ickyBINKY

Minding My Manners

noreply@blogger.com (ickyBINKY) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 03:23:00 +0000

Children are extremely clever. They have this uncanny ability to take what you’ve taught them and apply it right back at you. AND, their timing is so impeccable that when they use said teaching against you, you can’t rebuttal because they catch you right in the act of committing the crime. This leaves you at once proud of them for learning the principle so well that they can teach it, and annoyed at their ability to reverse the parent and child roles to discipline you at your own misbehavior. My Smarty-Pants King A happened to pull a check-mate on me.

It was early morning, and I was running around like a chicken with its head cut off to get both King A and Lord R ready for daycare. To save time, I instructed King A to potty on his own accord. Meanwhile, I chased down a half-naked Lord R who has managed to escape my clutches after a diaper change to crawl from the bathroom, through the hallway, and ending in King A’s bedroom, where he was entertained by a plethora of toys on the floor.

From a short distance away, I could hear King A holler, “I’m done, Mommy.”

“Have you pottied?” I asked.

“Yes,” he confirms.

“Good job, Sweetie! Now wash your hands,” I reminded him without laying eyes on him. Moments later, I heard the rubber base of the stepping stool skid along the bathroom floor's tile as he pushed it from the toilet to the sink, followed by the sounds of the faucet water turning on. Still keeping an eye on a playful Lord R, I opened King A's drawers to pull out a Wall-E underwear.

"Come get your underwear when you're done washing your hands," I said.

A half-naked King A stepped out of the bathroom into the adjoining hallway and paused. I'm standing at the other end of the hallway just outside the his bedroom door with Wall-E in hand. He reached his hands out to accept the underwear I'm holding, but I realized that the distance was too vast for the lengths of our arms to meet. Rather than closing the distance with a few extra steps, I decided to throw his underwear to him. He wasn’t prepared to catch it, so it landed on the ground a foot away from his feet. I could see his eyes following the trajectory of the underwear; his head lowered to where Wall-E had landed and then it raised again to look at me. When our eyes met, he said, “Mooommmmmmyyyy?!” He spoke with a slightly high-pitched inflection on the second syllable, and filled with implications of I-can’t-believe-you-just-did-that.

“Oh sorry! Just pick it up.”

“But, you’re suppose to hand it to me," he said indignantly.

Weighing the options of debating with him or just picking up the underwear, I decided that the latter option would be faster. I stepped two paces, reached down to pick up Wall-E and placed it in his outstretched hand.

“See, isn’t that better?” he praised and reprimanded me, simultaneously. I rolled my eyes. “Thank you, Mommy. I love you."

Cute? Check. Brat? Double check. It is my own fault (and source of motherly pride) for instilling in him the virtues of respectfully handing objects to others. Now, if only I can also get away with teaching him: Do as I say; not as I do. (Wink)

Giant Surf Clams in Spicy Soy Sauce

noreply@blogger.com (ickyBINKY) — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 22:41:00 +0000

He doesn't know this, but my husband plays a huge role in the types of seafood I prepare. He's a very lazy...I mean "efficient" connoisseur. He enjoys foods that are flavorful. But more importantly, he enjoys foods that require little or no effort on his part traveling from plate to palate. Coral prawns? Good. Crawdads? Bad. Lobster? Great. Crabs? God forbid! So when it comes to cooking bivalves, I selected giant surf clams that average approximately 7 inches in diameter and are filled with tender, sweet, and juicy meat.

I called on my brother's food creativity and expertise to help create this dish. After two attempts, I believe we can finally bless our mess and kiss the cook - Chef Blue Fire - as we present Giant Surf Clams in Spicy Soy Sauce.

Giant Surf Clams in Spicy Soy Sauce
Preparation: 10 minutes | Cook: 15 minutes | Serves: 2-3

INGREDIENTS

1	giant surf clam
1/4 cup	cooking white wine or rice wine
5	slices of ginger (for the steamed giant surf clam)
5	slices of ginger (for the spicy soy sauce)
1 tablespoon	cooking oil
1 tablespoon	sugar
3 tablespoons	clam juice (from the steamed clam)
3 tablespoons	premium soy sauce
1 tablespoon	oyster sauce
4 tablespoons	water
7-8	slices of jalapeño pepper
1 cup	chicken broth
1	package of a 2-ounce bean thread noodle
	sliced onion
	cilantro
	wedge of lemon

DIRECTIONS

Clean the giant surf clam by gently scrubbing the outer surface of the shell.
Place the cleaned clam on a plate. Lay the slices of ginger on the top surface of the clam. Pour cooking white wine over the ginger and clam.
Place the plated clam in Step 2 into a double boiler. Steam for 5-6 minutes, or 1 minute after the clam opens its shell.
Carefully remove the steamed clam from the double broiler. Lift the steamed clam and pour the clam juice into a container. Set the juice aside for the sauce. Discard the steamed slices of ginger.
Gentle open the steamed clam and remove the meat. Thinly slice the clam meat and set aside. Save the shell halves for serving later.
In a small bowl, mix the sugar, clam juice (from the steamed clam), premium soy sauce, oyster sauce, and water. Set aside.
In a small sauce pan, heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil. Add the 5 slices of ginger and 3-4 slices of jalapeño and let their flavors infuse into the oil for about 1 minute on low heat. Add the mixture in Step 6. Once the sauce comes to a boil, remove and set aside to cool.
In a small pot, bring 1 cup of chicken broth to a boil. Cook the bean thread noodle in the broth until it turns clear. About 1 minute.
Remove the noodle and place it into the empty clam shell halves. Layer the thinly sliced clam meat on top of the noodle. Add the sliced onions and cilantro on top of the clam meat for garnish. Pour about 3-4 tablespoons of the spicy soy sauce over the clam, noodle, and garnish.
When you're ready to eat, squeeze a bit of lemon over the entire presentation, and enjoy.

Cooking Photo Gallery

Chef Blue Fire holds a giant surf clam in the palm of his hand.

Lush and fresh ingredients.

Simmering spicy soy sauce.

Plating and garnishing.

Chef Blue Fire enjoys the fruits of his labor.

The Little Bird that Got Tangled

noreply@blogger.com (ickyBINKY) — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 00:17:00 +0000

Once in a blue moon, my sons would join forces. Collectively, these psychological geniuses would push every single one of my buttons, and then some. On those rare occasions, I can’t help but think, I look forward to the day you boys grow up. But, just as soon as that thought escapes my tired and susceptible mind, I immediately feel guilty for letting such a thought surface. The truth is, I want my sons to experience their childhood without haste or (too much) regrets; to enter and exit each chapter of their lives exploring unhindered, failing with grace, and taking away the trials and tribulations that will build the foundations that cement them into upstanding men...like their father.

Yet even as I plead to Father Time not to tick and tock so quickly, to my dismay, I find myself watching them grow right before my eyes. This is especially evident with my older son, King A. I wish it were just a figment of my imagination fueled by my fear of him becoming independent of his mommy. Yet, it is no illusion that the roundness in his cheeks are slimming and the first signs of a defined jawline are showing through, or that the dimples that line along the base of each of his fingers (when he opens the palm of his hands) have disappeared. More noticeably, there are mature mannerisms that he expresses that stops me dead in my track and wonder, What the heck?

One weekday, at the rude hour of 7:30 in the morning, I entered King A’s bedroom armed with my iPhone in hand blasting a playlist I named A's Soothies. It is a compilation consisting of some of his favorite songs: "Hey, Soul Sister," "Rocketeer," "Fireflies," and a few others that instantly turn an upside-down smile right side up. When he heard the music, he immediately reached for his blanket and pulled it over his head. Simultaneously, he flipped onto his belly, tucked his legs under, and chucked his bottom up. In the few steps that it took me to reach his bed, I was greeted by a human boulder covered with a distorted face of Buzz Lightyear. After much coaxing, he relented and allowed me to remove the cover. I carried him to the bathroom to begin his morning hygiene routine.

I began by removing his soaked Pull-Ups and set him on the toilet seat. Like most men (you know who you are), it takes him several minutes before a stream begins to flow. Shocking. I settled on King A's stepping stool nearby and waited impatiently as he voided. Anxiety slowly gained momentum at the thought of being late to work again. When he was finally done, I picked him up and set him on the ground before me to pull on his Lightning McQueen underwear. He stood in front of me with his eyes still closed. The allure of his recently vacated and still warm bed tempting him and paralyzing him from doing anything else except stand limped before me. In my seated position, his face was only inches away from mine. I stared at his features. He looked so innocent and small with his buzzed hair in disarray, and a white trail of drool crystallizing at the corner of his mouth. In spite of this, he was still the most beautiful being beholding my eyes; I saw a child with luminous skin, rosy red lips, beautiful large eyes framed with mile-long lashes fluttering like a butterfly as he tried to come out of his sleep stupor. I sat mesmerized by his placid beauty. Time and responsibilities were momentarily forgotten.

And just like that, the image of the innocent and naive toddler before me floated away suddenly, startled off, when his dimple-free, right hand reached around from his side to cup his crotch! Then, he began to vigorously jiggle it! Finally, he ended the assault with a quick shake of his right leg. Awkward. Initially, I had the visceral reaction to look away. But, the mature woman and mother in me snapped me out of my matronly moment, and replaced it with a form of scientific curiosity. I had never seen him do this before. Is it discomfort? A UTI? A simple itch? Or could this be something else, entirely? I’m sure if his father were present, he would know what to do. But as his mother, I felt like a fish out of water. Clueless, I began with, "Is everything alright?"

He gave me a wide, doe-eyed look as he answered, “Mommy, my wee-wee hurts.”

I used my index finger to pull the elastic waistband of his underwear away from his tiny waist to expose the contents inside. I peeked in, and “it” looked normal to me. It didn’t seem pinched or otherwise. Rather, it would be best described by Jim Carrey in Liar Liar as “short, shriveled and to the left.” So, I placed his waistband back. This resulted in him pulling and tugging at it even harder.

“Stop, cutie. You’ll hurt yourself,” I warned. Then I pulled out his waistband again. This time I instructed him, “Here, why don’t you fix your birdie.”

And, fixed it, he did. It's a mystery to me how he did it so effortlessly. He was content after what seemed like a quick adjustment.

“Better?” I asked.

With a smile slowly forming on his face, and the frown ebbing away, he nodded, and replied a cheerful, "Yep." Then, he kissed the back of my hand that helped pull his elastic band out, followed by a tender hug and a peck on my cheek.

I’m still not convinced that I did much for him, but I relish at the affection that he gave me anyway. And just like that, the affectionate toddler returned and began jumping around, carefree and playful with Lord R.

Unbeknownst to him, his moment of "manly" discomfort is my reminder that Father Time stands still for no one and that the pages in the "Toddler" chapter of his life are coming to an end. The stirrings of emptiness that King A is slowly creating as he makes his transition into the next chapter is a natural course of life, but that doesn’t mean I can’t kick and scream along the way and hold on to what is near and dear to me for a little bit longer — my baby boy. My one saving grace is that I have a younger Lord R to replace King A's void. I know one day Lord R will do something unexpectedly startling and innovative to prepare me of his transition as well. I’m not too keen on that day. However, despite my reluctance to severe the umbilical cord...I am most definitely excited to meet the future King A and Lord R.

Cá Kho Tộ (Caramelized Catfish in Claypot) and Canh Chua Cá (Sour, Sweet, and Savory Catfish Soup)

noreply@blogger.com (ickyBINKY) — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 23:48:00 +0000

Pssst. I’ll let you in on a little secret. I’m still wearing my maternity clothing. I know! It’s been nine months since I delivered my bundle of joy, Lord R, but I can’t seem to shed these last few stubborn pounds. The culprit? Delicious FOOD! My world is surrounded by masterful cooks. And then, there is my loving, non-cook husband, whose kitchen arsenal is nothing more than the ubiquitous iPhone. Together, they cook up fine dishes I like to call Reservations. My iron-will turns to mush, and all thoughts of looking like Alessandra Ambrosio goes out the window. But don’t feel sorry for me. I happily carry my “curves” as I spoon mouthfuls of the most delicious creations.

For ickyBINKY’s very first Blue Fire recipe series, my lil’ brother and I percolated over a dish that would be special equaled only to our readers. We present to you not just one, but two of my all time favorite childhood dishes: Cá Kho Tộ (Caramelized Catfish in Claypot) and Canh Chua Cá (Sour, Sweet, and Savory Catfish Soup). Enjoy!

Cá Kho Tộ (Caramelized Catfish in Claypot)
Preparation: 10 minutes | Cook: 15 minutes | Serves: 4-6

INGREDIENTS

6 pieces	catfish steak cut about 1/2 inch thick per slice
2 cloves	garlic minced
1/3	medium onion bulb diced
2 tablespoons	cooking oil
2 tablespoons	soy sauce
1 tablespoon	balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoon	black pepper
1/2 teaspoon	sugar

DIRECTIONS

1. Clean the catfish cuts by rinsing them. Pat dry with paper towels. Set aside.
2. Mix together the soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, pepper and sugar in a small bowl. Set aside.
3. Heat the cooking oil in a 10-inch pan on high heat. Add the garlic and onion. Cook them until they are lightly brown.
4. Add the catfish steaks to the caramelized onion and garlic in the pan. Cook the catfish for 1 minute on each side.
5. Pour the sauce mixture from Step 2 into the pan. Reduce the heat to medium and cover the pan with a lid. Simmer for 3-5 minutes on each side of the catfish until the sauce begins to thicken and coat the catfish.

Canh Chua Cá (Sour, Sweet, and Savory Catfish Soup)
Preparation: 30 minutes | Cook: 20 minutes | Serves: 4-6

INGREDIENTS

1 pound	catfish or shrimps
1/4 cup	pineapple blended coarsely with 3 cups of water
1/2 cup	pineapple sliced into bite-size pieces
2	tomatoes each sliced into 6 wedges
1/2	medium onion bulb sliced into 6 wedges
1 cup	bạc hà (Alocasia odora; also called Night-scented Lily) or celery sliced at a diagonal
1 cup	bean sprouts
1 cup	okras sliced lengthwise
6 cups	water or vegetable stock
2 tablespoons	cooking oil
3 tablespoons	tamarind powder
3 tablespoons	sugar or rock candy
3 tablespoons	fish sauce
	chopped ngò ôm (Limnophila aromatica; also called Rice Paddy Herb) for garnish
	chopped green onions for garnish
	black pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Wash and prepare all the vegetables: pineapple, tomatoes, onion bulb, bạc hà, bean sprouts, okras, ngò ôm, and green onion. Set aside.
2. Clean the catfish pieces by rinsing them. Set aside.
3. Heat the cooking oil in a 6-quart pot on high heat. Add the onion and tomatoes and cook for about 2 minutes until they soften.
4. Add the 6 cups of water, blended pineapple, tamarind powder, sugar, fish sauce, and black pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil.
5. With the boiling soup mixture, add the the catfish and the remaining vegetables: bite-size pineapple pieces, bạc hà, bean sprouts, and okras.
6. Cook for another 5 minutes allowing the catfish to fully cook.
7. Serve in a large family-style soup bowl. Garnish soup with ngò ôm and green onions.

Cooking Photo Gallery

Clockwise from the left: Cleaned and prepped Canh Chua Cá vegetable medley; ngò ôm; bạc hà; okra

Simmering Cá Kho Tộ in pan.

Simmering Canh Chua Cá in pot.

Dinner is served.

Christmas Leaflet Photo Card Instructions

noreply@blogger.com (ickyBINKY) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 22:33:00 +0000

Thank you for participating in the 2010 Christmas Card Poll. The winner, by 56%, is the Christmas Leaflet Photo Card. As promised, here are the the files and step-by-step directions on how to recreate it.

Tools and Materials: 90 lb card stock paper, scissors, glue, metallic pen
Optional: ruler, X-acto knife, calligraphy metallic pen


Inside	Outside
Please click on each of the thumbnails above - Inside and Outside - to view their full sizes (8.5 x 11 inch). Then control click (or right click on a PC) on the full size image to download.

Step 1: Download and Print
Please click on the thumbnails above to view their full sizes (8.5 x 11 inch). Then control click (or right click on a PC) on the full size image to download. Once downloaded, print the inside design first. Then turn the paper over and print the outside design. The outside design is slightly larger so there is no need to align the paper perfectly.

Step 2: Cut
Using the inside design of the card as a guide, cut along the outer edges. I prefer to use a ruler and X-acto knife to get clean straight lines. But, a scissor will work just fine.

Step 3: Fold
Fold each of the four edges.

Step 4: Insert Photo
Place your 3.5 x 5 inch photo in the center. Use a dab of glue to adhere the photo in place. Optionally, you could also write a message in place of a photo.

Step 5: Seal
Once the photo/message is in place, seal the four edges to turn the card into an envelope.

Step 6: Label and Stamp
Using a metallic pen, address the completed card and add stamp. In this example, I used a silver metallic calligraphy pen to address the envelope.

2010 Christmas Card Poll

noreply@blogger.com (ickyBINKY) — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 18:14:00 +0000

Which will it be? Christmas Leaflet Photo Card? Or Aspen Snowflakes Christmas Card? Please cast your vote using the survey widget to the right of this blog. Voting begins November 24-30, 2010. The instructions and template for the winning design will be available starting December 1, 2010. Thank you for participating.

Aspen Snowflakes Christmas Card

noreply@blogger.com (ickyBINKY) — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 23:55:00 +0000

When I was a child living in Dallas, Texas, I loved the rare occasions when it snowed. I remember standing on my tippy toes, fully extending all of my short three feet stature so my eyes could barely reach the windowsill, and staring wide-eyed at the gently falling flakes. The dreary lifeless ground slowly replaced with soft powdery snow, magically transforming my front yard into a winter white wonderland.

For my second design, Aspen Snowflakes Christmas Card, I took this nostalgic snowflake icon and made it my muse. This design fits 4 x 6 inch (or 3.5 x 5 inch) photos for both portrait and landscape orientations. The borders are created using Martha Stewart 'Punch Around The Page' Aspen Punch Combo. Though, straight edges will also work. Vellum and ribbon add the finishing touches to the design.

(Note: Please cast your vote for either Christmas Leaflet Photo Card or Aspen Snowflakes Christmas Card beginning November 24-30, 2010. The instructions and template for the winning design will be available starting December 1, 2010.)

One icon, countless designs.

This is the version I will provide detailed instructions on how to recreate.

Vellum and ribbon add the finishing touches.

Everything is in the details.

Christmas Leaflet Photo Card

noreply@blogger.com (ickyBINKY) — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 18:23:00 +0000

Inspired by the fiery beauty of the poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima), this Christmas leaflet photo card highlights many of its distinguished features: brilliant crimson hue, star-shaped “blossoms,” and clean architectural lines.

Designed with the busy holiday season in mind, this card offers simplicity and versatility in construct, without compromising in aesthetic. The deep burgundy color creates a receding backdrop to compliment 3.5 x 5 inch family portraits, baby pictures, or any other holiday photographs. Along the four sides are petal-like extensions, when folded, seals the photograph and transforms the card into an envelope in one easy step. In lieu of a photo, the inside rectangular area offers a generous space to pen a message to the recipient(s), as well. Dangling ornaments and sparkling stars add the finishing touches of the holiday spirit to the overall design.

I hope this stirs your inner creativity and inspires you to send out some season’s greetings.

(Note: Please cast your vote for either Christmas Leaflet Photo Card or Aspen Snowflakes Christmas Card beginning November 24-30, 2010. The instructions and template for the winning design will be available starting December 1, 2010.)

The inside (left) and outside (right) of the card.

Views of a completed card. Models (clockwise from the top): King A, Lord R, and Lady L.

Calligraphy addresses.

Close-up of the inside of the card.

Blue Fire

noreply@blogger.com (ickyBINKY) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 19:22:00 +0000

To my chagrin, I must admit that I am at a lost when it comes to mastering the domains of my kitchen. My first encounter with cooking a meal, featuring Beef and Broccoli, for my husband (then, college sweetheart) began with an urgent call to my mom asking, “Mom, where can I buy meat?”

She paused. In a reticent and inquisitive tone she responded, “At the supermarket? No?”

To this day, Mom has never let me live down that insanely ridiculous question. What I had meant to ask her was, “Mom, from which supermarket do you buy beef?”

While cooking to me is about as natural as forcing a square peg through a round hole, thanks to my patient husband, my guinea pig and brutally honest critic, I’ve come a long way from Beef and Broccoli and have mastered a humble repertoire of mouthwatering dishes to make even the elite epicureans salivate.

My younger brother, on the other hand, is a natural iron chef. When he invites me over for dinner, it is an invitation to enter a world sinfully designed to satiate the glutton in me. Born with effortless talent and passionate interest for the culinary arts, his cooking is a harmonious orchestra of the senses: smell, sound, sight, touch, and taste.

Upon stepping into his home, I stand transfixed and just breathe as my olfactory sense is immediately treated to the wonderful aromas wafting from the kitchen. A cloud of scent seductively crooks its finger coaxing me to follow it into the kitchen, where the sounds of drawers opening, utensils clashing, knives sharpening, and so much more, reverberate off the walls. What would have been a cacophony in my kitchen is transformed into a symphony in his. On the island counter, my eyes “eat” up the display of crisp greeneries, tender cutlets, and exotic spices, that will soon be happily married over the powerful gas range lit by a series of dancing blue flames. Like a child at a candy store, I eagerly request for a sample of anything piping hot from the stove. At last, my taste buds are overcome with serenity as they are rewarded with an explosion of divine flavors.

At ickyBINKY, I believe that food is the cornerstone to enriching a family. Therefore, my brother and I are teaming together to launch Blue Fire – a series of unique recipes inspired by food creativity and culture.

Coming soon…a slice of salmon, a stem of Thai basil, a hint of paprika, and then some. Hope you enjoy it.

The Hermit Crab

noreply@blogger.com (ickyBINKY) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 06:10:00 +0000

Autumn is one of my favorite seasons of the year. Its cool weather marks the end of the sweltering days of summer. The spring foliage, once lush and green, are replaced with Mother Nature’s grandest and most spectacular rainbow of red, orange, and yellow hues. And as her brilliant leaves wither and trees descend into a deep slumber, the child in me awakes to the promise of the much anticipated holiday lights and festivities that are on the cusp of commencing.

Unfortunately, autumn also symbolizes the start of the ailing season when we fall prey to many crippling and inconvenient maladies. The aches, fevers, and coughs are like the unwelcomed guests that visit our humble abode and wreck havoc during their stay. Through modern medicine, some of these unwanted visitors are preventable. The seasonal influenza (flu), for example, can be significantly minimized or entirely prevented through immunization. However, with last year’s H1N1 media blowout, there seems to be uncertainties surrounding the vaccination. Are there any benefits to vaccinating?

If I received a dime for every time a friend asks what my opinion on the flu vaccination is, I would be writing this post on the white sandy beaches of Bora Bora, with the gentle breezes of the Pacific Ocean kissing my cheeks, while blowing my salt-encrusted damp hair dry. Off in the distance would be the breathtaking view of the setting sun, juxtaposed against the magnificent blue horizon – the perfect backdrop for me to dreamily stare at a lost hermit crab waddling along the shoreline before being swept up by the rhythmic waves of the ocean, as I enjoy a refreshing young coconut elixir topped with one of those fancy schmancy umbrellas. But, I digress.

Feeling rather excited about my choice of blogging subject, I asked my husband, “How would you feel if I blogged about my views on the flu vaccination?”

Like the yang to my yin, rather than sharing my enthusiasm, he was apprehensive. He warned, and I paraphrase, "It's so controversial. I wouldn’t do that."

His recommendation not to broach said topic was all the encouragement I needed. Tempted as I am, my husband is an astute man, and I would do well to heed his warning – even if just partially. Then, what are my thoughts on the flu vaccination? Before I answer, I’d like to share a recent event involving my older son.

A few days ago, my husband, the boys (King A and Lord R), and I were on our way to my parents for dinner. The moment we stepped foot inside their home, from the corners of my eyes, I saw King A bend over and unload the contents of his dinner all over the tile floor. Oh no! My husband immediately snapped me out of my shocked stupor to tend to our son. I quickly handed the infant in my arms to my brother, ran into the kitchen for a plastic bag, and dashed back to King A just in time to catch the remaining contents of his partially digested meal.

Forgotten were the rancid, yet “peanutty,” smell of his vomit and the speckles of undigested food (probably peanuts, too) that covered King A’s mouth and my hands, as I settled next to him holding the bag over his mouth while he purged. I was deeply distraught and pained at not being able to offer him any immediate relief. I could only offer soft-spoken words of comfort, "It's alright sweetie, take your time. You're such a brave boy. Mommy's proud of you." What I wouldn't trade to see his infectious smile reach his eyes. Instead, I witnessed a vulnerable and scared child, whose complexion was ghostly pale, and chest was uncontrollably and painfully dry heaving.

With beautiful and overflowing, tear-filled eyes, he casted me a despairing look with the unspoken expression, "Mommy, I’m hurt. Make it go away." before succumbing to more laborious heaving. Beads of sweat began to form on the top of his flawless forehead showing the signs of an extremely exhausted child. I waited as he violently retched over and over again, until the only things remaining were bile and saliva. I knew then, without a grain of doubt, that I did not want him to go through this again.

A vulnerable hermit crab diligently carries its shell for protection against the forces of nature; my family vaccinates to carry an invisible shield for protection against the seasonal flu. My decision is based on these important factors: we are not allergic to the influenza vaccine; by getting vaccinated, we are protected against high fever, pneumonia, diarrhea, seizures, and other health illnesses that result from a weakened immune system; and, this is solely my maternal opinion, but I foolishly only wish to see my children in a state of mischief and never misery. Despite my resolution, I encourage you to make this decision based on your own personal values. Don’t let biased opinions from the uninformed dictate what is right for you – my smart and beloved readers.

As for King A, he bounced back to his bubbly self soon after the event. I welcomed the return of my mischievous son, the one who can spit all over me and still make me love him even more.

Stay happy and healthy during this susceptible flu season. And, the next time you're leisurely strolling outdoors, take a moment to enjoy the beautiful masterpiece that only Mother Nature can create.

More information on the seasonal influenza vaccine

Ask your healthcare provider.
Call your local or state health department.
Contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

Call 1-800-232-4636 (1-800-CDC-INFO)
Visit the CDC’s Web site

For children over six (6) months of age

The Birth of Binky

noreply@blogger.com (ickyBINKY) — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 16:00:00 +0000

There was a time in my short existence when my worries were few and far between. My priorities were focused solely on my promising career as a budding Web Designer; my adorable and complicated college sweetheart husband; and last but not least, yours truly.

And then...the most unexpected and amazing change happened. With hearts bursting of love and a house filled beyond capacity with formula, diapers, and Baby’s-R-Us toys, my husband and I welcomed our sons – short, bald men who would soon steal our hearts, and render us into countless smiles.

My sons, nicknamed King A and Lord R (to protect their identities on the Internet), are 3 years old and 7 months old, respectively. Despite their youth, they are characters. Their personalities are marked by an intricate and complex fusion of unconditional love, childhood innocence, foolish gallantry, understated selfishness, nonsensical logic, and attitudes equaled only to divas. My life, with them in it, is nothing less than sheer exhaustion. However, like the shining stars that they are, their megawatt smiles, unexpected showers of kisses, and singsong cooing, cast away all depths of shadow, and give life to everything their rays touch.

Here at ickyBINKY, you won’t find a blog about dirty pacifiers. Rather, ickyBINKY is my creative outlet to share with you my unfolding tapestry of motherhood and marriage richly woven by my whimsical sons (owners of some very icky binkies); and interlaced with deep chuckles of laughter, not so compromising compromises, and stolen moments of romance with my “it” man. Join me as I chronicle all this, along with my less than successful parenting skills and myriad comedic failures as a mommy, a wife, and often times (sigh), a discombobulated moving mass of chaos.