Camp Elkgrove: Conclusion

Many of your wonderful friends and family members have been wondering how we managed while our 5 year old was away on her camping trip this past weekend. Although I can't speak too much for my wife, it's fair to say that we were sincerely missing her. As I mentioned in my previous blog, it's almost like we forgot that we were once married without kids.





What's camp without a camp fire?

 

I guess all those egg-cracking exercises with Uncle Gurj paid off! Thank you Joti Mamma!



Getting ready for bed... hmmm, I wonder if she gave the camp guides any trouble when putting her PJ's on!

Well, it's safe to say that we were thrilled to have Isabella came back safe and sound, with a pocket full of "seeds" to plant. When I asked her why she came back with them she looked in a complete shock and said "so I can remember my trip".

What is amazing about this is that Karm and I are the same way in that we always come back with the weirdest things as memories. For example, we once brought back a Water Lily leaf that we found floating in the Atlantic Ocean at about 500 meters away from the Varadero beach in Cuba. Yup, that was the best souvenir we could bring back with us… one that means absolutely nothing to every one else except us; very much the same way the "seeds" don't mean much to any one else except Isabella. I hope the "seeds" will grow the same way Isabella's imagination and dreams do.

Thanks for reading,
Armin

PS. I guess somethings are just passed by genes and no teachings are required (i.e. coming home with weird stuff).

PPS. Yes, she has more camping trips planned :)

Camp Elkgrove

On paper, it promises to be a lot of “fun with planned activities, helping out in the kitchen, playing games, learning about the environment and meeting new friends”.

It further promises that the kids are “going to be so tired by bed time that they forget about being away from home”.

However, it doesn’t tell the parents how to ease their anxiety or hold back tears. Furthermore, it doesn’t tell the parents how to have a “fun” weekend without the kids. It’s amazing how we forget that we were once married without kids.

So this is the weekend that my 5 year old has gone camping with her Sparks unit of the Girl Guides of Canada.

I have to admit, the decision to send Isabella on the camping trip was a lot easier than actually waving goodbye to her at the site.

Karm’s worries: Is Isabella going to be cold? Did she have enough food to eat? Is she going to be hungry?

My worries: What if an earthquake hits? How quickly can Karm and I put Brayden into the truck and drive to the campsite (which is only 35 kilometres away). Yup, I have a wild imagination.

Now I know what our parents felt like when they had to be separated from us for the first time. Gosh, it’s not easy.

You must be wondering what Isabella was like at the campsite. Well, it’s fair to say that her mother and I got a quick hug, a kiss and an “I Love You”. Next thing we know, she was running towards her “new friends” at the playground while awaiting the arrival of other campers.


Isabella proudly standing in front of Camp Elkgrove flag (March 25, 2011).


Thank you for reading,
Armin

PS. Why did we decide to do it? Independence!

Where's Camp Elkgrove?

Dedicated to Japan

Today, I had to have one of the most difficult conversations with my 5 year old daughter. I had to explain to her why mommy and daddy were crying!

As you may have known or guessed by now, the earthquake in Japan and the subsequent Tsunami has had a major impact on me mentally, emotionally and physically. I am not sure if it’s because I’m a parent of two beautiful children with a lovely wife, or is it because I’m watching tragedy unfold right before my eyes; I’m not sure if it’s because I was in Tokyo less than a year ago or is it because I’m worried of the unknown and the “what-ifs” of the mother nature. Or am I simply affected by the way heroes are made each day.

On my way to work this morning, I heard about the “Fukushima 50”: A group of dedicated individuals that are risking their lives preventing the meltdown of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant and the subsequent destruction of the nearby cities. In other word, it is a group that is made of someone’s children, siblings, parents and friends.

Well, it’s fair to say that I was greatly touched by the story and their demonstrated heroism; so much so that for most of the day I walked around thinking of little else. I couldn’t believe that there are still people out there, who are willing to put their lives on the line for others.

And I finally broke down at home, in front of my daughter, who was curious as to why I was crying. I wanted my daughter to remember Tokyo the way it was when we saw it; I wanted her to remember the Tokyo Disney and the Hello Kitty Land, the tall buildings, the neon lights, the busy streets, the great food, the street vendors, the packed trains, the friend she made at one of the bare parks in the suburb, her many friends at the Tokyo Metropolitan Children’s Hall, and all the other good things that we experienced.



Japan, I’d like thank you for being a wonderful host and allowing us to be a part of your history.

Thank you for reading,

Armin

PS. I didn’t know how else to thank the “Fukushima 50” other than by writing this piece; I hope it reaches them in good health. My thoughts and prayers are with them.

The Queen, the Princess & the Peanut

Yup, we're finally together :)

As I began to put my daughter to bed, I realized something: Today marks a very special day for me; Karm, my beautiful wife, Isabella, my little princess, and Brayden, my little peanut, are home at last. As you may have know, Karm and Brayden were spending the last two and a half weeks at my in-laws to make sure that she has a quick and healthy recovery from her caesarean section.

Both the Princess & the Peanut fell sleep on their mother's shoulders!

It’s also a special day in that I’m watching Isabella bond with her little brother. It’s a sight to be seen and experienced. It’s an unconditional and absolutely pure love. I hope this relationship will continue for the rest of their lives, well into their senior years, when both have white hair and are surrounded by many grandchildren.



Finally, it’s a super special day in that I’m living my life through my daughter. Today, she debuted as a footballer with the Semiahmoo Football Club. She “shock & awed” everyone by playing a game that was above and beyond everyone else in her team. People could not believe what they were seeing; she was running end-to-end and scoring goals; she defended her net; she intercepted attacks without fouling anyone; she knew the rules of the game like she’d been playing for decades. She ended up scoring 4 goals, making 3 saves and receiving 2 hi-fives from her coach.



Surrounded by everyone as they watch this little superstar work her magic :)


Brigit Prinz, Hanna Ljungberg, Sun Wen, Marta, Mia Hamm, Tiffeny Milbrett, Cristiane, Shannon Boxx, Renate Lingor, Kelly Smith and Katia must watch out as the 11^th best female footballer is gaining on them (at least for today).

Thank you for reading,
Armin

PS: Goooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaallllllllllllllll!

30 seconds...

When I began to write, I promised to share most of my experiences, regardless of how good, bad or ugly they were. So here it is… and I’m sorry!

Today marked another day that my lovely wife and I had to make one of those parental decisions that are made knowing how much it will hurt us in the short-term while hoping for a much greater gain in the long-term: Our son, Brayden, was circumcised, “cut”, had 5 inches taken off of his woo-woo (well, that will be his excuse when he grows up; I know I have used that excuse on several occasions; yes, I know, too much informationJ).

Now, many of you may think that this decision was made based on our religious beliefs, ethnicity, parental recommendations, etc. Although all of the above may have played a role in our decision, the underlying reason was cleanliness. Well, that and the fact that I just didn’t know better.

Most recent research documents that we studied supported our decision. The professional recommendations were 2:1, where majority supported circumcision. As for friends and family, well, majority, including those that were not “cut”, supported our decision.

Well, after witnessing the events today, I’ll have to honest: Knowing what I know now, I’m not sure why anyone in the right mind would want to go through it. It is by no means a pretty procedure. I had my eyes closed and mind filled with prayers throughout the process, which only took 30 seconds, literally. However, it is embedded in my mind forever!

Now, I wonder if Brayden will grow up and appreciate what we have done. I’m hoping that he will forget the whole thing ever happened by the time he realizes what has taken place. I have a feeling that some of my friends may not let this one go and tell Brayden about it.

By the way, I am super proud of my five and a half year old daughter for her understanding. Contrary to most recommendations, I decided to explain to my little princess what circumcision was and surprisingly she took it very well and understood the process. Let’s just say that she is a lot stronger than her dad is; must have taken it after her mother.

Thanks for reading,

Armin

PS. My wife was an absolute rock today; she was my pillar! I think I was a little squeamish! Rumour has it that the nurses and the doctor were worried about me; can’t see why J

This is Brayden @ 8 days; trust me, my baby was not smiling today :( (picture: courtesy of Sukhi Ghuman Photography).

5 Year Old Crossroad!

As a father of a 5 year old girl, I’m starting to feel more protective each day. Whether it is her “love” for Justin Bieber’s music videos or her on-and-off fascination with Disney “characters” such as Salina Gomez, Vanessa Hudgens or Zac Efron, I’m starting to see my beautiful “baby princess” growing up to be a “young princess” full of dreams, unconditional love, questions, ideas and ideologies, thoughtful responses and bravery.

I’m beginning to find myself challenged by my heart and brain regularly. I’m starting to feel outsmarted by my 5 year old. I’m no longer the only one she communicates with, learns from, depends on, plays with, shares laughter with, eats with, and most importantly loves; I’m now competing with the rest of the world for her attention.

She now has social circles (I know, it’s hard to believe that a 5 year old has a circle, never mind a social one J) at Kindergarten and Kinder Care. And she has another one as a Spark, Girl Guides of Canada, which my daughter will be away with on her first camping trip without her parents.

I was absolutely in favour of my daughter’s participation in the camping trip, however, the reaction from most family and friends has been one of shock and disbelief; many responded by “REALLY??? But she is only 5”.

So here’s my crossroad(s): As a father, when does one allow his daughter to grow up? Does one limit independence or does one encourage it; if so, at what age? Should the father always be there to “break the fall” or should he step back and let the fall to take place and then attend to it? Should the father limit his daughter’s exposure to all the beautiful things life has to offer or should he step back and let the child to see, smell, hear, feel, taste and love “it” on her own? And so on…

Although my head and heart are in a constant battle, they both sing harmoniously: “I would like to raise a baby, a daughter, a girl, a young woman, and an independent lady that is full of curiosity, love, passion, and care; a person that respects herself, family, friends and earth.”

Like Father, Like Daughter ~ always a Starbucks cup in hand! Love you honey :)

Thank you for reading,

Armin

PS. I hope you’ll share your thoughts on this piece as I’m curious to know how other parents deal with these crossroads.