A drawing for papa

Sera did a drawing for her papa. In case you don't understand her picasso-like drawings (ahh, my glass is always half-full), it's a jellyfish, a walrus and her papa as a diver. I can't stop laughing at Johan's sausage-like legs ... and look, she even drew in a tank and your belt with weights. Too cute!

Bird park

All Sera wanted to see was a kookaburra but alas, there was none to be seen. Opps. Nonetheless, we had a good time, strolling through the bird park with grandpa and grandma. The highlight was the kids' splash playground tucked away in a quiet part of the park. Of course we didn't come prepared but I couldn't stop them from running au naturel into the sprinklers, especially when they were feeling so mucky from the weather. We ended our visit with a long lunch, while the girls dried up. Have a good week ahead everyone!

Scarket ibises ... stunning

The always happy camper

Posing with the parrots ... Yassy was getting nervous by their squawking

and with the flamingoes

Playground time

Splash time (Yassy slightly censored)

An almost rare moment ... a photo with the girls

Spotty and Mami

There's a pet store in our neighbourhood which the girls love to visit. If I let them, they could probably just hang out there the whole morning. Sera and Yassy will go visit all the little furry rodents, the puppies and many fish in the different tanks. As usual, Sera misses nothing and would inform the pet store assistants if she sees something amiss ... like one morning, the assistant had to clear away 5 bottles of dead fighting fish because Sera worriedly went up to him, proclaiming, "They're DEAD!" and was wondering what was to be done with them. Well, she was mortified when he simply tossed them into the bin. Opps!

So anyway ... after our many visits there, the girls and I agreed to adopt a pet. Well, I decided on the pet or they would have gone the furry way. So ... meet Spotty and Mami. This will be their first pets, little terrapins. Spotty is Sera's, named by her of course, because of the spots on its shell. And for Yassy, she named hers 'Mami' for no particular reason whatsoever. Ha ha.

Spotty and Mami are doing fine. I can't say they're getting lots of attention ... let's say, compared to a dog or a cat. Hmm, Yassy even asked for a cat yesterday. Baby, I can see you saying 'NO' immediately. ha ha.

When they are young ...

The girls are settling into a nice routine these days ... and most importantly, they are pretty happy despite still missing Johan a lot. Here are some random photos of them.

Yassy and Sera having a good laugh with each other ... they were at this for a long time

After school, they burn any remaining energy left. They rush for the swings the minute they enter the playground

Not sure what you call this but it's like a chair-swing? The kids love it and I remember loving it when I was a kid. Here Sera is with her classmates, Ashton and Chloe. Yassy always plays with the bigger kids.

In their school uniforms. It was class photo day thus uniforms were compulsory.

Nothing surprises us anymore

I was in the kitchen when I heard Sera scream for me. I rushed out and this is what I saw. Ok, before I took the photo, I did ask her to come down and of course she said, "Nooooooo!" I know, which mother would feel the need to take a photo of this? Apparently this mother. I shouldn't be taking this photo ... I should be rushing to get her down from the gate and giving a good lecture about not climbing gates like that. But you see, this girl is a little 'un-teachable' ... sometimes. After a few seconds, she did climb down the gate by herself, after having a glimpse of some people practising tai-chi on the the top level of the car park.

Back to school

Sera and Yassy started their first day at Shaws today. For Sera it was a return after 2 years as she had attended Shaws back in July 2008. She was excited to go back to school, but she started to fret when she realised that it wasn't Children's Garden. She remarked that, "this isn't the Dubai school!" I tried to reassure her that it was the same school she had attended 2 years ago. However, I'm afraid that it was too long ago to have made any impression. Then she whined that she didn't have any friends here at Shaws. True but I told her that I was pretty sure she'd make a few friends soon.

Yassy, it being her first day of school in all her 2 years, she was very curious and of course, anything her sister does, she wants to do as well. So with her backpack on her little shoulders, we walked together to 'Spotty Sunflower' at pre-nursery. She got a little shy when her teachers came up to her. I linger for a little as Sera was waiting outside for me to take her to her class. Thankfully, saying goodbye to Yassy wasn't traumatic at all. She was anxious just for a few seconds but got easily distracted by the toys in her class.

Three hours later, I picked up a very thrilled Yassy. According to her teacher, Miss Joanne, Yassy cried once for me but only because she got upset when the toys had to tidied up. Other than that, she was happy to be with her new friends in school. Sera, on the other hand, was very moody ... for reasons she didn't hesitate to tearfully tell me. Apparently, she didn't like the snacks that the school provided (white bread and jam) and the boys in her class "didn't want to be friends with me!" So I quickly promised to pack a snack box for her and regarding her friends ... well, I assured her she would have friends in no time.

So in all, a fairly smooth first day at school. Phew!

As promised ...

... Sera cycled when she turned 4. Today, we went to East Coast Park and she decided she wanted to cycle. She hopped unto her new bicycle and without any fuss, started cycling. Needless to say, Johan and I were stunned ... and both of us shared an emotional moment while we watched our little 'big' Sera excitedly whizz around us.

She's cycling! from Que Sera Sera on Vimeo.

Weekend before we get down to packing

I wish I could say we're doing very exciting things these days ... because, the truth is, we are not. The heat has forced us indoors, so yes, it's been pretty much pool time in the morning for an hour, pool time in the early evening for an hour or to the MALL. I shudder when I think of malls. I would be happy to not enter one for a long time after we leave Dubai. Even Sera whined tiredly one evening when we spent almost 8 hours at a mall, "Mama, we can't stay at the mall the whole day!"

This weekend was kind of our last weekend to relax since next weekend, Johan and I plan to start packing. Yes, we have pushed the packing to the very last minute but I'm pretty sure we'll manage. We just have to. We started the morning with a very, very short practise cycle for Sera on her bicycle. I'm not sure if it's her lack of confidence, the heat or just laziness. She's happy just being on the bicycle for 10 minutes and then, she's done. She needs more practise and she'll pretty much be whizzing away. Yassy, on the other hand, is very determined to get on Sera's balance bike but she's needs to grow an inch more and then, she'd be able to start using that bike. For now, she's also happy on her trike.

And in the afternoon, where do we go ... to Dubai Mall. Johan's suggestion ... "Let's say goodbye to Dubai Mall." Ok, I didn't realise we had to say goodbye to malls but I guess in Dubai, that is normal. But it was actually quite nostalgic for me. Walking through the mall, I remember being one of the first few visitors curiously walking in when it wasn't even officially opened. For me, living cross the Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa for that 9 months was an eye opener for a newbie to this city ... and I learned that Dubai does not accept average but embraces outlandishness.

So we went to our favourite shops one last time, we visited the aquarium which the girls are very familiar with, and we had lunch at the Organic Cafe (oh, I'm really going to miss this one).

Here are some photos of our day. I can't help the photos at the mall but just this one last time ...

Yassy ....

She's missing her helmet ... but elbow guards ... checked!

Posing in front of the atrium at Fashion Avenue at Dubai Mall

Err, under the camel at the Gold Souk. We had to persuade them to pose with the camel ... they had this strange idea that the camel was going to let one go.

A very blue day

Where do I even begin? Ok, how about this? The World Cup. Unfortunately, The Netherlands did not bring back the trophy. Immense sadness for all Dutch people across the world and also, fans who were supporting the Netherlands. I have to admit, I am also sad the team didn't win it but I am even more sad to see Johan in utter depression. Ok, I'm not sure he's fallen into a depression as yet but he's been moping and he still is. So it's 6.45PM and he's either sleepy or depressed because he's already lying in bed. Oh dear, oh dear ... what shall we do?

Well, I'm going to let him mope for a while more because I know he'll get out of it eventually, like TOMORROW! Maybe I don't understand the enormity of this loss but I will empathise that it is a very big deal for him and all other like-minded dejected people, like him. I will appreciate that Johan can be so passionate about football to this extent, rather this then something illegal or offensive. Passion is always good. Even the girls have been pretty sweet to him about it. Overheard this while I was in the kitchen.

Sera: "Papa, what is wrong?"
Johan: "I'm veryyyyyyyyyy sad because Holland lost."
Sera: "Oh that's all right papa, let's just go back and play football again."

Hmmm. To interpret little Sera's mind ... she was implying that the Dutch team try their luck again (in 4 years time). And then you have Yassy dancing her crazy dance in front of Johan, her useless attempt to cheer him up but more than enough for me to break into giggles. I tried to put things into perspective for him ...

Me: "Baby, what were the previous years that the Dutch team made it to the finals?"
Johan: " 1974 and 1978."
Me: "So that means you dad has gone through what you did ... 3 times!!! Imagine how he feels."
Johan: "Hmmm ... "

Not sure if that worked? Probably not huh.

Anyway, I say, it's always about the journey and the same applies for World Cup and being 2nd place, one place higher than Germany (we love all our German friends!!!) is also a big deal. So let's be positive and The Netherlands will surprise yet again, in Brazil 2014.

A doubly important day

Two reasons why today is very, very important ...

First, Yassy is two. It's funny but I was a bit confused when I realised she's only turning two. I mean, not to say she has the maturity or intelligence of her older peers but with Yassy, it has been different. It seems like she has simply cruised along to her present day of two years. I have to say, it's been an absolute pleasure being her mama these past two years and she is one kid that makes me laugh, just by being her natural self.

I didn't plan a big party for her but instead a cosy one with her few little friends. I did bake a cake again, and this time it didn't sink, crack or explode. I even decorated it with icing and 'Smarties'. And yesterday, Sera was more than happy to help me bake a tray of mini muffins. I think Yas enjoyed her day ...

Now comes the second important reason ... it's the World Cup finals today! I'm actually nervous talking about it. So this evening, The Netherlands will compete with Spain for the coveted cup. I will be supporting Johan in those, surely, agonizing 90 minutes. And hopefully Yassy will give Oranje some added luck. May the best team win!

Sera making little cupcakes for Yassy's party

A big cuddle for Yassy in the morning

Sending Sera to school before the party


Opening up her presents

She was pleased with her birthday cake

Sera and Fine came back from school to sing and blow out the candles again

Yassy and her new excavator

Yassy is two! from Que Sera Sera on Vimeo.

Football fever

This was my evening.

6PM. The match. Holland vs Brazil. THE match to watch, a very, very important one. Johan wakes up from his nap just in time to hear the referee blow his whistle for the game to begin. The girls seem to be excited to be watch football with Johan. However, 10 minutes into the game, Sera decides to practise her handstands and forward-rolls on the carpet. Yassy is hungry, wants this, that and more. Then suddenly, a thunderous 'goallllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll' from his truly and Yasmin completely FREAKS OUT. She screams in terror because the poor chick was standing just beside her papa, who unfortunately could not contain his happiness?

Yassy cries, I do not exaggerate, non stop for a good 30 minutes and then intermittently for the rest of the game. I can safely say she's has become a non-fan of football. To her, football = crazed papa. I decide to lure the girls into a warm bath, to calm Yassy's nerves but it doesn't help much. What she really needed was to get papa away from the 'bad' football so that he could tuck her into bed.

If only I had video-ed Johan during that last 6 minutes. Tense is too mild a word to describe his state. He was a nervous wreck - standing, sitting, squatting, mumbling to himself, shouting at the players, shouting at the referee. I was a little dumbstruck actually. The match finally ends with a 2-1 win for Holland. Johan is beyond ecstactic and the girls finally get their papa back for their bedtime stories.

New babies

Sera and Yassy adopted two babies a few days ago. An African baby called Zara and a Hispanic baby, Leila. Ha ha. Ok, baby dolls I might add. They are a little obsessed with them at the moment but it's also really sweet to see the girls go about their 'pretend play', and at the same time, very disturbing to see them carry the babies by their hair or necks. Gulp.

Yassy with baby Leila, who immediately pees when you feed her

The babies stashed on the trailer, going for a ride in Yassy's new tricycle

And Sera takes all of them for a ride

4 is a big deal!

Sera has finally turned 4! Not that we're in a hurry for her to age but after attending so many other birthday parties, she was counting down the days to her birthday. Turning 4, apparently, is a big deal to her. Since forever, she has been making a list of things she can do by 4. According to her, by 4, she'd swim without floaties (that she has been doing for a couple of months already) and she'd be cycling on her 'big' bicycle. However, unaware to her, is the practise that must come before the actual act.

I wanted to throw her a party, a very small one. Johan suggested 4 friends for her turning 4. Great idea in my opinion. So a few weeks before the party, I visualised the party in my head. A week before, I gave out the handmade invitations and started to add in more details in my mind. And two days before the party, I decided I really should have started preparing for the party. Hmm. Wanting to make it somewhat special for Sera, I took it upon myself to make the birthday cake and the butterfly pinata. I have to say, I enjoyed making the pinata especially designing and crafting it. But I should have sought Johan's help when it came to making sure the pinata would work, technically. For the birthday cake, all she wanted was a chocolate cake and I could not even deliver! Well, to be fair, it tasted yummy (using only the best wholesome ingredients) but aesthetically, it was an earthquake of a cake. Literally. The top half of the cake cracked into 3 parts. Groan. Oh yes, it was very bad. It was un-salvageable. And it was 1.5 hours before the party too. So thank you Baskin Robbins for the delicious chocolate chip ice cream cake which everyone loved and devoured in the end.

On the whole, the party was a success, chaotic as most kids' parties usually are. Sera was thrilled to have her close friends with her and even her papa came back for the afternoon. She couldn't have asked for more.

Ahh, I sob when I see this 'perfect' ice cream cake

Presents!

The butterfly pinata

that didn't rip apart when the kids tugged at it ... Johan had to give it some assistance

Complete mayhem but so much fun for the kids

Winding down

The celebration continued at school today ... it was also her last day at school

Sera looking awfully shy but I'm sure very happy to have her classmates with her

Finally, a big goodbye hug to Ms Andrea, her German form teacher

Yassy's play date

During the week, a few moms and I would take turns holding mini play dates, well, not big ones, preferably no more than 3 kids. Yasmin doesn't like crowds, which is the total opposite of Sera at this age. She comes out of her 'shell' when the environment is less chaotic, calm. So here one morning this week when we had Frederick over for some fun.

Painting ... and in the end, making a beautiful mess!

Snack time ... err, this was one of 3 snack times. These two have very good appetites!

All girls weekend

This weekend, we spent it with another mama and her two girls, whose papa also had to work. It's always better when the papas are around but thankfully, we all had a good time. We packed the weekend by spending the whole morning at the pool, back home for the younger ones to nap, and then to the park for play and a picnic dinner. The girls had a deep, deep sleep that night.

This morning, Sera had ballet. Again, I think Sera is not very impressed with ballet. When I peek into the room, I see her doing her own version of 'freestyle ballet', not at all dancing in unison with the other girls. Hmmm. Oh well. The minute class ended, all she can say is, "Mama, let's go to the aquarium!" And to the Aquarium we went. We spent the rest of the morning at the Aquarium and then Discovery Centre. We went to Candyland (the biggest candy store I've ever entered). The girls got to choose one piece of (big) candy each. After lunch, we found the girls' favourite carousel and the kind attendant let us stay on for more than 5 rides. It was free of charge anyway ...

Hope everyone else had a good weekend. Enjoy!

Big sisters doing their thing

For Yassy, the higher the better!

Yassy and Lotte goofing around in the gazebo

Sera and Fine by the pond, all flushed from the infamous summer heat

First ride ...


and finally, their 6th ride?

His little belles

It's been a busy week, especially since Johan was away for work. So busy that I didn't have time to post anything ... well, actually more like feeling a little melancholy without Johan. Ha ha. It's true. Once the girls are in bed, it is nice to have some adult conversation going on and his company. So anyway, he's just hours from returning home and I'm feeling lighter already.

This photo taken last week before Sera's ballet class. Sera is so tanned, like a roasted chestnut and Yassy, hmm ... her smile just cracks me up!