Semi Finals

I took Hans to his very first Raptors' game a few weeks ago. Within a few minutes, he was in sync with the crowd as they yelled in unison "DEFENCE!! DEFENCE‎!!".

It is, in general, a great feeling to support our team. For a child, I suppose, it is amazing to scream and shout‎, and not be told to be quiet! Personally, it was too loud for me; but then, it was a great opportunity to share an experience with Hans...it was my first time at a Raptors' game as well!!

Lucky for us rookies, ‎it was also the 20th Anniversary of the Raptors!! We got to see the "6 Founders" and we also got a performance by the original "Raptors' Girls". So much excitement and to top it off, one of the boyfriends decides to propose to one of the original "Raptors' Girls"!! Hans was truly enchanted by everything that happened. It was also good that the Raptors won the game.

When we got home, Hans declared that he loves Basketball and he loves the Toronto Raptors. He just had one question about the guy proposing to his girlfriend. Hans didn't understand why the crowd clapped and cheered?! I told him that the couple are engaged and everyone was happy for them!! Hans didn't get it and I told him that "engagement is something that happens before a wedding". Hans got it and he confirmed it by stating that "it is like the semifinals before the final"!

The things we learn at a Basketball game.

 

God, Faith and Rejection

Hans mentioned today that he will get a part in the TVO show for sure. I asked him how?! He said that he asked God and so, he will get the part!!

I had to do the good parent intervention and debug his brain a bit. I asked him this question: what if all the kids who auditioned asked God for a part? There are so many kids and only a few parts! Hans thought over it for a second and exclaimed loudly that if God doesn't give him the part, he will fart on him!! So much for reverence!!

A simple debugging wasn't the solution here; it appear‎ed like we needed an entire brain overhaul! This child has always asked questions about God; even visualized him as a mash up of all super heroes! And yes, he thinks of God as masculine! Is it too soon for him to lose faith in God...whoever that God may be in Hans' brain?!

I don't know why, but I chose to save God.

I explained how his big brother, ASid, did not recently get into a high school program; however, he got accepted into another program later! It is good he‎ got into the second program because his best friend will be there with him!!

Sometimes God does not give us what we want so we can get something better later.

I don't know how much I got through to him. At this point in time, I am praying to all Gods out there - male, female, all religions, all colours! Please don't let Hans be rejected!! ‎But then I am also comforting myself with the thought that if that should happen, there are better things out there for my child. Together, all Gods and Momley, will help Hans find another part...

... no one should fart on God or anyone!

First Anything!

Today is Hans' First Audition. Last night, he wanted to know what would happen if he does not do well?! Poor kid!! He has probably been carrying the big weight of his family's expectations on his little 6 year old's shoulders?! Well, I told him it doesn't matter. There will be other opportunities. I am not sure that was a great response or even a good one?!

Last year, Hans was a background performer on a TVO show‎. He got selected based on a picture I sent in. He worked for 6 days and was paid $300 in total. That was in April. We were pleasantly surprised when the production company emailed and inquired about Hans' availability for an audition. Apparently, the show did well and got picked up for a second season!

Hans' life's aim has been to be a superhero and be famous! Essentially, he has seen superheroes on TV and in movies, and that's where he wants to be. In that sense, this is a dream come true for him. As I am thumb typing this‎ on my mobile phone, my little guy is sleeping. We are 2 and a half hour away from his first audition. I wish him all the best.

When we come back, I will finish this post! Que sera sera...what will be will be...

Hans woke up and said that he was scared to go to the audition! ‎At that point in time, I was a little scared for him too! Would he be scarred for life if I made him go and he did badly and gave up his dreams?! I just put my doubts aside and told my child to get ready to go and have some fun. I also shared that I am scared and it is OK! We have each other and we can do it.

I did not get a chance to be part of Hans' audition, but he was pleased with himself‎. We don't know if he got a role in the TVO show. It doesn't matter. Hans showed up at the audition and took that first step. That's all that matters!

 

Generosity and Money Management

Perhaps I was too quick to jump to conclusions?!

My first born sent a note the very next day of the "Texting Rampage" incident to apologize to his Momley‎! He is also home now.

ASid came back with 20 Euros and some change. 20 Euros was the emergency money the teacher asked each student to ‎keep with her! If not for that, ASid literally came home with "chump change"! Somehow even writing about it seems so petty now.

ASid came back with an experience that will remain with him for the rest of his life. He seems somehow more grownup now than on March 12, 2015, the day he left on his trip. He also brought home thoughtful gifts for his family and friends. I am not talking souvenirs here; these are real gifts like a book, a 1 litre glass bottle of apple juice‎, posters, cologne/perfume (small/sample sizes), etc.

He did not buy ice cream for himself, and he did do silly stuff like eat macarons that he does not like; however, he is only 13 and this is the first time he was away from home and making decisions on his own! He may not know how to manage money, but he has a generous heart. I am so proud of him.

‎I still need to take him out for ice cream and have that talk about money management and while I am at it, I must discuss his extreme generous nature!

 

The Funnies and the Waterfalls

There are days I tell myself that I am doing a terrible job as a mother. I am sure I must have mentioned somewhere that I perhaps put that extra pressure on myself. If other moms can work and take care of their children, I should do a fantastic job of just taking care of them?! Right?!

Then there are days I know I have done a great job! Such days are made possible by moments like the following:

Hans remarked the other day that his Momley is the best person in the family. When asked for an explanation, he elaborated that his Momley does all the work in the house. In fact, according to him, she is a servant of the family. However, he did conclude that she is better than Batman's servant!

That is a moment when I don't know if I should cry or laugh?! So, I laugh. At least, the little guy observes his environment and knows what is happening. He recognizes his Momley’s contributions in his own special way!

Then there are other moments…

Right now, Hans' big brother is in Paris on an optional school trip! ASid is lucky that he has such generous maternal grandparents and an awesome maternal uncle who are willing to support his dreams or as some may term them, his whims!! ASid is 13 and very few kids get to go overseas at this age. Obviously, he is learning a lot! What I did not expect was the following:

Yesterday, ASid refused to talk with me on the phone and instead went on a Texting rampage! He accused me of ill preparing him with money management and budgeting! He was like "I am just a kid and you expect me to bring back souvenirs for everyone! I can't even buy ice cream for myself!" Well, that was a tad exaggerated. Just a day prior to that, ASid spent money on expensive macarons and McDonald's macarons to do a blind taste test...and he does not even like macarons!!

Should I laugh or cry?!

Well, this has been a learning experience for me. I hope it has been one for ASid as well! ‎As of yesterday, he still had a day and a half to go in Paris and 13 Euros in his pocket. I think he will survive. Tomorrow, he will be home. I will make sure I take him out for ice cream and have that chat about money management and budgeting!

Note: I started typing this post on February 5th and forgot what "the waterfalls" were; today, on March 18th, I knew and finished typing the post!

 

2 Boys versus 2 Girls

Children are exposed to a lot more these days than ever before. It is a crazy world we live in.

The other morning, Hans inquired about ASid's "sexy girlfriend"! It was a shocking moment as ASid does not have a girlfriend; at least not that we know of! And sexy? Where did he get that word from? Of course, from "Gangnam Style"; that song is still played and people still dance with gusto when it is played. The most popular lyric is "Hey sexy lady!" or perhaps it is popular because that's the only one in English?!

Well, certain things I can blame on others. Then, there are times I am completely responsible for exposing my children to other things that some may consider too early for exposure!

It started with an episode of "Glee"‎ that I had PVR'd and was watching while the boys were playing in the basement. I don't know when Hans joined me on the couch; that boy is like a ninja! I was so involved that I only realized Hans was beside me when I saw 2 male characters kissing onscreen and Hans exclaimed, "What?!". I told him that it is perfectly normal for 2 boys to kiss each other. He wanted to know if 2 boys can get married?! I answered in the affirmative. Hans ended up watching the rest of the episode with me. He didn't ask anymore questions.

Couple of days later, he said that he felt bad for the 2 boys who kissed each other. I was surprised to know that he was still fixated on it. I wondered why he felt bad. Hans said that they cannot have any children like when a boy and a girl get married. In a weird way of reassuring, I told him that a girl and a girl can get married too, and they won't have any children as well! Before I could broach adoption, Hans said that I was wrong. He said, "2 girls can have more children than 2 boys or a boy and a girl!" 

I just let it be. Sometimes, there is no need for a correction or an explanation. At least, he understands that girls produce children. He doesn't yet know about the role boys play in producing those children. He will learn soon enough. He can be a child for a few more days!

 

All Inclusive

Already a few days into 2015!

One of my "mom friends" suggested pulling Hans out of school for a week in February and taking him and her 5 year old to Disney World! It would be a mom and son week. I couldn't respond for a few seconds as such an idea had never crossed my mind in a very long time!

The 4 of us always go on trips together. The only exception is ASid's upcoming trip during March Break; it is a planned school trip! Other than that, it has been all inclusive all the time.

Long time ago, when ASid was 2, my mom suggested a trip to the "Mother Land" - just for ASid, my mom and‎ me. She thought it would be a wonderful opportunity to immerse her first grandchild in her language and culture. Craigley was super upset with the idea. He literally threatened to go away with ASid on another trip - just ASid and him! It was an unnecessary battle - very silly and childish (when I look back on it now). Since before that incident and since then, it has always been all inclusive!

However when I mentioned my mom friend‎'s idea to Craigley, he had a different reaction this time. He gave his blessings for the trip! But I don't want to go this time around. I have grown to enjoy the family trips and I know there are only a few left before ASid is off on his post-secondary journey. So, I am not off to Disney World next month. I am happy being in my very own castle in Toronto!

On that note, it is still January and it is not too late to say "Happy New Year"! May this year be the best yet!