Seraphine Hospitalized

First off, don't worry. Seraphine is home now and completely back to normal.

We had a poisoning scare this weekend when she had gotten to an empty bottle of Draino.
I had put the bottle by the door and was planning to throw it away on my way out. We were on our way to the museum and were just about to leave. I went to fill our water bottles and heard a scream come from the patio. It was Seraphine and she was crying and yelling for help.  I looked and saw that she had put the bottle to her mouth. She was in some kind of pain. How much did she drink? Was her mouth burned? What about her throat?

 Long story short, we rushed her to the ER, she stayed overnight, and was released the next day. Tests came out normal and she has no trouble eating. There appears to be no damage to her mouth or esophagus. In fact, she ate a bowl of porridge and a pineapple cake after her 24 hour fast. The staff was helpful and friendly.

Thank God for His mercy! We are so grateful that she is all right. And glad we live across the street from the hospital.

--PTW

Fire Safety Day

Kids looking at a real fire ahead of them

They go all out when the firetruck comes to school here! First they reinact a real fire, which triage unit and all! Kids walk around with hanky on nose and some wear slings and bandages!

There is a fire truck, of course, and fire fighters, but they also have real life fire demonstrations, smoke and fire and all. Then the kids get to use the fire extinguisher to put the fire out. They also roll out the hoses and the kids get to take turns holding the hose with the water spraying out. Suffice it to say, Moses was glad he went to school today!

Moses is doing better, though he doesn't want to go to school everyday. But this was definitely a high point! His classmates are quite friendly toward him and the teacher said he told her he needed to go to the bathroom in Mandarin the other day. Making progress!

--PTW
10/1/10

Daily Life: Seven-Eleven, Fine Arts Museum, Night Market

Hi Everyone,

I thought I'd share some pictures from our daily life here in Taichung. The weather is cooling down and it's easier to get out and about. Here are some snapshots:


Seven Eleven

The Seven Eleven near our house. 

We love this convenience store.  It is a little further away than Family Mart and Hi-Life which are right across the street. We have to walk about five minutes to get here. But it is well worth it. Has a great selection of foods, and three seating areas called "City Cafe" where you can hang out. They even have tissues on the tables! Here is a picture of Seraphine in front of the "bar" area.

There are lots of yummy things to eat here. We used to eat here everyday because we knew what we were getting and everything is so clean. My favorites are the cold sesame noodles and the triangle rice things.
Fillings include lobster, salmon, tuna, and different meats. It is perfect when you are on the go!

Look! almost all the onigiri is gone! Better pick one up for my after yoga class snack!

The drink selection is to die for. On hot days stopping by here is a must. There are lots of teas, and soy milks, juices, and yogurt drinks. My kids love the yogurt (Yakult or 'yang le duo') drinks and we think it helps keep our tummies healthy. (Good excuse to buy them!)

Wish I could have taken more pictures but I was told photography was not allowed in 7-11. Woops!

Fine Arts Museum / Cultural Center

This is a beautiful modern building that looks brand new! There are exhibits and a film festival going on here. Free audio tour in English. Can't wait to go on a stroller walk here with Seraphine and listen to the tour. She loves this space. There is a children's book area and an open discovery play area for toddlers. We are going on Tuesday for our first playdate with the wife and daughter of the evangelist at my mother in law's church. Will do another blog just about this place with photos. Lots to do here. So glad we live so close to this place. I think kids and I will come here a lot. Moms, wait until you see the huge play area with DIY crafts that we do not have to prepare ourselves!

The museum is about a twenty minute walk from our home. Next to the museum is the cultural center where there is a children's library and a periodical room. Unfortunately I don't have my resident visa so I can't borrow books yet, so Steve will have to come with me since he has a Taiwan ID card. Lots of English books, actually!

Night Market
  

Eating 'hand made' jyaudze or dumplings

We live right by a night market. As you can tell from the pictures, Moses enjoys this food very much.
The dumplings are made right there and the stinky tofu is famous in Taichung. ( I passed on it) The tofu stand also sells delicious dong gua tea (winter melon juice) and plum tea. Very refreshing!

Moses' first Stinky Tofu!

After two stalls our kids started crying  (too tired)and needed to go home. Moses ran into a parked motorcycle and Seraphine cries when Moses cries. So Moses went into the stroller and fell asleep in 2 minutes and I carried Seraphine all the way back home.


Another day in our life!

--Tina

The famous (infamous) Stinky Tofu stand.
If we look sticky, we are. Seraphine is stuck to me.