On Tuesday, we were invited to Matthew's school for Chinese New Year celebrations to help welcome in the new year. Matthew was at first confused when I stayed at the school rather than giving him the usual goodbye kiss and quick exit. They'd organise all sorts of kiddie and parent activities like, paper dragon making (our paper dragon now hangs proudly in our lounge room), dumpling making (lots of eating by Matthew and I), tea appreciation, face painting and an array of new year goodies for refreshments. Matthew loved showing off his 'space' - dragging me around and showing me the different rooms.
Matthew has been on a break from school since then, so the following day I took Matthew with me to do a final shop before our Chinese New Year Eve dinner or what is commonly known as the reunion dinner where family members get together to share a meal on the eve of the New Year. I'd forgotten how trickly it could be to juggle a toddler and try to get the grocery shopping done at the same time. Since Matthew's at school in the mornings, I take advantage of my 'me' time to get the chores done, so this was a not so gentle reminder of how much of a juggling act it could be to complete the simple task of grabbing a few last minute items at the shops. Even though Matthew was strapped into his stroller, his arms and legs were swinging wildly trying to swipe anything he could reach off the shelves. Sometimes I really miss the days when he just a tiny little baby.
