New York Sushi

Craig was invited to lunch with Craig's Dad and some of his co-workers from FTV last week. The occasion was a belated birthday lunch for Craig's Dad.

Craig and his Dad were first to arrive so Craig just kicked-back and relaxed.


Eventually, Craig's Dad's co-worker Grace and former co-worker Christine arrived. The first attempt to take their picture was deemed unsuccessful.


So a second attempt was made.


The name of the restaurant was New York Sushi and the food was great! Craig had no trouble finishing a whole rice-burger. He remained relaxed throughout the meal.


After Craig's Dad had finished work that day, he and his parents went to place that serves shaved-ice desserts. Craig doesn't like cold food at all but Craig's Dad likes the look on Craig's face in this picture. He seems quite concerned about why his parents have brought somewhere where they surely must know he doesn't like the food.

Bedtime Stories

Every night now, Craig insists on having his Dad read stories to him before bed. Craig has a particular place he likes to sit and Dad has to lie on the mattress so that Craig can lean back on his Dad's shoulder while the story is read.


Craig's Dad only reads English stories. Craig's Mum will read Chinese stories during the day.


Craig has a Cat in the Hat fold-out book that he likes as well.


There are several books that must be read before Craig will allow the lights to be turned off in the bedroom. The book in the picture below is Edwina the Emu (it is a firm favourite, thank you Aunty Anne). Craig also likes Olga the Brolga, The Cat in the Hat (the story book and the fold-out book) and the one that is read first every night, It's Not Fair.


Story time is a good time for both Craig and his Dad. It also gives Craig's Mum a tiny bit of precious rest.

Dinner Time Nap in Danshuei

Craig's parents attempted to take advantage of Craig's Dad finishing work relatively early on Thursday afternoon by arranging to travel north to Danshuei for dinner.

Craig and his Mum went ahead during the early afternoon. The plan was for Craig to take a nap on the train on the way there but he did not fall asleep as expected. He had no trouble looking bored when the camera was pointed at him after arrival, however.


His mood improved after a while.


And, he looked genuinely happy when his Mum fed him cake as a snack!


Unfortunately, by the time Craig's Dad arrived and they had found a seat at a nice outdoor restaurant Craig couldn't stay awake any more.


While Craig slept the sun set and Craig's Mum and Dad enjoyed a nice meal.


Craig awoke just before dessert was delivered. He insisted on lying on his Mum and going back to sleep, making it difficult for Craig's Mum to eat her cheesecake.


But the restaurant had too many mosquitoes. As soon as dessert was finished, Craig's Mum and Dad packed up their stuff and headed for the MRT to make the long trip home.

Afternoon Nap Trouble

Craig has been disrupting his old schedule and not taking an afternoon nap on time very regularly recently. So, Craig's Mum has tried to be a little bit creative and take Craig for a long ride on the MRT at nap time. There was one day when the plan worked very well and Craig was fast asleep when he and his Mum arrived at Danshuei.


After his nap, Craig normally has a snack straight away. So, it was no surprise that Craig became hungry on the return journey. The only problem is that the MRT doesn't allow anyone to eat or drink on the train. Craig had to retire to a rest room to eat there.

Highlights from Last Week/Friday and Saturday

Lunch on Friday was at a cafe next to Taipei Arena where Craig became very affectionate after he'd had something to eat.


On Saturday morning Craig was once again harassing his Mum while she was in the bathroom.


Then, he went downstairs to the second floor to play. First, he relaxed on Great Aunt from the Fifth Floor's lap.


And then went to play with Uncle Guapo.


Before trying to make an escape.


He then read a book with his Mum.


Craig can be quite energetic about reading.


The only task left before going back upstairs was to make sure that the bathroom scales were working. Craig accomplished that with aplomb.

Highlights from Last Week/Dinner at Fridays

Craig was sitting in his favourite seat looking at the LED lights across the road on Thursday night and all was good with the world.


There were plenty of fries to eat.


But once he was half-full, Craig wanted to get out of the highchair and play elsewhere. He's started making his parents life much more difficult like that recently......

Highlights from Last Week/Mad Giggling on Wednesday

While having his pre-bedtime snack last Wednesday, Craig went into a fit of giggling. It doesn't happen often. Enjoy.

Highlights from Last Week/Saturday

Craig slept in on his new bed on Saturday morning (June 7) while his Mum was doing Tai Chi.


Lunch was at the nice outdoor cafe where Craig's Dad had his usual avocado and prawn on focaccia.


Craig's Mum had the angel hair pasta.


And they shared a coffee and chocolate smoothie.


There was a waffle for Craig as well but somehow it didn't have its picture taken before it was eaten.


But soon, lunch was finished and afternoon storm clouds were gathering so a hasty retreat was beaten for home. Craig tried on his Dad's cap but it only stayed there a few seconds before he threw it on the ground.


Later that night Craig went to dinner with the whole family including Uncle Dean and Aunty Suprana but he made such a nuisance of himself that only one picture was taken and even that had to be done hastily before he started to complain. Sigh....

Craig's New Bed

Last Tuesday, Craig went his parents to Ikea to shop for a new bed. Craig didn't care much about that though, he preferred playing with the plastic tubs that look suspiciously like the tub he has a bath in every night at home.


The bed arrived on Thursday afternoon in flat-packs.


Craig's Mum got busy with unpacking the bed as soon as Craig began his afternoon nap.


She followed the instructions carefully.


And soon had the frame together.


Craig's Dad laid the slats in place.


And then the mattress was put in.


But Craig didn't miss out on all the fun. He awoke and came to play while the covers were being put on the mattress and pillow.


Craig quickly found a weakness in his parent's plan. He began banging a hand on the window near the head of the bed.


So, the bed was moved to the other corner where he won't be able to hit the glass so easily. His bedtime story books were placed at the foot ready for story time.


Then Craig went for a ride with his Dad. Craig was pretty happy to get off the bike and play beside the bike-path.


He refused to sit on the rocking animal in the usual way. He wouldn't turn to face the camera either.


So, the camera had to go around to the other side.


Craig wasn't too happy about going on the ride and his Dad had some trouble getting him back on the bike. Bribing him with a biscuit was the only way to get Craig back in his seat. He then snacked on biscuit after biscuit while his Dad rode for at least 40 minutes. Craig didn't seem to mind, as long as Craig's Dad kept the biscuits coming.


Finally, they arrived back at a bridge near the entrance to the riverside park that is closest to home. The red brick building in the background to the left is the (evil) temple that had the fireworks that scared Craig so badly in the past.
http://craigalexandersworld.blogspot.com/2008/05/fireworks-are-very-scary.html

This is the view from Craig's seat on the bike back along the path that he and his Dad had just ridden along. The picture might not get it across but it was a very peaceful late-afternoon atmosphere.


Later that night, Craig was back at the local MRT station watching the trains. He likes that a lot more than riding on the bicycle.