Paris Weekend Getaway - a little adventure while I was in Lux.

It was a Paris weekend getaway.

My agenda while there was to soak up the life. Only one thing was on my ‘must-to-do’ list, and that was to amble around the Louvre at a leisurely pace. Aside from that it was anything that caught our fancy.

As we drove down to Paris from Luxembourg with the help of the GPS, I told Kim of my plan. I said, “No rushing darling. No targets and goals to fulfill. I just want to enjoy my time with you in lovely Paris. I hope that is alright with you.”

Spelling out the plan was a very important thing to do. Kim is the most goal oriented person I know. He always wants to ‘maximize’ every experience. If we can cover the Notre Dame, Latin Quarters, the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Disney Land, and hunt for the dratted Guillotine within a day, he would find the most efficient manner of doing so and set about doing it.

But I was optimistic that this was not going to happen, not even on a ‘secret’ level. The message had been transmitted by ‘moi’ and received by Herr Kim. Hopefully the constant interruptions from that cursed GPS to ‘bear right, 200 meters from now’, or ‘to keep left on the motorway’ did not distort the message.

In Paris.

We had seen the Notre Dame. We had walked on and on along the River Seine. We saw the African street magician who taught me the word ‘Parfait!’. He could not stop praising his bad performance (darn it, I saw that coin!). I was waiting for a ‘Voila’ that never came. We missed the Gregorian Choir, watched the Fire Eater and have walked for 4 hours. It was dinner time and we had yet to have dinner. I was famished. I took a peek at my husband from under my lashes. He was busy surveying the sign boards…looking for something. Very focused and…suspiciously goal oriented.

“Darling, what shall we do now?” I asked in a neutral tone.
“Hmm..how about we walk in the direction of the Latin Quarters?” he answered.
“I’m hungry.” I said.
“Okay, if we see anything good we’ll eat.” He chirped cheerfully.
I squinted suspiciously at him. I sniffed the air and wiggled my nose. I kid you not, I smelt a French rat. (Is Ratatouille French?).

We trundled off. We passed Pont Neuf. We ambled on. My blister was killing me. We went into a walking street. It was bursting with life, break dancers, mime shows, Tunisian pastry shop, bakeries, restaurants and restaurants and restaurants.

“Shall we eat here darling?” I asked weakly pointing to an Italian restaurant.
“Hmm…no…let’s look some more.” He said.

This went on for an hour. Me, pointing out to different restaurants. Him urging us on. We were about to go into the next hour…

When I caught on.

Kim was searching for the Latin Quarters! He was out to achieve a goal.

It was the last item on his secret list of things to do. All along he was Terminator with a very definitive mission. I was surprised at how good he was at ‘going with the flow’. But now I know better. Humph!

At that precise moment we were dangerously close to 10.00p.m. Close to having no dinner.

After 10 years of marriage. I had to wave the white flag of good-wifely-thoughts; it was too good to be true. He was simply up to no good. Rather than wait to be proven right. Rather than wait for my feet to really kill me and end up sulking on one end of the matrimonial bed. I decided to do the dirty deed.

I put my foot down.

And no…it wasn’t a very romantic thing to do.

Imagine doing that in Paris?

He made me do it!

Later….post-‘putting foot down’.

Hubby made up by selecting the nearest restaurant and ordering us our food. The food, as the Americans say, ‘totally sucked’. And no, it was not even French. But, after dinner, we walked hand in hand back to the hotel. We were happy to have survived ten years of marriage. Happy to have known each other well enough to prevent a disaster. We kissed and we made up.

How can we not? It was, romantic Paris after all.

School Opens...Tick Tock Tick Tock

(warning for those who do not enjoy reading or do not have the time to read. This is a long long composition; you'd better skip it.)

And so it has begun again.

I find myself once more a student of Assumption University. My ‘sabbatical’, out of the many I've had, was a completely justified one as far as I was concerned. To all my close and beloved, I beseech you to refrain from asking me for the thousandth time when I will be completing my degree. I know that this is a tall order, but I believe you have the mettle for it.

Now down to the dirty business of my first day at school.

Surrounded by the young and free, I did not forget (not for a moment) that I was a relic. It was Marketing Management class and to my dismay the discussion fell upon' group project'. Let me tell you this,

The slogging at school, I don't mind.
The mugging of chapters, I don't mind.
The hours of research, I don't mind.
The droning of voices of lecturers in broken English, I don't mind.

BUT...group projects, now that's a different and horrible animal altogether.

I was determined not to be participative this time around. Participation in whatever form soon leads to my being the one solely in charge of the project. And from there the situation will dreadfully deteriorate to my being the one and only contributor of the project. They’re smart buggers, these university students. I have been fooled many a times. But not this time.

This is the Assumption University way with a strong dash of Thai culture mixed into it.

I shall clam up, look as dumb as possible I determined. I will not say a word, because grammatically correct English is a dead give away. They’re a sharp bunch. My peers will catch me at my own game in a blink of an eye.

I was introduced to my group. And I kept mum.

I was asked to contribute research objectives for the Adidas marketing campaign we have been assigned to put together. And I kept mum.

I was asked to contribute questions for our questionnaire. I kept mum.

I watched and I listened...tick tock…tick tock...9.40a.m....tick tock...tick tock...9.42.am...yes it will soon be 12.00p.m. I reassured myself.

"Do you think we should search the most effective media?" asked one.
"It's TV. I think." said another.
"Yeah! You right. It's the most expensive one. Of course! (Aha!)" said the first one.
"So it's not a research objective?" he asked again.
"No." said the other.

Then there was a lull as they thought really really hard. Clam your mouth my dear, I reminded myself. You are so much older and experienced, it’s just not fair. Give the little kiddies a chance. I giggled evilly to myself.

"Hey you remember Marketing Research?" asked one.
"Yeah, you asked focus group. Asked girl, why she likes to use deodorant." said the other (we were doing a project on Adidas Body Spray so you can see the relation).
"And she answered, 'for social acceptance'. Can you believe it?!" They laughed till tears came out. They laughed like it was the joke of the year.

I was busy controlling a terrible fit of giggle that threatened to break free.

"Then I asked, why social acceptance. You remember? I donno why." asked one, scratching his head.
"Yeah, then she said, "Because my shirt will turn yellow if I don't use deodorant!" answered the helpful other.
"Man!!!" More guffaws.
"She even wrote it on the paper!" Hands slapping on the desks, chuckles, giggles...that soon trailed off into silence.

"Hmm, research objectives right?" asked one.
"Yeah, do you think we can study which media is most exposure." Asked the other, as brilliance dawned upon him.
"Oi, it's the same thing. You asked already just now." Answered the other.
"Oh yeah, right." No he didn’t quite see it that way.
"So it's not a research objectives?" asked again, now more timidly.
"No." the other was sounding terse.

Silence...it is 9.55a.m....tick tock...tick tock...

I am dying.

No research objectives yet in view.
The questions for the questionnaire is not even within the horizon.

I am sleepy.

I have a million research objectives in my head.
Another million questions for the questionnaires.
I’m keeping myself awake by designing an Adidas Body Spray campaign in my head.

If I open my mouth just this once, I will set us all free. And we can go home early.

I look at my peers. They are trying very hard. Glum faces. The leader winks at me. I did a double take. He smiles and winks at me again, his horrible Japanese fringe flopping into his eyes lazily. I think he knows I am a fraud. I am so bored that I can't help but wink back.

With a sinking feeling I realized that I have seriously underestimated my ability to keep my mouth shut. I am terribly bored. Have I said that? I’ll say it again. Terribly bored.

Tick tock...tick tock...it is 9.56a.m.

Soon, I know soon, it will be 12.00p.m.

The conjugal bed sans children.

I dialed my maid's phone number excitedly, it was that time of the day to give my children a call while I am away romancing the stone with hubby in chilly Luxembourg. My son's voice came on, "Mommy, I miss Mak Ngah." he said simply. "I know darling, she'll be back soon. I'll be back soon alright?" I reassured him.

Then we went on to the business of how school had been that day, were the big girls still bullying him in the school van. He sounded so sad while he spoke to me that I just had to ask, "Darling, why do you sound so sad?" No answer, just the sounds of wrackiing sobs came through the line. "Darling, I love you sweetheart. Mommy misses you so much. Please don't cry." More sobs. Hiccups. Garbled words.

"Sayang, I can't understand what you're saying."
"Mommy?"
"Yes, my darling?""Mommy, I MISS YOU!" more great gobbles of sobs.
Hand on my mouth in great restraint. I moduled my voice to embody singular calmness.
"Mommy misses you so much. I can't wait to hug you, kiss you. And when I come home, we'll cuddle up in bed, alright?"
"(Hiccup) Okay mommy...(sobs)...(more hiccups)"
"Darling, I'll talk to you tomorrow okay? Don't cry please. It makes me feel so sad."
"Ooookkkay Mommy (hiccup)."

I put down the phone, shoved it at my husband as great big sobs broke out from me. I bawled like a baby.

The conjugal bed without the children is a very big and empty bed.

Mr. Somporn

I’m running around getting ready for my visit to Taufik’s school; re-enrolling him before I run off to Luxembourg. I take huge bites of my home made bruschetta as I go about in mad dashes looking for missing undergarments and make up.

I rush down looking posh enough for my meeting, but with garlicky breath and plonked myself down in the taxi. Mr. Somporn, my maid’s husband is my chauffer for the day. Taufik has seated himself, like a King who knows his throne, majestically in the front seat.

I know that times are hard now for Mr. Somporn. Not many tourists nor expats around with the current political upheaval. The economy is sluggish, the industrial areas are seeing many factories shutting down. His car is constantly breaking down, and with the optimism of a person that has faced even harder times, he had recently cheerfully repainted his taxi a bright pink and white in a bid to attract more customers.

Before me is a poster he had created with a help of a regular customer. Stated in it in impeccable English is a list of services that he provides. There is a picture of him in fake Ray Ban sunglasses, oily faced with his arm congenially around the said customer, a white British lady with unwashed dreadlocks. And yes, this picture is meant to be reassuring.

I’ve always admired hard working, salt of the earth people like Mr. Somporn. He leads a hard life that entails working each and every day of the week, one that begins in the morning and ends in midnight. There is no end in sight for a better life, of a redolent and easy going old age to look forward to. Only more work, and always more ways to make ends meet.

His taxi is his second home. In addition to those posters, he adorns it with scribbling in white chalk on the roof of his car, blessings from his monk I assume. A Buddha talisman hangs on his rearview mirror. There are various knick knacks on his dashboard, and as he chats about his inefficient metabolic rate, “Madam, I don’t eat much. But I fat.” he whacks his steering wheel for emphasis. To prove his case, he pinches a pink romantic album from the pile on his dashboard, and flips to the last page.

It’s a picture of him at 23 in his military uniform. He cuts a dashing figure, a glaringly slim dashing figure I shall emphasize here. I tutted appropriately, gasping in awe at his tiny girth and exclaimed in shock (until I realize that this was not entirely appropriate) at how handsome he was (Am I trying to hint that he is no longer just that? God forbid!).

He talks on of his past life in good nature. He flips and shows me the early pages of his album which is dotted with foreign currency. Each note is accompanied by a little script stating the name of the person who gave it to him. The notes were so crisp I am convinced that they were ironed before finding their honoured place in his album.

A sob finds it way to my throat. I am touched.

His little collection of foreign currency, his extensive collection of foreign stamps, the little knick knacks on his dashboard that advertise to the world who this man is and what he enjoys doing, and that little note book that he loves to take out when learning a new English word – well it’s about to do me in.

I ask myself, (and I hear my husband asking me “Why do you punish yourself this way, baby?”) would I have risen to the occasion the way Mr. Somporn and Na (my maid) has? Had the cards been dealt differently, it would have been me in Mr. Somporn’s position. Me driving my life and health to tatters trying to make ends meet. But the cards were dealt differently, and instead of finding myself in the driver seat, I am the one being driven.

Would I have started a little collection of something, and shared it proudly with Mr. or Mrs. Hi-So? Would I polish my collection of coins? Decorate my taxi with a sense of pride that it is my prize in life? Would I wear precisely ironed shirts, with my hair well combed back? Fluffy regularly washed cushions at the back seat, so that customers with children will find the comfort handy?

I am grateful for the good things in my life, for the luxuries in my life. But I am humbled to know that I am not as tough, as generous, as optimistic, as good natured, as Mr. Somporn is if I had found myself in his shoes. I would like to think that I am, but I have a strong conviction that I am probably not. That fact, is truly humbling, and makes him a bigger person than I could ever be.

It brings to mind those unguarded times when I watch pityingly families being ferried around by the only vehicle they could afford – the motorcycle. Their child’s head hanging precariously to one side as he falls asleep, fortunately safely sandwiched between his parent’s bodies. But before I delve too deeply into my sympathies, I think, I may be driving a vehicle of comfort here in this world, this ‘Dunia’. But who is to know that they might be driving a Bentley in the hereafter, and me with my at times heedless ways, is in danger of driving (if I am lucky) a bullock cart.

As always, it is food for thought.

A conjugal matter.

I have been dithering, unable to decide to go to Luxembourg with the children or sans children. Inaaya needs to bond with her father. Taufik misses Kim to bits. But both would hog their father, Kim and I would find ourselves on each end of the conjugal bed with the children right in the middle. Oh it was a difficult choice.

The mental struggle must have been rather palpable to those around me back here in Thailand. A few has volunteered their no holds barred advice.

I spoke to Teacher Kid, he together with his partner whom we call Teacher Noni runs the day care downstairs which Inaaya attends. They also own the apartment restaurant with the name “Be My Guest” and the tag line, “Be My Taste” – which I approved of when asked at a very distracted moment (picture - children screaming like mad hogs) when asked about the quality of the grammar. This I will regret to my dying day, for my reputation as the resident English expert here will become questionable with such a tagline (which they are ‘damned’ proud of).

Now where was I? Oh yes, Teacher Kid said to me, “Four years you spend with children. Now it is time for married. It is man culture, he, Mr. Kim will not tell you he want you only. But I man, I know. You go shopping for Mr. Kim. You know him, I cannot tell you what to buy, I don’t know him. He different from me.” Are we talking lingeries here? I thought rather dumbly. Once that thought was digested…which unhappily was later that night in bed, I realized that I had indeed forgotten completely that side of my attire. Pre Teacher Kid discussion, on my laundry list was my favourite cotton pyjamas that will fail to excite even Santa Claus himself!

Naturally I was wrong. I found out later he had really meant a proper gift, Teacher Noni, his girlfriend, generously enlightened me on this matter by suggesting that I buy Kim a watch or perhaps even a picture of myself that his gaze could linger over in those moments of great missing. Thank you for the tips my dears.

Then there was the encounter with Uncle (he is ‘Uncle’ only behind his back, to his face he is of course just ‘Shehryar’). He is a fascinating Pakistani in his late 50s married to a classy young Thai wife. He speaks the Queen’s English impeccably, the result of public schooling in the UK. He looks exactly like my father, with a strong Pakistani flavour. Used to have a love for bacon with eggs but has now gone completely off pork (“I have no idea why whatsoever, my dear.” he says quite astounded).

“Darling (he drawls), going there to your husband without the bratty children entourage is exactly what the doctor has ordered. Is he traveling a lot?” he inquires quizzically.

“Yes he does, to other parts of Europe. And should he find the need to travel while I am there, I shall just tag along.” I answered.

“Well in that case, be sure to give him enough time to cancel all his appointments. Time to reorganize meetings with the ladies at the various port-of-call if you know what I mean.”

“Well you’re the epitome of reassurance aren’t you?” I retorted.

He laughed heartily.

“No, my dear. But it is better not to know. Take it from one who has been there and done that.”

Then he continues, “Looking at you, there is with certainty zero percent chance that you would be unfaithful to him. Notwithstanding the two bodyguards you have here with you. But take into consideration your upbringing and culture. Not forgetting, Hidayah there, your mullah sister would be throwing the first stone if you committed adultery.”

He laughed again, even more heartily than before.

Always amusing, Uncle Shehryar, who has stated before in no uncertain terms that he refuses to sit down with my husband for drinks because Kim was a teetotaler. “What kind of a man is this that you have married?” was his remark when he found out. “There is something I find uneasy about getting sloshed with a person that remains completely sober and clear minded. Mind you, I also never drink tea.” An avid whisky lover he is, make no mistake.

And so my mind was quite made up, Pak Ngah of course was the one that started the whole idea of going without the children. With Mak Teh and Mak Dah reinforcing the message but I was still heedless. It was not until Pak Ngah looked at me in terribly worried way when he heard that I had decided to live apart from Kim for the sake of being with Inaaya. that I realised I could be in hot waters. For if carefree Pak Ngah was worried, I had to be tossing about having sleepless nights over this. The alarm bells rang.

So I find myself with a ticket for one, headed for Dusseldorf this coming Wednesday. Wherefrom my husband will be there waiting to greet me, and we will enjoy (inshaAllah) a lovely drive back to Luxembourg.

And selfishly the conjugal bed will be completely ours.

Raya wishes to all!!

Hi Peeps,

Past couple of months have been a great month with many family get togethers, planned and unplanned. Nina, with you being back in KL, it gave us all reasons to meet up and get together. Also gave the little ones an opportunity to get to know each other more. I remember growing up as a kid and the few times that my dad let me play with my cousins, it was for sure lots and lots of fun!

Mak Dah's place in Lembah Ledang was a treasure cove of activities! and one that i remember so vividly is sitting on a tilam and going down the stairs over and over again with ail, adin and hussein. And when that wasn't enough, we took a tikar out to the small bukit outside the house and went down that bukit. Boy that was loads of fun! If my dad found out I did these things, he would have been upset big style! he he he..

I wonder if the kids today are doing the same things.

Nina, now that you're not in KL, I hope you would keep us all posted with your activities over there.. and also how you're coping being in a new place and all.

Julia, its nice getting updates from you too. When are you coming back to KL for a visit?

I'm worried that this blog is reaching its end. I sure hope not.

Love y'all.

Y

Tiger in the midst

Here's the latest picture taken recently at the Annual Richhill Heritage Festival in mid-September 2008. We were staying at Stephen's brother's house when all of these were happening so I thought I might make full use of the time when everything is geared up towards the children.... mind you Jasmine was pretty knackered with all the attention she's getting being the tiger in the midst - see the makeup and got her picture taken for the local newspaper. So that's good! I didn't manage to take any pictures of the other activities that she went for aka the bouncy castle but I took a video of her jumping for joy as she loves jumping up and down, sideways and upways so forth.

Selamat Hari Raya Family!

My dearest family,

I would like to wish all of our beloved family members a wonderful and blessed Eid Ul Fitr!

May your fasting in Ramadhan earn you the pleasure and forgiveness of Allah (SWT), and the sweetness of Jannah in akhirah.

I love all of you, and seek your forgiveness for trespasses and hurts that I have committed whether consciously or unconsciously.

May Allah (SWT) be merciful to us, as we strive to be merciful to each other.

Eid Mubarak!

Wasalam,
Nina Bobo

Family Pics

Akir posted these pictures on Facebook, but I thought they belong here as much as Facebook! Enjoy.

Mo in action!

me n ma boyz

where's my baby? Imran will ask chirpily when he gets home from school.

Can my hubby be part of the dinnie fun...

Please sign my hubby in....his email address is fzahir@mac.com

Mini Dinnies in the Bath

After one of our playgroups where Tia, Yakmin and Hanna joined in the fun - we decided to pay Nana and baby Suleiman a visit (did I spell the kiddo's name right?). Arissa ended up curling up in bed while we chatted, while the boys had a wild time in the jacuzzi together.

Pictures from Mini Dinnies 1st Playgroup

The 1st Mini Dinnie Playgroup took place at the Soft Cannon Ball in Plaza Damas. Have a look at some of the pictures taken. For the complete album check on my Facebook. Hopefully I would finish uploading it tonight.

We first had lunch. While the kids ate, they played with the water fountain.

I couldn't stop their splashing frenzy!

They would fill up that green contraption with balls. When it was full, they let it go and balls flew up into the air and fell around them like rain. They laughed and laughed with glee!

Look at Imran, really enjoying the raining balls.

Inaaya and I, enjoying the net tunnel.

The cannon guns were pretty heavy and so Omar was reduced to shooting downwards all the time. Here he is peeking at me.

Taufik jumping in the air through the raining balls.

Omar playing with the ball funnel, he was at it for ages and ages.

Limited Edition Part 3

Folks our production factory inspection have certified the latest in-coming batch production will be an XY .....

Its another BOY!!!!!!!...wohoooo........

The statistical odds were slightly against us...from the begining (just noticed) ....on my father's side there were no girls except for my sister.....on mother's side ....also a dismal 4.......was hoping for the Dinnies gene's to deliver the knock out punch.....guess before the bell rings......better get ready for round 4

Alhamdullilah.......

Anak-anak Maksu wants to join in...can the administrator please stand up !

Sarah's email: smaghfur@gmail.com

Alia's email: Aliamaghfur@gmail.com

Anas: amaghfur@gmail.com

Zack: zakimaghfur@gmail.com

Luv,

hanna banana

Mini Dinnie School Hols Event - The Zoo Negara

After discussing with Nana and tossing around a few ideas here and there - we've decided that the next Mini Dinnie outing would be Zoo Negara.

Tentatively (and certainly subject to change) here are the details,

Venue: Zoo Negara, Ampang
Date: Tuesday, 26th August 2008 (I better check that they are open)
Time: 10.00a.m. (Since Showtime is at 11.00a.m. - Sea Lions/Macaques/Macaws)
URL: http://www.zoonegara.org.my/index.htm
Ticket Rates: RM 15 for Adults, RM 6 for Kids
Bring Along: Money to feed animals, buy lunch and other yummies. Change of clothes, just in case.

Hope to see many Mini Dinnies there. Working folks, feel free to send your kids with a maid. I will earnestly try to oversee that your kids have fun safely.

Nana and I are still trying to figure out if a trip to the elephant sanctuary is worth the effort. If so, that would probably take place next Thursday. Watch this space for the latest update.

Love,
Nina Bobo

Mambo Jumbo Anyone? - A Dinnie Event

Cuzzies,

All of you are invited to join us for some fun at Mambo Jumbo, Zouk (did I get that right Hanna?) this coming Wednesday night. I've never been there but Hanna and Tia tells me that it's a great place to capture those old partying days of ours. The tracks they play would have us swooning back into the past.

You are free to invite close buddies. Confirmed participants are Hanna, Yakmin, Ika and me. If no one else turns up - we're still gonna get hyper. he he he


Here are the details,

Venue: Zouk, Mambo Jumbo (Hanna what is the blardy address?)
Time: 9.00p.m - 11.00 p.m. and even later for some
(Busy wives and mothers can't party all night can we?)
Date: 20th August 2008, Wednesday

Do post in if you're coming so that we can look forward to your company. It is most importantly a Dinnie Do.

love
Nina Bobo

Hari Raya Idea from Mak Dah

We were zooming around town in the black coffin-like Juwara - my mom, Mak Dah, Aisha, the kids and me of course. It was hot and I think we were slowly suffering from dehydration (Aisha developed a massive headache and had a long deliberation with hersel, to take or not to take panadol).

We were chatting about Raya when Mak Dah came up with a real cute idea. She thought that we should get the kids to perform on Raya. It would make for a lovely tradition, and also a great platform for our kids to excel in public speaking or speaking in front of a crowd and show case their talents. Be it telling a joke, singing, acting etc.

Okay three things may mar this idea,

1. Passionate but indisciplined/busy Dinnie parents
2. Too young and uncooperative kids
3. Lack of organizer

Think of how much fun it could be, prop making sessions for the kids, dressing up the stage, etc.

Okay, I have a feeling I'm going to get very lukewarm response or no response at all. But you lot keep this idea in mind ya? We might very well do it one of these days, if not this Raya. (Get the hint).

Love,
Nina Bobo

p.s. Ahmad did anyone respond to your question? Let me, Aisha and Tia are both pregnant and excitedly and impatiently awaiting the coming of their new addition.

Dinnie Playgroup - Thursday

Hello Dinnie Moms and Dads,

Playgroup this week will take place on Thursday at 1-ish p.m.

I will happily pick up Arissa and Omar from Beaconhouse with Taufik. Hafizah, where are you? Do you have time to join in the fun? Ariff, can you come earlier so that we can have Khaliff join in the fun too?

Once we've found the ideal play areas, we'll keep to those. Right now, still exploration stage ok?

I'm thinking if response is good enough, we should add in a story telling and singing session to end the playgroup. Let me get a library card first though. But if response is poor - forget it lah.

Okay here are the details,

Venue: Plaza Damas - Soft Cannon Ball Play Area (may be changed to Kizsport, Bangsar Village)
Time: 1 ish p.m.
Cost: RM 9 per child
Pls pack: socks, changing clothes, pocket money/lunch money

We may have lunch first before we dive into the play area.

Pictures of Newbie Dinnie - Nana's Boy Number 2

Here are pictures of our newest addition.

Twice I had written snippet of the funny discussion that took place in the hospital room today with regards to infant chld's name, but it got lost. So now - I give up.

BUT,

do enjoy the pictures we managed to take despite the very absorbing discussion. I do mean absorbing because those who did their solat in te same room, were not exactly the epitome of concentration. Here he is the Newbie Dinnie...

That nose is just so sharp. See the side profile.

A beautiful picture of sweet tranquil happiness, Mommy and Child.

Another one.

The child just had to do it, while the Indian nurse was taking her time cleaning up his muconium, baby began to pee. Piss hit Taufik a little. Or should I say it took the piss out of T. LOL

Isn't he absolutely a cutie pie?

A New Dinnie in the Clan! - Nana's 2nd Baby

Dearest Dinnies,

I am happy to tell all of you that Nana safely delivered her second child this morning. Alhamdulillah!

Mabruk to Nana, Mo and Imran to the new addition in their family.

The yet to be named Dinnie was born at 8.08a.m. 8th August 2008 at Gleneagles Hospital. Mother and child are now happy and resting.

Just so you know!

Love,
Nina Bobo

Au Naturel

We hung out at Mak Teh's house today for lunch. Had a mid break where we ran off - jim bang gang and all - to get our face threaded and our armpits waxed. Blardy painful ma!

Anyhoo, after that torment Aisha took a picture of Tia and I sans make up. And I really liked that au naturel look. We were relaxed, happy and completely vainless.

Here it is - couldnt help but add a pic of me and Inaaya too.

I'm coming home for my 40th next June

Looking at those adorable pictures makes me missing you guys so much, including my family members. *weep* that I've decided to make my 40th birthday party a memorable one by coming home next June. That's decided! I'm hoping this time around I'll stay on about 5 weeks and get to know you guys..... and introduce my precious little girl to all her cousins - it will be overwhelming for her as she's all alone over here.

The picture at left is not exactly a fetching picture.... she's still sucking the dummy but I'm letting her make that decision whenever she decided enough is enough and do something else. I suck my thumb till I was 10 years old because I got off the dummy a bit earlier. We have a friend who's daughter still sucks her thumb well into her 16th year.

I'm in the middle of potty training Jasmine - some days she's really good but some days she made wee accidents that seemed to annoy the hell out of Stephen. I'm reading a book about how to tame a toddler between ages 1-4 so hopefully I'd know what to do when something do happen.

I was thinking of going to Brittany next year with my friends but looking at it - I think it's best that we come back to KL with Jasmine this time as I feel that Jasmine will benefit meeting the other cousins in the family and I don't think we'll be able to do them again for the next couple of years. This time around, I'll stay a bit longer in KL (say 5 weeks) and see if Stephen will stay the same length or else he can stay about 2 weeks.... It'll be nice to see all of you if we could cram all of you in. Is there an adventureland for the kiddies to go to. Jasmine will be 3 next March.

What do you think? Will you guys come to the party?

3 occasions

A'kum kaum keluarga sekalian..we will be having aqiqah for baby junior ( still no name yet) on the 16/08/08Sat morning at 11. Pls come and share this joyous occasion with us.

Venue: My place, 14C-A Impiana Condo, Jln Ulu Klang, Ampang.

Please linger on cos we will be continuing the celebration with a bbq n pool party for Ika's Arissa(4) n Issara (2) n also Nina's Inaaya 1st bday. Remember to bring along swimming gear.

Pls confirm attendance b4 this fri the 8th. Hope to c you all. Nana..

Portraits of family members - Bianca's Aqiqah

The family professional photographer being photographed

The elephant's mouth awarded for eloquence and story weaving.

"Mommy, I LOVE Uncle Adin!" claimed adoring Taufik.

A dazzling smile from Zarif. I like this picture a lot.

What will the little infant be named? Just days before delivery...coming soon!

Mak Su and Nabil, the baby of the family. Both of them.

Inaaya with her Mak Ngah.

ika's 33rd burtday lunch at WIP