Earthquake on June 23, 2010 at around 1:40pm

Who would have thought that Toronto would experience earth movements?? Aidan just woke up from his nap and I brought him downstairs to change his diaper. I was basically on the floor on all fours tending his bottom when I heard what sounded like airplanes flying by. As of lately, two plane crashes occurred within a month apart near Buttonville airport. So, I just thought the plane was going to land there and was flying low. The screens on the windows shook.

At about 1:50pm, Dickens called home to ask if I felt the earthquake...I said no. But then realized that the trembling I originally felt was probably not from the planes. I asked if it happened around 1:40 and he said yes. Then it kind of scared me. I was thinking of the girls at school. I wanted to go out to the school yard to see if they evacuated the school for safety reasons. But then, thought ...what if they call home. So, I decided to wait it out. I was going to pick them up in 30 mins anyways.

It was all the news was talking about through out the evening. The quake was a 5.5 but later downgraded to 5.0. Still seems like a major shake but luckily there was no damage at all.

I also quickly emailed June because the epicenter was in Gatineau, QUE. Good thing she came back and said all was fine.

Mom should be at her place now. She left last night to stay at June's for the next few days.

Father's Day and Aidan's 8th Month

Enjoying my first popsicle!!

Wishing all the dads in the family -- happy father's day. We love you for all you do and how you care for your family -- in your own ways. Thank you for being there for the moms too.

June 20 is not only to celebrate the dads...but also marks Aidan's eight month. It seems like overnight, he has mastered the tummy crawl. Fast and furious when he wants something..the determination in those eyes and not caring if he falls or bumps to get there. Now, we have to find ways to baby proof the house. I am particularly concerned with the tv area...he loves to punch the buttons on the receiver...or worse, he bows his head on the ledge of the tv stand. Ouch! Good thing he has not done it yet...but we did get a close call.

He has also got a little feisty when it comes to eating. He would turn his head at his own food...but would scream for my food. hmmm... sorry buddy, you'll have a to wait a couple more months before I can give you my bowl. For now, you are still getting pureed stuff and just little bits of table food as "extra".

With two teeth on the bottom, he is starting to show sign of additional ones budding...I guess when teeth come in...they keep coming.

Another milestone is hearing his name -- or what we call him "dai dai' ..he would turn and look when he hears his name. He also knows to clap when we play the clapping game. And loves to gnaw on any piece of paper he can find.

For June 14 -- Happy Birthday "Yee Jai"

We want to wish Karen ("yee jai") a very happy birthday. May this year bring you happiness and lots of success as you head back into the classroom. I admire you for going back to school for your Masters. I wish I could. But I think my brain has stopped absorbing new information. Sitting in a class again will make me feel out of place too. Best wishes always Beebs.

It's been a while...

It has been a while since my last post. Have I been busy? With only a few weeks of school left, I can only say that I should enjoy the peaceful mornings now. There is also 2 more chinese school days and then we will officially have weekends we can sleep in. Sweet. But the the usual chores will be fun...having the girls tag along on our grocery trips. And I know they HATE them. Sometimes chinese school on Saturday mornings is not so bad.

For the past week, Amelia has been focusing on EQAO, the provincial standardized tests. Needless to say, the previous week, we have been diligently reviewing the various practice sheets she would bring home as homework. Some of the questions seemed a bit advanced compared to the homework I normally see her do. So, as we were solving the problems, I had to use various methods and explanations to suit her level. She was quite proud when the teacher used her answer to explain to the class...but then the teacher said, this method will be taught in grade 4...so, learn it now and you will know it next year. There were a few confused faces thereafter.

Amanda went to the Metro Zoo on Tuesday while next week, Amelia will be going to the Black Creek Pioneer Village. It's great that the kids can visit these educational points of interest. Other events...play day, teacher appreciation luncheon -- which I still have not decided to contribute or not...and report cards and then the last day of school on June 29 -- it will be a half day.