The Best Neighbors EVER!

Somehow we have been blessed with the best neighbors possible. With apologies to the Wasmuths (congrats on the new baby!), Wilsons, Herns, and others in our neighborhood, they didn't routinely bring us Malaysian delicacies that we should taste -- nor did they take our daughter for hours at a time while constructing immaculate stables for her pet horses.

Indeed, our neighbors Zainudan and Nani are absolutely wonderful. Zainudan spends most of the week at his job in Mumbai (the city formerly known as Bombay, in India), and Nani stays home, though she often has a house full of guests.

Her youngest daughter, Nina, is just a year or two older than Reeve, and has been a great playmate for Reeve and Gabi. Nani quickly introduced herself to our children as "Auntie" and she has become an amazing auntie for our kids.

Sometimes we feel quite jealous, as our kids sit at the fence between our two houses and wait for a glimpse of Nani so they can yell "Auntie! Auntie! I wunt to tell wu somthin." (in Gabi-speak) As we constantly remind them not to yell at our neighbors, we are in awe at the affection our kids feel toward someone who was a complete stranger a few months ago.


Last weekend, Nani invited our family (including Doug's parents, who she insisted must come) over for dinner, where we were treated to some amazing Malaysian cuisine as part of the week long Hari Raya celebration (the end of Ramadan). We learned lots about local Malaysian culture as well as about Nani’s family. Fireworks, games, and gift baskets for the kids were all part of the evening.


Then yesterday, we returned from school to see an amazing box that had been transformed into a "stable" for Naimy, Gabi's favorite horsey from Grandma Julie. This was no ordinary “stable”, but was complete with a bed, pillows, doors, decorations, a lamp. Just in case Naimy gets cold in the Malaysian weather, she has a blanket, and a sweater (with a tiny hanger) that fits over Naimy’s head and tail.


I should also add that Reeve is very excited about Halloween, and has taken many opportunities to wear his Batman outfit in preparation for his big celebration.