Ever since we got here, we have had a little alarm clock called Linnea coming in to our bed, early every morning. (Because she can, before we came here she was in a cot. Now she is in a normal bed.)
Usually it's about five o'clock, which of course is far to early to get up. She tends to come in, cuddle up and go back to sleep though, most days...
(If we are unlucky, she sits in our bed and tells us "waking, downstairs, gå ner, frukost (=breakfast)!!" over and over again in a loud voice, while she pokes us in the face...)
Today the little alarm clock came in, woke her Daddy up and declared she had done a poo (!), and needed new diaper. So, she got changed, and came back in to our bed and fell asleep again.
Apparently very deep, because I woke up about ten minutes before when we normally leave the house..!
Fortunately, I had everything packed and ready since last night, both Lucas and my gear - so we could shoot off to school and the gym without getting late at all, and we even had time for breakfast first!
Maybe it is time, to set the normal alarm clock too by now.
Tuesday, 13 November 2007
Sunday, 11 November 2007
School excursion
Here you can see a slide show from Lucas school excursion last week, to a very high tower!
Apparently they sang "Humpty Dumpty" on live radio!
Apparently they sang "Humpty Dumpty" on live radio!
Translation skills
The other day I overheard my family while the kids were in the bath and Nathan was cleaning them.
Linnea was going on and on about wanting to brush her teeth, but in Swedish: "Nea borsta tänderna, Nea borsta tänderna!" (=Linnea wants to brush her teeth etc).
Nathan didn't seem to pay her any attention (don't know if it was because he didn't understand or because he just wasn't listening...) so after a while Lucas looked at Nathan and said loudly and with irritation in his voice:
-"Daddy!! Linnea wants to brush her teeeeeth!!"
That was the first time I realized that Lucas was actually translating for her!
This means, he knows when they speak which language, and he knew that Nathan didn't understand what she said, because it was in Swedish!
Linnea was going on and on about wanting to brush her teeth, but in Swedish: "Nea borsta tänderna, Nea borsta tänderna!" (=Linnea wants to brush her teeth etc).
Nathan didn't seem to pay her any attention (don't know if it was because he didn't understand or because he just wasn't listening...) so after a while Lucas looked at Nathan and said loudly and with irritation in his voice:
-"Daddy!! Linnea wants to brush her teeeeeth!!"
That was the first time I realized that Lucas was actually translating for her!
This means, he knows when they speak which language, and he knew that Nathan didn't understand what she said, because it was in Swedish!
Saturday, 10 November 2007
Bliss
This is heaven!
I think this is the first time since we moved here, both of them has actually taken a nap at the same time!
I turned off the tv, the ac and everything else that made noise and just sat down and enjoyed the silence... so lovely.
I think this is the first time since we moved here, both of them has actually taken a nap at the same time!
I turned off the tv, the ac and everything else that made noise and just sat down and enjoyed the silence... so lovely.
Playing outside
As we live in a complex that is gated, the "street" is a really safe place for the kids to play here. No one ever drives at any speed here.
Usually in the afternoons, all the kids from the complex come outside and play tag, go on discovery walks and ride around on their bikes and scooters. They have great fun!
Here is Lucas on his bike he got from Granddad and Grandma for his 3rd birthday. It has finally reached us, via Seoul and Singapore...
This is Bon, who has been living just next door, and also has been going to Lucas Kindy. They have been the best of pals, and have been playing almost every day - so it was a sad day yesterday, because Bon moved away. His family is going to Macau where his Dad is starting a new job. Good Luck in your new home!
Here is Linnea and Scarlett, another one of our neighbors. It is so great with all these kids around us!
Usually in the afternoons, all the kids from the complex come outside and play tag, go on discovery walks and ride around on their bikes and scooters. They have great fun!
Here is Lucas on his bike he got from Granddad and Grandma for his 3rd birthday. It has finally reached us, via Seoul and Singapore...
This is Bon, who has been living just next door, and also has been going to Lucas Kindy. They have been the best of pals, and have been playing almost every day - so it was a sad day yesterday, because Bon moved away. His family is going to Macau where his Dad is starting a new job. Good Luck in your new home!
Here is Linnea and Scarlett, another one of our neighbors. It is so great with all these kids around us!
Thursday, 8 November 2007
Busy, busy, busy!
In between feeling quite lonely down here, I am also really busy, and this week has been hysterical!
Monday I did my workout at the gym in the morning, picked Lucas up from school and also had to pick Nathan up from the airport and then pick up the second car that we have bought (a "bucket", just to drive to and from the airport in) and then off to the beach for the Guy Fawkes Night.
Tuesday, I did my workout at the gym and then my weekly shopping. In the afternoon I picked Lucas up from school, and went for a coffee at a friends house and in the evening the normal chores with the kids.
Yesterday Linnea was visiting Kindy in the morning, siblings day. Then her and I went to the Christmas Fayre the British Community Link was organizing and on the way to pick Lucas up we had to go shopping for some things I had forgot the day before. In the afternoon I had the neighbour over for a play date and then we went to some friends for a BBQ in the evening.
Today I have had my swimming lesson this morning, followed by my coaching session. Then I took the kids to the Yacht Club this afternoon and this evening I have been on a Private Viewing of the work of a local artist, and having coffee at a friends house.
Tomorrow I'm taking Linnea to toddler group and after that I am going to the gym. We might go and see a house, and in the afternoon Lucas is having a play date over...
*Phew*... Life sometimes is really busy!
Monday I did my workout at the gym in the morning, picked Lucas up from school and also had to pick Nathan up from the airport and then pick up the second car that we have bought (a "bucket", just to drive to and from the airport in) and then off to the beach for the Guy Fawkes Night.
Tuesday, I did my workout at the gym and then my weekly shopping. In the afternoon I picked Lucas up from school, and went for a coffee at a friends house and in the evening the normal chores with the kids.
Yesterday Linnea was visiting Kindy in the morning, siblings day. Then her and I went to the Christmas Fayre the British Community Link was organizing and on the way to pick Lucas up we had to go shopping for some things I had forgot the day before. In the afternoon I had the neighbour over for a play date and then we went to some friends for a BBQ in the evening.
Today I have had my swimming lesson this morning, followed by my coaching session. Then I took the kids to the Yacht Club this afternoon and this evening I have been on a Private Viewing of the work of a local artist, and having coffee at a friends house.
Tomorrow I'm taking Linnea to toddler group and after that I am going to the gym. We might go and see a house, and in the afternoon Lucas is having a play date over...
*Phew*... Life sometimes is really busy!
Wednesday, 7 November 2007
YES!
I think it has finally happened, it is all paying off... I can see it now! YES!
See what?!
A change.
You know, even though our (I'm writing our, because it is affecting the whole family) whole lifestyle change is about more than just my weight issue, it is of course part of it.
I can't see it in any big way on the scales yet (must be because muscles are heavier than fat, right?) but I have been feeling it for a while - and today, I do think I actually can SEE a change in my body too - lovely feeling!
Mind you, going from doing absolutely no exercise at all in the UK - to working out at the gym three times a week, having one swimming lesson and one swimming practise; plus eating a lot healthier, must give a positive result!
Maybe it is just my attitude that has changed, but one thing is for sure, something is happening, and I am starting to feel happy about myself again.
I am longing for Monday mornings, to go to the gym, to workout. I was so down last week when I was sick and had to cancel my swimming lesson and couldn't do any workout. I really enjoy my exercise!
I still have far to go, but it is happening!
See what?!
A change.
You know, even though our (I'm writing our, because it is affecting the whole family) whole lifestyle change is about more than just my weight issue, it is of course part of it.
I can't see it in any big way on the scales yet (must be because muscles are heavier than fat, right?) but I have been feeling it for a while - and today, I do think I actually can SEE a change in my body too - lovely feeling!
Mind you, going from doing absolutely no exercise at all in the UK - to working out at the gym three times a week, having one swimming lesson and one swimming practise; plus eating a lot healthier, must give a positive result!
Maybe it is just my attitude that has changed, but one thing is for sure, something is happening, and I am starting to feel happy about myself again.
I am longing for Monday mornings, to go to the gym, to workout. I was so down last week when I was sick and had to cancel my swimming lesson and couldn't do any workout. I really enjoy my exercise!
I still have far to go, but it is happening!
Some school trip!
When I was about 9-10 years old, my class spent a whole term in school collecting money in different ways, to go on a school trip. You know, we made our mothers bake bread and cookies to sell, put on shows, held tombolas etc.
Then we went about 80 km south to Borås, and spent a day at Borås Zoo, that was our school trip! (As far as I remember, it was a great day by the way!
My friend Anna's daughter Amelia has just been on a school trip too - to Australia!!!
Yes, she is 10 years old, and she and her classmates has just been away for a whole week, in Darwin. That's a 7 hour airplane ride away, and another continent..!
Now, that's what I call a school trip!
Then we went about 80 km south to Borås, and spent a day at Borås Zoo, that was our school trip! (As far as I remember, it was a great day by the way!
My friend Anna's daughter Amelia has just been on a school trip too - to Australia!!!
Yes, she is 10 years old, and she and her classmates has just been away for a whole week, in Darwin. That's a 7 hour airplane ride away, and another continent..!
Now, that's what I call a school trip!
Tuesday, 6 November 2007
Tuesday Theme 06 November - En/Ett
Today's Tuesday Theme is en/ett (=one).
There is just one of me - I am unique.
There is just one of me - I am unique.
Guy Fawkes 2007
We went down to the beach last night with a few friends, had a bit of a bbq and lit some fireworks to celebrate Bonfire Night.
Around the bonfire.
Linnea, Amanda, Nathan & Lucas
My family
Will and Luke lighting "the big one", or at least trying to, in the rain.
It was really, really nice - apart from the small details that Linnea was scared of the rockets and Lucas afraid of the dark.., and the rain became heavier and heavier...
Here I am, in the dark, completely soaked! It is Lucas under the stripy-green towel and Linnea under the dark green one in my lap..!
We didn't stay long unfortunately, but found out today that the others had packed up as well, just after we left. The rain won sadly.
Around the bonfire.
Linnea, Amanda, Nathan & Lucas
My family
Will and Luke lighting "the big one", or at least trying to, in the rain.
It was really, really nice - apart from the small details that Linnea was scared of the rockets and Lucas afraid of the dark.., and the rain became heavier and heavier...
Here I am, in the dark, completely soaked! It is Lucas under the stripy-green towel and Linnea under the dark green one in my lap..!
We didn't stay long unfortunately, but found out today that the others had packed up as well, just after we left. The rain won sadly.
Sunday, 4 November 2007
Kindy schedule 5 - 9 November
Term 1 week 10
Babies - Big & Little – Focus activities:
Letter of the week Ii
Focus story: The Story of Rama and Sita (Deepavali)
Comparative mathematical language – big/bigger/biggest & small/smaller/smallest
Counting and matching numbers - 10 little indians
Babies are small - we are big
Monday
Music with Mr Instone
Extra perceptual motor lesson with Mrs Carter
Tuesday
ICT – Interactive whiteboard activities
PE with Mrs Carter
Deepavali Assembly with Mrs Lewis
Wednesday
Baby brothers and sisters welcome to visit until 9 am.
Mandarin
Thursday
Mandarin
Library with Mrs Mann
Friday
Swimming 10.00 – 10.30.
FRESH FRUIT FRIDAY – PLEASE SEND A PIECE OF FRUIT TO MAKE INTO A FRUIT SALAD
Babies - Big & Little – Focus activities:
Letter of the week Ii
Focus story: The Story of Rama and Sita (Deepavali)
Comparative mathematical language – big/bigger/biggest & small/smaller/smallest
Counting and matching numbers - 10 little indians
Babies are small - we are big
Monday
Music with Mr Instone
Extra perceptual motor lesson with Mrs Carter
Tuesday
ICT – Interactive whiteboard activities
PE with Mrs Carter
Deepavali Assembly with Mrs Lewis
Wednesday
Baby brothers and sisters welcome to visit until 9 am.
Mandarin
Thursday
Mandarin
Library with Mrs Mann
Friday
Swimming 10.00 – 10.30.
FRESH FRUIT FRIDAY – PLEASE SEND A PIECE OF FRUIT TO MAKE INTO A FRUIT SALAD
Saturday, 3 November 2007
EFIT - Saturday 03.11.2007
08.30 Time to get up, after a lovely sleep-in.
09.30 After breakfast, jump into the shower!
10.30 Look what came in a parcel for me! My Ordning&Reda calendar for next year that I had ordered! And how pretty it is... *sigh*
11.30 Cleaning up after Halloween.
12.30 - 15.30 Regatta-time at the Yacht Club. We went up there for lunch and stayed the whole afternoon. Got so relaxing I forgot to take photos these hours *shame on me*.
16.30 Someone we didn't know had a birthday party, but fortunately there was cake enough even for our kids..! No more spoons though, hence the extra messy face!
17.30 One last G&T for the road (not for the driver though).
18.30 Linnea is really into her animals at the moment. Especially lining them all up.
19.30 Labeling my "bread-stuff" for the bread machine.
20.30 Starting my uploading, doing my blog round, emailing, Skyping... will be at it for a while, so no more pictures tonight!
Friday, 2 November 2007
The big picture
After two months here, I had to surrender and do this: stick a map of Brunei up on the wall.
There actually aren't many maps to get hold of here since the country officially is in a state of emergency (since 1962, in a response to a pro-independence rebellion) but we have found a book with some very old maps in it.
It has proven quite difficult though, to follow where I am whilst driving, having to flip pages all the time - so today I scanned it all in and printed it out, so I could tape it together to get my bearings a bit better.
Now I have the big picture!
More Halloween
Of course they celebrated Halloween at Kindy as well, on Wednesday. All the kids were supposed to come in dress up. Lucas chose to be a pirate for this occasion. Here is his best "aarrggh"-face:
And if you click here you can see all the Kindy kids in their outfits basch the Halloween-pinata, stir the hex brew and show off some of their Halloween creations.
And if you click here you can see all the Kindy kids in their outfits basch the Halloween-pinata, stir the hex brew and show off some of their Halloween creations.
Thursday, 1 November 2007
Dear Santa
On talking to Lucas about my trip to the Doctor, and my pains in my tummy, he looked at me and said happily:
- Maybe there is a baby in there!?
- Hm, no Sweety, Mummy doesn't think so. Would you like one?
- Yes!! A baby sister!
I don't know where he has got this from, but I can tell you that it is perfectly enough with the baby sister we have already in this family. No more babies.
- Maybe there is a baby in there!?
- Hm, no Sweety, Mummy doesn't think so. Would you like one?
- Yes!! A baby sister!
I don't know where he has got this from, but I can tell you that it is perfectly enough with the baby sister we have already in this family. No more babies.
Wednesday, 31 October 2007
A not so fun first
We had our first visit to the Doctor today. It was a double-whammy actually, both me and Linnea.
Linnea has had some blisters on her legs, after having fallen over, and being bitten - that she has scratched, and they now don't look very good at all.
We had planned to take her in to the Doctor to see if we could get some better cream for it, than the ones we have at home.
But then, I started having stomach cramps in the middle of the night. Thought it might have been the prawns we had for dinner last night, but neither Nathan or our dinner guests felt any different, so probably not.
This morning it just got increasingly worse, I had to stay in bed, whining from the pain and the cramps. I threw up several times, every time I tried to have just the slightest mouthfull of water - it just came back up.
So we went to the Doctor, all of us.
Linnea got antibiotics, and cream for her leg. She has got a skin infection the poor thing.
I got stop-vomitting-tablets, stop-belly-ache-tablets and some rehydration-sachets. It seems like I have stomach flu, cause it has been going around.
Not so fun. Linnea is ok, apart from the fact that she wasn't too impressed with the medicin, at all.
I have litteraly been in bed all that (thank God for the amah!), with my hot wheat pillow and my bowl next to the bed, cause when it came, I didn't have time to make it to the toilet.
It seems to have calmed down now. On the second attempt, I got to keep the pills, and I have had some water and rehydration mixture.
Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day...
Linnea has had some blisters on her legs, after having fallen over, and being bitten - that she has scratched, and they now don't look very good at all.
We had planned to take her in to the Doctor to see if we could get some better cream for it, than the ones we have at home.
But then, I started having stomach cramps in the middle of the night. Thought it might have been the prawns we had for dinner last night, but neither Nathan or our dinner guests felt any different, so probably not.
This morning it just got increasingly worse, I had to stay in bed, whining from the pain and the cramps. I threw up several times, every time I tried to have just the slightest mouthfull of water - it just came back up.
So we went to the Doctor, all of us.
Linnea got antibiotics, and cream for her leg. She has got a skin infection the poor thing.
I got stop-vomitting-tablets, stop-belly-ache-tablets and some rehydration-sachets. It seems like I have stomach flu, cause it has been going around.
Not so fun. Linnea is ok, apart from the fact that she wasn't too impressed with the medicin, at all.
I have litteraly been in bed all that (thank God for the amah!), with my hot wheat pillow and my bowl next to the bed, cause when it came, I didn't have time to make it to the toilet.
It seems to have calmed down now. On the second attempt, I got to keep the pills, and I have had some water and rehydration mixture.
Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day...
Tuesday, 30 October 2007
First posh pedicure
Went to the Zen Spa yesterday, together with a friend, to get pampered for a bit. We had the most wonderful foot scrub, and then I got a French pedicure.
(Might be hard to see on the photo, but it's very light pink, with a pearly white on the nail tips.) I have never had this done before, so I feel very posh at the moment!
(Might be hard to see on the photo, but it's very light pink, with a pearly white on the nail tips.) I have never had this done before, so I feel very posh at the moment!
Tuesday Theme 30 October - Trasig
Todays Tuesday Theme is trasig (=broken). I have chosen to upload an old favorite, which was the first "trasig" that came to mind.
This is Lucas in August 2005, 19 months old, - after I left him home alone with Daddy...
He had fallen over on the corner of the sofa table, straight on his eyebrow. It was bleeding so much, that Nathan thought it was best to take him to the doctor. He was such a brave little man, not a tear or anything.
He got a couple of butterfly stitches and a big plaster, and got sent home again.
His face says it all though..!
This is Lucas in August 2005, 19 months old, - after I left him home alone with Daddy...
He had fallen over on the corner of the sofa table, straight on his eyebrow. It was bleeding so much, that Nathan thought it was best to take him to the doctor. He was such a brave little man, not a tear or anything.
He got a couple of butterfly stitches and a big plaster, and got sent home again.
His face says it all though..!
Monday, 29 October 2007
First bread baking moment
We have bought a bread maker. "Everybody else" seems to have one down here, and to be honest - it is kind of hard to get hold of healthy bread.
So, we are going to make our own from now on!
I started out today by making a "light wholemeal loaf". Here it is in the making:
And here is the finished result:
At least it looks like bread, and smells like bread! I will let it cool down a bit, then I will taste it, hopefully it tastes like bread too - yummy bread!
So, we are going to make our own from now on!
I started out today by making a "light wholemeal loaf". Here it is in the making:
And here is the finished result:
At least it looks like bread, and smells like bread! I will let it cool down a bit, then I will taste it, hopefully it tastes like bread too - yummy bread!
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