Hello Ewan

Dear Ewan, On January 22, you and mom took a month long trip fo to Hong Kong. Mainly to visit your 婆婆, 公公 and , 支支. It is the first time for you to travel to such a far place. And because I went to Hong Kong recently , I did not go with you guys. So it was just you and Mom. Here are some of the highlights of that trip from my perspective. Getting there: It is worth mentioning that this trip was supposed to take place in December. But our family taught covid and had to delay until January.  Month prior, mom already read tons of blogs about traveling with kids. She also systematically started making a packing list and reading up on health policies when entering Hong Kong. This trip was months in the making. Luck seems to be on our side since most Covid restrictions were shed. On the Sunday that you left, it was tough for me. After I said the many goodbyes to you and Mom at the security checkpoint, I walk back to my car feeling empty and depressed. Things slowly got better. In the mea...

Hello Ewan, We went downtown today primarily to attend an ultrasound appointment at SickKids. Follow up on the incident before (all normal). Of course, I made a day out of it. Here are the highlights. - took subway DT first time. $6 parking, $6 transit. $12 roundtrip for both! No getting stuck in traffic. no time pressure because of parking DT. - double pants. Following numerous experience of winter walking DT, I urged you to wear double pants to keep your legs warm. Worked like a charm! - Visited toy store st SickKids. Was your favorite memories. - Walked to Sentosei 三草亭 for Ramen after SickKids appointment. You ate alot and drink Calpico.  - we than went to AGO. Again, first time. You were a bit bored but was a good sport for sticking with it. You were very tired by that time. Mirror Room was probably the highlight. Shopping at the gift shop was fun too. I bought you a skunk and bought mom a cool mug. - by late afternoon, you were tired. But you stayed calmed until we got home (s...

Hello Ewan, Yesterday and today, we change tires to get ready for winter driving. It's part of an annual ritual. I got you more involved this year and you responded well. You stuck with most of the ritual both yesterday and today, which is not bad for a 6 year old. You did cry today because you were too cold and you thought I "force" you do wait outside. You told me your most favorite moment was jacking up the car (by pushing a button). But you told me overall, spending time with me was your favorite part. To be honest, I was very happy to have your company. Even though there's some safety risk but I think you are mature and careful enough. And when I ask you how was your experience, you said you were glad that you could spend this time with me because you love me very much, and that "you are all I need." I had no idea. That warmed my heart. Then I said, "that's the sweetest thing I've ever heard. To which you said, "yes, I am pretty sweet....

Hello Ewan, I am Churchill Meadows community centre waiting for you to finish your basketball class. Today you finally did not cry! This is the 3rd class and though a tiny bit afriad, you did not cry. I am so proud of you. More importantly,  you should be proud of yourself, for overcoming this fear. Now, if only you wouldn't cry when getting your next (immunization) shot...

Hello Ewan, I want to point out how well you listen to us. You are always good when we ask you to stop watching TV, go to take shower and eat dinner. Mom and I appreciate it so much and we love it. On top of that, you are always open to help us out with chores. Like cleaning up leaves yesterday. You took a laundry clip to pick up leaves. Not the most efficient, but it works I guess. Even when you had a shortened tv time yesterday because of not staying dry, you turned off the TV right away. Last year, you dug a path in the backyard to get to the laundry vent for mom. There are exceptions but they are few and far between. Usually when you are tired or hungry. I don't have a photo when you listen to us because it happens often. This picture is when you got 10/10 on your spell test 6 and 5. You used to always get 9/10 and then we changed strategy to do practice tests. Since then, you've been nailing it. 

Dear Ewan, Yesterday, we did something pretty cool. You and I scootered to the fire station to donate food. I explain to you that some people are just not as lucky as we are. Maybe they lost their jobs and cannot afford food and relies on the foodbank. Below is a video at the food bin. Afterwards, you and I scootered to McDonald's, which is a good 1.5 km away. It is far for you and you little legs. But I knew you can do it and you did. I ordered ahead of time and when you got to McDonald's, we feasted. We had a well deserved rest and lunch which includes chocolate milk and fries. It was great to spend time together. The ride back was relatively easy because we were both full and I set a slower but steady pace. You did a great job to achieve something that is a stretch and you should be proud of yourself.  That evening, we went to Joe's for a family gathering. We celebrated your birthday with your cousins. You played with them and had a fun time. To top off the day, we went ...

Hello Ewan, Being Away: I was away for the last 3 weeks, which has been difficult for me and you as well. But as I told you, I went to HK to be physically present for my grandma's passing and the Siu family. Grandma was a very important person to me. Also, some things are worth doing even if difficult and uncomfortable. Right before leaving the 3 day quarantine at Airport Regal. Feeling anxious. One of the better quarantine meals delivered 3x a day.  Big Boy: Now that I am back, I can't help but feel that you've grown leaps in the last few weeks. You've grown physically and in your speech and demeanor. You started saying things like "real quick" which makes you sound like a much older kid than you are.  Playing with one of the "goodies" dad brought back from HK (thanks Auntie Candy & Uncle Kevin) Posing with those new shoes you love so much. Day 1 of your academic career. Yeah!! Mom is the hero who made it happen. Catching up: Today is Saturday, ...