The Things I've Learned

We're home! and there is sure no place like it. I just wanted to write and reflect on things that i've "learned" this week.

Those backpack leashes are not only a good idea, but a must-have for parents of toddlers in a big city like Toronto. Gemma didn't like being strapped in the stroller too much, but honestly i couldn't bring myself to let Gemma walk on the sidewalk downtown or where there was crazy traffic nearby. She's so quick and a split second is all that's needed for her to end up on the road or else she is small and people don't see her and they might bump her on to the road. Either way, I was so paranoid the entire time that she hardly walked when we were out and about. 

Waffles are my new favorite dessert... and i don't mean like Eggos. Our second day in TO, while we were walking around downtown, my brother suggested we try a waffle from this window stand. I didn't really want to and didn't get one (i'm not a fan of sweets or waffles). The place is called Wanda's Waffles and they sell Liege waffles, which are these dense waffles (made with dough rather than batter) and full of pearl sugar - dipped in chocolate with a scoop of ice cream on top. OH mY GOSH. let me tell you, this is like your favorite dream on a fork. After eating all of Jesse's, i made my brother drive me to the one closest to his house because i was going to go crazy otherwise. Already i am craving them. Mmmm...

I am grateful I live in a province where HST doesn't exist. We spent over $500 at Pottery Barn Kids and got dinged with over $60 in HST. Brutal. Please Alberta, stay HST-free. 

Gemma is surprisingly adaptable. I was worried about the 2-hour time difference, the change from going to a 2-storey house to a 600 square-foot condo, the different bathtub and sleeping arrangements, lack of her TV shows and DVDs, the noise of the city, and just the general change in the daily routine, including missing/delayed nap times. I guess I underestimated her and thought of her as a baby-baby still not so much as a little person who can "live up to the task at hand"...

Not that this will ever happen again, but I will never travel at 30 weeks pregnant again. I cannot keep up with my family and felt like death after each day. 

I wish I lived in a place where more Korean resources are available. My brother lives in North York and coincidentally there must be a big korean population there, as the streets are full of korean signs - restaurants, book stores, bars, tutoring/after school-school, grocery, etc. Not only is it fun, it would surround Gemma with more of this side of her culture and maybe help her to embrace it more growing up. 

Okay. that's all for now. Have a great weekend!