Life Lately May - August (COVID)

It's been quite a whirlwind these last 4 months since my last update. COVID continues, end of school, trying not to freak out at the kids while I balance full time work-motherhood-health and wellness threats- SCHOOL! 

Quick updates:

-Max passed grade 2 thanks to online learning, my patience and hardwork, Max's hardwork and patience after my persistent nagging and removal of privileges, a good teacher at his school

- My goals for the summer were to do those work books from costco for both of them; now 3 weeks until next school year starts i'd say we got through probably 30-40% of those books

- my goals for the summer was for Max to figure out how to multiply...he cant yet grasp 6x6 until 9x9 but can do the rest through memory and understanding (90% there) and well I'M DONE WITH IT

- we decided to get a dog because we just had that much time...they were born July 31st, and we're hoping to have one by October

- my goals for the summer also included Mikkel learning how to wipe post bowel movement in prep for school- 10% there, not sure what the set back was so im thinking she'll be holding it in until after school

- goal was to get my fitness on, kinda happened kinda didnt but not super disappointed as i'm sure COVID is here to stay and there will be plenty of opportunities during the winter to get indoor fitness going

- my shopping fix was mainly met by Costco, now that the malls have been opened, im honestly feeling like myself even though we dont go that often

- kids are also feeling a sense of normalcy now that they can indulge in the activities they enjoyed last Summer which includes eating at restaurants, McDonalds opening, pools opened (not our strata pool unfortunately), and seeing friends and family as our bubbles have expanded to a few more people

Masks are a thing nowadays and thankfully, the kids are fine with them on. Mandatory on transit (Aug 24) and recommended elsewhere. To help keep up the good work, I made these mask lanyards for us so we can always have them handy while reducing the constant touching of the masks as I stuff them in and out of my purse...so far so good, kids are always into it when they can choose their colors

Mikkel is turning 5 on September 1st, here she is looking like she's 16!

Sadly, the kids in private and public school didnt finish their school year. Here's a pic of Mikkel on first day of preschool and technically the last day of preschool (June) even though school really ended March 14th. Sad that she didnt get to say bye to her friends whom she'll probably never see again (satellite school) but also, she was at the point where post her dog-chase attack, I was getting tired of her crying when we dropped her off in class. This break gave her some time to grow up and get over her fear of dogs and separation from us.

Max's first day of school and last day of grade 2. Boy was he frustrating to teach at home; it's been a learning curve and ive come to realize that he isnt the type of person to get some simple instructions and just do the work. I literally need to be down on the floor with him and working with him and feeding him ideas. SO FRUSTRATING until I understood his learning style, bypassed the whining and rolling around the floor. I also have very little patience, there, I said it.

We did a makeshift Easter egg hunt at the garden and watched mass ONLINE! 

Max restarted jiujitsu once the schools re-opened, I dared not do yet another ONLINE activity!! He's in pods of 3 kids whom he can partner up with, the school isnt busy, and it's just something to look forward to rather than being on his ipad doing NOTHING. I think it's been great for his mental health and physical health; he knows he's good at this so it's never been a huge chore.

We are teaching Mikkel how to ride a bike but it's not coming as easy as Max at this age. So, I upgraded he scooter to a Maxi Micro and she's now got her own new set of wheels and independence. She's definitely the type to do something when she's ready, not through pressure from external factors.

We're hoping one of these miniature bull terriers will be our dog!! 

More Easter pics: lesson learned, Mikkel is very patient and would scout out the area for her eggs. Max on the other hand gets frustrated when his sister beats him with he number of eggs found and whining comes first before asking for help. 

Urban campfire and roasted marshmallows! 

First I found a 4 leaf clover and was raving about it. I dared Max to find one and that i'd pay him $20 if he did. Much to my surprise he found one within the 45minutes and I was out $20!! 

family portrait c/o Mikkel at 4yo

We did some night walks his early summer where we would go out around 945pm with our lanters and just walk around the neighborhoodfor 45minutes or so. Mostly fun, sometimes creepy, but we were getting home a little too late in my opinion- will continue when the sun sets a little earlier.

Max took on mountain biking at the local hills and he is great for a first timer! I've captured most of his moves on his TikTok account max.millions2012

apparently his future car! What's a car like this doing in our neighborhood anyways?! 

First few weeks of COVID, the buses were empty! Here's girlfiend mask-less (dont need a mask if we can maintain social distancing right?) and sitting on her own with me semi-far away. She's come a long way!!

Glow bowling per Mikkel's request, one of our early phase 3 activities

childhood continues even in the time of a pandemic!

COVID19 Life Lately

Pre full blown lockdown, we were chilling at the malls and park during Spring Break

During the Jan/Feb/early March times Max went on several ski trips with his dad- he's become really adventurous, strong, and confident in his skill. He loves to ski and had a few other trips planned but COVID came along! 

Max was also registered to do a competition on April 4th; in pursuit of another gold medal perhaps? Next time!

Last BBT date before the shops also started to close down from the health orders 

Work life! Unit is running at a census of 3-7 patients lately, i'm not complaining at all! Actually, glasses and masks are killer for the ears when you're wearing them for 12 hour shifts.

My little love is also growing up before my eyes! She appears to be weaned off her stroller and is walking so far and so much without much complaining, and she's also riding a training wheel bike with confidence! To add, she has tantrums and little to no patience :o) 

What does Mikkel miss?

• eating at McDonalds, inside the restaurant
• hugging and kissing lolo and lola
• eating inside our favourite Vietnamese restaurant and eating there
• going to sleep in the stroller when she's tired
• going to Metrotown and see Toys R Us
• going to the playground 

What does Max miss?

• random days cruising inside metrotown and looking at toys
• his friends at school
• eating sushi and bubble tea anytime he wants
• going for long walks and playgrounds (ie. Central Park)
• lolo and lola's house

Stay safe all!

Follow me on IG @mitzdemeanor

Max is 8!! (super late post) + COVID19

Guys, Max turned 8 on January 19th! These answers are a reflection of who he was at just 8, mostly 7 ...he's totally different now almost 5 months in. tsk tsk my bad on these delays as i don't even remember what he was like then or if these answers are precisely accurate! More importantly, we're in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic...everything is just throw up in the air in terms of activities, scheduling, and schooling ha

• when he grows up, he wants to be .... "i don't know"
• favourite toys .... pokemon cards
• favourite food ... dried mango, beef noodle pho, caramel/dulce de leche donuts, junior chicken, california rolls
• Favourite TV show .... random shows on youtube kids
• Favourite book .... currently reading the Beginner's Bible as part of his school obligations, but he could care less about reading 
• Best friends .... James, Liem, Michael, Trystan
• Favorite activities .... trading Pokemon, trying out Beyblades
• activities... jiujitsu, trying out piano at the community centre

Mom and Max bday date at Peaceful Restaurant. Max loves a good Asian meal.

Of course Mikkel had to get in on the pics as well because why not? 

She isn't a fan of the carrot cake Max wanted so she got her own mini chocolate cake and candles to blow just so she doesn't feel left out. 

Our and the entire world's lives essentially changed since the COVID19 stay home health orders. Luckily for me as an essential worker, we are the same financially so we are not only ok, we are HEALTHY.

Last day of school for the kids was the Friday before Spring Break and they haven't returned since. No more jiu jitsu, piano, preschool for Mikkel, Metrotown outings, and visits with lolo/lola. We've been using Microsoft Teams for school and supplementing with the Costco curriculum books...which are actually working well, I just need to be mindful of my tiredness level and my willingness to sit on the ground with the kids and DO WORK WITH THEM rather than open a page and tell them to do it/self guided learning. 

I love that im saving money by not paying tuition and not mindlessly buying stuff at the mall, also im more reserved at buying stuff online as returns are annoying if not happening until the stores actually open...who knows when at this point. I'm cooking at home more and really taking advantage of the Instant Pot. I'm actually kinda loving my family being home, really encourages me to slow down and just enjoy what I have. My Costco spending has been insane though- the kids eat A LOT now that they're home, it's just an open kitchen of boredom eating and growth spurts so what can i do? also, with the Healthcare Access I have; there's always a reason to go hehe.

Mikkel is 4 and in preSCHOOL

my little lady is growing up!

This year, we celebrated with a huge dinner at White Spot (kid friendly) with my parents where she ate her first pirate pack (Mac N' Cheese). Her cakes were an individual huge cupcake from the Cupcake shop which she's been requesting over and over again- but strangely enough didnt even eat! I think she just likes the idea of a cupcake but anything bigger than a standard muffin size is too overwhelming for her. We also had a mango fruit cake from St. Germain which is always good and is a big perk for any August/September birthday celebrant. Presents included toys, clothes, and of course the investment gifts that they'll thank us for in the future.

My love is 4! We do it all for you (both) xoxoxo!

• when she grows up, she wants to be... a dentist (saw the dentist yesterday)
• favourite toys ... LOL dolls, Barbie, princess dresses
• favourite food ... maple/brown sugar oatmeal, rice, broccoli, fries, grilled cheese sandwiches, apples with no skin, cranberry juice, bananas
• favourite shows ... LOL toy opening shows on iPad, Ben and Holly, Daniel Tiger
• favourite book ... interactive books with flaps
• best friends ... the siblings of Max's friend's so far, Maelle, Taiya, Cristina
• favourite activities ... drawing, playing LOL dolls, stripping the Barbies of all their clothes, playing dress up, watching Youtube Kids, make-believe kitchen, and make believe scenarios with toys, accompanying us shopping
• Fully potty trained this Summer
• she's independent, knows what she likes and doesn't like, more social and assertive, and learned quick that it's ok if im not with her all the time...it's ok to be with others too (dad, lolo, lola)
• size 4T-5T clothes
• shoe size 9
• still using the stroller but slowly weaning off of it
• still naps but is ok if she doesn't
• sleeps with Max and I for night sleep
• 41" tall, 36-37lbs

Mikkel's next milestone is going to preschool this year - every Tuesday and Thursday from 9am-1pm, same preschool as Max.  Maybe she's mature enough to understand the process of parents leaving their kids and coming back and perhaps it was an EXCELLENT idea to hold her back one year of preschool to grow up a little (she's supposed to be in the 4 year old class but is enrolled in the 3, but if I had put her in the 3yo class last year, she would've been a young 3yo due to being a Sept birthday), but there were no tears or anxiety at and leading to drop off. Mikkel had 100% readiness, willingness, and ability to meet and greet her new learning and social environment and she ran off to play after a kiss goodbye (Max took about 3 weeks!).  

I am here celebrating my renewed time! im not sure about y'all but this time around it's a feeling of accomplishment that my last child is out and about- my time is once again MY OWN (even if it's just two days a week)!

SUMMER 2019 Recap, and Max is in Grade 2!

I know, it's been a while.
Posting for memories as usual- honestly, i had a hard time remembering the password for this site!

(picnics! charcuterie and watermelon, who can say no?)

(sea bus)

(Shipyards lookout)

(Super Dogs!)

(Lee's donuts- the BEST!)

We had an amazing Summer this year! my new take on long breaks like this is instead of writing down a bucket list of all the things we need to do, I write down all the things we've done! I feel it's more of a positive take on our time, seeing our accomplishments, and I most importantly had no pressure to do anything we didnt feel like doing.

Things we did this summer:

• Max had basketball camp for a week at the community centre (2nd year in a row)
• Max had 13 weeks of soccer with an academy- i think he realized that although he enjoys soccer, it's not something he's passionate about. Max experienced his first real soccer game
• Mikkel also did a couple of months of qSunday soccer with Little Kickers- she has also realized that not only does she not like soccer, she hates to get hot and sweaty in a structured environment lol
• we walked through the neighbourhood during the flying ants annual mating season (july 9), it was disgusting yet enriching
• our strata pool opened and the kids spent many hours cooling off
• we spent Canada Day at a low key outdoor party where the kids played games and won prizes with friends
• playdates with classmates and reunions with old friends
• we watched Aladdin and Lion King at the cinema- Mikkel's 1st and 2nd time watching a movie
• we were mall rats at Metrotown and would randomly go there in the late evening as it was so accessible
• skateboarding to far places for Max
• Trout Lake, Concord Park,  Science World Park, Norquay Park
• Playland and PNE food, games, and attractions
• we decorated cookies at Metrotown centre court
• we spent random yet lengthy times at the dollar-store
• picnics and music at the parks
• Max drove his RC car from our house to the skytrain station and learned to "drive"
• kids both were able to play at the ballet at IKEA (potty trained!)
• shopping at McArthur Glen
• sushi dates
• the kids and I stayed most of August at our private airBNB (my parents' house)- whom were away for a month
• 4-5 hour trail hikes and picnics at Central Park
• indoor swimming at my parents' pool
• staying up late and reading scary stories
• bronze medal at Jiujitsu competition
• puddle jumping and endless skytrain rides
• Shipyards waterpark and Seabus rides
• cake for dinner just because
• Max learned how to yo-yo
• wedding of one of my BFF's and the kids' first experience with a paid babysitter
• bench warming at Max's first Vancouver Whitecaps game

What i'm actually very proud of was stepping in front of the camera and had some pictures of myself with the kids...finally! 

we loved Summer 2019! it ended way too fast!

(Central Park hikes)

(PNE)

(more Central Park)

(wedding season)

(Whitecaps FC)

(Little Kickers)

(watching Aladdin at the Cinema)

(Shipyards)

(Soccer game at Burnaby Park)

Back to reality; Max is now in grade 2! Max is in a split grade 2/3 class and not one of his original squad of boys are in his class. He says it's ok though as he can focus without being interrupted for social reasons- good one Max! No major issues this transition; the usual tantrums related to anxiety, change in sleep schedules, back to routine of old sports...things im mindful of and also trying to stay mindful of despite the constant challenges! (ahem, Max!)

(last day of grade 1 ^^^)

(first official day of grade 2 vvv)

Max at GRADE 2:

• favourite foods: california rolls, pho, all fruits, waffles, chinese rice crackers, seaweed
• favourite color: blue
• favourite activities: trading pokemon cards, kicking the ball around, free climbing play, listening to music on portable speaker, spending money earned
• 3 favourite things: Pokemon cards, Youtube Kids, Mega Man on SNES
• best friends: Michael and James 
• teeth status: 6 permanent, 1 loose, 2 cavities