Jack is 4

Our little man is 4 today. This afternoon with Iman and Ayden's help Jack opened his presents. He got swimming goggles, cars and trailer set, a Transformers monster and a Lego set.

And birthday wishes also to Johan who was born 3 days earlier than Jack and had his party this afternoon.

And this evening Jack cut his cool Ben10 cake at my parents' place.

Dinner was followed by a small Easter egg hunt - the line-up before they were let loose.

And the birthday day boy came up trumps!

Aussie fashion

Donncha's top buys from Brisbane. Excellent for the boating days.

Iman wanted to know why there was a Union Jack on the boys' shorts but Donncha was quick to point out that it was an Australian flag! 

I Love Tofu!

For some its mash, for others soup and whatever it is, there's nothing better than having your favourite meal for one. Fo me it is the versatile, tasty and so good for you tofu. I chop up garlic, ginger and a couple of fiery chillies. I thrown these into a hot wok followed by the tofu cubes to brown. In another wok I start stir-frying the veg. Back to the brown tofu and cover with a mix of oyster sauce and sweet soya sauce. I also had coriander handy yesterday and that went in the last minute. All onto a plate for a steaming hot and spicy dinner! 

Iman - 4 years ago

This photograph of Iman was taken exactly four years ago. Iman was not well and had been having high fever for about 2 days. It was we thought viral but after four nights the fever was still persistant. By then the skin on the tips of her fingers were peeling. We took her to RIPAS still not knowing what to expect and the fantastic paediatrician did not take too long to diagnose Iman with kawasaki disease.

She said "Please go home, pack your things and bring Iman back. We will have to admit her for treatment".

Our minds started racing. What is this disease? Is she going to be OK? And furthermore I have not mentioned that I was heavily pregnant with Jack and due anyday!

Basically the disease is an inflammation of middle-sized arteries affecting many organs. The biggest danger if left untreated is damage to the heart and is a leading cause of heart disease in children. It is unknown what causes the disease but once detected and treated, recovery will only take a couple of days. At the time we were told that RIPAS sees up to 5 cases a month.

Anyway we packed what we thought we would need including my hospital bag. Poor Iman was on a continuous drip as soon as we got there and we endured the conditions of the ward though they were kind enough to put us in a small room considering my state. Not that I saw much of it - I went into labour that very night and Jack was born just after 1am. Donncha was down in paediatric with Iman's fever still high. 

Thankfully Iman made a full recovery within days and it was a big relief when we were all allowed to home!

A Big Boy Moment

It's only been in the last couple of months that Jack has got comfortable with the idea of getting his hair cut. And this weekend he surprised us all by asking to use the "machine" just like his Bapa. He really enjoyed it saying how tickly it was. So proud of him cos it will make getting a haircut a much straightforward affair. Just one guy left still refusing to cooperate!

An Away Day to the Spit

We had a great day out on the boat yesterday especially as it was the RBYC away day to the spit. The water was beautiful and the kids (and us) were happy to have friends there. Weather was good, not too many sandflies and a good simple barbeque done by the club.

And after fun in the waves we got back onto the boat for the ride the kids have been waiting for. We all went on this time and though I was a bit apprehensive I must admit it was great fun and pretty safe - though we know now that it really depends on who is driving! 

Is was a great day out but we probably over did it because we were absolutely shattered by the time we got home and Jack came down with a fever and vomiting bug almost immediately. He's ok but stayed at home today which is fine by me as I am getting a rest as well. So we had a pretty exciting day and an even more eventful night. Oh....and Donncha managed to drop his sunglasses into the sea. Don't even ask! 

42 Happy Years

My parents celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary yesterday. The children were confused as to what the celebration and presents were for. After plenty of "but whys" from Jack, I simplified it to Mah's and Pah's special birthday together followed by "where are the candles?!"

 

Croquet with the Cowleys

This afternoon we went over to our good friends the Cowleys for a cup of tea and play around the garden. Croquet was set up and the boys took up a challenge! I think I preferred Jack's version of the game. The Cowley Seniors are currently visiting and we were treated to homemade soda bread and jam - nice to have a small taste of Ireland.

Don't mess with my camera!

Hazim and Fatin cannot resist playing with cameras so guys this post is for you. And Ayden's blue eyes were courtesy of Fatin!

More cupcakes

KOJ are involved in a fair this weekend and the KOJ kitchen has been overflowing with boxes and boxes of their signature cupcakes. Catch them at The Mall today and tomorrow!

Miri = Pool

We were in a Miri for a few days last week and spent almost all day everyday by the pool. Iman met up with friends from school and she was off. Jack's swimming came on really well and both him and Ayden also discovered goggles! It was hard work keeping up with them but a great wind down. I was so relaxed that I didn't even mind the kids having a little swim in the rain on the day we left - how times have changed! 

An Irish Day

With St. Patricks's Day last tuesday we had a small gathering of friends to celebrate with us. And while I was occupied in the kitchen that afternoon, Donncha got the children to help him decorate the house in the Irish colours. Thanks Grannie for sending us the banner, bunting and various inflatabes which the children loved especially the little Irish man! Photographs below by Iman.

And KOJ made us these very delicious chocolate cupcakes complete with shamrocks!

Again thanks to Grannie for the rosettes. I never got round to taking photographs of Iman and Jack but here's Ayden - they all wore theirs with pride that evening.

March Kids Hash

It was the long awaited monthly kids hash two sundays ago. This is a huge outing for Iman and Jack who are now on 11 runs and Ayden too has quickly caught on to the idea. It's an afternoon of adventure, play and a license to get dirty which they often do even before the run!

For the first time we went on the long run which we were advised to be 30 mins but with the rains from the night before it was very wet, muddy and slippery making the run to be more like 50 mins which carrying the boys was pretty hard work. And all Jack wanted to do was go into the mud. Oh how I wished I had stopped them wearing the white shorts before we left!

And check out Jack's white boots!

Ayden concentrating during shout-out

And I thought our kids were muddy!

Shadows and interesting shades as the sun went down

Time to take the kids home - they had a blast!