, what you can do today.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">These are words I've tended to live by. And I stand by it 100% But this past year has been <i>unusually</i> hectic. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The house hunt (all of 2019 basically) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Your grandmother's illness. And then she passed away. (most of 2019)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Your aunt had her baby, your cousin Ayman (2019)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The corona virus. (2020)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We still have so much to do for the new house. We skipped your first birthday and kept putting off your aqiqa.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But that can't be an excuse to put off the things that matter in life. And trying to salvage the finite time remaining with older family members is a priority. I want you to meet them. Get to know them. Let them be a part of your story. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We're blessed to be Americans, and hold the most accessible passport in the world. There's too much uncertainty in life. Especially the older relatives. That was the thought process when we went to Japan, just before you were born, to visit your great, great aunt Hiroi Obasan.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mXRFPbOkiQA/XlvnjsR1UVI/AAAAAAAAC1k/UrNkRYfbv3AVXxIelBa0mOeG_MIKx95BgCEwYBhgL/s1600/family%2Bat%2Bdirbashi2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mXRFPbOkiQA/XlvnjsR1UVI/AAAAAAAAC1k/UrNkRYfbv3AVXxIelBa0mOeG_MIKx95BgCEwYBhgL/s640/family%2Bat%2Bdirbashi2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Since our visit with Malik in 2017, she had collapsed multiple times and had been placed in a nursing home. I was scared that that would have been the last time we could visit her in her own house, the handsome ryokan that had been part of our family for generations. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Her house sits still, off the shores of Kannoura, a small fishing village on the edge of Shikoku island. While it was nothing short of an adventure trying to find the house in the remote fishing village, it was one of the best memories I have with your brother and grandparents. We spent a good a few good days at the ryokan with Hiroi obasan, and she was full of energy. She ran that house, which doubled as a ryokan (traditional hotel), for over 40 years before she was forced to retire. Still, her cooking skills were sharp as ever at the advanced age of 93. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />Some of my favorite memories were watching Malik run up and down the narrow, creeky staircase. And his futile attempts to open the traditional paper sliding doors was amusing. He was around your age now, Mayachan. About 16 months old. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It makes me so sad to know that that would be the last time we would create memories in the storied Ryokan. I'm so afraid that <i>obachan's</i> paternal side of the family will now only exist in memory. Hiroi <i>obasan</i> was the last relative from the Kawabuchi side (Obachan's father's side) of the family to stand her ground in Kannoura. There are few relatives remaining, but she was the only one that was staying in touch with us. Unfortunately, my Japanese is too unreliable to make me an eligible point of contact with our family in Japan. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We do stay in touch with my aunt, Miyuki Obasan, and her kids. She even made you an adorable set of bibs! We received them last week! </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fujbYEbpHLg/Xlvv3dAJKjI/AAAAAAAAC2s/-K5ZxCn5HaA6Pr4nm2nQXY3HqbARgIGLgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/bib.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="360" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fujbYEbpHLg/Xlvv3dAJKjI/AAAAAAAAC2s/-K5ZxCn5HaA6Pr4nm2nQXY3HqbARgIGLgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/bib.JPG" width="360" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You also have a cousin, Tomo-chan, who's about two years old now. We will have to plan our next trip soon so that you can meet him! I intend to have regular retreats to Japan to reunite with family in the future, inshallah. Just like your aunts and I did when we were kids. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My aunts and uncles, grandmother and great aunts and uncles - in Japan and Jordan/Palestine - are all getting older. I haven't seen your great grandmother Ana in almost six years. Since you probably wont get to meet Hiroi Obasan, I feel compelled to take you to meet your great grandmother in Jordan. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Of course I want to take you guys to Palestine. Your dad too. It would be my dream to see my children get to know their homeland, and fall in love with it like I did. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After this virus situation calms down, we will make it happen. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Inshallah</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But just because we haven't traveled much, doesn't mean big things weren't happening right here at home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We moved to a new house, our first house! You have your own room and learned to sleep through the night by yourself! We have ample space in this house, with a dedicated 'game room' for you and your brother to play and fight in.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You have mastered climbing and going down the staircases. We didn't need to get a security gate because you learned to glide down like a pro.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thanks to your grandpa Ibrahim, who's visiting us right now, there are more excuses to congregate with the family. Obachan and Seedo Sami come every weekend. Your dad's sister, aunt Sahar, came with her husband and four kids on New Years. And Auntie Mona moved to Austin a year ago, but we try to see them every few months. You love your cousin, baby Ayman!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HitsKTKcozo/XlvuaoeS8zI/AAAAAAAAC2Q/xqXDXm29z40vFCyTRn6qzZw6dnjaVlEyACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/maya%2Band%2Bayman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HitsKTKcozo/XlvuaoeS8zI/AAAAAAAAC2Q/xqXDXm29z40vFCyTRn6qzZw6dnjaVlEyACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/maya%2Band%2Bayman.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maya and cousin Ayman</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />The kindness that illuminates from your personality has been such a pleasure to watch. It's made it easy for your grandparents to feel attached to you. Even at the gym childcare center, you've finally decided to enjoy it and not cry hysterically at drop off. (Something Malik was doing until he was 3).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm sorry, I shouldn't compare you to your brother, but the differences are so fun to watch. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Take eating.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">YOU LOVE VEGETABLES.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I think if I gave you corn every day, you would be in baby heaven.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jhHwy77GII0/Xlvp4qUcgbI/AAAAAAAAC14/DwHGV-W3InsBWAJ2KmRQDdPyoQdxdajbACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/corn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jhHwy77GII0/Xlvp4qUcgbI/AAAAAAAAC14/DwHGV-W3InsBWAJ2KmRQDdPyoQdxdajbACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/corn.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maya eating corn on Thanksgiving with grandpa Ibrahim</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Your brother used to be a good eater, but has stubbornly refused to eat vegetables since he turned two.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He's not without fantastic qualities, of course. Malik is sweet with you, yet not overly protective. He gives you your space, and plays independently alongside you. Sometimes you fight. You always want to play with his toys. Even though I got you your own 'gender-specific' toys. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sure, sometimes he pushes you around. But he often shows his tender side. For example, when he comes home from school (he goes three times a week), Malik rushes to give you a hug. In fact, you both run towards each other for that tender, sibling embrace. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r62z92B8XGQ/XlvuzYlN5pI/AAAAAAAAC2c/fcC156UTsacpqDGJkWKVXs_tDSZkGPICwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/mitsuwa.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r62z92B8XGQ/XlvuzYlN5pI/AAAAAAAAC2c/fcC156UTsacpqDGJkWKVXs_tDSZkGPICwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/mitsuwa.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Malik and Maya at Mitsuwa, 2020</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--blqIaJzxyM/Xlvuo73mcaI/AAAAAAAAC2U/cOmeoGmUhfkLXzfTKVZzly5_l7X0oPhzQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/malik%2Bplaying%2Bmaya.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--blqIaJzxyM/Xlvuo73mcaI/AAAAAAAAC2U/cOmeoGmUhfkLXzfTKVZzly5_l7X0oPhzQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/malik%2Bplaying%2Bmaya.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Malik and Maya playing, 2020</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1RCd1WM7zqs/Xlvnjt6_OaI/AAAAAAAAC1g/xJkUEZ8v9xYimZN1oQRHM3IgLD9A9UJ5wCEwYBhgL/s1600/malik%2Band%2Bmaya.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1RCd1WM7zqs/Xlvnjt6_OaI/AAAAAAAAC1g/xJkUEZ8v9xYimZN1oQRHM3IgLD9A9UJ5wCEwYBhgL/s640/malik%2Band%2Bmaya.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Malik and Maya painting with water colors.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But as you get older, and as Malik becomes a better communicator, it will be a blast for all of us to enjoy our time together.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Your dad's work schedule has become a lot better and your nap schedule has consolidated into one, long nap during the day, so life has been a little less hectic and chaotic! Alhamdulilah.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As we gradually finish furnishing the house, we can turn our focus onto planning a family vacation!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I CANT WAIT TO TAKE YOU AND MALIK AND TRAVEL THE WORLD. And your dad too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Let's just wait out this virus situation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In the meantime, I try to introduce you and your brother to both of your cultures. We're phasing in Arabic into our everyday vocabulary and I take you to Mitsuwa (Japanese market) almost weekly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Your favorite song is the Egyptian classic, '<i>mama, zaman ha gaya</i>' song. I try to expand your palette too. B</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">oth of you kids love <i>mlokhiyeh</i>, and many Japanese rice dishes like <i>oyakodon</i>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cross-cultural influence is a lot of fun for me to pass down to you and Malik. Language is going to be a challenge, I'm sure. We're going to start with Arabic and see how far we go. But you're smart. I know you'll pick up quickly,<i> inshallah. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was a bit concerned that my love for reading was lost on Malik. But you love books. I'm so relieved! I love when you bring a book to me and sit on my lap for a story time. Your favorite book is <i>Anpanman</i>. You call him, 'manman'. (That was one of your first words).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yes, you're already talking!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Your first word was, '<i>bye'</i>. Followed by, <i>'hi'.</i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And then '<i>darrry'</i> (for daddy). You even call me <i>'darrry'</i> sometimes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's so cute how you run to the staircase and glide down in lightening speed when your dad come home from work. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Maya-chan - your kindness is addicting!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Once, obachan was watching playing with you and Malik in our gameroom. Malik was playing hide and seek with her and she suddenly stopped and started coughing. Even though you were rolling around, doing your thing, you stopped and picked up a water bottle from the other side of the room and brought it to her. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Obachan was so happy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">May your heart always be heavy with kindness. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Love you so much, baby girl.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Your mom,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lena</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">11:56am. Monday, February 29, 2020 </span></div>
Lenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10693235532856163560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7864246224412080767.post-51581905405724983632019-12-25T14:45:00.003-08:002020-03-01T14:57:04.070-08:00Happy New Year Malik! (Letter to my son #10)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Dear Malik,<br />
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You. Have. Come. A. Long. Way!<br />
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At the beginning of the fall break, your teachers were concerned that you have a speech delay. At three years old, they expected you to speak conversationally, and answer questions in complete sentences.<br />
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My gut said, yes, you're a bit behind, but you were catching up. One month after you turned three, I took you to get evaluated, and surely enough, while you would benefit a lot from speech therapy, you weren't showing any serious signs that should concern us just yet. Speech therapy is very expensive, and we were trying to buy a house, so we decided to wait a few months and get you re-evaluated.<br />
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First things first, we needed a house for our family.<br />
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Ever since you were born, we have been jumping from one apartment to another. And while we created wonderful memories in all of them, that small apartment life was starting to get a little too cozy for our family. After looking at over what felt like 100 houses, we finally found the right house for us! On August 23, your dad came home and said, 'I found our house, I'm going to get that house for us". I didn't believe it. We had been looking too long and I had given up hope.<br />
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So a few days later, dad went to see the house and showed it to me through his phone. It was a great house! We made an offer on the house on August 25th and it got accepted the next day! We officially moved into our new home, our first home, on October 1st 2019.<br />
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I don't think you're going to look back, Malik! You'll have your own room, your own closet and ample space! We are also dedicating the game room to you and your sister and are excited to use the very big backyard!<br />
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But most importantly, you'll get to walk up and down the stairs all the time! I know how much you love doing that.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jzEgj-rRmfw/Xlw2lKn-3qI/AAAAAAAAC24/Wm0UWmkguok08JSvOMi9DiDGjugtAWVxwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/malik%2Bducks.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1156" data-original-width="1542" height="478" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jzEgj-rRmfw/Xlw2lKn-3qI/AAAAAAAAC24/Wm0UWmkguok08JSvOMi9DiDGjugtAWVxwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/malik%2Bducks.jpeg" width="640" /></a><br />
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With the house hunt saga finally coming to an end and Maya becoming a year old and more independent, I've finally been able to re-direct some focus on your needs. We got you some new toys, a drawing board with fresh markers, and other activities. You still play with legos, love your action figures, especially spiderman and PJMasks.<br />
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You will draw something interesting on the white board and explain your art. You have a distinct 'happy face' that is basically two dots for eyes and thick eyebrows near the eyes. There's usually ears that are disconnected from the rest of the face and lines for hair above the eyebrows.<br />
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In the past few months, we've seen improvement, Malik! Thanks to our efforts, but also time to allow you to figure it out, you're finally ready to move to the next grade up. Starting January, you moved up to the preschool class. The potty training is still a bit shaky, particularly the #2. But you're almost there! The new teacher, Ms. Yuni, says you're doing really well. This class has been a bit advanced for you, but you're learning so much. Your'e learning how to use a computer and even do yoga!<br />
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There are gaps in your learning, according to the latest evaluation by the ISD. But overall, your'e doing just fine - they said. And we may have to dedicate more time to reading. But man, you hate story time!<br />
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You definitely prefer the screen. Your current favorite shows are Peppa Pig, Mila and Morphil, and Goo Goo Ga Ga. And the iPad is handy for meal time and to prompt nap time. I admit, ideally you would be restricted to an hour or less.<br />
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But between two full-time jobs, your sister and your grandpa staying with us - it's been hard to keep you all at bay when I'm trying to get work done. Or cook. Or keep you quite so that your sister can sleep.<br />
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You still love to dance to Naruto opening songs and occasionally will request Arabic kids songs. (Alwan, Alwan). Once we felt like your grasping English, we began to introduce Arabic to you. Since your grandpa is here visiting, your getting a lot more exposed to Arabic.<br />
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Speaking of your grandpa, I think I know where you get the pickiness from.<br />
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Oh, Malik. You are such a picky eater. It's driving my sanity to shreds. You know, I used to ENJOY cooking. I would make anything and everything - from scratch! But between your dad's pickiness, and your grandfather's extreme pickiness - and YOU - it's been a huge drag to feed all of you.<br />
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Your current favorite foods are fried chicken strips or nuggets, dunked in ketchup, mac and cheese (specifically the Anne's orange box), mlokhiyeh with rice, and most pasta dishes. You will generally 'accept' any variation of chicken with rice. You're vehemently opposed to any vegetable and your picky about your fruits. Namely, grapes, strawberries apples and depending on your mood, bananas.<br />
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There is a lot to fill pages and pages when it comes to you, Malik! You're a very funny, animated boy. You like to push our buttons, and find reasons to laugh at just about anything. You lighten and brighten our house, and bring so much joy to your dad, sister and me.<br />
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Here are some notable moments to take away in the 3 to 3/12 years journey:<br />
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(1) On Christmas, we went to Layana's house and decorated holiday cookies. I love watching you get creative, even if it's not exactly beautiful in conventional terms.<br />
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(2) For thanksgiving, our family gathered at our house as I hosted thanksgiving for the first time. Your grandparents all came and your auntie Mariam too.<br />
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(3) For halloween, you dressed as Mario as that was your choice at the halloween costume store. You and your dad only went out for 10 minutes and came back with like, 8 pieces of candy, lol.<br />
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(4) Your grandmother passed away (Allah yerhamha) in mid October, and your dad was gone for about 10 days. He stayed with her at the hospital the whole time. We missed your dad very much and spent one night at Obachan's house.<br />
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(5) We drove down to Austin to welcome your cousin, Ayman. We spent some quality family time and stayed at Auntie Mona's house. Including Amto Layla<br />
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(6) Amto Layla came to visit for five months. We spent so much time with her! She played bubbles with you and sang Arabic songs to you. She said you are very smart, extremely smart! But you're also stubborn, so we had to be creative with honing in on your hidden talents. You really loved her, too!<br />
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(7) Although we didn't go on any vacations in the summer, we tried to have fun locally with your family. We went to the zoo, the pumpkin patch, the fall festival at the masjid, the Japanese festival, and we've even eaten out at restaurants plenty of times!<br />
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(8) With so many indoor playgrounds in the area, it's a good time to be a three year old. You love Cheeky Monkey, Little Land and Playstreet. I even took you to World of Peppa Pig once.<br />
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(9) There were plenty of birthdays, both family and friends, and your third birthday party was really nice! I worked hard on it!<br />
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(10) We did go to New Orleans in June, and it was the only time we flew on a plane together as a family. Since we went to check on grandma Etaf, it wasn't a vacation. But still, you got to see your dad's side of the family.<br />
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I really hope that one day, you'll find all the above information interesting. It's possible that it'll be more sentimental to me than to you, but if I don't document them somewhere, they may be lost in the black hole of my brain where so much of my memory gets lost. :D<br />
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2019 was a very busy year. From your aunt getting engaged, married and then having a baby to your grandmother's cancer diagnosis and her passing just six months later, to our intense house hunting and moving into our new house - it feels like we never caught a break. I think next year will be a lot less chaotic. We might even go on a family vacation? I sure hope so!<br />
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I love you so much, Malik! And I love that you can finally say, 'I love you Mommy'. But next time, I hope you say it first :D.<br />
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haha.<br />
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See you soon,<br />
Your mommy, Lena<br />
Dec 25, 2019<br />
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Lenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10693235532856163560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7864246224412080767.post-292660326122860282019-10-27T20:31:00.002-07:002019-12-22T15:53:16.611-08:00Honoring Grandma Etaf (A letter to my children)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Dear Malik and Maya,<br />
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I have somber news to share.<br />
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I needed to put it in writing when it's ongoing. I am watching you and I can't tell you what happened. I have to pretend everything is OK. So here it is.<br />
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Your grandmother, Etaf Battash, passed away last night. We had been praying for her recovery. She was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer earlier this year, around April. It has been a very difficult last few months, as she battled the symptoms and side effects of the chemotherapy treatment. I won't go into details of it, but just understand that when you're in the advanced stages of cancer, you slowly lose yourself. And that's what happened to grandma. The light in her eyes was fading. Her laughter, which we always heard when we saw her on FaceTime, became rarer with each call. Towards the end, we stopped seeing her. It's so hard, especially for your dad. Watching someone you love so much descent onto such a arduous journey takes a toll on you. Alhamdulilah, though, that we have Islam and that He assures us that death is not the end. That suffering in this life washes away our sins. We trust in Allah, and we belong to him and unto Him we shall return.<br />
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I do want to take this opportunity, despite the list of things on my 'To Do List', to honor your grandmother. Honor her with her memory. Her life. Her story. And how much she loved her family.<br />
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Malik, your grandmother was obsessed with you since you were born. She came when you were a week old and stayed with us for a month to take care of you. She helped me with the diaper changes, feeding you and making sure we were all comfortable. She called you, 'Malooki' and had changed her phone screen to pictures of you. I can bet that until the last of her day, your picture was the background wallpaper of her phone.<br />
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Maya, your grandmother stayed with us a month before you were born. She helped us with everything like cooking and taking care of Malik so I can get some work done and prepare for your arrival. Your grandparents came to visit when you were 6 months old. We all drove down to Austin together and celebrated your aunt Mona's wedding together. It was the first time we learned about her cancer. We knew then that her days were numbered. We were able to go visit them this past summer, in June, and spent a few days with your dad's family. She was already diagnosed by the time you met her, and her auro had dimmed a bit already. But she never, ever showed glimpses of her sorrow when you were around. She put on her happiest and best self - always.<br />
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Just sharing these photos for you both is making me tear up. It'll make me sad for a long, long time. But I have to remind myself, too, that instead of mourning her, we should celebrate her life and memories. One way your father and I will honor the memory of your grandmother is by recollecting bits and pieces of her life for you.<br />
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I pray that you both get to spend a lot of time with both of your grandparents, who are still alive and well. And your seedo, of course. I think he'll be spending a lot more time with us now that your grandma is gone. Through him comes the ultimate opportunity to document stories of your grandma! Good thing I'm a writer, I should be able to do a decent job with the 'Grandma Etaf' storytelling project. Grandpa Ibrahim is the best grandpa. He loves you guys so much. Grandma Etaf used to say that she is shocked at how hands-on her husband is with the both of you. 'He never played with his own children like he does with yours,' she used to say to me.<br />
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Allah yerhamha. May God be merciful on her.<br />
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Sometimes, we forget that they'll leave us one day. And we get too busy. Nobody in this world will adore you, cherish you and protect you like your parents.<br />
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We can't shield you from all the hurt and sadness of life. That's Allah's hands and we trust him. We have to keep our iman intact and strong, and it will help us get through even the most difficult tests. And if I can't be there for you, or your dad, Allah will.<br />
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He will be there, always. In this life and in the next.<br />
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Love you both so much. My babies.<br />
See you soon,<br />
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Mommy Lena<br />
October 25<br />
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Lenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10693235532856163560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7864246224412080767.post-40851314831686104552019-08-05T16:46:00.002-07:002020-02-17T09:31:26.737-08:00A roller coaster first year (Letter to my Daughter #3)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dear Maya-<i>chan</i>,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">How are you already 10 months old??</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So much has happened since I wrote the last letter to you, back when you were only three months old and bounded in newborn territory. You're sprouting very quickly. You're tall like your dad and I've already packed up boxes and boxes of clothes that you've outgrown. You may be 10 months, but you've been wearing 12-18 month <i>onsies</i> for weeks now! One thing that hasn't grown much, however, is your hair...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But it's your personality that has been the most interesting to watch - and it's changed so much already!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The first eight months or so, you were docile and easy-going. You let anyone hold you and didn't fuss when being cared for by someone other than me or your dad. Everyone said you were a sweet, good baby.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well, Maya, there's been a <i>shift, </i>in your temperament.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Congratulations, you hit one of your first emotional milestones: <b>Separation Anxiety</b><b>.</b> You realized that there's only one of me. And I'm unlike everyone else. Its okay, though. It'll pass. It took Malik three years to finally stop crying when I leave him anywhere!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I rarely leave you with anyone else anyway. <b>You're always with me</b> at home while I'm working my day job remotely from my "home office". (It's a $30 desk from <i>Ikea</i> tucked between the bathroom door and our bed). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So you're generally a pretty happy baby - except when you get sleepy.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> You resist every nap. Now that you're standing up, it's a more concerted effort to convince you that you are tired and need to wind down.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's hard not to chuckle when we see you drenched in tears and sweat. All to fight a (usually) futile attempt to get back on the floor - where you've mastered the art of crawling.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's obvious that you've been itching to explore for some time. By six months, you've learned to stand up. You crawled right around seven months (faster than Malik), and cruised your way around the living room almost immediately after. You'll be walking any moment now!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I love seeing your adventurous side.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You're beginning to showcase a lot of your brothers qualities. I thought he was that way because he's a boy. I'm relieved to confirm that a sense of adventure is not gender-specific.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But one distinctive quality about you is the vitality of your curiosity. Malik used to focus on one area of the house, like my bookcase. You, on the other hand, don't like to be contained. You'll go room to room, check behind the doors and into the kitchen. You've navigated every nook and cranny of our 1,200 sq. feet space.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's not a whole lot of land to explore. As your dad likes to say, it's...<i>cozy.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We've been searching for a house for what feels like a very, very, very long time. I talked about how knee-deep we were in house hunting in our last letter - and we haven't even gotten close to finding the right house. No worries, though, there have been so many other changes around us that I have to update you on.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">First, your aunt Mona, who stayed by my side the whole time in the hospital when you were born, got married! It was one of the best moments for our family! She married a wonderful man, uncle Asim, and we couldn't be happier for them! The wedding was perfect, and I dressed you in a Kimono that was sent to us from Japan! You turned heads, my beautiful Maya!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The wedding gave our families an opportunity to spend quality time together. These days, it's harder for all of us to congregate since everyone is always so busy. We all took a couple of days off from work and drove down to Austin where the wedding took place and where auntie Mona will be living. Grandpa and Grandma even flew from New Orleans for the wedding!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That brings me to the second, significant update, dear Maya. I'm afraid it's not good news.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We found out that your grandmother, Etaf, is very sick. She was diagnosed with cancer only three weeks before the wedding.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was very difficult news to take in, and your dad was very, very sad. He cried so much. But grandma Etaf is a strong woman, and when she came, she didn't even seem sick!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Her spirit has been waning, though. She's not the same. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I hope - we all hope - and pray that she gets better. Because you have to get to know her!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A woman of her generation, Grandmother Etaf had endured and sacrificed so much for her family. Six years ago, in 2012, she fled Syria with grandpa Ibrahim from the war. Your grandparents left everything in their house in Damascus and haven't been able to go back. It triggered some difficult memories for Grandma Etaf, who went through a similar ordeal in Kuwait during the Gulf War almost 30 years ago. She scrambled with her five children for months until they settled in Syria.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As a Palestinian, Grandma Etaf's adventures go back further than that. In 1948, during the Palestinian <i>nakba</i>, she was uprooted from her hometown of <i>Bait Safafa</i>, a suburb in west Jerusalem, when she was six years old.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">She cried when I showed her a footage of her old neighborhood that I took in <i>Bait Safafa</i> when I visited years ago. I have pictures of your great-grandfather's abandoned Glass Factory. I can't wait to share that story with you. Better yet, I look forward to the day you get to walk those same steps as your grandmother in Bait Safafa. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Inshallah. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For <i>Eid</i>, we all flew to New Orleans to visit your Grandmother Etaf, <i>Seedo</i> Ibrahim and your aunt Sahar and her family. It was your first time on a plane and the first time for us to fly together as a family of four!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You are so lucky to have both of your grandmothers close by. Luckily, your <i>Obachan</i> (Japanese word for grandmother) lives only 25-minutes away and we see her every weekend! She, too, battled cancer not too long ago. <i>Alhamdulilah.</i> She is now cancer free and has been for a while! Obachan is very active and healthy. She does yoga every night and spends all her Saturdays cleaning the pool and helping <i>Seedo</i> Sami with his business.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Speaking of family. Your great aunt, <i>Amto</i> Layla, is visiting here from Jordan! She hasn't been here in more than 30 years! <i>Amto</i> Layla is an animated story teller bursting with life. You'll love her.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So that's the latest, in a nutshell. From the good news speckled with a little bad. But this is life. I hope that you will enjoy all the good that will come and not only go through life's challenges - but to grow from them. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You're blessed with so many female role models who will help inspire you along the way. From Grandma Etaf, Hitomi </span><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Obachan - to</i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> your aunts and cousins and so many more!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Women, and Muslim women in particular, have made great strides that were unheard of when I was growing up. From fearless elected US Congresswomen Ilhan Omar (D-MI) to Olympic Fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad - these trailblazers have chartered a path riddled with obstacles to make it more achievable for girls like you, Maya.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have great hopes for you. My imagination runs wild when I think of all you can do!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In the meantime, it's okay that your major obstacle now is being put to bed. And it's okay that your path is currently impeded by your brother's toys.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The world is your oyster. Trek it fiercely and with compassion.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Love you so much,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mommy</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Aug 3</span><br />
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Lenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10693235532856163560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7864246224412080767.post-88187163944931729632019-05-12T14:42:00.000-07:002019-05-14T12:12:39.332-07:00My New Normal: Two Kids under Three!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Happy Mother's Day!</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">This is the second year I get to celebrate Mother's Day....and the first year as a Mother of TWO!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That's right. I have KIDS. The plural form. 'S'.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The induction began seven months ago. But here's an opportunity for me to finally talk about life with two kids. Two kids under the age of 3.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I don't know if I want to say that I've become 'more' of a mom. But I kind of did. Because I am the 'mom' for two kids, as oppose to one. TWO. Two human beings have ME as their mom.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That's huge. For me. A woman who had 0 maternal instincts until her second baby. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I definitely advanced from 'Rookie Mom', as I had previously categorized myself in a series of posts, 'Chronicles of a Rookie Mom'. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yeah, that's right. I actually think I'm becoming pretty good at this!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Self-evaluation, of course.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm still working my full-time job and my toddler is only going to school part-time. The baby is with me 100% of the time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: center;">People always wonder. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"<i>How do you work at home with little ones?"</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Others assume that I've hit the jackpot.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>"You're so lucky you get to work from home!"</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They are both correct.<i> </i>I am <i>crazy</i> to be doing what I'm doing<i> and I am lucky. </i>I am lucky that I am working (within my field) while also being able to be front-and-center with my children. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am blessed that I am somehow getting our family a second income while simultaneously saving us two daycare bills. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I took three months of maternity leave and tried to use that time to learn how to juggle the baby and</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> weaving her into the day-to-day routine, along with my toddler, before resuming my day job. I couldn't get my son into the full-time class so I was prepared for things to get pretty dicey - especially on the days where my husband is working through the evening. </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's been four months since and while I am proud to have managed thus far, I am </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>always on the verge of feeling burnt-out. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wake up and I have to prepare for my day job along with the toddler and the baby. There is breakfast to prepare, diapers to change, lunches to pack, and baby to dress just to take with me to drop off the toddler. Then I rush back home to resume my day job with baby in tow - all before 9am! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are toddler tantrums, two diapers to change, diaper blow-outs, picky eating and the mess. Oh the mess. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Nap time used to be my life-savers. But with two? Forget it. If one naps, the other one is always trying to wake the other one up. They're also still too young to <i>'play with each other'</i>. Gosh, I really look forward to that day (even if it means fighting will ensue...)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Because my work is from home, the household management has become my domain. I take care of the food preparation, grocery lists, clothing, laundry, and residential upkeep. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I basically do everything a stay-at-home mom does while putting in 8-hours a day for my job. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's exhausting. Not just physically. But the mental bandwidth anchors me down. I've thought about quitting. But for now, I reeled back on other areas like stepping down from the board of a professional networking organization and regularly skip on social gatherings that would have required me to hire a babysitter. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I used to be able to manage with one. But things get a lot more complicated with two. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For starters, it costs more to babysit two. Adding to that, my son throws HUGE tantrums (throws up) if I leave him with anyone. (The only person who used to be able to babysit my kids is my sister, who just got married and moved.) So until my kids are not going to cry hysterically and throw up every.single.time - it just isn't worth it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now that I write this, my life sounds daunting. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's not! I still have plenty of <i>me-time</i></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you asked me before what my favorite hobbies were, they would have been: Traveling, Reading, Writing, Socializing and Cooking.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Two babies later, my leisure time took on a new twist on old hobbies (socializing, cooking), a watered down version of other hobbies (reading, writing) and momentarily killed off others (traveling). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've also learned to enjoy new hobbies like binge-watching television shows. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I can watch all eight seasons of 'Game of Thrones' while I'm feeding the baby or 'semi' playing Legos with my toddler. I can shop for groceries or do a Target run on my phone (via Apps) while exploring the new shows on Netflix.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Multitasking is a skill that polishes up as a mom. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One way I've mentally prepared to deal with this mother-load is to learn how to curtail self-guilt. For example, what I feed my kids or how much screen time they are exposed to. The <i>type A mom</i> would have a heart attack if she came in for observation on a day that I'm working my full-time job with BOTH children at home with me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Screen time is a daily part of family life with my little kids. The television (sing-along) keeps my seven-month old distracted enough that I can get dinner prepared in time for the family. And if cookies and bubble tea will motivate my son to eat his dinner - then those bribes will be utilized. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>'Whatever works'</b> is really the motto that oils the engine of our tumultuous day-to-day routine. It's probably why I can pat myself on the back at the end of each day rather than wallow in mom guilt. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So there it is. My <i>new norma</i>l.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On paper, this normalization may seem less than desirable. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I remember feeling worried that I might get postpartum depression because of the stark contrast with my previous lifestyle. I don't go out much and my passport has been picking up dust. I haven't traveled in a whole year!! This is crazy talk for a traveling soul like myself. I had recently reconnected with an old friend and she was aghast at the little resentment I had. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But what I haven't touched on is what I get in return. I am reaping the rewards every single day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The copious amount of love and affection from my children foster an atmosphere that makes me feel so blessed. </span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cSwiUDe3Hb0/XNi2RCozSCI/AAAAAAAACiY/JoGBCGQCORkG3eYH0GasBVlFZIwI8f1LQCEwYBhgL/s1600/malikmaya.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cSwiUDe3Hb0/XNi2RCozSCI/AAAAAAAACiY/JoGBCGQCORkG3eYH0GasBVlFZIwI8f1LQCEwYBhgL/s400/malikmaya.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My son is obsessed with me. He follows me around the house and if we're out, he's clinging on to me like a purse. My baby girl is a doll, her large almond-shaped eyes flush with adoration. When I look her way, her smiles are so wide that I'm sure she's over-stretching her tender cheeks!</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Being a mom feels egotistical. I'm being rewarded with so much love and affection. For what? Because I am keeping them alive and well? Because I am not working my dream job right at this moment or temporarily put world travel on hold? Because I don't sleep...?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I can be a terrible good for nothing mom and I will still</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> be the center of their universe.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The highlight of my days, more than my babies oozing love towards me, is their affection towards each other. I'm sure I will develop wrinkles around the eyes and mouth from the number of times I smile so aggressively throughout the day as I watch my son hold his sister's hand when he lays next to her (with his iPad). Or the way my daughter's eyes dance as her brother jumps like a monkey to entertain her.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">BE.STILL.MY.HEART. <---I finally understand what this means! And again, I'm so blessed to experience this feeling that I didn't know existed before. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That's not to say that I didn't experience amazing things before today. Like when I first went to Palestine as a journalist and fulfilled an ambitious and passionate dream. That was a turning point in my life. A coming of age. And as significant as it was, that chapter of my life was only two years. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And just like my new normal with two kids under three, this too, is a short window. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A mere chapter of a colorful story. The older chapters are there for me to remind me lest I forget who I am as a person. That is key here. Not to lose yourself as a person. I don't let the role of motherhood 'take over' or replace the person I was before kids. For example, I won't stop wanting to travel. Or stop reading international news analysis and engage in debate. I will not limit my friendships to mothers with children my kids' ages. I make a concerted effort to keep up with my friends who are not mothers. If all you can muster in conversation is your children then you are setting yourself up for problems in the future. That's why its important to retain your interests before you had kids and stay well-rounded.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But I will not be afraid of evolving into the best mother I can be to my kids. That is a delicate balance I've mastered. And one way I do it is to always keep things in perspective.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Most importantly, my children have their health. This is the biggest blessing. Secondly, I am wanted <u>all the time</u>. It's actually crazy to think that my daily irritation often stems from my children needing me so much. I often find myself yelling at my toddler because he grabs my phone and hides it (so I can give him my full attention). Or when I curse in my head when the baby wakes up for her second feeding at 5am. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One day, my children will not need me. One day I will not be the center of their universe. A day will come when my son will not jump on top of me while I'm trying to work or run to me when I pick him up from school. A day will come when he will stop grabbing my hand every hour to play with him. One day, they will choose their friends, video games, or a romantic interest over me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They will eventually learn to talk back to me and even tell me they hate me. It's a scary and unimaginable thought right now so I try not to think about it. And when that day comes, I will have my passport ready for me. The dormant pre-baby self will resume at full throttle. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Until then, </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I want to savor this <i>new normal</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b> Happy Mother's Day to me!</b></span></div>
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Lenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10693235532856163560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7864246224412080767.post-83283825860525687212019-02-02T07:23:00.000-08:002019-02-04T08:10:59.509-08:00Thank you for Loving your Sister (Letter to my Son #9)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Dear Malik,<br />
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Congratulations!!! You sat on the potty and PEED!!</div>
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I did not expect you to pick up potty training so quickly. People said boys are harder to train and to wait until you are three years old. But last night, dad put you on the potty for the first time and you actually peed.<br />
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When your dad told me, I ran to your room and almost broke your toddler bed when I jumped on it.<br />
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"<b><i>Good Job, Malik!!!!</i></b>" I shouted, in what can arguably constitute as hysteria.</div>
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I startled your baby sister and she began to cry. So you ran to her and gently patted her bare and supple head. My heart melted. And suddenly, at that moment, the potty-training felt like an underwhelming achievement.<br />
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I read a statistic once that 80% of parents are more concerned with their toddlers' achievements and milestones <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/parenting/wp/2014/07/18/are-you-raising-nice-kids-a-harvard-psychologist-gives-5-ways-to-raise-them-to-be-kind/?utm_term=.ecddd43622bd" target="_blank">than their care for others. </a><br />
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I am guilty of this, too. Since you were a baby, I meticulously followed the milestone timelines I found online to ensure that you were developing properly.<br />
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At two years old, you are right on track. You know all your ABC's, numbers, colors and animals. Anytime you see words, you spell each letter out loud, even in the car when we drive pass billboards. Your vocabulary has expanded and you are beginning to form full sentences.<br />
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(Even if they are often one-word sentences. Ie: '<i>Wheredidyougodaddy</i>?')</div>
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You are also a relatively good eater. I give myself credit, I work hard to discipline you in this area. I am not strict about what you eat, as long as you eat what I make.<br />
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While we are very pleased with your development, what gives us the most gratification is watching you manifest into a loving, big brother.<br />
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Ever since we brought your sister home, you have generously showered her with affection. Watching the way you look at her is the best part of my otherwise chaotic life. Nobody prepared me for this feeling. A new kind of pure and rudimentary tenderness.<br />
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When I pick you up from school, you run to the car hoping to see your sister. 'Baby!' When she kicks off her pink fleece blanket, you stop what you're doing to pull it back over her. When she cries uncontrollably, you pluck the pacifier from your mouth and fasten it in hers. She'll spit it out three or four times and you'll keep at it until she gives in.<br />
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She's what you look forward to the most when you wake up every day. By 7:30 am, we can expect to hear you clamor your way to my room, where the baby sleeps, to lay next to her and hold her hand.<br />
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It used to be your iPad. It used to be your warm bottle of milk.<br />
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It used to be me.<br />
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But today, your little sister is the first thing on your mind.<br />
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Sure, you have your smug moments. I've had to yell 'no' so many times, like when I catch you trying to lift her off the swing or when I find her head buried under a pile of toys. I know it's not because you want to hurt her. You just want to play with her! And soon enough, you will get to play with each other. You will fight and I'll join the "I'm so sick of them fighting," chorus that I hear moms complain about all the time.<br />
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But right now, I want to enjoy this deep fondness and genuine adoration encapsulated in your eyes.<br />
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Oh, Malik. You continue to bring us so much joy and laughter into our lives! We enjoy watching you build impressive villages with the legos and wooden blocks and laugh at your distinct dance moves to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0sAKJT99hE&t=655s" target="_blank">Naruto opening songs</a>. But most importantly, beneath your sunny disposition, behind your good eating habits and occasional nudnik tantrum - lies a heart of gold.<br />
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Nature vs. Nurture? I believe that goodness is instinctive. And I also believe that it has to be harnessed, encouraged and modeled after. So I hope as your parents, we put ourselves up to the task and set a consistent example. Kindness has the potential to metastasize rapidly once it is planted in you.<br />
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Life will be a lot more complicated one day and it may feel like being kind is irrelevant or futile. It's a lesson I had to reteach myself year after year. We will not always know when the right thing to do is or what the right paths we should take. But one thing I do know for sure, is when given the choice to be right or kind, <i>always choose kindness</i>.<br />
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Sincerely,<br />
Your Mom Lena<br />
Feb 2, 2019</div>
Lenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10693235532856163560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7864246224412080767.post-34734122316528665692018-11-26T15:47:00.001-08:002020-03-01T14:48:41.460-08:00Who is Maya? (Letter to my Daughter #2)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Dear Maya,<br />
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You finally smiled!<br />
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It took about three months...sheesh!<br />
<br />
I have so much to say, and don't know where to start! I needed to give you something before the fickle newborn look dims and that brazen shade of crimson fades from your face. Before I go back to my full-time job and get <i>really</i> busy...<br />
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First, I want to let you know that I was so ecstatic when I found out you were a girl! My head was filled with 'Hello Kitty' and pink outfits. We are all sisters in my family so I should know a thing or two about how to connect with you.<br />
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Everyone says you're my '<i>mini me</i>'! Obachan says you remind her so much of her daughters when we were babies. Plump, bald and almond-shaped eyes.<br />
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Speaking of which, I imagine that you are reading this to learn about yourself. At three months, here is what we know about you so far:<br />
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1. You love me.</div>
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2. You sleep all night already!! That is a huge deal! </div>
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3. Your...excretions are loud. I mean the whole house will hear your poop. </div>
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4. You like to be held all the time and that's not a bad thing. You just love me that much. </div>
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5. I am pretty sure you are terrified of your brother. </div>
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6. Your feet is always cold and your big toe splits with your long toe forming a 'peace sign'</div>
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7. Sometimes, you pretend to be hungry and then throw up because you're too full. Gluttony.</div>
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8. You like to sleep on your sides and be held upright. Could just be an acid reflux thing. </div>
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9. Your dad gives you silly nicknames like 'My little Buddha' and 'broken car' (when you cry)</div>
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10. Your a big baby. You're already wearing 3-6 months pants and you're not even 2 months old!</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I can't wait to get to know you and watch you as you navigate your own journey! I hope to keep up with the letters. I have terrible memory so it's imperative that I document everything in writing! That's why I also want to share the compositions of our present-day family life with you. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><b>About Our Family</b></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">1. Every morning, your brother gets up from bed and walks to our room, climbing onto our bed to give you a kiss uttering, 'Babyyy'. Then he jumps on you so I have to pull him away. Every.Time.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">2. Your brother goes to school only twice a week and I'm still on maternity leave so the three of us spend a lot of quality time together. It's a very special time and I cherish every second. But it's also exhausting and your dad can expect to hear an ear-full when be comes home from work. Fun times.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">3. Your father and I are binge-watching Naruto Shippuden anime. We're almost finished and I can say with a tad of shame that it took me eight years to complete. Great anime. Maybe you'll watch it one day...</span></div>
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4. Another obsession or perhaps a phase we have is bubble tea. Gong Cha, Sharetea, Hello Bobba are our top three favorites and we have one every night. Yes. EVERY. Night! Even Malik...he loves boba.</div>
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5. We are looking for houses. Not sure this is important for you to know but it is something your father and I talk about everyday since you were born. I hope it happens by the time you can read this...</div>
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6. I'm constantly sharing social media (Snapchat) clips of your brother snatching the pacifier from your mouth, as you watch in submission. Friends give me all sorts of amusing feedback!</div>
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7. Your grandparents adore you and your grandmother feels a special connection because you bring back memories of her daughters.</div>
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8. You have yet to meet your other grandparents, but your dad is always sharing your videos with them. You will meet them soon.</div>
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9. I have three pimples and need to lose weight. So does your dad, he has a big belly!</div>
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10. We love you so much and feel so blessed to be your family!<br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">Sincerely,</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Your mom</span></div>
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Lenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10693235532856163560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7864246224412080767.post-72268246848969913922018-09-30T14:29:00.000-07:002020-03-01T15:09:55.746-08:00Letter to my Daughter #1 (On the Night you were Born)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Dear Maya,<br />
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On the night you were born, you were mad red.<br />
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"She's really angry!" the doctor chuckled.<br />
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Not exactly the image I had imagined for you. A loud, crimson baby. The slime didn't help.<br />
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Your dad and I looked at each other, amused and a little confused. "Why is she so red?" I asked as the doctor handed you to me, thankfully wrapped in a towel.<br />
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"She's really angry," the doctor repeated. I guess she thought I didn't hear that the first time.<br />
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But as soon as you laid on my chest, your heart settled and your cries ceased.<br />
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"<i>Aww, my baby.</i>" I said. "<i>My sweet baby girl.</i>"<br />
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We didn't have a name for you yet. Your dad was still hoping I would give in and name you Talia.<br />
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I made sure to look a little more presentable on the night of your birth so that we could take decent photos immediately after you came out.<br />
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Unfortunately, nobody took <u>that</u> photo! But don't worry, there are photos of you on the night you were born!<br />
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Your grandparents, aunts and brother were waiting outside. They were eager to meet you and were shocked at how fast you arrived. (It took all night with your brother!)<br />
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The most excited person to meet you was your brother, Malik! We will never know what your brother knew that night. Or if he knew anything at all. But that moment when dad crouched down with you in his arms, Malik knew something special just happened.<br />
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'Baby!' he exclaimed.<br />
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"<i>This is your baby sister! Kiss baby</i>!' Dad said.<br />
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And your brother leaned over, paused with his eyes averted to make sure he's doing it right, and kissed you!<br />
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(He's never kissed me or dad - by the way - even though we beg him too all the time.)<br />
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It was the sweetest moment of the night.<br />
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It was almost 10pm and I also hadn't eaten anything all day (It's the rule). Everyone was pretty tired but happy with your smooth arrival! They waited outside so that we can have our first bonding moment - through nursing - and you latched on IMMEDIATELY.<br />
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This is a huge deal because I struggled a lot with your brother!<br />
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It may have been only like 10 minutes, but since you were born, you were already a much easier baby than Malik!!<br />
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Thank you Maya :)<br />
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After feeding, the nurses got you cleaned up and put you in the nursery where your grandparents and aunts watched. Everyone kept commenting about how red you <i>still </i>were.<br />
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It's not a bad thing. Roses are red!<br />
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Oh Maya, you aren't red because you were angry. You are red because you are my daughter. Your aunts and I were all crimson at our birth nights. Wear it like a badge of honor.<br />
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You are my mini me!<br />
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I did not enjoy the hospital stay. The food was terrible. The nurses were rushed and impersonal and one reprimanded me for letting you sleep with me in the hospital bed.<br />
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It was her job, I know. It can be dangerous to have a newborn sleep next to a mom. You could have suffocated, I suppose. But you insisted...<br />
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Although auntie Mona stayed with us the whole time and we many visitors drove a long way to meet you - I was itching to leave.<br />
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The only thing we needed to do was give you a name. Dad and I couldn't agree on a name for you until five minutes before we left the hospital!<br />
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Obviously, your mom won. And aren't you glad, Maya-chan!? :)<br />
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Dad, Malik and I couldn't wait to bring you home and get you settled into our family!<br />
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Welcome to our lives, my dear Maya.<br />
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Lenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10693235532856163560noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7864246224412080767.post-75250159124242111542018-09-09T07:57:00.002-07:002018-09-10T06:46:50.787-07:00Pregnant at 32: The Second Pregnancy is Special<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1080" height="636" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kKRclpgh1qU/W40wRpC6E-I/AAAAAAAACYI/6dp03jcoSso_SvXsL8J8GOhEMH-hoOdBgCLcBGAs/s640/Lena%2BBaby%2BShower%2B2.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Afternoon Tea Baby Shower</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've debated with myself these last eight months if it was worth chronicling my </span><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">second </i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">pregnancy. I had dwelled on the subject matter through four separate blog posts with my first pregnancy so it's potentially exhausted material. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But I think there might be some fresh angles I can offer this second time around. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I integrate my age in my pregnancy narrative because the topic of first-time 30-something year-old-moms is remarkably relevant, with more and <a href="http://www.slate.com/blogs/xx_factor/2017/05/17/cdc_data_says_women_in_their_thirties_are_having_more_babies_than_women.html" target="_blank">more women deliberately choosing to wait until they are in their 30's to have children</a>. In fact, the<b> 30-34</b> age bracket of first time moms in the US has officially surpassed the <b>25-30 </b>bracket last year, according to the CDC. Since I neatly fit in this statistical shift with my first at 30 and second at 32/33, I feel like detailing my journey can positively contribute to the conversation so many women (moms and not-yet-moms) are having about age, fertility and motherhood. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Plus, m</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">y future daughter should have an opportunity to read about her gestation since I had written </span><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">so much</i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> about her brother. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So here it goes. Compartmentalized and condensed in one post for your browsing convenience.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Finding Out I was Pregnant</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">First Pregnancy: </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Naturally, this was a very, very BIG deal. I had been married for two years and just celebrated my 30th birthday on the alps of Machu Pichu. I was also in the process of looking for a new job and stressed out about my career trajectory. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Getting pregnant was not on my immediate radar as I was still very much in the </span><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">career-first</i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> mindset. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So when I started experiencing weird symptoms, I thought maybe I was having stress-induced hormonal imbalances or PCOS. When</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> the sonographer showed me the fetus, I was shocked - borderline terrified. Though it took a few months, I eventually embraced the journey that loomed.</span><br />
<b><span style="color: #ea9999; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="color: #ea9999; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Second Pregnancy: </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One day, as I was working, my body was struck with fatigue so debilitating that I had to lay down for the rest of the day. It was not normal but...it was familiar. The last time I felt this way was when I was pregnant. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"<i>No way...</i>" I thought. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We weren't "trying", but there was no other explanation. So when I mentioned the possibility to my husband, he was unbridled with denial. "No, that's impossible," he would say. ( When it comes to pregnancy, a lot of things are possible.) The following week, other familiar symptoms started to make headway and I just knew. My husband bought, not one, <u>but three pregnancy tests.</u> After the second positive result, the skepticism was nipped in the bud. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Surprised? Yes. Disappointed? No, not at all. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The timing was welcomed as I feel pretty comfortable with my identity and role as a mother. With an accommodating job and a two-year-old peddling towards independence, I feel prepared for a chaotic but coherent next chapter. I will admit that one of my first thoughts when I got the pregnancy confirmation was, "Thank God I made that trip to Japan last winter happen."</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>First Pregnancy: </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Being a first time mom can make you feel a little neurotic, even for a laid back person like myself. I subscribed to all the popular pregnancy apps like 'What to Expect when you're expecting' and 'The Bump". I watched all the videos and while I did not read any pregnancy books, the internet is a resourceful tool for pretty much any random question or concern I had. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was always aware that I was pregnant. I looked at myself in the mirror everyday and documented the progression of my belly. I had my colleagues at work take photos of me and my 'baby bump' with a chalkboard announcement of the weeks I was pregnant. I instagramed them throughout the pregnancy. I updated my family every week with the 'fruit' size I was carrying. From blueberries to peaches to eggplants - my family and I were excited about the 'fruit of the week'.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b style="color: #e06666;">Second Pregnancy: </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I remember worrying about having no life after a baby. Now, I am certain <i>I will have no life</i> after two. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Though I feel pretty untethered about whats coming, I am admittedly anxious about juggling two very young children, especially because my toddler is very spirited and has already flipped the bassinet we set up for the new baby a couple of times. He is not potty trained (yet) so there will be a lot more diaper changing carving up my days ahead. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">"Morning" Sickness</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>First Pregnancy: </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The all-day sickness of nausea, fatigue and loss of appetite lasted four months during my first pregnancy. I had a spit cup in the car and threw up regularly out of my car window during the excruciating long commutes from work. I went straight to bed after work and confined myself in my room all weekend. We ordered food in everyday and binged watched all of <i>The Walking Dead</i> seasons to pass the time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b style="color: #e06666;">Second Pregnancy: </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The all-day sickness permeated the first and some of the second trimester. This time, however, because I am working from home, the sickness package was bit more manageable. No throwing up in public. No spit cups. I could lay in bed at any moment and contained my sickness in the comfort of my home. The challenge, of course, is a hyper toddler who was at home with me. Somehow, I managed to juggle work, toddler and morning sickness for four months! Let's just say the iPad played a very important role here. I didn't cook at all and had downloaded and utilized all the food delivery apps on my phone. I did feel guilty that my son was eating 'outside food' all the time, but he survived. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b style="color: blue;"><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black; font-size: x-large;">Pregnancy "Complications"</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b style="color: blue;"><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b style="color: blue;">First Pregnancy: </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Overall, my first was a very easy pregnancy. The only nuisance was nasty fungal rashes and pimple outbreaks all over my belly. Thankfully, they cleared up a few weeks after baby was born. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Second Pregnancy: </span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While I did not experience any serious complications, the second pregnancy was definitely more uncomfortable. This baby is a lot more active, and I experienced new but not unusual symptoms like carpel tunnel and rapid heart palpitations. I had to go to different specialists (so more medical bills) to get them addressed. Blood tests revealed that I'm a little anemic so I am taking iron supplements to balance my heart rate. For the carpet tunnel/muscle spasms affecting my hand and wrist, I wore a hand brace for two weeks and a few massage sessions with a medial therapist remedied the pain effectively. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Announcement</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">First Pregnancy: </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Since I was going through a myopic first trimester, I waited until I was physically and mentally ready to make the pregnancy announcement. My family knew, but that was about it. This took about four months. Still nervous but excited about this new experience, I planned out the pregnancy reveal with one of my best friends. We got props from Target and created a whole display for a "photo shoot". </span><br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lMgmt_kwV_Y/VtHENz31ZGI/AAAAAAAABO8/yhvLHSyCAAwWMbj4FnXLz8YNgbCSBdM0wCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1242" data-original-width="1242" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lMgmt_kwV_Y/VtHENz31ZGI/AAAAAAAABO8/yhvLHSyCAAwWMbj4FnXLz8YNgbCSBdM0wCPcBGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1652.JPG" width="400" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I slowly leaked the news to close friends with ease, since I didn't have mixed feelings like I did with the first one. I made my 'official' social media announcement at 14 weeks during a beach trip with one of my good friends. It was spontaneous. My friend had gotten my son a 'Best Brother in the World' t-shirt and since we were at the beach, it seemed like the perfect opportunity for a photo announcement. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Gender Reveal</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The first gender reveal was a big deal. It was the first baby in my family and my amazing sister really went all out with the party. We invited some friends and did it at my parents house. We had food, desserts, snacks, visual aids, games, gifts and lots of decorations. It was basically a baby shower. My sister put blue frosting inside the cupcakes for the big reveal that we were having a boy. Even though I wasn't particularly hoping for one gender over the other, since I come from a family of four girls, we were very excited!</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XV0US9weAFs/W3hCkLVvEvI/AAAAAAAACXU/v5zwhDGLxGYXIWnoa388KSMn0uvgrK2YACLcBGAs/s1600/gender%2Breveal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XV0US9weAFs/W3hCkLVvEvI/AAAAAAAACXU/v5zwhDGLxGYXIWnoa388KSMn0uvgrK2YACLcBGAs/s400/gender%2Breveal.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Since I already have a boy, I really, really wanted a girl. We threw a small 'Gender Reveal Party' at my apartment with my family. My sister tricked me when she came early to set up. While I was away, she handed my son a small blue balloon and had him walk around with it - as if he <i>found </i>it on his own from her hidden 'stash' while she was decorating. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When I saw that, I was bummed but pretended I had no idea up until the actual reveal. When my sister released the bouquet of 'reveal' balloons, I was very surprised (and thrilled!) to see shades of pink balloons drifting over our heads!</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iO15ldTHI6w/W3hClU_7HWI/AAAAAAAACXY/Vr5D_t8zSt0h5oniuyRFSgeeRXLWys5YgCLcBGAs/s1600/itsagirl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iO15ldTHI6w/W3hClU_7HWI/AAAAAAAACXY/Vr5D_t8zSt0h5oniuyRFSgeeRXLWys5YgCLcBGAs/s400/itsagirl.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Maternity Clothes </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One regret I had with my first pregnancy was my poor choice of maternity clothing. I didn't care about how I looked at all. Since I documented the whole pregnancy rather meticulously, it's very evident and I felt a pinch of shame. </span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #ea9999; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Second Pregnancy:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Apparently, most moms care <i>less </i>the second time around. It was the opposite for me. I threw most of the maternity outfits from the last pregnancy away and restocked everything. I took pride in how I dressed as a <i>preggo</i> this time around and felt more confident with my baby bump. Everyone has been saying I look so much 'thinner' and great with baby #2, I think it's because I am choosing to present myself in more flattering maternity garbs. (Although I did gain a little less weight this time, mostly because I am eating less icecream)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Baby Registry</span></b></span></span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>First Pregnancy: </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The baby registry dominated the second and third trimester of my first pregnancy. The research that went into it, the Facebook discussions that flowed and the scouring of several baby retail stores (namely Babies R Us, Buy Buy Baby and Target) with scanner gun in hand. I probably checked the registry list every single day and found myself stressing over the conflicting reviews. My generous family and friends pretty much took care of everything I had registered for and that made it really easy for a first-time mom. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Second Pregnancy: </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Since its only been two years since the last pregnancy, I didn't need any of the 'major' ticket items like cribs, swings, car seats and strollers. I could focus on the more exciting 'girly' enhancements like pink bedding, clothing and accessories. Babies R Us just shut down all its stores (womp womp) so I registered with <i>Amazon</i> and<i> Buy Buy Baby </i>exclusively online. The one item I really invested research in was a baby carrier, only because I am resisting the very idea of a double stroller.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Baby Showers</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Big, blue and an elaborate icecream sundae bar. </span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0SqJ0W021Cg/W48K9uDYWuI/AAAAAAAACYU/SV8rOPm2S40hiKKRc-y069NYlKeO5YlTACLcBGAs/s1600/maliks%2Bbaby%2Bshower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0SqJ0W021Cg/W48K9uDYWuI/AAAAAAAACYU/SV8rOPm2S40hiKKRc-y069NYlKeO5YlTACLcBGAs/s400/maliks%2Bbaby%2Bshower.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Intimate Afternoon Tea and lots of pink…</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: blue;">Which Pregnancy was Better?</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Both pregnancies were relatively easy and undemanding. I commemorated each child with announcements, gender reveals and baby showers. While I enjoyed the novelty and excitement of the first pregnancy, the sense of confidence and familiarity that encapsulated the second pregnancy made me feel more relaxed despite some of the uptick in physical discomfort. Knowing well that my husband is a fantastic hands-on father and with a son eager for a playmate, I may actually feel even more excited the second time around.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">So if you only have one and contemplating a second, I would follow Nike and </span></span><br />
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Lenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10693235532856163560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7864246224412080767.post-14822577115639128272018-06-24T12:07:00.003-07:002018-06-24T20:17:44.964-07:00Letter to my Son #8 (Two Years)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dear Malik,</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For the first two years of your life, every single day, it has been the two of us. We woke up together, you stayed home with me while I worked, we ate together, played together, you followed me all around the house as I did chores, watched Baby TV and Naruto together, listened to “Daddy Finger” and “Johnny Yes Papa” all day together, went out to eat together, tagged along to run errands and even traveled together. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Your sister is not here yet, but she's already affecting our day to day schedule. Just today, I split my morning by working on three things:</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1) Planning your 2nd Birthday </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2) Adding items for your sister's baby registry</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3) Packing because we are moving to a bigger place for our growing family</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Your dad was sifting through your old baby clothes yesterday and packed them all in the suitcase. So not much sifting. I told him that we won't be needing them but he couldn't </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">'get rid' of any of them. You are so special to daddy! He is also hoping for a possible baby #3 - another boy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Yeah, right.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">I did go through your old photos and the fully-inked memory book. I did a pretty good job keeping track of your first two years. I diligently kept up the pace the first year, and slacked off a bit towards your second birthday. It happens. I also re-read the first letters I wrote to you and I don't know why I was writing to you like you're already an adult. I think I wanted to practice my writing skills (miss being a journalist!) and used complicated language that now seems silly. So I will digress from that direction. Digress? Okay, I mean - switch directions. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">There you go. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Mom learned a lot in these last two years. About you, about being a parent and a mom. About daddy. About life. Big changes are still coming, and more learning awaits. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">You're also growing up fast. I think I enjoyed you more between one-year-old to two-years-old than newborn to one-year-old. You were not an easy baby! You're a lot funner as a toddler and that's why I am so excited to see what is in store for you this year. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">The standard milestones before you hit one is the same for all kids. When you first sat up, first time you stood in your crib, the first crawl, steps, climbs and runs. All these were great but not unique. This past year, I got to see your special traits and exciting personality develop! You are full of energy, very outgoing and it is hard to keep up. You love going out and so many times, you bring me your shoes and say, '<i>shos</i>' '<i>shos</i>'. It's so cute! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Your favorite places are the park (Celebration Park, Allen) and Kids Expressions (McKinney). You love the pool and your dad takes you at least four times a week to the apartment swimming pool. Luckily, your grandparents have a pool too! You also love running in general so any open space is a delight. Other things you enjoy are bubbles, going up and down the stairs, car rides, play torpedo on our bed (often causing injury to parents) and drawing with markers. As far as food, right now, you love popsicles, apple sauce, grapes, fruit snacks, animal crackers, yogurt, mac 'n cheese or any pasta, any arabic stew with rice but especially <i>mlokhiyeh</i>. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">You started school two weeks ago and even though I know you enjoy it, you still cry at drop off. You are social and great at parallel play but don't play well in a group setting with other kids. At least you sleep well and adjusted your schedule pretty swiftly. I was impressed! We still have to work on discipline. Sometimes, you're too aggressive and your teacher says you throw toys without putting them away. So it's a process. That's why you only go twice a week - for now.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">You're just so used to being home with mom. But this is a good thing for both of us. At home, you spend most of your time on the iPad or make a mess. It is frustrating and makes me feel guilty. You deserve more. And I have to focus on my job so that I can move up, get promoted and make more money. :) </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I want to end this letter with telling you how excited and yet sad, that this exclusive chapter of Malik and Lena is coming to an end. Your father and I look forward to the new addition to our family - but I will forever savor these moments of just you and I, my special baby, my first-born Malik. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Your Mommy,</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lena</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">June 24 2018</span></span></div>
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Lenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10693235532856163560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7864246224412080767.post-71067893242229612732018-06-14T19:12:00.000-07:002018-06-14T19:34:58.297-07:00Letter to my Son #7 (You're Going to be a Brother!)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Dear Malik,<br />
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It has been way too long. I can't believe I haven't written you in a year and a half! We have a lot to catch up on. You were only six months old when I wrote to you last, and today, you are a month away from your second birthday!<br />
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Major updates and milestones in the last 18 months include:</div>
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1. Walking by <b>11 months</b>, running and jumping by <b>12 months</b> and climbing up and down the stairs by <b>15 months</b></div>
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2. Sleeping in your own crib and through the night by <b>7/8 months</b>, usually around 10pm, and nap for up to 3 hours</div>
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3. Eating on your own with a spoon, fork and sometimes chopsticks (even if it's just one) by <b>16 months</b></div>
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4. Enunciating words and a vocabulary that includes at least 10 words (favorites: "Noooo", "Ah, Oh", "Blue", "Shoes" and "Bye" (always with a wave)<b> *in progress*</b></div>
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5. You have a very animated and fiery personality, going off on passionate monologues with the power of speech and fervent body language starting at <b>11 months</b></div>
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6. Getting introduced to the controversial iPad and crossing legs while watching by <b>16 months</b></div>
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7. Swimming on your own, with the padded arm floaties, by <b>22 months</b>! You love swimming!</div>
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8. Traveled quite a lot! At<b> 3 months</b>, you went to New Orleans to visit your dad's family including grandma, grandpa, aunt, uncles and lots of cousins. At <b>5 months</b>, you went to the ski resort town at Breckinridge, Colorado; at <b>10 months</b>, you went to your cousin's high school graduation in New Orleans (again); at <b>13 months</b>, you went to San Diego, California. The biggest trip was your first international trip at <b>15 months</b> when you went to Japan with me, your grandma and grandpa! Then for your parents anniversary, at <b>17 months</b>, you went back to New Orleans. This year, at <b>21 months</b>, we went on a mom and toddler trip with our good friend Auntie Mai and Meikal (who is 4 days younger than you!) to Destin, Florida. And finally, we went on an epic family adventure to Alaska and Canada just a month ago, at <b>22 months</b>. So in less than two years, while you still fly free, you hopped on a plane EIGHT Times just before your second birthday. #ProudMom</div>
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9. You started school (daycare) this week at <b>23 months</b>. You love it so far! Did not cry at all the first day, although you resisted a little on the second day. You're going twice a week for now.</div>
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10. And for the biggest news...you're going to have a sister!!!! </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">You're a Big brother Malik! :)</span></b></div>
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Lenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10693235532856163560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7864246224412080767.post-43106255636892624532018-05-21T06:40:00.001-07:002018-06-08T22:17:53.372-07:00Alaska Cruise: Taking a Toddler to the Last Frontier <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was a last minute trip. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The initial summer plan was to visit my family in the Middle East. Then we found out I was pregnant, and the idea of crossing continents and enduring the region's heat led me to reconsider travel destinations. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Europe is closer and cooler, but my panache to travel like Anthony Bourdain (RIP) was going to be compromised by my toddler and growing belly. Conflicted but determined to go on one major vacation before getting anchored down by two under two, I stopped by a local travel agency. As I browsed around the sully office, skimming between the posters plastered on the manilla walls, an Alaska Cruise layout caught my attention. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Alaska is amazing, a dream vacation especially in your situation", the travel agent said convincingly. "It's our most popular vacation for the summer because the amazing weather and some of the most spectacular views you'll ever see. And you barely have to do anything!"</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was sold. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Things to Know Before Going on an Alaska Cruise</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cruise Lines</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All major cruise lines cater to the immensely popular cruises to Alaska. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I chose Princess Cruises for several reasons. First, it is the highest-rated cruise line to Alaska. Second, they had more flexible departure dates and since I had to go in early May, other cruise lines were not even available yet. Third, </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u>free unlimited room service.</u></span><b> </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you have small children, however, I would sacrifice room service for a more family-friendly cruise line like Royal Caribbean or even Disney. I wasn't able to book either of those lines because of the time constraints. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Alaska Cruise Season</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Alaska Cruise season typically runs from May through September and get booked </span><i>very</i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> quickly. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">May is considered 'low' season and an opportunity to lock in the lowest prices. July is the most popular month for the incredible weather and optimum wildlife viewing - but comes at a much higher cost. </span></span><br />
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<b>Money Matters </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A 7-day roundtrip from Seattle with Princess Cruises (Ruby Princess) for a balcony stateroom for three cost about $4,500. Children are not discounted, but pay 3rd passenger price, which is about half.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u>Balcony Staterooms are worth it.</u><b> </b>Alaska cruises are <i>scenic </i>and offer guests daily spectacular views from their balconies. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It may be summer in Alaska, but chances of chilly winds and rain are high during sail days and could seriously hamper your experience on the open deck for scenic viewing or wildlife sightings. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Waking up to world famous glaciers in the comfort of your private space with hot cocoa in hand (free room service!) is one of the best take-aways from an Alaska Cruise. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We also flew into Seattle ($475</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">), booked one hotel night ($240) and arranged our own transportation to the cruise port ($75). Other costs include gratuity ($13 a person/per day), on-shore excursions (average $150-$200 a person/per activity) and optional on-board enhancements like internet, beverage packages, specialty dining, spa services, etc. </span></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Packing for an Alaska Cruise</b><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Alaska weather is unpredictable and it will absolutely get wet at some point so 'lots of layering' and water resistant attire should be your guiding principles when packing. Alaska cruises tend to be comfortable/casual and while Princess does have a formal night, they aren't that strict about it. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was more concerned with packing my toddler's needs like diapers and snacks than heels and jewelry. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bring along your standard toiletries since the only thing cruises will provide in the staterooms are shampoos and shower gels. If you do forget anything, don't worry, the cruise has a lot of shopping quarters and discount racks with anything you could need for Alaska ports. My husband didn't buy any jackets or fleece but when we got on board, we were surprised at the $30-$40 price tags on decent outerwear in case he needed them last minute. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Cruise Ports</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Alaska Cruises have several routes and the most popular is the <b>Inner Passage </b>with port of calls at Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and either Victoria or Vancouver (Canada) with a day of scenic cruising through Glacier Bay National Park.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">*Blue is Pictured</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Points of Interest: <span style="color: blue;">Pike Place Market</span>, Space Needle, Downtown Seattle</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: left;"><i>We only had a few hours to explore downtown Seattle, but it was enough to sample our way through Pike Place Market. The burst of colors and smells from the tulip arrangements, the seafood auction and flamboyant fruit displays shocked all our senses. It was amazing!</i></span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oaA42aYf-ZQ/WxWrnR77ixI/AAAAAAAACQY/XsRHZgobREI8Mg_2yzBvaOh4zgDyaF2fwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oaA42aYf-ZQ/WxWrnR77ixI/AAAAAAAACQY/XsRHZgobREI8Mg_2yzBvaOh4zgDyaF2fwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2301.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pike Place Market, Seattle May 2018</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Juneau</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Points of Interest: <span style="color: blue;">Mendenhall Glacier Park, Whale Watching Tours</span>, Helicopter Glacier Tours, Dog Sledding, Tracy Arm Fjord, <span style="color: blue;">Mt. Roberts Tramway, Downtown Juneau, Tracy's Crab Shack</span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our first port was Juneau, a port known for whales and glaciers. We had the whole day here and because of the fantastic warm weather and sunshine, we did three different excursions. Don't purchase through the cruise line, we were able to get much lower prices at one of the many tourist kiosks right off the dock. </span></i><br />
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<i>If you've never seen humpback whales in the wild, then I strongly recommend the whale tours in Juneau. Unfortunately, my husband and I have seen whales breaching (jumping out of the water) up close in Maui, Hawaii during our honeymoon and were underwhelmed by the whale tour in Alaska. (Whales breach in Maui in February because they mate and are trying to attract each other, in Alaska they are coming back to feed so they can't be bothered). </i></span><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The views from the whale tour boats were amazing, nevertheless, so we're glad we did them. </span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mendenhall Glacier Park is breathtaking but since we weren't hiking, an hour at the visitor center sufficed. We had our light weight and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/XL1-BEST-v2-Lightweight-Everyday/dp/B0786T2KNT" target="_blank">sturdy ZOE stroller</a>, but usually let our toddler run around and enjoy nature. While we were waiting for our bus, we spotted a mama black bear with three of her cubs trailing behind! We did not expect to see bears this early in the season but the unusual warm weather (Global Warming?) brought the bears early this year. </span></i></div>
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<i>Before going back to the ship, definitely stop by Tracy's Crab Shack for a memorable King Crab feast. </i></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">***Skip the Mt. Robert's Tram if you are short on time. It's $37 a person and for five minutes, it is not worth it. ***</span></i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IiyDQDG2ZqI/WxV4QncTBMI/AAAAAAAACLE/OAJ-1Yf1Ri8vvlVMLZzoa9l5R_uEytRGACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IiyDQDG2ZqI/WxV4QncTBMI/AAAAAAAACLE/OAJ-1Yf1Ri8vvlVMLZzoa9l5R_uEytRGACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2391.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cruise Ship docking near Juneau, Alaska. May 2018</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MeXmpnFTQS4/WxXTWdaG6kI/AAAAAAAACTE/gfb0taO-hwgJFVO23Qxl4PYzJriUHh9vwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1406" data-original-width="1600" height="562" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MeXmpnFTQS4/WxXTWdaG6kI/AAAAAAAACTE/gfb0taO-hwgJFVO23Qxl4PYzJriUHh9vwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2433.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Whale Watching Tour in Juneau, Alaska. May 2018</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6-S9IJq7cdk/WxV5_3MnauI/AAAAAAAACL4/GTi7w2vdFgQE06h9jXMLJQ9SluNaZfTHwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="812" data-original-width="1600" height="324" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6-S9IJq7cdk/WxV5_3MnauI/AAAAAAAACL4/GTi7w2vdFgQE06h9jXMLJQ9SluNaZfTHwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2444.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Whale Watching Tour in Juneau, Alaska. May 2018</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xUeZd0kJeV0/WxXQ39RpezI/AAAAAAAACSk/khSQhivPhOk4kKWl4nE4qp_dXm35kpF6ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="940" data-original-width="1600" height="376" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xUeZd0kJeV0/WxXQ39RpezI/AAAAAAAACSk/khSQhivPhOk4kKWl4nE4qp_dXm35kpF6ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2416.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Spotted: Humpback Whale in Juneau, Alaska. May 2018</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bl2v2XYuq84/WxXQ-bpEbNI/AAAAAAAACSo/x7vARgAzJPYBr48uiYk-to4Pp0O1tI4QQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1085" data-original-width="1600" height="432" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bl2v2XYuq84/WxXQ-bpEbNI/AAAAAAAACSo/x7vARgAzJPYBr48uiYk-to4Pp0O1tI4QQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2422.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Spotted: Humpback Whale Tale in Juneau, Alaska. May 2018</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hqGeug6wS7Y/WxV6Mq9FD0I/AAAAAAAACME/DKvhmPGEOksDYYGLr3TKiSGhLfgAeu6BACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hqGeug6wS7Y/WxV6Mq9FD0I/AAAAAAAACME/DKvhmPGEOksDYYGLr3TKiSGhLfgAeu6BACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2447.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center Juneau, Alaska. May 2018</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jOBqwUrfEuM/WxV6VooDvlI/AAAAAAAACMc/94Yklcd01i4eGuFJx9cIizOFh_q_UiXUwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1305" data-original-width="1600" height="522" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jOBqwUrfEuM/WxV6VooDvlI/AAAAAAAACMc/94Yklcd01i4eGuFJx9cIizOFh_q_UiXUwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2501.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center Juneau, Alaska. May 2018</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XxSxiylqruk/WxV6TrrPAxI/AAAAAAAACMo/x_9--P9KmogyYlO6DrxzwtN7NXnUhKLQwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XxSxiylqruk/WxV6TrrPAxI/AAAAAAAACMo/x_9--P9KmogyYlO6DrxzwtN7NXnUhKLQwCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_2465.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Spotted: Mama Bear and Cubs near Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center Juneau, Alaska. May 2018</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DDUJ4D4K3Uc/WxV6LJ2jNYI/AAAAAAAACMo/GKtLQQEgjPoehmKwsMNF-x-22Hphy6YZgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DDUJ4D4K3Uc/WxV6LJ2jNYI/AAAAAAAACMo/GKtLQQEgjPoehmKwsMNF-x-22Hphy6YZgCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_2481.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tracy's Crab Shack in Juneau, Alaska. May 2018</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vFhpzXctkTc/WxV7JONzcBI/AAAAAAAACM0/tVKz2N0uxN8poNIn6jKJ-FqiNjZBGSJbACEwYBhgL/s1600/635c5be3-1519-49a0-8f52-f6a7082e9687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vFhpzXctkTc/WxV7JONzcBI/AAAAAAAACM0/tVKz2N0uxN8poNIn6jKJ-FqiNjZBGSJbACEwYBhgL/s640/635c5be3-1519-49a0-8f52-f6a7082e9687.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tracy's Crab Shack in Juneau, Alaska. May 2018</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cBORMP7mUtE/WxV6R-vIaVI/AAAAAAAACMk/Wm-Oo1xh7IEwbWDgPa-3ZVif4V0-zaHugCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cBORMP7mUtE/WxV6R-vIaVI/AAAAAAAACMk/Wm-Oo1xh7IEwbWDgPa-3ZVif4V0-zaHugCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_2484.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Downtown Juneau, Alaska. May 2018</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Skagway </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Points of Interest: <span style="color: blue;">White Pass & Yukon Railway</span></span><br />
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<i>Our second port of call was Skagway, Alaska. This was the smallest town of the ports we were visiting (pop.1,057) and yet we were provided with the most time. We had scheduled only one excursion here, the world famous White Pass Yukon Railway. Dubbed 'The most scenic railway in the world', the iconic yellow and green stained train picks you up right in front of the cruise ship (If you purchased through the cruise line). </i></span><br />
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<i>The carriage had a rustic feel, offering passengers an authentic flashback to the storied history of the Gold Rush era. The lethargic speed is perfect when skirting through spectacular views and textured landscapes for photo ops, but it made the ride a bit banal when returning. (It's a 3-hour roundtrip journey). My husband and son fell asleep. </i></span><br />
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<i>We did not spot any wildlife, unfortunately, but the rugged terrain gradually changing from sun-basked woodlands to stocky white snow was captivating in of itself. </i></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">White Pass & Yukon Route Railway in Skagway, Alaska May 2018</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">White Pass & Yukon Route Railway in Skagway, Alaska May 2018</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">White Pass & Yukon Route Railway in Skagway, Alaska May 2018</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">White Pass & Yukon Route Railway in Skagway, Alaska May 2018</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">White Pass & Yukon Route Railway in Skagway, Alaska May 2018</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">White Pass & Yukon Route Railway in Skagway, Alaska May 2018</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">White Pass & Yukon Route Railway in Skagway, Alaska May 2018</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Walking to Cruise Ship in Skagway, Alaska May 2018</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Glacier Bay National Park & Reserve</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(Scenic Cruise from our balcony)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Easily the best part of the Alaska cruise experience. I'm just going to lay it down for you. THIS is why you want to make the effort to Alaska. Not the snow capped mountains, not the whales, not a scenic railway - but THE GLACIERS. If dreams were made of anything, it would be this. </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Hearing the thunderous crackling of calving glaciers and seeing otters swimming between the slabs of crystal-like deposits floating on immaculate sea was nothing short of magical. I'm not one for superlatives but the one hour spent near this UNESCO World Heritage landmark deserves them. As part of federally protected wildlife, cruises take extra precaution and do not serve/provide any disposable items on board (straws, foam cups, etc.) There is a wildlife ranger on board who narrates the history and conditions of the glaciers, which can be heard on all the public decks. We stayed in our balcony for most of it because we were too busy taking pictures and videos!</i></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Glacier Bay National Park & Reserve in Southeast Alaska in May 2018</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qCwRIeZJfrA/WxWHcWp83hI/AAAAAAAACOU/Y8D_JdXzGA48QhnSkN9e-wGem1fxRp-gwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_E2657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qCwRIeZJfrA/WxWHcWp83hI/AAAAAAAACOU/Y8D_JdXzGA48QhnSkN9e-wGem1fxRp-gwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_E2657.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Glacier Bay National Park & Reserve from our balcony in Southeast Alaska in May 2018</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ld_U29HOSAM/WxWHnvZwqxI/AAAAAAAACOk/gokfRCU0iwYIEIecwYCafVlUAkNcDnNDgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_E2666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ld_U29HOSAM/WxWHnvZwqxI/AAAAAAAACOk/gokfRCU0iwYIEIecwYCafVlUAkNcDnNDgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_E2666.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Glacier Bay National Park & Reserve from our balcony in Southeast Alaska in May 2018</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YTYFQo8sMfs/WxWHmMRIwmI/AAAAAAAACOg/6HowyeQWVxcbisU_qxp5Kg1mO5GBGGx4QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_E2690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YTYFQo8sMfs/WxWHmMRIwmI/AAAAAAAACOg/6HowyeQWVxcbisU_qxp5Kg1mO5GBGGx4QCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_E2690.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Glacier Bay National Park & Reserve from our balcony in Southeast Alaska in May 2018</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Ketchikan</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Points of Interest: <span style="color: blue;">Downtown Ketchikan</span>, <span style="color: blue;">Saxman Native Village Totem Pole Park</span>, Misty Fjords Monument Park, Salmon Fishing (in season)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>The waterfront itself is visually striking and the city is the most picturesque of the ports we've visited. It reminded me of Japan with its velvety virescent mountains. </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Ketchikan is an outdoor enthusiast's dream destination with gorgeous backdrops to enjoy a plethora of activities from hopping on a seaplane to fly through Misty Fjords National Monument, kayaking, ziplining and salmon fishing. Basically recreations we couldn't do with a toddler in tow. </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>We ended up taking a bus tour (not as lame as expected) to the island's best eagle and whale spotting turfs. We did not spot any whales, although our tour guide insisted there was an orca near by, but we did see Bald Eagles at close range. The tour also stopped at Saxman Native Village and Totem Pole Park for a unique Native American cultural immersion. Ketchikan has the world's largest collection of totem poles.</i></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Docking in Ketchikan, Alaska in May 2018</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-371FDj-YMrw/WxWJ1MhwrhI/AAAAAAAACPE/-e12UNuEe_IJxC6ZMcEfaI_Pt7Q29pqdgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-371FDj-YMrw/WxWJ1MhwrhI/AAAAAAAACPE/-e12UNuEe_IJxC6ZMcEfaI_Pt7Q29pqdgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2742.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Downtown Ketchikan, Alaska in May 2018</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hRzBNmtzI_w/WxWJ0i4Ae9I/AAAAAAAACPA/GuqXZrzUFdE2idp1kvNr2k2yctqtgSW1gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hRzBNmtzI_w/WxWJ0i4Ae9I/AAAAAAAACPA/GuqXZrzUFdE2idp1kvNr2k2yctqtgSW1gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2761.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Spotted: Bald Eagles roam freely in Ketchikan, Alaska May 2018</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Md-sl49wvG0/WxWKCRWbmgI/AAAAAAAACPU/hVD54wn0n6Y8lQZJbk3AUz12Ilv8_4lAwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Md-sl49wvG0/WxWKCRWbmgI/AAAAAAAACPU/hVD54wn0n6Y8lQZJbk3AUz12Ilv8_4lAwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2763.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Spotted: Bald Eagles roam freely in Ketchikan, Alaska May 2018</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Saxman Native Village Totem Pole Park in Ketchikan, Alaska May 2018</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Saxman Native Village Totem Pole Park in Ketchikan, Alaska May 2018</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Saxman Native Village Totem Pole Park in Ketchikan, Alaska May 2018</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Victoria, Canada </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Points of Interest: <span style="color: blue;">Beacon Hill Park</span>, Parliament Buildings, Butchart Gardens</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Victoria was the port I was least interested in since it serves as a mandatory 'filler' stop. Foreign-flagged cruise ships operating in the US, like Princess Cruises, are required to include a stop at a foreign port. However, we were pleasantly surprised with the few hours spent at the British Columbia captal. Since it was already evening by the time we docked, we skipped the hour commute to the more popular Butchart Gardens and instead took a pedicab to nearby Beacon Hill Park. </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i> Beacon Hill Park is gorgeous and luxuriously adorned with ponds coated in lily pads, bucolic water fountains and peacocks! My son struggled to have fun at the cruise ship and was limited with Alaska excursions, but <u>had the time of his life</u> chasing those opulent peacocks. It was the perfect ending to our vacation.</i></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I6FxRw55eRU/WxfbaWl7wxI/AAAAAAAACT8/jeOV2FUjOrwwn_Y2fy16tp74sDIYyaP1wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2886.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I6FxRw55eRU/WxfbaWl7wxI/AAAAAAAACT8/jeOV2FUjOrwwn_Y2fy16tp74sDIYyaP1wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2886.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Chasing Peacocks in Beacon Hill Park in Victoria, Canada May 2018</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4h7cfTPYt6k/WxfbcNONCFI/AAAAAAAACUA/MWBy48SoUAAspNhXFNefGAMFPU0nHsRtwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2890.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4h7cfTPYt6k/WxfbcNONCFI/AAAAAAAACUA/MWBy48SoUAAspNhXFNefGAMFPU0nHsRtwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2890.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Chasing Peacocks in Beacon Hill Park in Victoria, Canada May 2018</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Beacon Hill Park in Victoria, Canada May 2018</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4ErrL2IoXA/WxfbkK8RZ5I/AAAAAAAACUQ/F8gB-0_0u08mi7rIBaqSv9EPMphANzatgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4ErrL2IoXA/WxfbkK8RZ5I/AAAAAAAACUQ/F8gB-0_0u08mi7rIBaqSv9EPMphANzatgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4491.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Beacon Hill Park in Victoria, Canada May 2018</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--L_4U1-GKkw/WxfbjgJoO0I/AAAAAAAACUM/tsYAOo5JxDAERf_w8rVL6zJZtYXfbGs8wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_E2880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--L_4U1-GKkw/WxfbjgJoO0I/AAAAAAAACUM/tsYAOo5JxDAERf_w8rVL6zJZtYXfbGs8wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_E2880.jpg" width="478" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Feeding Peacocks in Beacon Hill Park in Victoria, Canada May 2018</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nmWeJHXrEzA/WxfbsNDSf5I/AAAAAAAACUg/s7lyzn3PVRUuWw9nO1418wB2mmoaVthNgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_E2902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nmWeJHXrEzA/WxfbsNDSf5I/AAAAAAAACUg/s7lyzn3PVRUuWw9nO1418wB2mmoaVthNgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_E2902.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Family at Beacon Hill Park in Victoria, Canada May 2018</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nxW-l-pHWIY/WxfbqUUaL2I/AAAAAAAACUY/hHTJEPOlcz4vDCF3cCabzDNWOfq3PRHXACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_E2908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nxW-l-pHWIY/WxfbqUUaL2I/AAAAAAAACUY/hHTJEPOlcz4vDCF3cCabzDNWOfq3PRHXACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_E2908.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pedicab to Beacon Hill Park in Victoria, Canada May 2018</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>On the Cruise</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Stateroom, Buffets, Entertainment and More</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: left;">Getting acclimated to a place we were going to call home for the next week took a few days. </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: left;">We navigated the contours of the Ruby Princess, also doubling as letting toddler run around, sampled the dining halls, browsed the shops, and dipped in and out of the multiple entertainment venues including talent shows, game shows, trivia and broadway at the Princess Theater. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span><span style="text-align: left;"><u>Stateroom: </u></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">Our balcony stateroom was a lot more spacious than we expected. The queen bed was luxurious and sprawled generously for the three of us to comfortably sleep at night. The balcony was spacious, even though it was too cold to use it most of the time. While our balcony was private, we were on Aloha deck, some balcony staterooms are not completely enclosed. </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: left;"><u>Buffet: </u></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">Overall, I think the daily buffets were pretty good. Some days were better than others. Every night, the buffet menu featured a different international theme like Chinese or Italian. Much to the dismay of my husband, there was only one night dedicated to seafood. For some reason, he imagined unlimited shrimp and lobster every night on the buffet. The best advice I can give regarding buffets, a highlight for most on cruise ships, is to have realistic expectations. After-all, it is a <i>buffet</i>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: left;"><u>Complimentary Dining Halls:</u></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">There are several upscale dining halls that were complimentary, which may or may not have been better quality from the buffet. It's hard to tell if the classy ambiance, the servers in their bowties, and padded menus eluded to better tasting food. Nevertheless, it was nice to take an occasional break from the buffets, which were always packed and good tables often hard to find. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: left;"><u>Speciality Dining:</u></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">There are a handful of speciality dining offerings to choose from and since one was included in our ticket price, we chose the most expensive fine dining restaurant called <b>Shared by Chef Curtis Stone</b>. Guests are offered a six-course meal with entree choices of lobster or lamb, a selection of small plates of gourmet cheeses, pastas, salads and one of three dessert options. Our verdict? It was not bad, but glad we didn't have to pay for it!</span></span><br />
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<span style="text-align: left;"><u> Service:</u></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">The service was almost always great. And a side note, the employees are all foreign workers who often have to sail six months at a time. Be kind and tip extra if you feel they deserve it. It's rough to be away from home during these long stretches at sea. For whatever reason, the services were divided by ethnic lines. For example, most of the dining areas including the buffets were catered by Asians or Russians. The spa was predominantly African or Caribbean and the bartenders were Indian. Not sure how that happened. But whatever their stories and backgrounds, they are working hard and not making much. Just good to keep in mind.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: left;"><u><br /></u></span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: left;"><u>Internet: </u></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">We purchased the internet package on board as soon as we lost connection and it was faster than expected. For 200 minutes, I paid $150. If it wasn't for my toddler, who can only be tamed with YouTube during dinner, I wouldn't have purchased the internet package. Princess Cruises has an internal wifi services accessible on your mobile devices. You can check the cruise day's schedule and access the on-board instant messenger service to stay in touch with other passengers. It is a bit clunky but it works. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b>What We Loved Most</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i>The Piazza, International Cafe, Quality Entertainment and Pool</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: left;">I was most impressed by the <span style="color: blue;">Piazza</span>, the centrally located atrium lobby, the coffee and pastries at the <span style="color: blue;">International Cafe</span> and the quality of pizza at the <span style="color: blue;">Pizzeria</span>. When I had free time away from toddler and hubby, I would go to the pizzeria for a slice of pizza (Voted 'Best at Sea'), and then head to the Piazza and pick up an amazing caramel macchiato and gourmet pastries from the International Cafe. The entertainment at <span style="color: blue;">Princess Theater</span>, especially the broadway shows, </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: left;">were of high caliber. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">My husband spent a lot more time with the entertainment on board than I did, since our toddler made it impossible to spend more than 10 minutes at a time without disrupting the crowds, I always volunteered to leave early. (Not my thing). My husband, though, thoroughly enjoyed all the game shows, talent competitions, broadway at the Theater, trivia, stand-up comedy, <span style="color: blue;">The Voice of the Sea</span> singing competition and more. Considering the relatively older demographic (average age is 50+), we were surprised at how entertaining everything was. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: left;">The weather during sailing days was usually too chilly for swimming at the pools so we were not able to enjoy the popular <span style="color: blue;">'Movie under the Stars'</span> where they pamper you with blankets and popcorn at the pool deck. The one time it was warm enough, on a port day at Juneau, we were able to take my son for a dip. Since we were docked, the snow-capped mountains in the background took the swimming experience to another level! Definitely a high point of the trip.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b>What Left us Unimpressed</b></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Not child friendly, subpar room service and spa</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: left;">I was most disappointed by how little the ship caters to children. There was really nowhere for little kids to safely run around and play on a massive cruise ship. </span><span style="text-align: left;">I was told by the customer service representatives that Princess has been trying to reel in younger families and that my 22-month old would have a blast in the toddler room called <span style="color: blue;">The Treehouse </span>so long as I supervised him. The Treehouse is very small and geared towards 3-year-olds and up. It had a computer lab, a mini jungle gym, toys and a handful of tables for arts & crafts. I can't imagine even the 3+ kids feeling entertained for more than an hour or two at the most.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: left;">i was also underwhelmed with the quality of room service. The only items I enjoyed were the continental breakfast, mostly cold cereal, warm milk for my son, grapefruit and a banana. The regular food items included in the room service were a let down. I also daydreamed of eating and drinking coffee from the balcony but it was too chilly most mornings to do that comfortably. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: left;">And finally, I was dismayed at the <span style="color: blue;">Lotus Spa</span>. I was under the impression that the quality of spas in cruises will be like resorts, high-end. But that was not the case at all with Princess Cruises. I enjoyed conversing with the ladies (one said '<i>Assalamu Alaikum</i>' to me), but I am here to tell you, <i>skip-it</i>. </span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ruby Princess docked in Seattle en route to Alaska </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Checking in our Cruise Ship was a breeze, took less than an hour</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">View of Downtown Seattle from one of Ruby Princess Decks</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Princess Theater in Ruby Princess</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Typical room service breakfast</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZTwkTdiWoHU/WxXNdkxwciI/AAAAAAAACRI/4DJV6ONLn9sXvY1Unn6qDKp568tZ9y5UgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZTwkTdiWoHU/WxXNdkxwciI/AAAAAAAACRI/4DJV6ONLn9sXvY1Unn6qDKp568tZ9y5UgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2366.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We received a card and balloons along with discounts on spas for our anniversary</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oxXZqXmcxp8/WxXNiJO4cPI/AAAAAAAACRQ/J2Z9kkOurnYOvove6Rz0COhHMNcfkP8DwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2374.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Morning Views from our balcony at Ruby Princess Alaska Cruise May 2018</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sushi and Salmon Mouse Display at Ruby Princess Cruise Buffet</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Toddler Life at a Cruise Dining Hall</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b2-D7zBDKd4/WxXQdo77NYI/AAAAAAAACSc/28I3yotDgQc3V2InLE1fgD6c7o26WjZNgCLcBGAs/s1600/daca9c7b-5c90-4364-a2d1-312089ac3ec7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b2-D7zBDKd4/WxXQdo77NYI/AAAAAAAACSc/28I3yotDgQc3V2InLE1fgD6c7o26WjZNgCLcBGAs/s640/daca9c7b-5c90-4364-a2d1-312089ac3ec7.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Docked in Juneau, Alaska, families take a dip in the pool with mega screen</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oqk48mBjH6A/WxXSFI31MlI/AAAAAAAACS4/_rU_AsU89csi8nSaDuggHEJCxk0uB-P1gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oqk48mBjH6A/WxXSFI31MlI/AAAAAAAACS4/_rU_AsU89csi8nSaDuggHEJCxk0uB-P1gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2731.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Toddler near pool of Ruby Princess Cruise Alaska.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x4YqlUhQv8w/WxXUiyrHOcI/AAAAAAAACTU/L0RYPmhJT3cpjpkdsYkd6iAya6SVUn-0gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x4YqlUhQv8w/WxXUiyrHOcI/AAAAAAAACTU/L0RYPmhJT3cpjpkdsYkd6iAya6SVUn-0gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2738.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Always trying to entertain toddler during dinner at Cruise</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MInQNaCB5yw/WxXUzm3x8fI/AAAAAAAACTg/GJbV1ZtOnjAZRKj9rFVfgcU9Cbq4KYA3wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MInQNaCB5yw/WxXUzm3x8fI/AAAAAAAACTg/GJbV1ZtOnjAZRKj9rFVfgcU9Cbq4KYA3wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2857.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Toddler enjoying room service breakfast on a warm sunny morning</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Always eating at the buffet at Ruby Princess Cruise</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Trying to enjoy one of the many shows at Ruby Princess with toddler</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Is an Alaska Cruise for you?</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This answer really depends on what you look for in a vacation, your personal circumstances and your budget. I am a wanderer at heart, so cruises never appealed to me before. But considering our circumstances, a toddler and one on the way, an Alaska Cruise made perfect sense. Despite being stifled with a toddler for much of the trip, not having to worry about planning itineraries and having easy access to our beds and food made the vacation very comfortable for my family.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I wish I put more thought into choosing a toddler-friendly cruise line. A few hours of babysitting each day would have exponentially improved our overall cruise experience and given us an opportunity to partake in more exhilarating excursions. I should note that we went on an early May cruise, and schools were still in session for most families. I"m sure in peak summer season like June and July, there would be more younger families and less 'mature' passengers. (I mentioned earlier, the average age of Princess Cruises to Alaska is 50+)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The financial assessment is a tricky one because while an Alaska cruise is very expensive, we did get our money's worth. From the abundance of dining options to the high-quality entertainment on board, the Ruby Princess Cruise to Alaska did not disappoint in value.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you're well-traveled with several bucket-list worthy destinations under your belt, you might not be blown away with much of what Alaska has to offer. That's the bad news. The good news is that even if you've seen snow-capped mountains and breaching whales, you will still enjoy the unique Alaskan frontier for its king crabs, rich Native American heritage and the extraordinary glaciers. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So depending on all these factors, an Alaska cruise can be a trip of a lifetime or an overrated and expensive vacation. </span></div>
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Lenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10693235532856163560noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7864246224412080767.post-58866001042915469062018-04-23T15:01:00.003-07:002018-04-30T06:18:08.070-07:00A Beach Getaway to Destin with Toddlers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The
winter months this year were brutal. Not because we were pounded by
snow or pierced by historic low temperatures - but because we were deep
in the throes of a particularly merciless flu season. My one-year old
got sick three times in a span of two months, which meant I got sick
three times. Drastic measures were taken and we hibernated in the house
all winter. With a 20-month old toddler boy, this can feel quite
unnatural and cruel <i>for him and for me.</i><br />
<br />
So when my friend Mai, who has a toddler my son's age, suggested a getaway in April, I screamed - "YES!"<br />
<br />
For better or for worse, we were planning to take the toddlers with us and had to craft an itinerary <u>that would be practical and toddler-friendly</u>. Specifically, <i>21-month-old toddler boy </i>friendly.
Planning a trip that all four of us could enjoy was a little tricky. We
considered destinations on our personal bucket lists like Seattle,
Sedona and even Vermont. But then quickly realized that any place that
would require sight seeing, patience and sitting still for any given
time<i> would not be</i> enjoyable with our toddlers. I know my son just
wants open space to run around, climb and jump. He also loves water. So
we settled on an obvious choice: <span style="color: blue;">Destin Beach</span>.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F6-9FTJX9kU/Wt5Nf4Fe6rI/AAAAAAAACIk/9f1tDhRbIuYe6U92V4nVFE8ZCpANUvE8ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2224.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="929" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F6-9FTJX9kU/Wt5Nf4Fe6rI/AAAAAAAACIk/9f1tDhRbIuYe6U92V4nVFE8ZCpANUvE8ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2224.jpg" width="370" /></a></td></tr>
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Destin is home to one of the best beaches in the
country and is renowned for its family-friendly landscape. The timing is
also favorable since April is an off-season month devoid of the
congestion that the March Spring Breakers and Summer months attract. I
was also able to snatch a bargain deal on a suite at the <a href="http://www.hiltonsandestinbeach.com/" target="_blank">Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa</a>.
Before I became a mom, my impression of resorts was that they were
pretentious and a waste of money. When you're young and want to actually <i>explore</i>, the last thing you want to do is pay a lot of money to seclude yourself in a resort. But as you
get older and shoulder more responsibilities, like having a child,
resorts become a lot more appealing. Besides, this was Destin. A
home-away-from-home <b>destin</b>ation with an added bonus of an emerald coastline. We weren't missing much so long as we had the beach at our footsteps. This was also my second time in Destin. If you don't have toddlers to <i>weigh you down </i>(let's be honest)<i>, </i>check out my first <a href="http://www.peculiarwife.com/2015/08/why-destin-should-be-your-next-family.html" target="_blank">Destin post</a> where it was just my husband and I. :)<br />
<br />
Both
of our husbands have nontraditional work hours and tend to work
weekends, so we decided to make this an exclusively mom-and-son beach
trip. The plan was to spend as much time on the beach as we could and
avoid stressful toddler-related situations. This meant that we play the
three days we had planned for the trip by ear, avoid sit-down
restaurants, frequent Chick-fil-A (unthinkable if we were doing this
trip without our toddlers), and hire a babysitter to come to our suite
at one point for a quick mom getaway to relax and shop. It was as simple
as that.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h3>
<b>For the Toddlers</b></h3>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SxfXQEK25UQ/Wt5Qp-EghMI/AAAAAAAACJg/pfzk4Dyskf82LNUYY7Y8wHVuewkNe1LIQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1854.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="812" data-original-width="1600" height="324" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SxfXQEK25UQ/Wt5Qp-EghMI/AAAAAAAACJg/pfzk4Dyskf82LNUYY7Y8wHVuewkNe1LIQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1854.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><u>Open Beach</u> -</span></b>
We chose a beachfront resort, so this was very easy. We just went down
to the beach every morning and afternoon. I had been daydreaming about
my son skipping on the famed white sugary sands,
with the breeze blowing through his copper curls as he dipped his toes in the warm, turquoise water.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, reality
was quite different. The first day we arrived, the weather was too
chilly and windy (It was 60<span class="Y0NH2b CLPzrc">°F)</span>. The following day, my toddler was stifled back by the briny waves and refused to even sit on the chalky sand. <b> </b><br />
<br />
Mai's
son, on the other hand, is a natural beach-baby. He was the one who
skipped on the sugary sands and ran to the water, giggling the whole
time. Mai had to chase after him because he was going in deep. <i>What a contrast</i>.<br />
<br />
I'm
not going to lie, my son's beach anxiety made me a little upset. We
came all the way out here (flew two hours and drove more than four hours) and he
would not let either of us enjoy the experience! It took two days for my
son to finally come around and enjoy the beach. And when he did, it was
euphoric! We even spotted a school of dolphins right off the shore! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3FhYBipWtF0/Wt5Ia_gOHRI/AAAAAAAACIE/Sp8t4SDVlNMGdEXvDz4-jFs6r-AulGHHACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_E2076.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3FhYBipWtF0/Wt5Ia_gOHRI/AAAAAAAACIE/Sp8t4SDVlNMGdEXvDz4-jFs6r-AulGHHACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_E2076.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He finally came around, this toddler is finally enjoying the beach in Destin!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bm9qKRZLMb8/Wt5G5smalUI/AAAAAAAACHY/UUkZw081YKsL_I2zcbOmU4MXSzJ05AQ5wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2088.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bm9qKRZLMb8/Wt5G5smalUI/AAAAAAAACHY/UUkZw081YKsL_I2zcbOmU4MXSzJ05AQ5wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2088.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two toddlers playing on the Destin Sandestin Beach</td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><u>Pool</u> -</span></b>
Our resort had a heated indoor pool that our toddlers really enjoyed.
Since it was off-season, the pools felt private. I'm pretty sure
my son still preferred the pool over the beach. *sigh*<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HGi6pGS8RAM/Wt5IZ38xX0I/AAAAAAAACIA/RTZP9Kp5l2wH7Nu4oepcbtJEd71iAp64wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2143.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HGi6pGS8RAM/Wt5IZ38xX0I/AAAAAAAACIA/RTZP9Kp5l2wH7Nu4oepcbtJEd71iAp64wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2143.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
<b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><u>Parks, Picnics and Playgrounds </u>- </span></b>A great way to spend an afternoon in Destin is to pack a picnic and head out to <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g34182-d480488-Reviews-Henderson_Beach_State_Park-Destin_Florida.html" target="_blank">Henderson Beach State Park</a>.
For a $6 per car entry fee, you can enjoy one of several pavilions
(with grills) for a well-maintained picnic area. We laid out the
prepared sandwiches, snacks, hummus, potato and macaroni salads, fruits,
chips and juice boxes right at the heel of the beach. (You don't want
to take the food directly on the beach, unless you're okay with grainy
and briny food) After we ate, we took the kids to the small playground
right around the corner. As the sun set, we walked down the pier and
laid out blankets on the soft, white sand. While we didn't get into the
water, as the tides were too strong, we were able to take some
beautiful snapshots of our toddlers in their matching outfits.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XMEk21C-vGg/Wt5GLQgqDZI/AAAAAAAACGc/fv7LYYITy7k5GPlDQUa6vhycfzyDjhiAACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1488.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XMEk21C-vGg/Wt5GLQgqDZI/AAAAAAAACGc/fv7LYYITy7k5GPlDQUa6vhycfzyDjhiAACEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_1488.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grocery Runs with the Toddlers at Destin for a Picnic on the Beach</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NzvjbuAMleI/Wt5GP6K6FVI/AAAAAAAACHg/-OjyPOF_yMU3q_DEUgGSKqb7JebwCOV2QCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1559.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NzvjbuAMleI/Wt5GP6K6FVI/AAAAAAAACHg/-OjyPOF_yMU3q_DEUgGSKqb7JebwCOV2QCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_1559.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pavilion at Henderson Beach State Park in Destin</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-seVBE_HOmvI/Wt5Gk92Vh_I/AAAAAAAACHM/ZFKlRRb-yrcZUpj_hR7PmWuAU2wF8atSwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1950.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="812" data-original-width="1600" height="324" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-seVBE_HOmvI/Wt5Gk92Vh_I/AAAAAAAACHM/ZFKlRRb-yrcZUpj_hR7PmWuAU2wF8atSwCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_1950.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Picnic at Henderson Beach State Park</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HvXrEDM5Xtg/Wt5GqISo-NI/AAAAAAAACHc/_cZ8wDwFcYkrNMP-lry2Z_-UfYjAuSt5gCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1958.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HvXrEDM5Xtg/Wt5GqISo-NI/AAAAAAAACHc/_cZ8wDwFcYkrNMP-lry2Z_-UfYjAuSt5gCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_1958.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Kids Playing on the Beach</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YIzI8ejgIHI/Wt5GdR3KmNI/AAAAAAAACHI/_91WztJ4V7MIAlrA0ZYA59iUQK6D1KU3QCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1563.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YIzI8ejgIHI/Wt5GdR3KmNI/AAAAAAAACHI/_91WztJ4V7MIAlrA0ZYA59iUQK6D1KU3QCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_1563.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swings at a Playground at Henderson Beach State Park<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PuOE4Lmhpw0/Wt5GYG_r68I/AAAAAAAACHg/2gocWYODXbEo3utFtAnZ50Dm1TbQXUqVQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1645.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PuOE4Lmhpw0/Wt5GYG_r68I/AAAAAAAACHg/2gocWYODXbEo3utFtAnZ50Dm1TbQXUqVQCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_1645.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px; text-align: center;">Gorgeous Destin Sunset </td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><u>Harbor Walk Village </u>-</span></b>
An agglomeration of restaurants with live music, souvenir shops,
specialty stores, photo booths, boat tours and even zip-lining, this
marina is a one-stop tourist trap to kill some time with your children.
We strapped our toddlers in their strollers (and blankets) and navigated
our way through the boardwalk in less than 30 minutes. When I came in
July a few years ago, this boardwalk was bustling with noise and people.
Since it was April, it was pretty dead. For a classier non-harbor
version, I would recommend the <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g34182-d292434-Reviews-Village_of_Baytowne_Wharf-Destin_Florida.html" target="_blank">Village of Baytowne Wharf</a> (which we didn't have time for on this trip).<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-55WuMWh5bYM/Wt5Q1GrWtlI/AAAAAAAACJk/ZcrWmuMmtyw8fUE_TYefgCtcZ5LJz8aGwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1973.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="812" data-original-width="1600" height="324" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-55WuMWh5bYM/Wt5Q1GrWtlI/AAAAAAAACJk/ZcrWmuMmtyw8fUE_TYefgCtcZ5LJz8aGwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1973.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tired Toddlers in their strollers at the Harbor Walk Village in Destin</td></tr>
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<br />
<u><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Other Activities for Toddlers -</span></b></u>
We only had three days and since a large chunk went to bathing the
children after each beach or pool activity, coupled with nap times and
feedings - there weren't many hours for 'other activities'. Which for
us, was totally fine. But if you have older toddlers or more time,
consider <a href="https://www.funatthetrack.com/parks/destin/" target="_blank">The Track Destin</a>,
the Dolphin and Pirate Cruises, the Gulfarium or a variety of popular
water activities. The Village of Baytowne Wharf mentioned earlier offers
bungee jumping, trampolines, mechanical surfing and more for older
kids.<br />
<br />
<u><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Restaurants -</span></b> </u>There are several family-friendly water-front restaurants that have open space for kids to play including <a href="https://lulubuffett.com/destin/" target="_blank">LuLu's Destin</a> and the <a href="http://www.surfhutdestin.com/" target="_blank">Surf Hut</a>.
We got lucky one evening when my toddler, the more difficult one, fell
asleep in the car and we spontaneously decided to have dinner at Surf
Hut. There was no wait for the beach view seating (another plus for
off-season) and everything, from the beach view to the service to the
food, was perfect! And because it wasn't rowdy, my son was able to stay asleep. #winwin Since it was our one and only real sit-down
restaurant of the trip, we did not hold back. But all other times, we
ate from out very stocked fridge.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h3>
<b>For the Moms</b></h3>
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uqg96b9VdHc/Wt5PxuU-EEI/AAAAAAAACJM/UBi6ZPKByywg19jZIpx_03p-dmuswmw8QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1782%2B%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="873" data-original-width="1600" height="348" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uqg96b9VdHc/Wt5PxuU-EEI/AAAAAAAACJM/UBi6ZPKByywg19jZIpx_03p-dmuswmw8QCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1782%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br /></div>
<b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><u>Day Spa</u> -</span></b> A few hours at the spa was the perfect nourishment for working moms of toddler boys. Hastily chosen for its convenience, the <a href="http://serenitybytheseaspa.com/" target="_blank">Serenity by the Sea Spa</a>
located in the Hilton Resort far exceeded our expectations! We had
planned to stay just for the one-hour massage we scheduled, but ended up
staying three hours to indulge in its luxurious ambiance. It was
well-worth the splurge and definitely a highlight of our trip!<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><u>Nanny on Call</u> -</span></b>
Obviously, we couldn't take our little ones with us to the spa.
The Hilton Resort has a long-standing relationship with a care-giving
service called <a href="http://preciousonesnannycare.com/" target="_blank">Precious Ones Nanny Care</a>.
I had called in ahead of time to inquire about their pricing and
policies. As of April 2018, the pricing for two toddlers is $29/hour
with a minimum of four hours. We each paid a total of $60 including
gratuity for the four hours. They do ask that you provide the nanny's
meals'. The nanny comes to your hotel room and can take your children
around the premises at your discretion. We scheduled for the nanny to
come at around the toddlers' nap times so we asked that she stay in the
room. Luckily for the nanny, our toddlers napped most of that four-hour
window.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><u>Shopping </u>-</span></b>
Four hours is a long time. We initially thought that we could get our
massages, go out to eat at a fine restaurant and do some shopping. Since
we ended up at the spa for three hours (it went by so quick!), we had
to skip lunch and tended our last precious hour of freedom at the <a href="https://destincommons.com/" target="_blank">Destin Commons</a>,
an expansive outdoor shopping complex. It's a good mixing bag of
regular and outdoor retail stores. (There is a playground at the Commons
as well) Neither one of us was interested in shopping for herself, but
plucked some outfits for our kids from the Janie & Jack and Gap
Outlets. We even got matching shirts for our boys. Because...cheesiness
is a symptom of motherhood.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b>Overall Destin Experience</b></h3>
The
three-day mom and son getaway to Destin beach was a great way to bond
with our children and with each other. Our sons, who only see each other
via FaceTime, got along well and my friend and I were able to connect
with each other on many levels. I have always been particular about who I
travel with.<br />
<br />
My travel companion had to be easy going, respectful to agreed schedules and budgets - and most importantly, not <b>high maintenance</b>. Few things can ruin your trip more than traveling with people who complain <i>all the time </i>or<i> </i>pressure you to <i>spend more money than you allocated for</i>.
Becoming a mom did not make me deviate from these core conditions, but
it did force me to adjust my expectations and become more flexible. Same
goes for Mai. So I knew that she and I were going to be compatible
travel buddies. <br />
<br />
And that made the trip very enjoyable
for all four of us. From spontaneous and multiple grocery runs to
Chick-fil-A stops, it was smooth sailing from beginning to end. By not
going out to restaurants every day, we saved a lot of money and happily
justified the splurge on the spa and babysitting. It was also clear from
the start that my son is the more difficult one, and naturally, this
meant there was at least one mom blowout from my end. Did Mai interject
and lecture me about how I am traumatizing my child well into adulthood
for yelling at him? No. Did she shame me or make me feel guilty? No.<br />
<br />
Instead,
she said, "I feel you girl. We've all had those." Whether that is a
true statement or not, she knew how to remedy the situation. That's the
kind of mom you want to travel with. And I am really chill and easy
going. I don't care what you do at all. <br />
<br />
The only thing I would reconsider is the timing of the trip. <b>Early April</b> is too cold for southern girls like us. The morning temperatures were as low as 49<span class="Y0NH2b CLPzrc">°F and the highest was right at 70</span><span class="Y0NH2b CLPzrc">°F. That sounds perfect for a lunch out on a patio or a jog, but less than ideal for swimming on the beach - especially with toddlers. </span>And
while we may have we saved money on accommodations, we all came back
home with a nasty cold. Of course, none of that is apparent in the
beautiful photos we took together! I would definitely go again, but
probably wait until the Summer. <br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b>Preparation and Packing Tips </b></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UcGHDs6mSjg/Wt5OiJGHOaI/AAAAAAAACI4/hpA-1Pz2EaAzAOTSXubZYR-l7QeXz0zyQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1847.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UcGHDs6mSjg/Wt5OiJGHOaI/AAAAAAAACI4/hpA-1Pz2EaAzAOTSXubZYR-l7QeXz0zyQCEwYBhgL/s200/IMG_1847.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stocked our mini fridge every night<br />
<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yArF6YfXs2k/Wt5Oa2bo-pI/AAAAAAAACI4/xJGvfSM1tR0JvcFMB6faud_q8MLx26hXgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1849.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yArF6YfXs2k/Wt5Oa2bo-pI/AAAAAAAACI4/xJGvfSM1tR0JvcFMB6faud_q8MLx26hXgCEwYBhgL/s200/IMG_1849.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Bottle Brush/Detergent</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1. Grocery Runs and stock fridge (try to make sure the hotel/condo has one, it will be a life-saver)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2. Bottle and Sippy Cup <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Munchkin-Sponge-Bottle-Brush-Blue/dp/B019YJRYKG/ref=sr_1_5_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1524424500&sr=1-5&keywords=munchkin+bottle+brush" target="_blank">Brush</a>, Detergent stored in Tupperware</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3. Trash Bags (request from hotel) for disposing diapers </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
4. Lots of snacks (Animal Crackers, apple sauce pouches & <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Annies-Organic-Snacks-Variety-Pouches/dp/B003V5V5J6?th=1" target="_blank">Fruit Snacks</a> were favorites) and snack holders like <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Munchkin-Piece-Snack-Catcher-Green/dp/B01N68AOKY/ref=sr_1_2_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1524424301&sr=1-2&keywords=snack+holder+munchkin" target="_blank">this one</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
5. Heavy-Duty bags for wet clothes, I love <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Munchkin-Arm-Hammer-Bag-Refills/dp/B00BH0R4KG/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1524424250&sr=8-4&keywords=arm+and+hammer+diaper+trash+bag" target="_blank">these</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
6. Toddler Swim Gear (floats, sand bucket sets, etc.)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
7. iPads (Unless you're one of those strict moms, then grab a book or two)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
8. Ask for cribs at the hotel because while cosleeping is cute, this is your vacation and having a good night sleep is essential</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
9. Light-weight stroller especially if you are traveling by air. I absolutely LOVE my <a href="http://www.zoestrollers.com/" target="_blank">ZOE Stroller</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
10. Sun Protection Gear (sunblock, hats, long-sleeve clothing)</div>
<br />
<br /></div>
Lenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10693235532856163560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7864246224412080767.post-71136074258810209532017-11-11T12:44:00.000-08:002018-02-15T12:35:58.105-08:00Traveling to Japan with a Baby<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-size: 14px;">I have a confession.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I hardly know my mother's side of the family. Like most typical Japanese, my mother's family is small and most either passed away or are hovering above 75 years old. My grandparents, long-gone, have never been able to tell me their stories. I have one aunt and three cousins about an hour away from Tokyo, but we have kept minimal contact over the years. Unfortunately, for those and other reasons, an ideal relationship with my Japanese kin never fermented.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1ry3vco7fW4/WndxuWnQxlI/AAAAAAAACDs/LoACCtEGgyweanCosaOqk37G0bANHjB1ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1ry3vco7fW4/WndxuWnQxlI/AAAAAAAACDs/LoACCtEGgyweanCosaOqk37G0bANHjB1ACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_0348.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">There were few incentives in making an effort on my part as a kid because I grew up in an exclusively Arab-Muslim community in Suburbia America. As a mixed child encased in a provincial bubble with mostly Arabs, my Japanese identity was often shelved and my Palestinian father dominated our worldview with his feral Palestinian nationalism. It didn't help that Arab kids (and their moms) could be cruel to anyone who wasn't like them, forcing us half-kids to either downplay the non-Arab sides or agree to stay on the fringes. Of course today, those kids are now adults who are fascinated by Japan and longing to visit.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Instead of being vindictive and remorseful about it, I try to make amends by infusing my 1/4 Japanese son with Japanese identity and pride. And now that I am a mother, I am much more conscious of the importance in passing down family narratives, particularly the recessive Japanese side, to my son.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">So when my mom announced that she was going to Japan this year and taking my dad (his first visit), I knew that I had a duty, not just for my sake but for my son, to tag along in a shameful better-late-than-never attempt to learn about my family history. I don't have a lot of family left on my mom's side, and since my Japanese is lackluster at best, it was imperative that I go with my mom as soon as possible if I wanted to absorb (and record) my family's oral history. I realize that my one-year old wasn't going to remember this trip, but I still felt obligated to record it for posterity. </span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I only had a week to do this, so I had to stay focused on my objective and try not to be swayed by the glamorous tourist traps in Tokyo or the enchanting steppe of the countryside.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" />
<span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">This meant that we would have to spend the majority of our short visit in a small coastal fishing village in rural Japan called Kannoura.</span><br />
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<span style="color: red;">Where is Kannoura?</span></h3>
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Let me start by saying that nobody knows Kannoura. Not even Japanese folks. It is remote, off-the-grid and not easily accessible. Of course, when people asked me where my mom was from in Japan, I would not be particularly accurate. </div>
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"You're Japanese? How cool! Where in Japan??" They would ask, as if they know anything beyond Tokyo.</div>
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<br />
"Oh, you know..Kyoto area," I would say, only because my mom was born there. Other times I would answer another question entirely, 'My aunt lives near Tokyo". (She doesn't, but again...why bother?)</div>
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So quick Geography lesson. </div>
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Japan is made up of almost<i> 7,000 islands</i> with four main islands that make up the recognizable archipelago. The largest is called Honshu (where Tokyo is), then Hokkaido (north), followed by Kyushu (south, where Nagasaki is) and finally the least inhabited and least visited - <b>Shikoku.</b> </div>
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Kannoura is easy to miss, resting quietly in the coastal corner of a sparsely populated and mountainous Shikoku, between two prefectures (counties) of Tokushima and Kochi.</div>
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Going to a virtually off-the-grid place in Japan requires the ability to read <i>Kanji </i>(Japanese characters) as English becomes less and less legible in public transportation. From <span style="color: red;">Tokyo Haneda Airport</span>, you have to fly an hour to Tokushima City in Shikoku. Then from there, take a limousine bus to the nationally-run JR line (Mugi Line) from <u>Tokushima Train Station</u> and stay on about 3 hours until the last station (Kaifu). From there, you have to switch to a private train station and pass three stops until you reach the very last station (Kannoura). If that sounds confusing, far and daunting - try doing all this with 3 luggage's, a stroller and a toddler at 10 p.m.<br />
<br />
Once we got off the train station, since there were no lights, we pretty much hiked around in the dark with our bags and baby until my mom finally recognized her aunt's house. We had to wait until the next morning to truly appreciate the beautiful Japanese antiquity we were in.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11.2px;">Kannoura, Toyo-Cho, Tokushima Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11.2px;">The 3-hour train ride to Kannoura from Tokushima, Shikoku, Japan (2017)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11.2px;">Flying from Tokyo to Tokushima (Baby, Myself and Dad) 2017</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11.2px;">Misty Mountains of Shikoku, en-route to Kannoura, Toyo-Cho Japan 2017</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11.2px;">Kannoura, Toyo-Cho Japan 2017</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11.2px;">Kannoura, Toyo-Cho Japan 2017</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11.2px;">Kannoura, Toyo-Cho Japan 2017</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11.2px;">Kannoura, Toyo-Cho Japan 2017</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11.2px;">Kannoura, Toyo-Cho Japan 2017</td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: red;">My Great Aunt and her Ryokan</span></b></h3>
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My grandfather passed away before I was born, and my mother's only living relative on her father's side is his older sister - Hiroi - who stays in touch by writing holiday cards and exchanging pictures. We've visited her before when I was younger and even back then, she made an impression. My great aunt is a resilient woman. Never married (except once, divorced soon after) and no children of her own, she managed her family Ryokan, a traditional Japanese hotel, for most of her life. Kannoura may not be on the radar for international tourists, but the coastal gem is dotted with tranquil fishing enclaves while excellent surfing conditions bring a wave of regional visitors throughout the year.<br />
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And unlike your average modern hotel, a Ryokan offers traditional Japanese hospitality that includs <i>kaiseki</i> (multi-course meals) that are eloquently presented in Japanese fashion, a full wardrobe along with slippers to wear inside, and <i>ofuro</i> (steep hot bath tub) that is prepared for guests every night. Aunt Hiroi was an extremely busy woman most of her life and officially retired from her labor-intensive career years ago. And though she no longer accepts guests at her Ryokan, she still cares for it like she is. The floors lined in tatami mats were spotless, the sliding doors glided smoothly, the chestnut hardwood floors glossed, and the plush futons were so cozy that my toddler instantly fell asleep on them.<br />
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As a former Ryokan owner/manager, Aunt Hiroi tended to all her guests meals and is a seasoned chef. She still cooks to this day, always donning a floral apron, and I am pleased to say that her cooking is superb.<br />
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Aunt Hiroi could have chosen to board up the house, since she spends the majority of her days and nights in the first-floor living room and kitchen. But she still climbs up the steep, dense and slightly arched staircases everyday for thorough maintenance. And when there was cleaning to do, my aunt did not hesitate or expect anyone to clean up. She picked up plates, tea-ware and chopsticks, washed and dried them delicately and tucked them away neatly in her tidy cupboard. She would walk half a mile to throw away the trash and even tended to the creek that leads to her house.<br />
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It was also clear that my great aunt takes great care of herself. Her hair is dyed black, to the roots. Her outfit always matched, in neatly ironed shirts, pants and a vest for warmth. She keeps up with the world outside her <i>Ryokan</i> and has a stack of newspapers that she reads throughout the day and a stash where she keeps them piled until she takes them to recycle at week's end. The television is always on NHK, the national news network, on a high note. She checks her mail and saves photos of relatives where they are organized in vignettes throughout the living room.<br />
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Did I mention Aunt Hiroi is 92-years old?</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11.2px;">My baby in front of his great, great Aunt's Ryokan in Kannoura, <span style="font-size: 11.2px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11.2px;">Shikoku Japan 2017</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11.2px;">Kawabuchi Ryokan, Kannoura <span style="font-size: 11.2px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11.2px;">Shikoku Japan 2017</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11.2px;">Kawabuchi Ryokan, staircase leading up to rooms upstairs. Kannoura <span style="font-size: 11.2px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11.2px;">Shikoku Japan 2017</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11.2px;">Ryokan Hallway with slippers in a guestroom. Kannoura <span style="font-size: 11.2px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11.2px;">Shikoku Japan 2017</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11.2px;">Tatami Mat Flooring inside a Ryokan guestroom, Kannoura <span style="font-size: 11.2px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11.2px;">Shikoku Japan 2017</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: red;">Tracing my Mom's Childhood</span></h3>
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One thing we have to anticipate in Japan is rain. It rains all the time. October is also typhoon season, and thanks to global warming - the warm waters linger for a little bit longer in this part of the world. Naturally, this impacts local fishing in a historic fishing village. "Fishermen haven't been able to catch fish, " my aunt explained. "The fish move north to Osaka where the waters are colder, and the fishermen end up leaving Kannoura."<br />
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My mom and I were surprised to see that many of the fish at the local supermarket were imported. Not just from other parts of Japan, but from Latin America and Scandinavia.<br />
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Typhoons frequent Japanese coasts at record numbers, and instead of being given special names like Americans do with hurricanes - typhoons just get slapped with numbers in the order in which they appear that year.</div>
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"Typhoon 22 is expected to hit tomorrow afternoon," the meteorologist would say. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11.2px;">Typhoon Forecast in Kannoura, 2017</td></tr>
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The weather announcements weren't going to deter us, especially after traveling a full-day to get here from Tokyo. So we braved the storm, umbrellas in hand, wrapped the stroller with a raincoat and took a tour down my mom's memory lane. We started with her junior high, then walked down a narrow road - which we had to constantly sideline ourselves from ongoing traffic - to an open cement-carving-into-field area corralled by a misty mountainous backdrop where my mom used to play with her friends as a teen. My mom was so nostalgic that she was almost skipping, as if she went back in time just to relive that moment. I had never seen my mom like that. It swept me with guilt that it took me this long to appreciate my mom as a young teen but also with joy to see her so whimsical. </div>
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We then took a long walk along an eclectic pier lined with fishing boats. Even in the countryside, old and new lay side-by-side as Japanese tend to weave modern with centuries old culture. If an old temple or castle begins to get rusty, it may get leveled only to get rebuilt exactly to its original form. The Japanese love embracing the new without abandoning tradition and you see it all over Japan.</div>
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We passed by the <span style="color: red;">Kannoura Post Office</span> my grandfather used to work in before paying a visit to the cemetery and the beautifully adorned stone monument where my grandfather is buried. I have never met him. So I wasn't very sad. And that makes me feel a little guilty. But we prayed for him.</div>
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The rain was relentless and because I have a toddler (who was asleep, thankfully), we needed to wrap our moist tour. So we quickly skidded across the road from the <span style="color: red;">Shirahama Beach</span> into a dampened residential path, enveloped by thick bamboo trees and walked to my mom's old house. The neighborhood was a patchwork of traditional and semi-modern upgrades. In between the houses were empty plots where houses used to stand. It made my mother sad to see so many have deserted her childhood neighborhood. Still, an old neighbor from her teen days recognized my mom and they had a small reunion. I thought they would ask who these Muslim people are and why she is covering her hair...but this Japanese <i>obachan</i>(grandmother) didn't seem to care. </div>
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We were finally led to my mother's old house, which was probably the most obnoxiously eclectic of the bunch with its classical traditional architectural features liked tiled roofs and modern glass/steal doors and window shutters. So much for a conformist society. HOA would totally have a heart attack.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11.2px;"><br />
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Toyo Choritsu Kannoura Junior High School</div>
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Tosa-Higashi Higyway (55) <span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Shikoku Japan 2017</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11.2px;">Mom standing at what used to be a play area in Kannoura, <span style="font-size: 11.2px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11.2px;">Shikoku Japan 2017</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QmnMGzaY1M0/WgPjeS7MLaI/AAAAAAAAB9I/5k7q01FjxV4N3gAFKT42mJTnjmX7NiyMgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-11-05%2Bat%2B12.42.23%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="color: #001023; display: inline; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: 0.3s;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="982" height="430" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QmnMGzaY1M0/WgPjeS7MLaI/AAAAAAAAB9I/5k7q01FjxV4N3gAFKT42mJTnjmX7NiyMgCLcBGAs/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-11-05%2Bat%2B12.42.23%2BAM.png" style="-webkit-border-image: url("data:image/png; border: 9px none; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: auto; margin: 10px auto; max-width: 100%; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11.2px;">Fishing Boats in Kannoura at sunset. (Kannoura, <span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> Shikoku Japan 2017</span>)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11.2px;"><span style="font-size: 11.2px;">Turquoises Hues of Kannoura Coast (</span><span style="font-size: 11.2px;">Shikoku Japan 2017</span><span style="font-size: 11.2px;">)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11.2px;">My mom in front of my Grandfather's Old Job, at the Kannoura Post Office. (Kannoura, <span style="font-size: 11.2px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11.2px;">Shikoku Japan </span><span style="font-size: 11.2px;">2017)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11.2px;">My grandfather's Monument. May he rest in peace. (Kannoura, <span style="font-size: 11.2px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11.2px;">Shikoku Japan 2017</span><span style="font-size: 11.2px;">)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1hWIjkItw9s/WgTB1_tqmXI/AAAAAAAACBQ/_bjWBH7ICi80MI_gKb_ng1C9N8ku_wpegCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #001023; display: inline; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1136" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1hWIjkItw9s/WgTB1_tqmXI/AAAAAAAACBQ/_bjWBH7ICi80MI_gKb_ng1C9N8ku_wpegCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0556.JPG" style="-webkit-border-image: url("data:image/png; border: 9px none; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: auto; margin: 10px auto; max-width: 100%; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11.2px;">Bamboo Bushes behind my mother's house in Kannoura, Toyo-Cho, Shikoku Japan 2017</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11.2px;">Persimmon Trees are markers that signal the coming of Japanese Autumn</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11.2px;">Mom's Old House (Kannoura, <span style="font-size: 11.2px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11.2px;">Shikoku Japan </span><span style="font-size: 11.2px;">2017)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">The typhoon was supposed to get worse and we were all advised to stay indoors. But I had a feeling that it was exaggerated. The news updated us in 3-hour increments - how serious could it be? By the end of the day, the rain stopped completely. It was our chance to go to one of the three local restaurants. The best one in town is called </span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: red; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><a href="https://tabelog.com/en/kochi/A3902/A390203/39000908/" style="color: #001023; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s;">Iseya Shokudo</a></span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">, which was a stones throw away from the family </span><i style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Ryokan</i><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">. My mom used to come to Iseya after school back in the day for their fantastic </span><i style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">udon</i><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">. I would be remiss if I didn't have that same </span><i style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">udon</i><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> with my son. Shikoku is renowned for its wheat production and </span><i style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">udon</i><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> is the island's specialty. I also ordered </span><i style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Yakiniku,</i><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> or Japanese BBQ. I can't remember a more satisfying meal than </span><i style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">udon</i><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> and </span><i style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">yakiniku</i><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">. Yes, that's two meals for one person. And I was pleasantly surprised to see they had a very nice high chair for my toddler. Win-Win.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Later that night, my mom's childhood friend, Kayo-chan, took us out to </span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: red; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><a href="https://tabelog.com/en/kochi/A3902/A390203/39000031/" style="color: #001023; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s;">Aunt Dinah</a></span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">, literally has 'Ethnic Restaurant' titled underneath. The restaurant building looked like an American house built in the 70's and as we walked in, we were greeted with Western music. When I say 'Western', I mean </span><i style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">American Country Music. </i><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">The decor was also </span><i style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Western</i><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> (cowboys?) and the menu had an array of traditional and 'ethnic' dishes. I was highly skeptical. We were in rural Japan, after-all. But much to my surprise, everything we ordered was fantastic. Even my dad, who is hard to please, was impressed. He ordered a seafood pasta dish while I ordered a vegetable pilaf fried rice with a side of </span><i style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Karage</i><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> (Japanese fried chicken pieces) and my mom ordered seared </span><i style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">bonito</i><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">, an island specialty. "It was my mother's favorite," my mom said - as she ate sentimentally.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">It's amazing how the Japanese are not only culinary masters in their own right but excel in everything else they emulate. Anthony Bourdain can back me up on this. Oh, and they too had a fancy high chair. Way to go rural Japan!!</span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cg91aMTV794/WgPseiy9GQI/AAAAAAAAB-I/SN8vuaPaNucwTRBwdUG1_04H22lIhrJQgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #001023; display: inline; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: 0.3s;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1136" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cg91aMTV794/WgPseiy9GQI/AAAAAAAAB-I/SN8vuaPaNucwTRBwdUG1_04H22lIhrJQgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0440.jpg" style="-webkit-border-image: url("data:image/png; border: 9px none; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: auto; margin: 10px auto; max-width: 100%; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11.2px;">Yakiniku at Iseya Shokudo restaurant in Kannoura, Toyo-Cho (Kannoura <span style="font-size: 11.2px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11.2px;">Shikoku Japan </span><span style="font-size: 11.2px;">2017)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pz6Kff81zAM/WgPuPcsCxhI/AAAAAAAAB-U/a00q2ROJSrssK8uYmqAxowNBS8f_n5TCwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #001023; display: inline; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: 0.3s;"><img border="0" data-original-height="747" data-original-width="1328" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pz6Kff81zAM/WgPuPcsCxhI/AAAAAAAAB-U/a00q2ROJSrssK8uYmqAxowNBS8f_n5TCwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0465.jpg" style="-webkit-border-image: url("data:image/png; border: 9px none; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: auto; margin: 10px auto; max-width: 100%; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11.2px;">Family Dinner at Aunt Dinah's ethnic restaurant in Kannoura, Toyo-cho, <span style="font-size: 11.2px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11.2px;">Shikoku Japan </span><span style="font-size: 11.2px;">2017</span></td></tr>
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As our visit to my mom's hometown came to an end, our hearts felt heavy. It was a tender moment. Especially for my mom. I know she would like to visit more often but it's hard with our modern lives back in the US. It doesn't look like my great aunt gets many visitors and when she needs a ride to the supermarket a couple of towns over, she has to pay someone to help her out. I was happy to learn that there is someone who comes and checks in on her once a week and helps her with some of the more difficult chores. It's not charity, she has to pay for it. Even relatives. It doesn't particularly surprise me, considering Japanese society is gradually abandoning traditional family structures and becoming more isolationist. There are even <span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2017/11/paying-for-fake-friends-and-family/545060/" style="color: #001023; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: 0.3s;"><b><span style="color: blue;">companies that hire 'fake' relationships</span></b></a> </span>to impersonate fathers, wedding guests and employers. Americans in particular are fascinated by this aspect of Japan, and have written a lot about things like the <a href="http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/roads/2015/06/kodokushi_in_aging_japan_thousands_die_alone_and_unnoticed_every_year_their.html" style="color: #001023; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: 0.3s;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Kodokushi phenomenon</b></span></a>, where hundreds of elderly die alone and unnoticed.<br />
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It kills me that this is a possible scenario for my great Aunt. But there is little I could do about it, as I myself only have visited her twice in my lifetime. At 92, how many more opportunities can I have? Can my son have?<br />
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All I can do now is hope and pray that my aunt will retain her good health and we can visit again when my son is old enough to at least cultivate memories here in his ancestral village, Kannoura. </div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gT38vRAo86I/WgJ8T4yDw7I/AAAAAAAAB8M/IklzG1Sv-Nss1kSpeU-1dawHc0O8EPTbACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #001023; display: inline; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: 0.3s;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gT38vRAo86I/WgJ8T4yDw7I/AAAAAAAAB8M/IklzG1Sv-Nss1kSpeU-1dawHc0O8EPTbACEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_0618.JPG" style="-webkit-border-image: url("data:image/png; border: 9px none; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: auto; margin: 10px auto; max-width: 100%; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11.2px;">Family Photo in front of Kawabuchi Ryokan. (Left to Right) Mom, Aunt Hiroi, Dad, Me, Baby (Kannoura, 2017)</td></tr>
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Lenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10693235532856163560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7864246224412080767.post-62209078303733116062017-08-10T21:44:00.004-07:002018-02-04T15:10:01.130-08:00Chronicles of a Rookie Mom: The One-Year Mark<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What's life like these days?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm a 31-year old mother of a toddler who works in a fortune 500 company and lives in the suburbs. Though I live in a nest of retail and restaurants, I do most of my shopping through Amazon Prime and cook my own meals and occasionally entertain myself with meal-kit services. I almost <i>never </i>eat out.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I binge-watch all the popular television shows like <i>Game of Thrones </i>and keep up with <i>New York Times </i>bestsellers lists. I joined a neighborhood fitness center for weeknight yoga and kickboxing classes. My social life is disproportionately baby-friendly and to top things off, my husband and I have officially dipped our feet into the suburbia housing market.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is my new anticlimactic reality. Cliche. Stereotypical. <b>Conventional.</b> Becoming a mom and living in white-collar suburbia has opened a new emotional seam for me. I used to pride myself in staying off the beaten path. I was accustomed to gasps and wide-eyed responses when recalling tales from my frequent travels and a career that normalized run-ins with renowned people and places.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">People who led exciting lives didn't have time to catch up on six seasons of a popular television series. Interesting people didn't cook everyday because they were always out, dipping in and out of trendy restaurants in the city or getting invited to rooftop dinner parties - always meeting even cooler people.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This past year, I've taken a sharp detour. I'm making headway into the archetypal millennial mom trajectory. Instead of sparks in people's eyes when I update them on my status quo, I get either the 'Been there, done that' rapport or lukewarm interest from women who remind me of the old self. The friends I surrounded myself with in my old life are fading further and further into a phantom capsule. Many of them still living abroad, plucking their dream jobs along the way and inking their passports. I keep up with them on faint note, but avoid talking to them not only because I'm probably the least interesting person to them now, but because my heart literally starts to feel prickly. I miss those days so much as they steadily diminish into a relic of the past. It's no longer just 'last summer' but 'five years ago'. Holy Crap. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rYkmCua3VqM/WY01YSgCezI/AAAAAAAAByg/SqoiadMSkrsiEdpi0hnuCjYd36zqYCJ6gCLcBGAs/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1011" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rYkmCua3VqM/WY01YSgCezI/AAAAAAAAByg/SqoiadMSkrsiEdpi0hnuCjYd36zqYCJ6gCLcBGAs/s640/8.jpg" width="404" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">No, I'm not complaining. Having a baby is not a cul-de-sac. Quite the contrary. Life is so good right now. I'm blessed in more ways that I can count and luckier than I probably deserve. Every night when I go to sleep, I look forward to the next morning. Who would have thought that hearing my baby cooing every morning from his crib makes me jump out of bed so fast I almost trip on my face. Then the rush I get when my little human jumps up and down at the first sight of me and running faster than his body can handle, giggling the whole way and plunging right into my arms. Nobody will ever look at me like that. Run to me like that. Love me like that. And every year, he'll learn new ways to show this climactic affection towards me. A soul nourishing state of </span><b style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Euphoria </b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">no rooftop dinner party or intellectual conversations with semi-famous people can compete with. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">These peak moments are the much needed remedy for an otherwise confined routine that life has become. In between the gushes of euphoria are cleaning, butt-wiping, floor scrubbing, nose suctioning, screaming 'no' thirty times a day and enduring anxiety-inducing cacophony of fussy, whiny cries. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It should go without saying, but I will say it anyway, </span><b style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I enjoy being a mom.</b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I love it. Really. And I say this as someone who truly believes it is not natural to me. Even a year later. There's a lot of domestication that metastasizes when stepping into the motherhood paradigm. And I'm just averse to that whole concept no matter how much society insists it is a 'natural place for a woman'. Because I did not outsource childcare or any domestic work for the first year - it was primarily a two-stroke engine I had to quickly learn how to generate.</span></span><br />
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</span><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WUgZAe5hfm0/WY3MK-xapmI/AAAAAAAABy8/3crfzz6Ta34Twt6pkcazIuVDugEYMKsfACLcBGAs/s1600/010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1073" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WUgZAe5hfm0/WY3MK-xapmI/AAAAAAAABy8/3crfzz6Ta34Twt6pkcazIuVDugEYMKsfACLcBGAs/s640/010.jpg" width="428" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That's the bad news. If you even want to call it that. And it's like 25% of the equation. The rest is a colorful tapestry of happiness, love and laughter.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I also feel like I have improved as a person and titillated into nicer, kinder and a more understanding woman. This could also be an age thing, you know, turning 30 and maybe because I'm a lot less social than before (less people, less drama, less negative energy).</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But I think it's primarily because becoming a mom has made me more grounded as a human being. I learned to be empathetic, compassionate and patient to a new degree. I am not claiming motherhood will have this effect on all women. We all know there are terrible evil moms out there. (<i>Cercei</i>, comes to mind.) But it did good by me. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While I'm still just barely scratching the surface, within a year, I want to salute myself and say, "I did it!"!! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here is a general overview of my first tryout as a mother... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Timeline of my First Year as a Mom</b></span></h2>
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<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Months 1 - 3</span></b></h3>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u>The Gist:</u> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This was the hardest phase. There's still physical pain for two-three weeks and very overwhelming. Baby is completely dependent so a tricky blend of excitement, anxiety and chronic fatigue. Chaotic but beautiful, I also wrote </span><a href="http://www.peculiarwife.com/2016/08/chronicles-of-rookie-mom-first-30-days.html" style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">extensively about this period</a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u>Favorite Products:</u> A Pack'n Play, a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Platinum-Cradle-Swing/dp/B00Q0PUJ64/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1502464762&sr=1-1&keywords=fisher+price+swing+lamb">swing</a>, bandanna bibs, MAM pacifiers, a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Windsor-Glider-Ottoman-White-Cushion/dp/B017XRDV5S/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1502464703&sr=8-4&keywords=glider">Glider</a>, and lots and lots of baby wipes</span><br />
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<u style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Mom's Rank:</u><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">#4 </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Months 3 - 6</span></b></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u>The Gist:</u> Slowly getting the hang of it and attempted to normalize life and enjoy baby, watching him grow and putting away newborn clothes and trinkets and replacing them with a jumper and baby food maker since baby can now eat solids. Began to frequent parks and initiate play dates with mom friends. I also have a newfound appreciation for Chick-fil-a. We took our first vacation as a family and introduced baby to daycare at least once a month.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u>Favorite Products:</u> Boppy Pillow, Easy Clean <a href="https://babybrezza.com/products/copy-of-one-step-baby-food-maker?gclid=Cj0KCQjwq7XMBRCDARIsAKVI5QYVf2oIiM2cEIwOYOG468X-sxVMdzE6Y8eJ1yvMGHqUTt8AKzpQ1GEaAkiXEALw_wcB">Baby Food Maker</a>, <a href="https://www.target.com/p/fisher-price-kick-and-play-piano-gym/-/A-15044265?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Baby+Shopping&adgroup=SC_Baby_Top%20Performers&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=c&location=9026831&gclid=Cj0KCQjwq7XMBRCDARIsAKVI5QaNGCACr6188cSrqx6mWi3C_Q1VYYlltyosQDYNBmxeo4SPu_dTD_AaAmJqEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds">Piano Gym Mat</a> and more bandana bibs (my favorite are by <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B010TSLGAA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">Baby Daulia</a>)</span><br />
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<u style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Mom's Rank:</u><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">#3 </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Months 6 - 9</span></b></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u>The Gist</u>: A major turning point with many milestones like crawling and established routines with nap times (twice a day) and sleeping in the crib in his own room through the night. A new degree of independence meant baby can entertain himself, and I can get more work done. Taking baby out is a lot easier since he can now sit in the store-carts and I don't have to carry around the heavy infant car-seat. Teething is a major pain, though and had several spasms of regression. Making baby food is still kind of a hassle and creates more dishes to wash, and I still ended up buying packets anyway. Still, homemade baby food is worth it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u>Favorite Products:</u> A folding <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AHVR6TA/ref=s9_acsd_zwish_hd_bw_bBHrGF_c_x_w?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-20&pf_rd_r=DZ3DVMWC946T6V9F86PR&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=625e93d3-de95-5d3c-94bf-ff0392db90a3&pf_rd_i=166796011&th=1">high chair</a>, a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013IJPTFK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">Humidifier</a>, nasal aspirator (<a href="https://www.target.com/p/fridababy-nosefrida-174-nasal-aspirator/-/A-11355332?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Baby+Shopping&adgroup=SC_Baby_Top%20Performers&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=c&location=9026831&gclid=Cj0KCQjwq7XMBRCDARIsAKVI5QYIresBEv6FmHv-MXspIkHIVXFW3QRGzwUxjvPqz9IwEQU93fICYi0aAt6sEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds">FriedaBaby</a>), a Jumper and I've discovered this amazing alternative to diaper bags called <a href="https://www.skiphop.com/skiphop-diaper-bags/VC_205011.html?dwvar_VC__205011_color=GrayFeather&cgid=skiphop-diaper-bags&dwvar_VC__205011_size=NS#start=1&cgid=skiphop-diaper-bags">Grab & Go wet/dry bag insert</a>. More baby wipes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u style="text-decoration-line: underline;">Mom's Rank:</u> </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">#</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2 </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Months 9 - 12</span></b></h3>
<u style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">The Gist: </u><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">There's light beaming at the not-so-end anymore tunnel. Baby is so much more fun since he can now interact, express himself with low and high baby talk notes, walking, running, playing and has a jolly time throughout the day, everyday. It's hard not to be in awe just watching baby find everything exciting and mesmerizing. Yes, it's getting scary because you have to keep your eye on him all the time and baby-proof the house. He had his first major bloody mouth when he fell hard on his face because he was zapping through the room faster than his little body could handle. Because his personality is surfacing and he actually speaks to me in his language, I also talk to him about the latest news updates and offer my analysis. I also recap the latest GoT episode. (Does this make me crazy?) He's old enough now that I feel comfortable getting a babysitter so I can now resume a social life. Baby has shown signs of difficulty and resists diaper changes and doesn't listen, drops and throws everything while looking me straight in the eye. He bites really hard, too. He knows it hurts because he wouldn't dare bite himself. My friend Laura calls it the 'adorable asshole' phase. </span><br />
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<u style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Favorite Products:</u><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Putting away all the clunky gear is the best part of this phase, replacing them with less invasive Lego blocks and child-friendly handheld devices like the </span><a href="https://www.buybuybaby.com/store/product/leapfrog-reg-my-own-leaptop-trade-laptop-in-green/1017449974?skuId=17449974&mcid=PS_googlepla_nonbrand_general_online&product_id=17449974&product_channel=online&adtype=pla_multichannel&adpos=1o3&creative=87521942940&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=Cj0KCQjwq7XMBRCDARIsAKVI5QYSv7gJLHN1UKgWzEsYYQ8u3ipXLY2Z9uA05FGrSJSuv9JFEpeDBvoaAr1SEALw_wcB" style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">LeapFrog Laptop</a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> and </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O08RTXO?psc=1" style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Flash Music Remote Control</a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. The </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mega-Bloks-80-Piece-Building-Classic/dp/B007GE75HY/ref=sr_1_5?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1502463280&sr=1-5&keywords=fisher+price+blocks" style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">mega blocks</a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> are awesome although they make their way throughout the house, in the fridge, inside the toilet and even our neighbor's patio. He loves them and has to carry at least one piece everywhere he walks, like it's his buddy. It's so cute.</span></div>
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<u style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Mom's Rank</u><u style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">:</u><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">#1 </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One thing I was worried about this time last year was how much a baby will cost us, fiscally. It turns out, babies don't cost nearly as much as I thought. The industry says a baby will cost around $12,000 a year.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A Breakdown of Baby's First Year </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Expenses </span></span></b></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Furniture: </span><b style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">$1,500-$1,800</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Car Seat and Strollers:<b><span style="color: red;"> </span></b></span><b style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">$600</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Activities and Play Gear: </span><b style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">$400</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Diapers: </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">$45/month or </span><b style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">$550</span></b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">/year </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Formula: </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">$75/month or </span><b style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">$888</span></b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">/year</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Food: </span><b style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">$350</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bottles, Pacifiers and Bibs:</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>$150/</b></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">year</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Clothes: </span><b style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">$350-$400</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Childcare: </span><b style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">$880</span></b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">/year </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Photography:</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span><b style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">$625</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">First Birthday Party</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">: </span></span></span><b style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">$1,000</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Other: </span><b style="color: red; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">$500</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Approximate Total: <span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">$8,000</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I suppose I should pat myself on the back for spending $400 less than the average! Plus, a size-able portion was taken care of by family and friends (thank you!!) If you're about to have a baby, makeup with family members and start reaching out to friends you have lost touch with :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Life may have stalled for a year, shedding $8,000 while at it, but considering each passing month is becoming a new favorite, I am feeling pretty good about the juncture I've reached and hopeful of what lies ahead. My career track looks promising and I have a couple of international trips lined up this year. My relationship with my husband, family and friends has never been healthier so I can truly say that life is becoming recognizable and exciting again with potential for upcoming chapters to be on par or even outshine the older ones. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So please, don't ask me when I am thinking of having another baby. I'm finally back at my pre-pregnancy weight and life is starting back up again. </span></span><br />
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Lenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10693235532856163560noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7864246224412080767.post-60711687013632515302017-06-13T14:52:00.003-07:002017-06-13T17:54:27.750-07:00It Happened to Me: Mom Guilt <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The first time I straddled with "Mother's Guilt" was in my sophomore year in community college. I was just shy of 18 years old and we had just completed an essay in our English Composition class about the struggle of a mother's career aspirations. As the case with most liberal art-themed courses in college, the crux was the class-wide discussion of the material more than the material itself.<br />
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Looking back, it's easy to dismiss what a bunch of inexperienced teenagers had to say about the complexities of motherhood. But one thing I vividly remember was that the vast majority of students strongly agreed that the preferred ideal scenario would have the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/31/opinion/sunday/do-millennial-men-want-stay-at-home-wives.html?_r=0">wife stay at home </a>with her children. Coming from a family of a two-income household, I remember adjusting my answer (after listening to the majority) to offer a compromise. "I think an ideal scenario for myself is to work part-time. That way I can get the fulfillment from working and still be there for my children a considerable amount of time."<br />
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My professor nodded at this and said, "That sounds like a very good option, Lena." Being a childless male, it sounded like a minimally-thought out response. What could he have possibly known? While at the time I also had little relevance to the topic, I came from a culture that revered early motherhood (before 25) and I had to start thinking about this early on. Afterall, two of my best friends had given birth that year and naturally I felt like my time was nearing sooner than later.<br />
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Well, it ended up taking much later. Twelve years to be exact.<br />
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I stayed true to what I had envisioned for myself 12 years ago, retaining a career as a mother and feeling like I am doing a satisfactory job as a mom. Working from home and keeping my career in check while being the primary caretaker of my baby and dodging the staggering cost of daycare made me feel lucky every day. I am too blessed to feel guilty.<br />
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Or so I thought.<br />
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Despite being anchored down to my cozy dwelling where I was spending every minute of everyday with my baby...it still it hit me. <b>The Guilt.</b><br />
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I think it's imperative that 'guilt' is contextualized as flash moments as opposed to a constant <i>state-of-mind.</i> I am not waking up feeling guilty or going to bed marinated in guilt. And it is rarely ever a result of being provoked by commentary by other people. No.<br />
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It comes when I spontaneously decide after work that rather than hop into the kitchen, I want to just play with my baby. When I look at the clock and it doesn't make a difference how much time had passed and I'm still just playing with my baby. Wow, <i>I am actually enjoying my child.</i> I'm not trying to keep him distracted so I can keep working or cooking or cleaning. The fact that this felt so shocking and unusual <i>made me feel guilty. </i><br />
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Because while <b>I'm literally with my baby 100% of the day almost every single day,</b> I rarely spend more than 20 minutes at a time just playing with him at complete ease. And that moment of truth gnaws at me. Even if for a moment. My throat tightens and my heart sinks.<br />
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No, I won't quit my job because that would invite another kind emptiness and guilt. No, I won't stop making home-cooked meals on a regular basis because I enjoy it and it is immensely beneficial for our family. And obviously, I can't stop trying to keep the house and clothes clean. So what is the remedy?<br />
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Studies reveal that<a href="http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2009/10/01/the-harried-life-of-the-working-mother/"> 94% of moms</a> from all across life have felt the sting at some point, making this 'mothers guilt' an equal opportunity for moms across the board. That's right, from the mom who stays home all day with her kids (like me) to the high-powered corporate mom who spends three hours a day with her children. From moms who utilize daycare regularly and those who don't (like me). This should serve as a solace and ideally end those ridiculous 'mommy wars'.<br />
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Because maybe this notorious 'guilt' we are feeling is actually an epiphany to keeping ourselves in check. An adage to our humanness, a badge of humility. Are we supposed to feel confident and satisfied with ourselves 100% of the time? Are we expected to be that arrogant that we cannot allow room for doubt, guilt and uncertainty?<br />
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Circling back to the woman's essay back in college, while my response and easy answer to work part-time isn't oafish - it is naive. For starters, part-time work is very difficult to find. I would have also emphasized that raising children is not solely the mother's job, so it shouldn't be a burden placed exclusively on women. So rather than automatically assume I would be the one that has to curtail my ambitions, I would challenge my partner to re-prioritize his as well.<br />
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Women don't fit in neat categorically labeled boxes. There are so many conflicting data on what makes mothers 'the happiest'. Some claim mothers <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2013/12/moms-who-cut-back-at-work-are-happier/282460/">who cut back at work are the happiest</a> while others reveal <a href="http://healthland.time.com/2011/12/13/working-moms-particularly-part-timers-are-happier-and-healthier-than-at-home-moms/">the opposite</a>. There are some who shift their views and feelings along the way. And what about circumstances? There are hundreds of variables that are factored in before these 'choices' are made. And that is what I should have said to my classmates, who overwhelmingly decided what is best for moms and families in one sweeping brush.<br />
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It is amazing how not a single person, not even the professor, brought up the government's role in all this. We are so conditioned to fault ourselves that we forget that in almost every developed country in the world, mothers are a lot less stressed because of a system padded with policies that did not punish them for making the right choice for themselves and their families. Better policies and more hands-on contribution by the fathers and I most definitely think we would have less guilt all together. And if we still feel a tingle of guilt, we should embrace it as an ode to our high standards to be the best.<br />
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Now if only I can feel guilty about skipping the gym...<br />
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Lenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10693235532856163560noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7864246224412080767.post-36120223326160616162017-05-08T08:46:00.001-07:002018-02-04T18:45:47.961-08:00Planning a Ski Trip with a Baby <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="text-align: left;">As I got into the rhythm of motherhood - I began itching for a trip. We took our first official family 'vacation' to New Orleans, when baby was just shy of four months. The "preview trip" was a success</span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;">though we endured two hurdles: 1) Our baby has trouble sleeping in new environments, which automatically means less sleep for me and 2) Going through security is especially unpleasant with a baby and his feeding needs. </span><span style="text-align: left;">This preview trip set the prelude for our </span><i style="text-align: left;">first real family vacation: </i><span style="text-align: left;">Skiing on the famed slopes of Colorado! Yes, with my 5-month old baby. Apparently this trip raised a lot of eyebrows so I will refer to a </span><b style="text-align: left;"><i>Q&A themed</i></b><span style="text-align: left;"> post below.</span></div>
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<b>Ski Destination: Breckinridge, Colorado </b></div>
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My husband and I have a tradition of celebrating milestones, like birthdays and anniversaries, with travel. I did some research and between several 'Best Places to Travel in December' and 'Best Places to Travel with a Baby' lists - I came across ski message boards that raved about the stellar on-site nursery facilities at ski resorts. Since neither of us have skied before and Colorado is only a short flight away - the choice was easy. <b>Breckenridge</b> seemed like the most popular choice among families so we went for that. (It's not as expensive as Veil or Aspen but had a lot more to offer than less expensive places like Keystone or Winter Park).<br />
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<b>How to Plan a Ski Vacation (with a Baby)</b></div>
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Gone are the days where I would just wing it with dismal pre-planning. When it comes to baby, life requires some proposition.<br />
<b><br /></b><b>(1) RESERVE the nursery.</b> There are three nurseries at Breckinridge Ski Resort and I was able to secure two full days at the <a href="http://www.breckenridge.com/plan-a-trip/child-care-and-nursery/nursery-search.aspx">Breckinridge Child Care and Nursery</a> from 8am to 4pm within a month's notice. The best way to reserve is to call them and provide some information like dates and the age of your child. At this time, the childcare was accepting babies as young as 8-weeks to three years old.<br />
<b><br /></b><b>(2)</b> <b>BOOK the Flights. </b>Once I had a good idea of our itinerary, I booked our flights and made sure I added the infant on lap option before confirming payment. (It's easy to forget if you've booked a million times pre-baby) Texas has so many frequent flights to Denver since it is a relatively short trip (2 hours) that finding a good price was pretty easy. I also called the airline to explain the situation and asked for the latest policies and rules regarding baby travel.<br />
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<b>(3)</b> <b>Accommodation.</b> Then came the most expensive part of the trip, the hotel. Breckinridge is a popular ski resort town and by the time I started planning, a month before the trip, <u>90% of the hotels were booked! </u>So I paid a premium for this unfortunately. Because of the baby factor, I called the front-desk to make sure we can get a pack 'n play reserved for our room.<br />
<b><br /></b><b>(4)</b> <b>Transportation.</b> Breckinridge is a two-hour commute from Denver International Airport and it's always best, especially if you have children, to consider flexibility that comes with manning a vehicle yourself. Even during peak-snow season, the roads are very safe to drive through.<br />
<b><br /></b><b>(5)</b> <b>Skiing Fun and other Winter Excursions</b>. Plan to have a good time. Since we have two full days without baby, we could pretty much do any snow activity during the day including but not limited to ski lessons, snowmobiling, dog-sledding and snow-tubing. For <a href="https://www.breckenridge.com/plan-your-trip/ski-and-ride-lessons/category/adult.aspx">Ski Lessons</a>, you have to book classes, buy ski lift tickets and rent <a href="http://alpinesportsrental.com/">gear</a> in advance. There are different grades of equipment and remember that they are all safe and if you're a beginner - it won't make a difference. Many people will attempt to ski for two or three days but I like variety in my trips so I went ahead and booked a <a href="http://www.goodtimesadventures.com/dogsledding.html">Dog Sled Tour </a>for the following day. Dog Sledding is extremely popular and gets booked up really quick so make sure to reserve your spot as soon as possible. And if you're wondering if it's worth it, YES IT IS.<i> It was the highlight of our trip. </i>Because you won't need a full-day for this, plan another activity or two for the day. Consider <a href="https://www.townoffrisco.com/play/frisco-adventure-park-winter/general-info/">snow-tubing</a> down 1,200 foot tubing lanes or ziplining for the ultimate winter rush. Other popular excursions include themed-dinner sleigh rides, which is great for families with kids, snowmobiling and ice skating.<br />
<b><br /></b><b>(6) Buy Snow Pants. </b>Because winters are mild in Texas, we don't have an extensive snow-appropriate wardrobe. When you're excited about skiing for the first time, it's easy to get carried away and spend obnoxiously on a series of NorthFace and Columbia clothing lines but all that you really need are a pair of snow pants. There are no alternatives to snow pants. You can find modestly priced snow pants at Dick's Sporting Goods. Everything else is common sense. (fleece, layers, water-proof socks, etc.)<br />
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<b>The Good, the Bad and the In-Between</b></div>
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Many moms insisted that my son was much too young to travel to snowville and that it was better for him to stay behind with his grandparents. I honestly don't understand this relatively popular suggestion. We have done so much traveling before having a baby, so I am not interested in rushing back to doing what we have done many times before. Now that I am a mom and have this beautiful child, I want to experience traveling with my family - <i>and that includes a 5-month old</i>. I am happy to make adjustments necessary to make it enjoyable and practical. And the good news is that a growing number of travel destinations are catering to families like mine. It's the answer to those of us who don't want to be completely away from our children but want the flexibility to enjoy the trip with baby in tow. And without further adieu, the pros and the cons of baby travel:<br />
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Starting with the flight, it was pleasant as expected and baby slept through the 2-hour duration. Things soured a bit when we arrived at the airport as we had to wait almost two hours to find our 'lost' luggage followed by a less than stellar customer service experience at Advantage Car Rental. But as soon as we hit the wheel, we drove into downtown Denver for some delectable breakfast at <a href="http://snoozeeatery.com/ca-menu/">Snooze at AM Eatery</a> before heading to Breckinridge. Driving by mountain vistas coated in white powder as they glittered during the late sunrise is very romantic and set up the ambiance to our winter getaway. Once we arrived and checked in our baggage, we took it easy and dipped in and out of <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g33327-d143721-Reviews-Main_Street-Breckenridge_Colorado.html">Main Street's</a> shops, picked up latte's and devoured the delicious Doubletree chocolate chip cookies.<br />
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The next morning, we dropped off the baby at the Breckinridge Nursery by 8am and picked up our ski gear from Alpine Sports while making it to our ski lesson on schedule by 10am. It's imperative to get this done as early as possible since ski rental shops gets crowded and getting sized for your ski garb takes time. And if this is your first ski experience, trying to break into and walk with ski boots will be very strenuous. Ski Rental Shops like Alpine Sports don't provide everything for rent, so you still have to buy some add-ons like snow-sunglasses and special gloves. (Unless you already brought some).<br />
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After grabbing a cheap breakfast on-site, we finally begin our ski lessons. They don't take you on any peaks (or even the ski lift) so ignore the skiers whooshing down seamlessly when you're guided to the 'ski for beginners' corner. I was afraid to totally suck at it - but I was in fact pretty good. And when you're good, you get confident and really enjoy it. But if you're like my husband, who struggled to get the hang of it, it can be very frustrating (especially considering how expensive it all is). If you get too tired of the lessons, you can always jump on the ski lift and enjoy the ride. It is spectacular with a side of scary.<br />
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You can ski for as long as there is some daylight, and in December, that means around 4pm - just about the time we have to pick up baby. Skiing is such a strenuous sport that by the time we picked up baby, we were exhausted-to-the-core. Even though I had planned for us to take a stroll around Main Street and have a nice dinner out, we just went back to the hotel and collapsed.<br />
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The following day, we picked up some breakfast at <a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/breckfast-n-bread-breckenridge">Breckfest 'n Bread</a> and drove to Tiger Rd. for the Dog Sled. The drive into Tiger Rd., which was pretty remote as you receded away from civilization, was nerve-wracking. For a moment, I was scared because our phones completely lost signal and I watch way too many scary movies about remote cabins. There were also no signs of life or cars. But don't worry, if you follow the snow-brick-road, you are going the right way!<br />
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And despite the beads of sweat the whole way there, it was well-worth it. The Dog Sledding was the most amazing experience. Please, if there is one thing you do in Colorado, this is it. And I want to add that this company, <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g33327-d966104-Reviews-Good_Times_Adventures-Breckenridge_Colorado.html">Good Times Adventure </a> made this dog-led escapade into the snowy wilderness the highlight of our trip.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Dog Sledding in Breckinridge, Colorado December 2016</td></tr>
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The next excursion was snow tubing at Frisco Adventure Park in a city about 20-minutes North of Breckenridge. This is the<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEAZ9ih8w_s"> real deal</a> and while I thought it might be lame - it was almost as fun as the dog sledding. Keyword: Almost. The best part is that it's cheap and we can do it over and over again. (We capped at three runs). For lunch, we checked out Frisco's Main Street and were lured in by the amazing smells coming out of a little restaurant called <a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-lost-cajun-frisco">The Lost Cajun</a>. Oh My God. What better way to nourish your body after a full-day of prancing around the snow than some warm and spicy Cajun goodness. This gem is the best thing we ate during our whole trip.<br />
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After lunch, we drove back to Breckinridge and decided to try the famous <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g33327-d1124185-Reviews-Crepes_A_La_Cart-Breckenridge_Colorado.html">Crepes a La Cart</a> right in the heart of Main Street. The line was long - very long. But it was worth every minute. I'm not even a crepe person and I was in sweet-tooth heaven. It was a wonderful way to end the celebration of our anniversary.<br />
<i><br /></i>As we enjoyed our four-day winter getaway, it was a different story at night where baby fussiness peaked, triggering constant throw-up. It was a nightmare. The high altitude, while considered safe for babies more than three months old, stimulated baby to induce chronic spit-ups throughout the trip. We ran out of fresh clothes by the second day. The hotel laundry service was way too expensive so we hand-wash everything and used a blow dryer to air them out. (This was a tiring and time consuming process that we could have otherwise spent doing more interesting things like sight-seeing or going out to dinner.)<br />
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Speaking of dinner, the two attempts of going out to eat with baby during this trip were disastrous. Due to a combination of several factors like the new environment and high altitude, the baby was fussing <u><b>the entire time</b></u>. At five months, he wasn't sitting yet but too excited and curious to stay put in his stroller. This meant one of us had to hold him and walk around to calm him down so one of us could eat in a hurry then take turns entertaining baby. It's a peculiar stage that amounts to frustration for baby and his parents. For two nights, we opted to order dinner from our hotel because it just wasn't worth it.<br />
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<b>The Verdict</b><br />
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No matter what people tell you (or advise you), and no matter how much you read - you cannot ascertain what it is like to travel with a baby until you try it for yourself. Despite the blunders, some expected (running on little sleep) and the unexpected (heightened throw up and fussiness) - it was an overall enjoyable trip. Looking back, the best memories we have from this trip are my baby's fascination with snow and our exhilarating winter activities (especially the dog sledding!)<br />
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The only thing I would have done differently is packed more clothes and booked a little earlier. So if you want a romantic winter getaway with baby in tow, please do not be deterred and make it happen. </div>
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Lenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10693235532856163560noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7864246224412080767.post-15817013268654681462017-03-21T20:42:00.003-07:002017-03-22T07:18:07.834-07:00Chronicles of a Rookie Mom: Work-Life Balance<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The parlance of a working parent took center-stage last week thanks to a live <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-39274662">BBC newscast blooper </a>of a scholar who was video-bombed by his children, one-at-a-time, seconds within the interview. As the professor struggled to maintain his focus by holding back the toddler, her younger sibling bulldozed into the shot on his walker, followed by the mom who, head-down, dragged them both off-camera.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mother and Son, my 7-month old flashing his new set</td></tr>
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It literally caused a tectonic shift in social media, going viral and sparking laughter, sympathy and even controversy. Some didn't like the muddled facial expression from the father (why didn't he smile more?) and others judged the body language expressed by the mother as too docile. But putting aside prudes, the highlight was the rapport of the 8-month old who swiftly skid into the room like he deserves the spotlight.<br />
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Hey, that's my son's age! And working-at-home parent? Hey! That's me. So while I have yet to be noticed by the folks at BBC, I surely felt a striking empathetic bond with this dad.<br />
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My favorite take-away was a <a href="http://www.refinery29.com/2017/03/145790/bbc-dad-viral-video-parody-mom">hypothetical scenario of how a mother</a> would have handled the situation. Aside from the smoking gun accuracy, it so happens that I am currently knee-deep in trying to balance my full-time professional job with my role as a full-time mother. Notice I do not refer to motherhood as a job. It is silly, in my opinion, to equalize the two, because they are in fact very different. The adage "'Motherhood is the most important job for women" is problematic on many fronts, but for me it is the definition of 'job' here.<br />
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Being a mom, and a parent, is a role. And like any role, it has responsibilities. Anyone who has written a resume knows that every job has several defined functions. For example, journalists (job title) have more or less the same duties of reporting, interviewing, writing, editing and meeting deadlines. If you can't write or meet deadlines, you will be fired. On the other hand, if a journalist exceeds his employer's expectations, he or she may be compensated with a promotion, a raise or perhaps (considering the industry's condition) an assurance of job security.<br />
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It is obviously very different for parenting. It's impossible to generalize what all parents, especially moms, do - considering the vast-possibility of circumstances that can alter the composition of parenting.<br />
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Some moms have one child, others have three or four, some have children with developmental challenges while others have 'gifted' kids. Some moms are blessed with angelic children and others are tested with babies who cry bloody murder five hours a day. Many moms dip in and out of the workforce while other moms worked full-time two weeks after giving birth. The list goes on.<br />
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The point is, because every mom's circumstance and preference is unique to her, it makes any attempt to reduce it to a 'job' pointedly flawed.<br />
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This brings me to my individual lexicon of <b>work-life balance. </b>What's it like to be a full-time mom of a separation-anxiety stricken 8-month old with a full-time <u>work-from-home </u>job? Well, it looks a lot like this <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ojvk-4IcOE">parody</a>. Except the SWAT team reference, of course! And the absence of deafening cries. Which reminds me, if anyone wants to come up with a new torture method, please borrow my son. I don't know what happened to my easy-going happy go lucky baby. The difference between 7-months and 8-months is maddening.<br />
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I realize the last time I really got into the mommy life on this blog was when I was going back to work. That was like, jeez, six months ago. A lot has happened since then. At three months, he was really developing with his facial expressions, always smiling and laughing. At five months, he conquered traveling by plane and joined our trip to the snow-capped mountains in Colorado. At six months, he was sitting and eating real food. By seven months, he got his first set of teeth and slept all night. Progress after progress. It was a bright future for mom. I even considered taking a more demanding job.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FsZU0tCqSys/WNHySh5K11I/AAAAAAAABt0/9r3UBnTZ37c-x8MbgPpYncXhI7iB3jz5gCLcB/s1600/IMG_7822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FsZU0tCqSys/WNHySh5K11I/AAAAAAAABt0/9r3UBnTZ37c-x8MbgPpYncXhI7iB3jz5gCLcB/s320/IMG_7822.JPG" width="177" /></a>Then came the corridors of eight months. The arc. The smiles and giggles became dormant and out came marathonic aggressive cries. The sleep-trained baby who slept all night suddenly hates sleep (he sleeps only 9 hours when it should be 11) and wakes up twice every night. And here's the sweet/taxing part: He <b>is obsessed with me</b>. I mean, I am flattered really. But I was just as happy when you stared at me all the time without you needing me to hold you and carry you. I had read that at this age, babies often go through a separation-anxiety and they fully realize who their parents are. Especially mom. And they think - this is cute - they think mom and baby are one. We are the same person. So if I'm not there, baby will panic. Baby will cry. A lot. Intensely. A frisson of Anger and tormenting of mom. And dad. Yes, even dad is like a stranger now. It is really draining.<br />
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Consider this 'phase', which I hope to God it is, with the fact that <b>I am working my desk job full-time at home.</b><br />
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People ask me all the time, "How do you do it?" and you know, by 7-months I was modestly saying, "Oh, it's not too bad. I make it work. Dad helps out. Malik is a pretty good baby."<br />
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Well. Not. Any. More.<br />
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Now, I seriously go to bed thinking, "How the F did I do it today?" and then "How the F will I do it again tomorrow?"<br />
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Look, I'm the last person to be ungrateful.<br />
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The <b>work-from-home</b> aspect has advantages that are difficult to quantify because there are simply too many! For starters, I save at least two hours everyday by evading the traffic-coated commute. Two hours is a lot of time! Second, I save a lot of money. No more $40 weekly tank refills, no more $120 monthly toll charges to my account, and no more eating lunch, breakfast or grabbing coffee ($50 a week on average). Now those were only the advantages before being a mom. After entering the parameters of motherhood, I am forgoing the pernicious cost of full-time daycare, in my area around $1,200 a month!<br />
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The added bonus of being the primary care-taker of your baby is, of course, immeasurable. I get to keep him at the comfort of our home with all his entertainment, food and unconditional nurturing at his disposal. I can take him to the library or the park (during lunch hours) I get to witness daily milestones and I literally watch him grow.<br />
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But then I am also there during all his needy and clingy demands. Before, he was just bored so I had to constantly transfer him to different 'stations' I have set-up for him (set-up as in I have to set it up and dismantle over and over again all day because of space-issues) from his swing, jumper, the play gym, the laptop (Naruto) and then feeding him, putting him to sleep, etc. That's not including the additional work of homemaker duties like laundry (which, thanks to Malik and his throw-up carnage, endless), cooking, keeping things looking semi-decent. Now, before you say, "Umm, aren't you a feminist? Why is this YOUR job?" Well, it so happens that if you are the spouse/parent that is home all day, the lion's share just falls on you. And believe me, even with help - it's still a LOT of work.<br />
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<b><u>This is all in addition to my full-time desk-job. Yes, 8 hours a day!</u></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unread Reading Material Stacking Up. </td></tr>
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If that sounded exhausting. It was. But then the 8-month hell broke loose. I am anchored down by his demands. I literally had a meltdown last weekend. I cried. From anger. From exhaustion. A 'round the clock workload padded with an unsatisfied colicky baby crying can do that to you.<br />
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And then new thoughts swirl in your head. "Should I just have another one to get it over with?" and "Why is daycare so freaking expensive!!" and the worst, <b>"Why is it always on the women to have to worry about these things!" </b>Then I remember scenes from shows like HBO's "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3920596/">Big Little Lies</a>" where the high-powered executive mom (Renata) is demonized as angry, condescending and a bitch because she seems to only be screaming at her poor husband. And then I get more mad. Like why does society portray these women so monstrously? Does anyone realize how much work she is doing to be where she is? I mean I'm not even close to my career end-goal and can barely find the time to read!<br />
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I feel heavy-hearted sometimes, especially when I see former colleagues who are getting published and moving up in a career-trajectory I once aspired to follow (and temporarily gave up) or friends who continue to chronically travel on a whim. (No, I will not be able to trek with this baby. That's like asking me to take baby to the movie theater. It is technically possible, but it would drive everyone insane).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">By 8 months, baby can feed himself</td></tr>
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That being said, I don't want to gnaw at the blessings because I am aware of how very, very lucky I am. Truth be told, minus the moments I feel like I am turning into a knucklehead for allowing my unread <i>New Yorker </i>stack up, I am overall managing just fine. More than fine. My work productivity has increased, my confidence as a mother is solid, I am more active in my professional organizations and have yet to flake out of any social obligations. And all my friends know, I am still conquering the kitchen whipping out dinner (almost) everyday.<br />
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And everyday, throughout the day, I enjoy my son. He is adorable and fun, sweet and my heart still drops when he laughs. He also picked up some karate moves, which he sports only when I change his diaper (too much Naruto influence?)<br />
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I love how he can feed himself and I love watching him pick up morsels of food and put it in his mouth. It's a really 'grown up' moment for me, especially since it looks like he's skipping crawling all together. (Thankfully, for me). But oh.my.god can he scrape away the sanity from me. Like yesterday, he just angry cried for 30 minutes straight for no reason. I am standing right in front of him, folding laundry, glaring at him with all my attention. Still, it was not enough. I have to pick him up and walk around, otherwise, <b>RAWR</b>.<br />
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Some might say, "<i>Hey, if it's so hard...why don't you just quit?"</i> or "<i>Why don't you put him in daycare?"</i><br />
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Those are valid questions. But you know, I have this natural aptitude for efficiency. The work is still being done. If not better than before. And while I admit that I am worn out from doing it all, everyday, the only take-away every night is, "I need to do better tomorrow."<br />
<br />
That is my solace. I still have hope. Not just of my son phasing out of this very mind-numbing stage, but of my ability to conquer. Keeping up with the stamina and the neurotic need to do it all and do it right. That's why any attempt of downplaying my day-to-day struggles, with comments like, "Wait until he starts walking" or "Wait until you have two kids.." really doesn't work. Because when you are enamored with the drive, it cannot be easily knocked down. And that is how many of us working moms keep going. And kicking ass.<br />
<br />
I hope BBC takes notice.<br />
<br /></div>
Lenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10693235532856163560noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7864246224412080767.post-25251443744507533562017-01-29T11:28:00.002-08:002017-02-06T07:34:20.208-08:00Letter to My Son #6<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
These are strange times, my dear Malik.<br />
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I have been thinking about what topic to cover in this letter. I wanted to avoid political discourse as much as possible, but I think I will make an exception this one time. I believe this very moment will be an ugly blemish in our nation's history, and a personal recollection may be valuable to you in the future.<br />
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As I write this, the country is positioning itself in the vision of the cruel, xenophobic and hysteria-driven president Donald Trump -<b> at lightening speed.</b><br />
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While the gestation that is Trump's presidency is still at its infancy, we have reason to believe that peril is abound. Friends and family are crackling with tension as we read or hear the latest development at our nations airports, which are glazed with protests as hundreds of legal immigrants and valid VISA-carriers are being held in detention simply based on their country of origin.<br />
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This is just hours following the bigoted, reckless and self-defeating executive orders that went into effect. The latest order, 'Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States", is essentially a watered down initiative to ban ALL Muslims from entering the United States. This is textbook definition of racial-profiling.<br />
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Furthermore, to ensure his vision infiltrates the country's pipelines, he sacked much of the White House staff he inherited from the previous administration and replaced them with his loyal supporters to dismantle the progressive gains of the Obama era while pushing a dark view of Islam to center of US policy-making. Trump surrounds himself in a tight circle of advisers who embrace a deeply suspicious worldview of our religion. Considering these are campaign promises he's fulfilling, it's fair to say many Americans share this hostility towards Islam. A sentiment that has been flourishing on the fringes of the American right who have been trapped into the climate of fear and suspicion because <b><u>t</u></b><b style="text-decoration: underline;">hey probably never befriended a Muslim.</b> It's so easy to fear the unknown. A few months ago, I was asked to speak to a group of university students about my experiences as a Muslim American woman who wears the hijab. I was surprised, at this day and age, that the overwhelming majority have never even met a Muslim before? At a University! I was shocked. This is one of the most liberal and diverse universities in the state of Texas!<br />
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What's even more troubling is the way this government spirals into a train wreck as it runs on propaganda, hysteria and misinformation (dubbed 'alternative facts' by the administration team) that rivals dictatorships in the "third" world. (Like the ones we occupy if they have valuable natural resources) The rulers of what some are calling 'backsliding democracy' are reckoning with media intimidation and denying access to unfavorable journalists for doing their job. Social media has only exacerbated this information warfare. For many people, it is too time consuming to ascertain what is true.<br />
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Experts are certain that the Trump presidency will continue to corrode public integrity and inflict untold damage to American leadership on the global scale. The damage has already begun, as our President sours strategic relationships on a daily basis. The million dollar question is this, "How much damage can this administration get away with and what can we do about it?"<br />
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Times like this are stressful, disheartening and agonizing. Many of us are unable to sleep comfortably at night, anxious about what lay ahead. Don't worry, though, despite the incongruous reality, we are otherwise carrying on as usual. Some of us take a 'break' from the news or social media to escape the duress that comes with staying updated. We have been fortunate enough not to be at the receiving end of harassment, or belong to a mosque or Islamic center that has been damaged or destroyed by racist punks. (Although we anticipate it, sadly) Either way - we are not laying low or concealing our identities. We are proud and raise our heads as patriotic American Muslims. I'm happy to report that the American Muslim community in Dallas, spearheaded by the beloved Shaikh Omar Sulaiman, has responded perfectly, The media is not used to such a charismatic, articulate and personable leader (With no 'foreign' accent) to represent the Muslim community. And most importantly, he is not responding with anger. Quite the contrary.<br />
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"Let me say to you that Donald Trump will never make me hate you," he told reporters at the airport protest. "And I hope that no politician will ever make you hate me."<br />
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And while there are many who view us with contempt, so many came in droves to protest with us at airports across the country. I don't recall this degree of support in the aftermath of 9/11. But we also didn't have someone like Shaikh Omar Sulaiman. He has become the local hero, and national champion for young American Muslims who look to him with admiration and inspiration. So perhaps there is something to celebrate.<br />
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I hope that time will curtail our stress and our profound concerns. I hope to have better news when I write my next letter. I also hope you will start enjoying our reading time, instead of biting on the books and crying for <i>Naruto</i>. (Although that is my fault, I've been tapping into my Japanese side lately) On other news, we took you to your 6-month photo-shoot and it was a success (unlike your newborn pictures). I'm already blowing them up and molding them into canvases, always thinking about where else I can put the latest round of picture frames I bought. Your father thinks I'm too obsessed with pictures. Of course I am! I'm obsessed with capturing memories, and your smiles are my main source of strength these days and your giggles are my escape during these strange times.<br />
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Until next time my sweet Malik.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
Mommy </div>
Lenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10693235532856163560noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7864246224412080767.post-3944885928938411012017-01-16T17:54:00.002-08:002017-02-02T09:10:11.396-08:00Kusa Mahshi (Levantine-Style Stuffed Squash) <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Introduction</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A little contradiction. I don't really care for the zucchini family, but I <span style="color: red;">heart</span> <b>Kusa Mahshi</b>, which literally translates to <i>stuffed squash</i>. Arabs like to stuff a lot of things from chickens, bell peppers, onions, potatoes, so the phrase <i>mahsh</i>i, meaning 'stuffed', is used obscurely. Stuffed <b><u><i>food</i></u></b>, that is. ha..</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In the case of stuffed kusa, or squash, you can use any type but a favorite for this recipe is the <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XKjbQ_5ZzhA/TrsrfJ5TO0I/AAAAAAAAAEQ/0MFVhleXXDI/s1600/MEXICAN-SQUASH.jpg">Mexican Squash</a>. Why? Because the Mexican Squash is mild in flavor, totes a tender edible skin and is relatively small in size - making it easier to handle. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mexican Squash is Perfect for Kusa Mahashi (Levantine Stuffed Squash)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Palestinians love to pair these </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">kusa</i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> with similarly-proportioned eggplants (</span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">betenjan mahsh</i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">i). You can apply the same cooking directions to the eggplants if you choose to coalesce the vegetables. (I know, they are technically fruit...)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As for the broth-base for this dish, there are generally two versions of Levantine-style broths to submerge stuffed vegetables: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">(1) Tomato-based and (2) Yogurt-based. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The recipe below is the <u>tomato-based</u>. I infused lamb chops and beef broth as the flavor nucleus and minimized the spices (Just salt, pepper and allspice). I do not add garlic, because I personally have not found it to be necessary and why waste time mincing fresh garlic if it does not substantiate the end-result? I learned to cut back on unnecessary ingredients so here is my recipe.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>For the Kusa Mahshi...</b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stuffed Mexican Squash, Kusa Mahshi</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ingredients</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Produce</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>10</b> small Zucchini/Squash</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>2</b> Lamb Chops, dried and seasoned (optional)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>1</b> Roma Tomato, sliced</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>1/2 </b>an Onion, sliced</span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For the Filling</span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>1/3 lb</b> of Ground Beef</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>1 cup</b> of short-grain rice</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>2 teaspoons</b> of 7spice</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>2 teaspoons </b>of Salt</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>1/4 teaspoon</b> of Ground Black Pepper</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>1/3</b> <b>teaspoon </b>of Ground Cinnamon </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>1 teaspoon</b> of Vegetable Shortening</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>2 teaspoons</b> of Beef Broth</span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Soup</span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>3 Tablespoons</b> of Tomato Paste</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>2.5 Cups</b> of Water</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>1.5 Cup</b> of Beef Broth</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>1 teaspoon</b> of 7spice/Allspice</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Salt to taste</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">10-Step Simple Recipe</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1. Thoroughly wash kusa with warm water, cut stems and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocSBCtLBxSE">core</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2. Place in salted water for 30 minutes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">3. Meanwhile, prepare filling. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, rice with the shortening, broth and spices.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">4. Begin filling each kusa with a teaspoon of filling, ensuring sufficient separation to avoid over-fill keeping in mind the rice and meat expand when cooked. Close the opening with a finger and shake, to get a sense of filling 'movement'. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">5. Prepare the soup. In a bowl, add 3 tablespoons of tomato paste and 1.5 cups of broth. Mix well, Add 3.5 cups of water and the spices. Mix and microwave for 15 seconds. (taste and adjust to your preference)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">6. Place the two lamb chops on the bottom of a large pot, nestled between the chopped onions and tomatoes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">7. Add kusa over the bed of lamb chops, tomatoes and onions - building layers. Turn on the heat to Medium-High.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">8. Diligently pour the soup mixture right over the kusa. If the soup does not cover all the kusa, add more water or divide between two pots. (too much water will dilute the flavor, adjust seasoning/broth)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">9. Allow for a roaring boil, cover and continue cooking on medium-high for 20 minutes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">10. After 20 minutes, slightly remove the lid to allow some steam-pressure out and reduce heat to medium/low-medium. Add more boiling water at your disposal. Cook for additional 20 minutes or until fork-tender.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Enjoy!</b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stuffed Mexican Squash, or Kusa Mahshi Levantine Style</td></tr>
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Lenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10693235532856163560noreply@blogger.com1