Originally posted 2008-06-02 12:08:19.
So this Daddee had actually taken a few days off work just to be with Caitlin, on her first school holiday break.
We went to KidsZone- the kids gym at Hartamas Shopping centre. Sure, there are a few of such around already, but I chose that because Caitlin has been there before, when she was not even 2 years old yet. Daddee had video-ed her on her first visit, and she had only recently watched that again, exclaiming that she would like to go again.
And just like the last time, despite now having a growing middle age (midlife crisis??) potbelly, I still managed to follow her around the 4 foot walkways and tunnels with the camcorder, able to still kneel on both knees, and not tearing my jeans! (Albeit the stretchy almost-hanging-off-my-hips I-am-down-with-it design). But this time, instead of going around wide-eyed absorbing the new surrounds and what older kids do, Caitlin was “on the other side”, being the older kid now, somewhat bossing the younger ones around, temporarily befriending kids (you know, on the spot friends with no names exchanged, until time to go home).
It will be interesting to watch the video of the second visit- what a contrast it will be to see her having grown since the first time, and with both taken from inside the same playground!
Also, this Daddee’s finally managed to bring Caitlin for a much-awaited swim in the pool. It’s been a combo of no-time-for-it as well as her perpetual coughing that has prohibited her from going for the next dip. Much to her delight, we actually went for a mid-morning swim on 2 consecutive days, the second one being Daddee being woken up by the 3yr old beside the bed with “Daddee can we go swimming” more than 10 times over… without a snooze button. And much to my delight, she had no fear of the water despite being away from it so long. In fact, she overcame the fear of being temporarily submerged, now daring to jump into the pool instead of the slow-easing-into-the-water via the ladder. She’s also remembered how to kick and propel herself in the water… Can you just feel the proud Daddee??
I also managed to bring her window shopping. With all these activities, this Daddee feels a sense of satisfaction when it’s all taken a happy toll on her, seeing her knocked out for a well deserved afternoon nap; dashed with the humor of her declaring beforehand “Daddee, I am going to sleep for a while… okay?”
On a slightly related note, the following are Caitlin / Caleb’s cousins, taken recently at our family trip to Skytrex, the outdoor adventure canopy walk / climb…. after all, it is the school holidays. I didn’t bring Caitlin, knowing full well that she would be underaged and this Daddee would have to babysit her the whole time there… she is still too young/small to attempt the kids’ version / trek.
At the same time, I can’t wait for my kids to be old enough to also bring them to such activities, but also not wanting them to grow too quickly either.. sigh.
As you can tell, the age gap between this crazy bunch and my kids is quite big; with the closest one already in secondary year 2. Thus this Daddee has to be somewhat creative and indulgent, and “isolated” from her cousins, in engaging my little one(s) in activities…
Not all the cousins are here; some are already in university!
GREAT PIC!
And sure sounds like you had a great time! It would have been sweet indeed watching a father spending time alone with his daughter.
Father and daughter pic always looks nice! Imagine now when you have to walk her down the aisle! sigh…
Anns last blog post..What to do? What to do?
Thanks Ann! I didn’t take that pic, it was my brother who did- the one who only took up photography this year.
There were 19 of us in all that day; 2 generations. In a lot of ways I was glad that I didn’t bring my kids cos I would not have been able to enjoy the trek- we are talking some over-20 metres off the ground canopy walk!
There are more at my brother’s Flickr site, where you can see even the children’s circuit is already quite challenging.
But of course, I would like them to experience this eventually, when they are old enough.
Walking my daughter down the aisle?? I am not even (a la don’t want to!) thinking about boys yet!! :-O
So Daddee had a good time during this school break, too, eh?
Smashing!
We hardly take the boys to places like Kidszone and Kidzsports. Only once when Micah was about 2 and we had a problem with older kids pushing him around (unintentionally) and he was quite traumatised. Maybe when they are a little older…
Moomykins last blog post..A Hint of Heaven
The first time Caitlin went to KidsZone she was also somewhat pushed around. But more impacting was the fact that she ran smack into one of the metal protrusions, which did leave a bruise on her forehead for quite a few days. Also being as young as she was, she looked more battered than tired by the time we were leaving the place!
This time however, she was somewhat pushing some kids around too! Of course I told her off immediately; that was why I hung around- making sure she behaved.
It’s a shame the school holidays are coming to an end this weekend, already. I for one feel I haven’t had very much fun with Caitlin yet!
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One fine day, Caitlin will be out with boys and it will be sooner than you want it to be I guess. My ex boss who was quite a player before he got married, told me when he was blessed with Jessica his now 5 year old daughter that she will not date until she is 30!!! God must have heard him loud and clear as he blessed him with Summer another girl 2 years ago! Both are gorgeous, blonde and blue eyed angels….Let’s see how he will keep the wolves away. With Caitlin being such a looker and that cute ass (undoubtedly a great one when she grows up) you will have your share of wolves! Anyway, just enjoy her and Caleb whilst they are to be enjoyed as you are truly blessed with 2 beautiful kids!
Hey what you doing gawking at my daughter’s ass??
So you prefer strangers to gawk at her doot than a proud aunty???? So what are you going to do when all the wolves start gawking at her doot. Forgot this blog about kids and parents so have to censor some words with doot. As an aunty, everything about my niece and nephew is set on bias mode. Can’t help it, can’t tone down the pride. Come on…admit it you feel the same way when you look at your kids. Hot Mummee is full of praise for them!!!
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