Dear Noah the Teen

Dear Noah

You told me recently that my last post here was in 2023, and I remember replying that I do plan to post something here in 2024, what did you did not know is that this one and only post of the year will be specially dedicated to you.

Over the years, I have been trying my best to be there holding your hand through every milestone big or small, and with immense pride, I witnessed your graduation from Primary School in July this year.

Then again, I must remind you that the most carefree part of your life is also over. With increased lankiness comes with greater complications and responsibilities. What I am satisfied with though, is that Dad, Mum and Ellie have walked with you through your childhood and hopefully you will look back at it fondly - at the trips and eating adventures we did together, and treasure the close bonds you fostered with your friends and extended family.

The wicked media has portrayed the Terrible Teens to be darker than the Terrible Twos - where you will lock yourself for hours in the room, refuse to go out with us and see us no better than dinosaurs stuck in ancient times. I am hopeful though, that for us, it will not be, as it does not have to be like that.

Just be yourself. Be the jolly good fellow interested to engage in conversation with everyone at the table. Be the lanky handsome kid pushing out delicious meals with Dad, making chocolate bombs with mum, playing lively piano duets with your sister, and of course, figuring out how to become a legendary tag team with me on FC25 (hint: Passing angles!).

The world is getting murkier by the day, and the lines between good and evil are no longer clear. You will soon realise, if you haven’t already, that life will be about making choices, about making more right choices than wrong ones. If there is anything I can advise you, is to always do what you think is right, make decisions that will make you sleep well at night.

And if you are sure the right thing is to give someone a punch on his face, make sure it hurts, then make sure you sleep well that night.

Finally, have an open mind. Stay curious. Eat everything Daddy recommends.

Love you,
Daddy

Counting the ways you love me

Dear Ellie

You make me feel warm and fuzzy everyday.

It's as if our relationship has suddenly gone on overdrive ever since you turned 5.

Deep inside, I know you are slipping away, so I have to write this in order to note down all the different ways you love me.

1. When I am dejected and sitting at the door, you will be the first one to sit down on my lap, to make me feel better.
   
2. You will request to sleep in my arms every single night.
   
3. You will ask for me when I fail to appear during dinnertime, afraid I was somewhere lost and couldn't find my way back to you.
   
4. You will feed me grapes, candy, chips and Mensho smoked oysters.
   
5. You will lay down on my lap after breakfast in the car every morning until you reach school.
   
6. You will forbid me to shave so that you can play with my stubble.
   
7. You will applaud my every little victory, even on Angry Birds.
   
8. You will raise your hands high up in the air and hug/kiss me goodbye when I leave you at school in the morning.
   
9. You will run to the toilet and hold my hand when I am brushing my teeth

Feeding me Mensho smoked oysters.

Thank you for loving me Ellie.

And sorry for writing this mushy love letter to you.

It's not that I want everyone to know, I am just afraid I will forget.

Love,
Daddy

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I can't hope for you to save the last dance for me, just grateful to hold your hand for your first. 💃🕺😍 🎥: @kfline #savethelastdanceforme #thekawayiis #前世晴人 #daddymatters #fatheranddaughter #ilovemyfamily #strangerinbangkok

A post shared by Eddie Yii (@strangerinbangkok) on Nov 24, 2019 at 3:23pm PST

Ellie's Book of Jokes Vol. 1

The wit and humour of the little one at home. Photo Credit: Ohtography

Love You One Hundred

"Daddy, I love you ONE HUNDRED!"

Me, "then what about mummy?"

"I love mummy INFINITY!"

Because I Love You

We were walking to the BTS station when Ellie asked for my to 抱抱(carry) her.

"Ellie, are you tired already?"
"No."
"Then why do you need me to carry you?"

Pulls me down and whispers in my ear, "Because I love you."

Afraid Of What?

"Ellie, are you afraid of Daddy?"

"Hah what?"

"Are you afraid of Daddy?"

"Afraid of what?"

Make You Lonely

Ellie came out of the room and closed the door behind her.

Noah opened it soon and asked, "Ellie, why did you close the door?"

"Because I want to make you lonely."

Impromptu Bedtime Poem

I slept with the kids early last night,
My wife then joined us, to my right,
Pushing Ellie further wide.

The little girl woke up and cried,

"Daddy! I'm falling down the side."

"Ellie Ellie," I clarified,

"Just lie down close by my side, 

And hold on to me real tight.

I'll make sure you'll be alright."

"Ok," she said, then she slept tight.

All the way till morning light.

Also see, the equally-hilarious Noah's Book of Jokes Volume 1 and Noah's Book of Jokes Volume 2.

Noah's Food-Discovery Journey at Gaa

During this year's Songkran holidays, I brought my family to Gaa, marking a significant milestone for my kids as they enjoyed their first meal at a Michelin-star restaurant.

Being all-inclusive and family-friendly, Gaa prepared a kids menu that revolved around a pasta with cream sauce and the crowd-favourite burnt coconut sugar soft-serve.

A couple of weeks ago, Noah suddenly told me he wanted to go back to Gaa. When I asked him what he wanted to eat, to my surprise, he said, "Beef taco and crispy leaf!" Gosh, totally unexpected, because these were not part of the kids' menu, but bits and pieces of the real deal which I let him try that evening.

A bulb lit in my head, and I moved on to plan a man's night out with my boy to lead him through a journey of food-discovery at Gaa, making sure he gets his leaf and taco with only 1 condition: "Kid's menu not allowed".

And so it begins.  A bit under-dressed for the restaurant no? Sorry for that Gaa.

Drawing his comic book while waiting for action to start.

Still happy, not knowing what's coming.

After long deliberation, he managed to drink some of the chilled guava soup, but when the duck course got served he quickly got super distracted by the crispy betel leaf, which was 1 of the 2 dishes he came for.

Playing with the duck beak after happily downing the duck tongue.

And downed the first takoyaki of his life, with the help of a lot of water to douse the mild fire in the spiced duck stuffing.

The beef taco quickly came (taco lovers look here), he ate his and most of mine in a hurry.

As Chef Garima said, "He's the first guest in Gaa who doesn't like the corn." Yes, asking him to eat the corn brought him nearly to tears. He managed a few tiny nibbles, but thankfully wiped the corn milk clean with a spoon, not all bad!

New dish! Quail breast and leg served with pickle. Delicious, but the quails are tiny! Noah ate this dish!

Looks like the pork has been re-integrated into the menu.

Didn't like the things on top but LOVED the pork.

Even though I failed to convince Noah to like corn despite bringing him to a place which serves arguably the most delicious corn dish in the city, our boy's night out turned out to be a highly-enjoyable one, and one that definitely opened his eyes to a whole new world of food.

I would hereby like to thank everyone at Gaa who were extra kind and understanding to Noah, and chef Garima for adjusting the menu slightly to make it less daunting for the little one.

Where did Noah learn how to make that little heart? 

歌曲分享：幸福的孩子爱唱歌 (附加英语歌词翻译，inc. English translation)

It's been a long time since I felt this way about a song.

很久没有这种感觉。

This morning, on the way to school, with my son on my left and my daughter on my right, I played this song, with them smiling and watching beside me.

今早，在送孩子上学时，儿子在左边，女儿在右边，我播了这首歌。他们笑着，看着，哼着。

I realised how simple happiness can be.

忽然间，发现快乐其实很简单。

It can be as simple as a song, singing a song with the people who mean the most.

跟亲爱的人听歌，唱歌，就这么简单。

I had to hold back my tears towards the end of the song.

听着听着，眼睛有点湿湿的。

I am such an emo dad.

我真是一个性感性的爸爸。

PS. Pardon my poor translation of the song lyrics from Chinese to English.

           幸福的孩子爱唱歌

作词：黃靜雅
作曲：谢欣芷

阳光灿烂天空好清澈　

Sun is shining bright in the clear blue sky
花朵开满各种颜色

The fields are filled with colourful flowers
听见窗外一群小白鸽

I can hear a school of little white doves　

咕噜咕噜噜在唱歌
Singing a beautiful song outside my window

忽然明白幸福是什么

I suddenly understand what happiness is 　

幸福就像是一首歌

Happiness is like a song
大声地唱歌怡然自得

Singing loudly and joyfully　

心情就变得好快乐
Will make me feel so happy

幸福的孩子唱着幸福的歌

Happy children singing a happy song
啦啦啦啦啦啦　珍惜美好的时刻
Lalala... Treasure the good times
我们一起唱幸福快乐的歌

We sing a happy song together
幸福快乐的孩子爱唱歌

Happy children love to sing

爱唱歌的孩子幸福快乐

Singing children are blessed and happy

Karmakamet Diner in the Clouds

It's interesting how a restaurant can be remembered internationally for 1 dish.

That's what's been happening at Karmakamet Diner. They have their regulars of course, but when I ask my friends, "the nice place with the cotton candy" is the usual reply. Having dined at both Karmakamet Diner and Karmakamet Conveyance (their new fine-dining concept restaurant) recently, even if I don't love all the dishes, I feel that the depth of thought Chef Jutamas Theantae (Som) puts into every dish is often neglected at the back of the wildly-popular cotton candy dessert.

It doesn't take rocket science to figure out that most only order it for photo-taking purposes, and who can blame them?

Even I succumbed.

Did anyone sit down and gave it a thought, to whether there was any meaning behind the cotton candy dessert aside of creating a signature must-order "gimmick"?

I did. I asked Chef Som, and turned out it wasn't that much of a gimmick after all.

Chef Som recalled her days studying overseas, and how sad she was leaving Thailand at the end of every visit back home. But whenever she looked out of the window during her flight, and saw the colourful clouds in the sky, she was happy, thus the inspiration to recreate that particular memory with this famous dessert.

#thekawayiis really loved their "Banana Split in the Clouds".

I can't help but feel a little disheartened for her, that all this thought behind her "Strawberry/Banana Split in the Clouds" is usually brushed off as a shallow Instagram icon. But Chef Som explained to me that she has long gotten over that initial disappointment, because she realised that the end-product of bringing happiness has been achieved regardless. She sees the surprise, glee, excitement and even ecstasy from customers whenever a cotton candy dessert is placed on the table, and that, is enough.

Happy girl.

I looked back at the moment my "Banana Split in the Clouds" was served, and recalled gasps of pleasant surprise by customers from both tables flanking mine (total strangers), and the joy my kids had munching into the cotton candy.

I guess there's nothing more we can ask for.

Slow Afternoon with the Family in Bangkok: Open House @ Central Embassy

Update: 18 November 2018

Possibly as a form of crowd control, Open House will impose a minimum spend of 400thb to allow access to the play area from 1st December 2018, which in my opinion is a fair policy. Take note that this is not an entrance fee, but a requirement to spend 400thb within Open House. 

Enjoy yourselves in my favourite indoor space in Bangkok! 

**********

Last Sunday was a special one.

My family spent an entire day in what was my least favourite mall in Bangkok barely a year ago - Central Embassy. When it just opened, I went once in anticipation and got sorely disappointed at a place that seemed to exist to automatically exclude 90% of the local population due to its over-luxurious positioning. "What's the point?" I wondered. It was nice, but a bit (actually a lot) too nice.

It obviously wasn't working very well, so Central Embassy sprang into action and created a whopping 6th floor called Open House, which has single-handedly transformed the mall into one of the most all-inclusive, kid-friendly, family-friendly location in town.

Not the best picture, but this is a snapshot of what Open House is all about.

I am not suggesting you spend an afternoon here and not spend a single cent (it's probably not possible too with all the good food choices), but this is not an indoor playground nor a restaurant, you don't have to pay to enter or be obliged to buy anything, and that makes the concept even more beautiful. It's a food court, cafe, playground, co-working space, restaurant, library, bookstore combined into 1.

The cool co-working space tucked in the corner of Open House. There are meeting rooms for rent too, to impress your staff.

I will now list down a few things a family can do here to chill the entire afternoon away.

1. Treat it like your own restaurant

As a food court, Open House is, to me, something like the the G-floor at The Commons (at Thong Lor Soi 17), just better. Many of the coolest names in town are there (Paris Mikki, Peppina, Lady Nara, Bao and Buns etc.). You can order from any 'stall' and eat anywhere.

Always attracted by the firewood used as the main display at Peppina, referring to their woodfire oven.

You can find every cuisine here, even live freshwater shrimp that can be cooked to your liking.

It always helps when my favourite Paris Mikki is around.

2. Treat it like your favourite cafe

There is more than 1 place to grab a top-notch coffee at Open House (3 in fact, I will let you locate them yourselves) which you can pair with the best pastry/ice-cream Bangkok has to offer.

Have a 'chill' afternoon while your kids can entertain themselves doodling away.

Noah's favourite secret elevated corner.

Baby E's enjoying herself too.

Noah's photography skills improving. We are just gonna pretend Baby E is not in the picture.

3. The most peculiar mini indoor Playground

There's something about that playground. It's small. It looks like a mish-mash of solid-coloured square cushions. Yes they recently added a slide that makes it all the more exciting, but you just can't put a finger to why, without any equipment that you will normally expect from a playground, kids just cannot get enough of it.

Right there, yes just that one in the corner with the slide, that small place is the playground.

They just can't get enough of it.

Kid-friendly dining area conveniently-located near the playground.

Remember to bring socks for your kids. If not you can buy socks from the counter at a good price too.


4. Treat it as your favourite library/bookstore

Some would think that Open House is actually a bookstore, just one that you can eat in. I won't really argue against that. You are free to grab a book, sit somewhere comfortable (there are nice quiet corners everywhere even though there are kids all over the place) and read your way through the afternoon, and have the choice of purchasing it too. Reading is one of our favourite activities here.

Books and dining areas fused into one.

Baby E happily reading.

5. Play a game

If you have run out of ideas, use a receipt to loan a game from the information counter to have some fun with the family. This is a brilliant new initiative by Open House which, at least to me, raises the fun level to great new heights.

Noah chose Bad Dog, which he didn't even dare to play. #COYS

Baby E was the braver one.

Big Brother was just hiding!

So, yeah, now you know where my new favourite place is.

And, no, this is not a sponsored post.

We'll be back soon.

Could this be the last Goodbye?

This morning, as usual, I helped Noah put on his bag straps and asked him to go to his classroom by himself.

I planted a kiss on his cheek in the accompaniment of a tribute song for King Rama 9 (I haven't gotten bored of the songs yet btw), playing in the background. It's been like this for best part of a year, as the entire country prepares to bid farewell to their father figure tomorrow. This could be the last morning I hear this song in school.

As I watched Noah walk away from me, it was hard not to feel emotional.

For as long as I can remember, I have been waking up every morning, preparing things properly in order to say goodbye to my family. First, my wife, then my son, and finally my daughter, before zooming away into my 'enviable' alone time to fight battles that my family will never know took place.

One of our frequent wefies on the way to school, pictures I hold dearly to my heart.

Noah turned back one last time and waved to me.

What if this was the last goodbye?

Birthday Letters from Daddy: Ellie is 3!

Big Brother more excited than birthday girl

3 years on, sometimes it still feels like a dream that you are among us. 

Daddy grew up in a family full of boys. I have never understood how it feels to have a little girl in my house. Little girls are pretty, sweet and angelic isn't it? Well, you have proven to be all of that and more.

Unlike your brother, who considers his every action carefully, you are a little daredevil with no care in the world. He spent a best part of 2 years crying in the morning when I send him to school, you protested for hardly 2 weeks, and you barely even look at me when I leave you every morning. So independent, yet so close to Daddy's heart. Whenever I slump at the front door, dejected, you will always appear to give me some hugs, as if you knew I really needed them.

情人United!

If you can turn into a little genie and be so kind to grant Daddy 3 wishes, first, I wish you will be less picky with your food and start eating more fruits and vegetables. The world of food is so amazing, and your Daddy is spending much of his free time telling the world how fascinating food in Bangkok can be. It disheartens me sometimes to see my little girl rejecting almost every green thing on the plate.

Noah joins in!

Secondly, I wish you will be kind to Noah in all situations. I know he's possessive and sensitive and drives us crazy sometimes, but he wouldn't even think of hurting you. Those screams, shrieks, pushes and scratches are totally unnecessary. Your big brother loves you to bits. Remember, he will be the one who will accompany you for the best part of your life, not Daddy.

I am in love with this picture. Credit: Aroimakmak

Last but not least, I hope you will continue to love Mummy with all your heart. Since the day you were born, Mummy has given nothing but her very best for you, 24 hours a day, everyday. I have not seen her make a decision that doesn't have your well-being as the ultimate priority. Love mummy, make life easier for her. That's the least she deserves. 

I shall not use any of those wishes on myself because you are already perfect. The untidy free-spirit hidden under the covers of your flowy dresses. The sweet, considerate darling bursting out of Noah's boyish old outfits. You delight and surprise me at the same time.

I love you Ellie, you complete our family with all of your kiddy witty ways. I hope you stay healthy, happy and free of worry. 

Happy birthday.

Love,

Daddy

Birthday Letters from Daddy: Noah turns 5

Dear Noah,

I remembered when you were still an infant (or was it before you were born), my Auntie (your grand-auntie) Elfy told me that her son Jodan (your uncle) taught her way more than she can ever teach him.

I think I am slowly starting to understand what she was trying to say. You are my first-born, my first baby, first infant, first toddler and will soon be my first teenage, then first adult child. You will always be throwing at me curve balls I have never caught before, no matter how many years of parenting experience I would have accumulated.

In no time, you will be learning from your school, your friends, your bosses, your seniors and less and less from me, while because of you, I will still be learning how to be a better father every single day.

I used to think that the parent's love is unconditional, that I am willing to die for my children if situation calls for it. Even though that is true, I also realise that my love for you is maybe not that unconditional after all. I find myself being nasty to you for the little tantrums you throw, for the minor disobediences that are inevitable in a growing child increasingly mesmerised by the world around him.

2 nights ago, I got impatient with you for dragging your feet when I wanted to brush your teeth to prepare for bed. You climbed onto the dining table with pen and paper when it's way past bedtime. I got frustrated and gave you a strict ultimatum. You quickly came with the piece of paper with "Noah loves Eddie" written on it.

That's all you wanted to do?

Even when I started to evolve into the angry Dad when you didn't follow my orders.

This is the kind of love lesson you are giving me every single day.

It's almost as if we made the whirlwind trip to Singapore and Malaysia as a birthday tour for Noah. 3 celebrations. 3 countries. 1 week. Epic. #epic #birthdaytour #eatcakeeverywhere #strangerinbangkok #strangerinbuangkok #strangerinmerokok #ilovemyfamily #noahturns5 #larnahouse #totoro

A photo posted by Eddie (@strangerinbangkok) on Feb 1, 2017 at 4:41pm PST

Happy birthday Noah. You are 5 now, and will start to realise Daddy is no perfect know-it-all. But Daddy hopes you will understand that Daddy has a job to do, that is to tell you what is right and what is wrong, so that you grow up a righteous discerning young man who is a blessing to everyone around you.

Even though we will have our differences, we are family at the end of the day and I will be behind you all the way.

Never forget that.


Loving you more everyday,
Daddy

Noah's Book of Jokes Volume 2 (with special guest appearance by Ellie)

Sudden Death

Was talking to Noah about what he should do if I pass away.

"Daddy, before you die, can you call Li Kunqi yiyi to come first"

Eh son, please la. If I manage to die slowly, of course I will settle everything swee swee (nicely) for you before I go and see God right.

But I might go suddenly ma. God might summon me suddenly.

Suddenly, I realise I hope the teacher quickly teaches him the meaning of the word suddenly. In a better way than how I can teach him.

Defining torture

Torture.

Is when you need to pee badly.

But your son says he needs to too, and you bring him to the cubicle to see and hear him pee before you.

What you doing Daddy? feat. little sister Ellie

Ellie pooped not once but twice tonight after I came home from work.

During the second poop clearing session in the shower, I was using my soapy hands to wipe her butt clean when she turned over to me, looked at me in my eyes before saying in her most serious tone.

"Daddy, what you doing?"

"Err... Poopoo 臭臭bye bye Ellie...."

She then smiled and turned away to continue playing with the stickers on the wall.


The Parenting Life Hack

Yesterday after dinner, Noah started to carefully remove the plates and bowls from the dining table and passed to me to put in the sink. I was so pleasantly surprised and asked him who taught him.

"You lor," he said.

"But I didn't."

"I see you clear the table everyday what."

OK, so this is a parenting life hack, don't teach them, show them.

But in case you find your kids wearing their boxer shorts around the house and farting all over the place, remember, no one taught them.

The Best Picture Ever

Noah, "this is the best picture ever"

Me,"but how come it is not complete?"

"No no, it's like that it's like that. I am very tired already it's finished already."

"OK. I will take a picture of it and put it on Facebook."

"No. You need to put it on the wall."

*Roflol

Too many cooking videos

Me: I am so tired I bring you home still gotta rush dinner out for you. I didn't get to rest.

Noah: If tomorrow I ask you to cook dinner again you need to do something.

Me: What.

Noah: Rest. Rest for 6 minutes.

So he treats me like a piece of seared steak.


The moment that convinced me that this is all worth it

Noah just told me before he slept:

Daddy. You are the nice Daddy that God made for me.

*sob

Also see, the even more hilarious Noah's Book of Jokes Volume 1.