Someone's 34

Happy Birthday papa! from Que Sera Sera on Vimeo.

Yasmin has been singing the 'Happy Birthday' song whenever she sees a cake. She sang to the gingerbread house everyday that it was on our kitchen table. She sings to the cake in her storybook ... basically, she's been practising. So when Johan's birthday cake appeared after dinner, she sang on cue. But she was a little mesmerised by the glowing candles.

Happy Christmas!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

All our love ...


Early Christmas morning (family photo attempt #1)

At a Christmas party later (photo attempt #2)

Father Santa

I didn't plan on telling Sera the tale of Father Santa. Not at all. As children, my brother and I were always given a more religious view of Christmas, one without the fantasy. Definitely not the tale of Santa that travelled the world, with his team of reindeer, to deliver gifts for children (only the good ones!).

So with Christmas approaching, I shared with Sera the Christmas story (the only one I've known as a child) and she was curious, as with all new stories. We even have a little ceramic nativity scene that sits on the table, and Sera had exclaimed excitedly at 'baby Jesus', nestled in the crib. I was glad that she was experiencing Christmas in a more real and meaningful way.

Then a few nights ago, I told her the story about Santa. I now cringe slightly at the whole episode. She wanted me to tell her a story and I, being in a festive mood, impulsively told her the tale that was never uttered to me as a child. At first, I started off warily, and then when I saw her big eyes widen to saucers, I got carried away and the story got more fantastical. Oh dear. I went to bed that night and thought about Santa, about how Sera was so charmed by the whole story and how she so easily believed that he was going to come by on Christmas eve night to deliver presents for Yasmin and herself. It was sweet and in the end, I was glad I'd played along with her imagination of Santa and his flying reindeer.

So the next morning, I discussed with mama, the idea of her 'meeting' Santa in the flash. All across Dubai, in various malls and hotels, Santa was appearing at grottos to meet with children, for a fee of course. We drove 45 minutes to this Wafi mall, bought our tickets and waited another 90 minutes (amazingly Sera stood beside me all that time, not a whisper of a whine). Finally, it was time for Sera and I to enter Santa's grotto. I was, admittedly, just as excited as Sera. The grotto was dimly lit and there was a fireplace to create cosiness but Sera was immediately taken aback and then Father Santa, who was sitting rather snugly on his plush armchair, further terrified her. I expected her reaction, it was no surprise. Father Santa tried to engage her in some conversation.

"Sera, have you been a good girl?" (hmm, talk about scripted conversation huh?)

Sera was standing a good two metres from him, her hands twisted in a ball and her face on the verge of explosive sobs. She managed a weak nod, as in 'yes'.

"What do you want for Christmas?"

Sera turned to look at me, a bit stunned about that question.

"I want you to come to my house."
"Yes, I will come to my house ... but you HAVE to tell me what you want for Christmas."

Hmm, I saw what Santa was trying to pull off. If he thought I'd be easily sucked into this age-old 'all I want for Christmas' scam, he'd be sorely disappointed! Sera shook her head, refusing to divulge anything. I knew what she really wanted and that was for Santa to drop by our place while we were all in bed.

"I will leave cookies and milk for you."
"Oh ... and don't forget, carrots for my reindeer."

Sera nodded in promise.

Our time with Santa was coming to an end and we had to take a photo with him for the evidence! Sera of course, refused to sit with him, so I had to squash myself beside him, with Sera on my lap. SMILE!

So was ALL this worth it? Yes, I think so. The story of Santa and his magical reindeer ... and then meeting him is now a part of her childhood ... one of her many rites of passage that she will have.

Construction worker

No princess tiaras or gilded carriages for our girls ... only the hardiest CAT dumper and a workman's safety helmet!

Gingerbread House

This afternoon grandma and Sera made a Gingerbread House. Grandma did the framework while Sera did the trimmings on the roof. This is what I call impressive teamwork!

Front view

Back view

It's the holidays

Last day of school so how else but to celebrate with a picnic at the park. That's the wonderful thing about the weather now, you can be comfortably outdoors the whole day. Wish you all were here!

Yasmin just awake from her nap under the shade of a palm tree.

After lunch, she heads to the playground

Sera, the ever cautious one, stunned me when she did this all by herself. For a while, she had been standing by just observing while other kids monkey-ed around on the monkey bars. She finally decided to try this stunt today!

I breathe for these moments!

This has been my week so far

We started the weekend with birthday party #1. Then there was birthday party #2. And believe it or not, there birthday party #3. Yes, we attended all three. Honestly, it's hard to say 'No' especially when its a classmate of Sera's. And then, as a mother, you also want to support the mother who is going all out to make it special for the birthday child. So yes, come rain or shine, we attended all the parties with a smile on our faces (Sera for sure) and left with a severe overdose of sugar, highly strung and tired kids. Ahh, all part of parenthood.

And this week has been slightly chaotic. After leaving behind a week of sandstorm, we entered the week with heavy showers that lasted two days. As expected, the roads were a nightmare to drive on (if you even dare but there was STILL party #3 in the midst of the mayhem) and floods were emerging every which way you looked. Sera's school wasn't spared as it started to reveal major ceiling leakage in the reception area. The principal sent out an urgent email to all parent to "Please be prepared to keep your child at home in case the rain does not stop in time for damages to be controlled." Ahh, it was all very dramatic and even comical when I realised I didn't even own an umbrella! Just for your information, it is not easy to find umbrellas here.

But I enjoyed the rain. I really did. It was cold, wet and extremely messy! However, it was very worth it because when the rain relented, the sun just seem to shine even brighter over the usually dusty city and oh, it was such a pleasure to breathe fresh air for a change.

So moving along ... today was 'Pyjama Day' at Sera's school, which meant the school saved me a few minutes of my usual morning struggle of negotiating Sera out of her pyjamas and into her 'proper clothes'. 'Pyjama Day' also meant that the teachers were not planning to do any proper lessons (this is also called the 'We've had enough of all these lovely children and we need a break NOW' syndrome) but to have a class party and huddle the kids together for a 90 minute child-friendly movie. Honestly, I really don't mind at all but I wasn't so pleased when I had to drag myself out of bed this morning, just a little after 12, because I forgot to make the pizzas I signed myself up for. Yes, so while the rest of the family were in dreamland, I was busy (for 2.5 hours) in the kitchen making a big tray of home-made pizza. Insane!

Tomorrow is the last day of school and then we are school-free for 2 weeks. This time, I think I am going to say, again, that I'm looking forward to the school break. I just want to spend time with the girls, together with grandma, in a free and leisurely manner. No schedules, no rush, no birthday parties! Now, it is time for the all of us to slow down, get cosy and lovingly welcome Christmas.

Parties means more face painting which Sera simply adores now

But when she starts looking like that ... it gets a little scary


Josephine and Sera in their very confusing get-up - hair extensions, cat whiskers and in their pyjama outfit straight from school

And then they became 'doctors' to a very willing patient

Yasmin and the phone

Yasmin is talking a lot more these days and her discovery of the 'workings' of the phone is an extension into the world of communication and technology. Oh so fascinating for her, especially when her papa is on the other end. (Note: Yasmin has the mouth-piece on her ear)

Johan is talking on the other end ...

and she is confused ...


even more so when she realises that she's holding a photo of her papa and mama ...

Totally confused but ahhh, it's wonderful to hear papa over the phone

and oh so funny

Drawing

Sera, it seems, is showing signs of being a little bit of an artist. Okay, maybe I shouldn't be too quick or bold to say that because I do detest labelling. But nowadays, a few pieces of paper and her well-used coloured pencils will keep her very busy for a lengthy stretch. Nah, we're not holding our breath that she may have some artistic gene in her. ha ha. But it's refreshing to see her, so full of concentration, head bent over and her hand working all over the paper.

Overheard

So yesterday, Sera had her first brush of a 'life and death' conversation. Just before Johan came back from work, I found out from him the terrible news about his colleague. Johan was very shaken and I just casually pre-empted Sera about Johan being sad about a friend at work. I didn't give details ... just that Johan was feeling very, very sad.

This afternoon, in the car, Sera brought up the sad incident at Johan's work.

"Mama, how is papa's friend?"
"Hmm, not so good ... "
"Papa is really sad about his friend."
"Yes, he is ... "
"I shall give papa a big hug when he comes back tonight."

I could not help myself but my eyes started to water.

Conversation between Sera and Johan this evening ...

"Papa, how is your friend?"
"He's in the hospital."

"Papa, did he drive into the sea?"
"Yes."
"But why did he drive into the sea?"
"He may have been sleeping."

"What happened in the sea? Did the sharks eat him?"
"No, sharks did not eat him. He drowned."

Gulp.

I was in the kitchen when I overheard their conversation. My heart did a flip and my tummy got all knotted up ... my 3 year old daughter is starting to learn empathy, and for few seconds seemed wise for her age.

In their jungle

This is the 'jungle' that we walk, scooter or cycle through, a few times every day. The girls absolutely love walking through this trail that leads to the main park. They greet neighbours, appreciate the cats and dogs from a distance, get very thrilled when they see the many birds that fly through it or the birds that perch at some of the lush gardens. They collect twigs, sticks, rocks and flowers and stuff them in the stroller or in Sera's bicycle basket. They can do this everyday and never, ever get tired of it. What simple pleasures!

Football and flea market at the park

Johan has started playing football, at Safa Park, every Saturday morning. The motley team of expats with, varying sizes and fitness level (ha ha), meet to play, one day participate in one of the amateur leagues here. But for now, I'm just honestly pleased that Johan gets his few hours of exercise doing his favourite sport.

The girls and I decided to tag along, to show our support. He was touched, I'm sure, because we were the only family there. The girls were very excited seeing their papa play but I had to pull them back from running into the playing field. I, on the other hand, got very distracted by the very talked about flea market just 25 metres away. It was not easy getting the girls to accompany me to the flea market but they eventually did after the promise of pop corn and face painting.

It was a good morning. Football and flea market ... a win-win combination!

The girls cheering their papa

They went back to support their papa after having some fun at the flea market

Sera, of late, is very into butterflies

Since last Wednesday ...

School is STILL closed, till next Monday, so that means I am, simply and matter of factly, tired. I know I said I was relieved that school would be closed for a while but honestly, I must have been crazy to think that. Hmm. Anyway, some photos for now ...

The Christmas tree is up ...

On Saturday, we spent the morning at Jumeirah Beach Park. The water was cold and only Sera bravely went in ...

All of a sudden, Sera loves having her face drawn on or painted on. And of course Yasmin will not be left out. Two cats with the wrong set of ears

That's a spider web, if you can't tell ...

and that's a spider on Yasmin's cheek

The girls and I went to the aquarium at Dubai Mall one morning to see the new addition ...
the giant octopus

With friends at the park in the community

International Day

International Day is a big celebration at Sera's school. The teachers were busy preparing for this day, transforming the school to represent the different continents. Parents also had to get involved (but of course). We made flags, provided national decorations, prepared special food dishes particular to our country (oma made kruid koek) and got our children dressed in their national costume. Sera wore her favourite cheongsam from auntie Evan and I prettied her hair with some flowers.

The celebration, which was themed 'A Taste of the World' centred on endless array of food from the different nationalities that made up the school community. There were pony rides, the Dubai Drummers that drew a huge audience and later got everyone dancing, henna corner and for the continent of Antarctica, an ice cream van that made every kid very happy. A busy, busy day but now school will be closed, for 2 weeks, for the Eid holidays. Even I am looking forward to relaxing a bit ... school is also hard work for the parents!!!

Sera and Yasmin pose before school drop off

Prinicpal Birgit, dressed in a traditional German, costume start the celebration

Sera took me by surprise when she willingly went up to the pony and stroked it

And then she asked to sit on him?

Dubai Drummers got the crowd into a celebratory mood

Sera drumming to the beat

Everyone couldn't help but dance. Miss Sandra, one of Sera's German teacher, dancing with her

Yasmin was not at all pleased with all the loud drumming. She stayed away from it but only gave it a chance when the crowd dispersed and the drums were being packed away

Abu Dhabi

We spent the weekend in the city of Abu Dhabi, just over an hour's drive from Dubai. Johan and I had dinner date with another couple friend, at a Japanese restaurant at Souq Qaryat Al Beri. We sat outside by the marina, since the weather was too pleasant to sit inside. The food was good and the company was even better. Wow, it has been a while since we sat down for a long, leisurely dinner. ha ha.

The next day, after having such a wonderful time, without the girls, we were looking forward to spending the day, exploring the city, with the girls. After breakfast, we headed to the famous Grand mosque that has a number of impressive architectural features. It's big for one, so expansive that the girls had no choice but to run around the 17,000 square meter floral marbled courtyard, and weave through the exterior columns (over a 1,000 of them!). The women had to cover up, in the abayas that are provided courtesy of the mosque. I really don't know to how to articulate the experience of wearing an abaya ... it was interesting just because it was a first for me but I was almost relieved to take it off after the visit.

Next we visited the Emirates Palace. Yet, another overtly grandiose hotel that looked impressive from the outside but ostentatious inside. Well, again, that is my opinion. We walked around the lobby for a while and then headed out in search of affordable food, which we found in a nearby mall. We spent the rest of the day leisurely, even had time to chill out in the hotel before we drove back. The girls and I wiped out the bags of snacks, sang songs all the way back and before we knew it, we were back home ... tired, relieved but contented.

The girls goofing around while Johan is trying to wake up

In the courtyard of the Grand mosque

I know, not very appropriate behaviour but this was outside the prayer halls. Inside, the girls were surprisingly well behaved.

One of many hand-crafted mosaic marble columns


That's me covered in an abaya, with the girls

St Martin Festival

So the story goes something like that ...

There was a man named Martin, who was a knight in Roman times. He was riding a horse when he came upon a beggar by the side of the road. The beggar was freezing from the cold, so Martin cut his cloak into half and shared it with the beggar. That day is celebrated as St. Martin's Day. Traditionally, in many parts of Germany, Austria, Belgium and Netherlands, the kids parade in home made lanterns and sing traditional songs. After the parade, the kids get a weckmann (a sweet bread in a shape of a man, with raisins for his eyes).

So here in Dubai, Sera together with some of her German and not so German friends celebrated St Martin's Day at Safa Park. A week before the festival, we had a major lantern making operation with some mothers from school. The moms were busy making the lanterns with very little help from the kids, but it was good fun nevertheless.

We met at the park for a picnic before the lantern parade. It was an almost perfect setting, with the sun setting and we were perched on the hilly parts of the park, so we had a nice view of the surroundings. Families were lounging lazily on the grass, while the kids were running and playing. The time for the parade finally came. Everyone gathered around for some singing, errrr ... German songs. Sera tried to follow, along with Oma. Johan was watching over Yasmin who was going around poking at lanterns, much to the horror of many parents. Hmm, that girl is uncontrollable! And I was just enjoying the moment. Soon after, the many Germans and non-Germans paraded the park with the lit lanterns ... quite a pretty sight indeed. Sera was very eager at the beginning but after a while, even she got tired. Yasmin didn't want to walk at all, I reckon she was a bit overwhelmed by all the people towering over her.

So that was one of many cultural immersion activities, courtesy of Sera's school ... or maybe just the fact that we're living here in Dubai.

Picnic with friends

Yasmin with her weckmann


Sera with her unhappy face ... she didn't like her weckmann, totally disappointed!


Home made lanterns


Lanterns made of cheese boxes

Showing off their lanterns

Sera with her friends, Elin, Nicholas and Josephine

The lantern parade

Can you tell she's having fun?