Saturday, June 28, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Seeking Mandarin
Okay, so after Chase's Mandarin tutor (1) didn't show on Monday, (2) didn't show on Tuesday and then (3) showed up a half hour late today -- oh, and when I said to Chase, "Your Mandarin tutor is coming today to teach you Chinese," and she said "No! No Chinese." I've never heard Chase so serious about anything before.
I realized it was time to let our new Mandarin tutor go.
And so I did. And she told me that it was good news, because she just got a job in Marketing and they were going to need her to do a lot of work. So we said our goodbyes - it was all very pleasant, and I left the conversation feeling she had just let me go, rather than vice versa.
I realized it was time to let our new Mandarin tutor go.
And so I did. And she told me that it was good news, because she just got a job in Marketing and they were going to need her to do a lot of work. So we said our goodbyes - it was all very pleasant, and I left the conversation feeling she had just let me go, rather than vice versa.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Sleepy Time
Brian has found he can put Chase to sleep pretty quickly. His secret? Counting animals. Last night I think he counted 340 zebras. The night before, he counted 275 foxes.
Keeping Busy
Our new Mandarin tutor didn't show this morning.
The guys who are going to measure our kitchen for new cabinets will be here later this morning.
Oh, and I received word late last week that three people expecting to pass through Denver - Michele Ruby (a friend from my days working at Trillium in Portland, Oregon), Cathy Lockett (Brian's Aunt) and Whitney Carter (a friend from the 3rd grade). Michele arrived yesterday, as did Cathy - and Whitney arrives this weekend. And there is a chance an old friend from college may swing through in the next two weeks. (Denver is a popular place!) It is SO great to see everyone.
Summer, Chase's friend, celebrates her half birthday is on Sunday - as well as a concert in the Park. Mom arrives back from her road trip next week and stays with us for a couple more days.
And then there's the Fourth of July! And then the second round of swim lessons begin- which, by the way, are a half hour every day, for 4 days/week.
The guys who are going to measure our kitchen for new cabinets will be here later this morning.
Oh, and I received word late last week that three people expecting to pass through Denver - Michele Ruby (a friend from my days working at Trillium in Portland, Oregon), Cathy Lockett (Brian's Aunt) and Whitney Carter (a friend from the 3rd grade). Michele arrived yesterday, as did Cathy - and Whitney arrives this weekend. And there is a chance an old friend from college may swing through in the next two weeks. (Denver is a popular place!) It is SO great to see everyone.
Summer, Chase's friend, celebrates her half birthday is on Sunday - as well as a concert in the Park. Mom arrives back from her road trip next week and stays with us for a couple more days.
And then there's the Fourth of July! And then the second round of swim lessons begin- which, by the way, are a half hour every day, for 4 days/week.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Waitlists
So Chase is on yet another wait list. This one is for the early education center at the Jewish Community Center (I love that place). The early education center offers morning programs for all age groups. The facilities are some of the best I've seen (and I've seen many schools at this point). The community feel is wonderful. And get this - they actually email parents weekly with updates on what the kids learned last week and what they will learn in the coming week. This is EXACTLY the kind of place I wanted to find - the only problem? It isn't Montessori and they don't teach Mandarin.
Oh, and then there's the fact we're on another wait list.
Oh, and then there's the fact we're on another wait list.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Bless My Mom
Who is upstairs trying to potty train Chase right now.
She also cooked up a fabulous Thai dinner last night - and is planning to help me with our garden. She has done an amazing job of (1) exhausting Chase and (2) exhausting the pooch with one hour walks each day (he's snoozin' right now). Wish she could stay longer!
She also cooked up a fabulous Thai dinner last night - and is planning to help me with our garden. She has done an amazing job of (1) exhausting Chase and (2) exhausting the pooch with one hour walks each day (he's snoozin' right now). Wish she could stay longer!
Friday, June 20, 2008
Doctor Appointment #2
This week we went meet my OBG (whoa, like I actually got to meet with a real, live, baby doctor. In London, you don't meet with an OBG unless something is really wrong. In fact, you can go through your entire pregnancy - and deliver ... like I did ... without meeting with an OBG a single time).
I also had another scan and blood-work done to determine the chances of having a downs baby. Won't know until the results come back, but given the fact the baby has a slightly upturned nose (mine!) we should be in pretty good shape - as downs babies usually have flat noses (knock wood).
Hmmmm, what else? Well, I gained 4 lbs in my first trimester. I have no idea how much I weigh (haven't since I was in college), but a number like 4 lbs, I can handle.
I also found out - get this - that you are encouraged to stay at least one overnight -- if not two. And your husband/daughter and baby can stay with you in the room (wow, sounds like a holiday!)
I am carrying some of the quirk from London with me into this pregnancy - I've elected to bypass the nursery (opting to have the baby with me at all times), and I've also opted out of having the baby bathed in the hospital (in London they advise you not to wash the baby for a week). Yuck, gross, I know you are thinking this, but little baby skin needs time to adjust to the outside air.
Other then that, the baby was measuring a full week ahead - because s/he is tall perhaps? But this means we should actually be expecting the arrival sometime between Christmas Eve and New Years Eve.
And yes, we will have to create a new blog... So much to do, so little time.
I also had another scan and blood-work done to determine the chances of having a downs baby. Won't know until the results come back, but given the fact the baby has a slightly upturned nose (mine!) we should be in pretty good shape - as downs babies usually have flat noses (knock wood).
Hmmmm, what else? Well, I gained 4 lbs in my first trimester. I have no idea how much I weigh (haven't since I was in college), but a number like 4 lbs, I can handle.
I also found out - get this - that you are encouraged to stay at least one overnight -- if not two. And your husband/daughter and baby can stay with you in the room (wow, sounds like a holiday!)
I am carrying some of the quirk from London with me into this pregnancy - I've elected to bypass the nursery (opting to have the baby with me at all times), and I've also opted out of having the baby bathed in the hospital (in London they advise you not to wash the baby for a week). Yuck, gross, I know you are thinking this, but little baby skin needs time to adjust to the outside air.
Other then that, the baby was measuring a full week ahead - because s/he is tall perhaps? But this means we should actually be expecting the arrival sometime between Christmas Eve and New Years Eve.
And yes, we will have to create a new blog... So much to do, so little time.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Chase's Take On The Baby
Chase came with us when we had the first exam; so she had a chance to see her little brother/sister at the same time we did. She had a look of excitement and amazement in her eye. She said, "oh mama!" in the same way she says "oh mama" when I buy her "green juice" (w/spirulina) or "pink milk." Like there was nothing more exciting on earth.
On the way home from the doctor, Chase said, "Mama, baby. Dadda no baby. Chase no baby. Taggart no baby. Dagney no baby." And then in conclusion, "Mama baby."
I asked her if she thought it was a girl or boy and she said, in a way that made it perfectly clear, "Mama, baby."
On the way home from the doctor, Chase said, "Mama, baby. Dadda no baby. Chase no baby. Taggart no baby. Dagney no baby." And then in conclusion, "Mama baby."
I asked her if she thought it was a girl or boy and she said, in a way that made it perfectly clear, "Mama, baby."
New Years Party
I know it's early, but we've already made plans for ringing in the New Year - we will be welcoming a brand new little bundle of joy, who just so happens to be due on New Year's Eve (at least that's what the doctors say, although my calculations put the scheduled delivery on 29 Dec.)
We won't know girl/boy for another 5/6 weeks - and of course we'd be happy with either.
The first trimester was uneventful (thank goodness). No morning sickness. The only thing really weird was my taste buds went on strike. Everything that wasn't based on white flour/white sugar tasted like dirt or metal.
The difference between having a baby in London and having a baby in Denver is already MASSIVE. Where to start?
1) How about THE DOCTOR ACTUALLY KNOWS MY NAME AND KEEPS MY CHARTS (so I don't have to).
2) The doctor gave me a big bag of pre-natal vitamins (to try) and said if they make you sick, throw them out until you find one that doesn't. (whoa) And when I found one I was happy with, it was (a) prescription strength and (b) had DHA not from fish oil (double whoa). As an aside, I'm not opposed to DHA from fish oil, I just don't trust big brands to clean the oil more than they have to, which means there's still some sketchy stuff in it.
3) The doctors here actually weigh you and keep track of your weight. (good/bad, I don't know)
4) The recovery room appears very luxurious and is, get this, just for one person (not six).
More to come....
We won't know girl/boy for another 5/6 weeks - and of course we'd be happy with either.
The first trimester was uneventful (thank goodness). No morning sickness. The only thing really weird was my taste buds went on strike. Everything that wasn't based on white flour/white sugar tasted like dirt or metal.
The difference between having a baby in London and having a baby in Denver is already MASSIVE. Where to start?
1) How about THE DOCTOR ACTUALLY KNOWS MY NAME AND KEEPS MY CHARTS (so I don't have to).
2) The doctor gave me a big bag of pre-natal vitamins (to try) and said if they make you sick, throw them out until you find one that doesn't. (whoa) And when I found one I was happy with, it was (a) prescription strength and (b) had DHA not from fish oil (double whoa). As an aside, I'm not opposed to DHA from fish oil, I just don't trust big brands to clean the oil more than they have to, which means there's still some sketchy stuff in it.
3) The doctors here actually weigh you and keep track of your weight. (good/bad, I don't know)
4) The recovery room appears very luxurious and is, get this, just for one person (not six).
More to come....
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
School Update
So I called Chase's number 1 school -- the one where we've been wait listed. Chase has moved from 5th, to 2nd place, which means TWO people have to say no in order for her to get the spot.
The only thing we've got going for us is that spot isn't ideal, it's only 2-days per week, from 2:30-4:30, but it would get her in the door, securing her a spot there until she's 6, if we wanted to keep her there that long.
The only thing we've got going for us is that spot isn't ideal, it's only 2-days per week, from 2:30-4:30, but it would get her in the door, securing her a spot there until she's 6, if we wanted to keep her there that long.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Update
After reviewing all our options, it appears that the Mandarin immersion school - the one that's hectic, is really our best option, as it would (1) provide Chase with a great chance to learn Chinese, (2) removes the need for a tutor, (3) provides her with a socialization opportunity.
We've talked it over, Hubs and I, and we both feel Mandarin is one of the greatest gifts/skills we can give Chase - and if she takes a year of morning classes, even part time, she will be close to fluent - or at least as fluent as a 3-year-old can be, at which point we transfer her to either (1) the Denver International School - which is closer and a little more established - or (2) maybe DPS will have a Language School by then...
The only problem? She needs to be potty trained by August.
Should I just take the diapers away?
We've talked it over, Hubs and I, and we both feel Mandarin is one of the greatest gifts/skills we can give Chase - and if she takes a year of morning classes, even part time, she will be close to fluent - or at least as fluent as a 3-year-old can be, at which point we transfer her to either (1) the Denver International School - which is closer and a little more established - or (2) maybe DPS will have a Language School by then...
The only problem? She needs to be potty trained by August.
Should I just take the diapers away?
Monday, June 09, 2008
Friday, June 06, 2008
Swim Lesson #2
In her second lesson, Chase blew bubbles in the water. She jumped into my arms from the side of the pool. And she got so excited to be in the water she started squirming to be free and I had to explain I couldn't let go just yet...
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Mama Needs Toes
For the past month, every time we wake up in the morning Chase starts talking - immediately.
The joy of having language, of actually being understood is far to exciting; she can't keep it to herself. And so, from the minute she awakes, we get to hear everything that we need to do, in her little directive voice.
1) "Mama needs toes" - actually means "Mom, put on clothes."
2) "Dada needs toes" - same thing for Dad, even though he's in bed.
She says these things over and over, pointing to our closets as if to underscore the importance and urgency. What are we waiting for, anyway? We've got a new day ahead of us!
Then it's "Mama needs shoes."
Then it's "Teef" (brush teeth)
Then it's "New diaper"
Then it's "Chase new toes."
Then it's "Downstairs"
Then it's "Booberry pancakes"
Then it's "Read books Mama"
Then it's "Mama's tea"
And then, finally we Go Dogs Go to wherever our morning activity is located.
As a side note, my parents used to tell me that I didn't have to take of them. I wonder if Chase feels like without her help, we might be lost, or miss a vital step in the morning routine that would spell disaster - or if she is simply trying to show me that she knows what's next.
The joy of having language, of actually being understood is far to exciting; she can't keep it to herself. And so, from the minute she awakes, we get to hear everything that we need to do, in her little directive voice.
1) "Mama needs toes" - actually means "Mom, put on clothes."
2) "Dada needs toes" - same thing for Dad, even though he's in bed.
She says these things over and over, pointing to our closets as if to underscore the importance and urgency. What are we waiting for, anyway? We've got a new day ahead of us!
Then it's "Mama needs shoes."
Then it's "Teef" (brush teeth)
Then it's "New diaper"
Then it's "Chase new toes."
Then it's "Downstairs"
Then it's "Booberry pancakes"
Then it's "Read books Mama"
Then it's "Mama's tea"
And then, finally we Go Dogs Go to wherever our morning activity is located.
As a side note, my parents used to tell me that I didn't have to take of them. I wonder if Chase feels like without her help, we might be lost, or miss a vital step in the morning routine that would spell disaster - or if she is simply trying to show me that she knows what's next.
Monday, June 02, 2008
Swim Baby!
Took Chase to her first official swim lesson. She rocked the party. She was the most active child in the group, kicking and splashing and laughing. It was great. Not what I expected.
UGH!
Our Mandarin tutor told me today that she would not be able to come anymore. Chase is going to be heartbroken. She talks about Lili all the time.
We agreed to keep in touch and try to get the kids together - and it's not like I didn't know this was coming - I just thought I'd have a little more notice.
And so now the language clock starts ticking. The worst part, the longer it ticks, the more Chase will forget, so I have to find a solution fast.
We agreed to keep in touch and try to get the kids together - and it's not like I didn't know this was coming - I just thought I'd have a little more notice.
And so now the language clock starts ticking. The worst part, the longer it ticks, the more Chase will forget, so I have to find a solution fast.
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Church
Hubs and I see eye-to-eye on many things, but sadly religion is not one of them. He was brought up to BELIEVE, while I was brought up to question everything.
It's not that I don't believe there is something bigger out there; I do. And it's not that I'm not spiritual; I am.
Needless to say, we need to find a way that we can integrate everything and support each other in our own beliefs. And it's not as easy as celebrating Christmas and Hanukkah. And no, I'm not Jewish, although I did just join the Jewish Community Center (it's awesome).
So I have gone to many churches since I met Hubs. To support him and also because I must admit I am a little curious about what people get out of it. You see, I believe you don't have to be in one place at one time. I just don't believe it's all so black and white. And I don't believe Jesus is God's only son - don't get me wrong, I'm sure he existed and was a great man, who was clearly motivational and inspirational, but aren't we all God's children? But I think Buddha offers many lessons we can all learn from as well.
And so today we went to the local, Presbyterian Church. The sermon left me untouched (it was given by an intern who talked about himself the entire time). The music, however, moved me to tears. I'm not kidding, it was so beautiful. There was a guest singer from the Colorado Opera, and it was amazing - it was the way Church music was meant to be heard. I had chills. For five minutes, it felt like we were in England hundreds of years ago.
If I could be that moved every time I went to Church, I'd go every day.
It's not that I don't believe there is something bigger out there; I do. And it's not that I'm not spiritual; I am.
Needless to say, we need to find a way that we can integrate everything and support each other in our own beliefs. And it's not as easy as celebrating Christmas and Hanukkah. And no, I'm not Jewish, although I did just join the Jewish Community Center (it's awesome).
So I have gone to many churches since I met Hubs. To support him and also because I must admit I am a little curious about what people get out of it. You see, I believe you don't have to be in one place at one time. I just don't believe it's all so black and white. And I don't believe Jesus is God's only son - don't get me wrong, I'm sure he existed and was a great man, who was clearly motivational and inspirational, but aren't we all God's children? But I think Buddha offers many lessons we can all learn from as well.
And so today we went to the local, Presbyterian Church. The sermon left me untouched (it was given by an intern who talked about himself the entire time). The music, however, moved me to tears. I'm not kidding, it was so beautiful. There was a guest singer from the Colorado Opera, and it was amazing - it was the way Church music was meant to be heard. I had chills. For five minutes, it felt like we were in England hundreds of years ago.
If I could be that moved every time I went to Church, I'd go every day.
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