Kitchen Remodel Pictures

So when we bought this house we knew the kitchen needed a face-lift if we were ever going to resell it. I did not take a picture of our old kitchen because I disliked it so.

Picture white-painted cabinets, a mustard counter, mustard backs plash, a very funky plaster "blue sky" and grubby white plastic tile floor that showed everything that ever touched it.

This, combined with a very weird downstairs entry (back left on second picture) made the kitchen even more confusing, as it was covered over and left like a giant, unusable shelf. We decided that instead of opening it up, we could keep it covered, but insert cabinets above it and panel the wall below it, so that a person coming in would not even suspect a stairwell was beneath it.














Note the blue plaster "sky" - oh lovely... It was in the main kitchen too, before we put beadboard over it.













Yei Yei managed to take a little time away from the kitchen to enjoy Chase...














And Nee Nee spent countless hours reading and playing with Chase...














And Yei Yei helped us install our new light fixtures (just one of his many talents)...




















And Hubs worked until he was too tired to stand...














And Nee Nee helped us paint over the yellow and rust colored walls...














And then the cabinets arrived...

Butterfly Dreams

Me: What did you dream about last night?
Chase: Butterflies
Me: Oh? What color were they?
Chase: Red
Me: How many were there?
Chase: Two
Me: Were they big or small?
Chase: Small
Me: So what did you dream about?
Chase: Two red, small, butterflies

Remodel Tip

Couple things we've learned...

1) Some things on Amazon.com are less expensive than they are at Home Depot

2) You can live with just a BBQ and a garden hose (it's hard, but it's possible)

3) You can remodel with a toddler in the house - and they can sleep through anything if they are exhausted enough.

Kitchen Remodel: Day 4

Has it really been four days already?

Besides the dog running through the floor leveler yesterday (while it was setting), and my father-in-law burning his forearm, the kitchen remodel seems to be running (knock wood) on time. Hubs goes back to work tomorrow, so it's really important the ceiling gets put up tonight (it will cover a "charming" sky-blue, plaster mess).

We're all tired. Long days with no rest. But it is saving us about 10-15K, so in the end it's worth it.

Chase, who hasn't napped since Nee Nee and Yei Yei arrived, crashed at 7:30 tonight, unable to keep her eyes open, despite the insane noise of an air compressor, staple gun and circular saw humming away in the background.

Kitchen Remodel Update

The cabinets have been removed. The old plastic tile has been removed. The sink is gone. The fridge is in the living room. The stove is outside on the porch.

And today Hubs and Yei Yei start putting the kitchen back together. Starting with leveling the floor. They also have to level the ceiling. But that's another story.

Only casualty - the kitchen window. Cracked. And probably should be replaced. So far we are only just over the original budget, but with the house across the street, which is smaller (and does not have an updated look) on sale for 100K over what we paid for this house (amazing!) we feel pretty good about spending the money on the kitchen.

Now we're off to confirm the counter top. We found a GORGEOUS piece of soap stone yesterday.

It's A Girl

That's right, on December 29th (or thereabouts) we will be welcoming our second daughter to the world.

At our Dr. appointment, yesterday, everything looked great - the measurements are right on the mark, all of the tests have come back pointing to a healthy baby, so we're quite excited. I'm halfway through and I've gained 6 lbs. The baby weighs 1 lb. Chase was born weighing just under 7 lbs, so I've got to gain at least another 5 lbs in the next four months (which I'm sure won't be a problem). The most significant difference in the two pregnancies are (1) my diet - alas, no full English Breakfasts here!, and (2) activity level:rest - activity level is very high, rest is very low this time around. With Chase I took 2 naps a day - oh, lovely naps.

Hubs is already planning the girls will play soccer and ski, so that he can do it with them.
SO SWEET.

Kitchen Remodel Update

We've decided to go with a soapstone counter, as it has no VOC emissions. Slate-colored tile floors (no slate, as it emits radon). Now we're on to lighting, back-splash, as well as the sink and faucet.

What's This?

Chase

Crazy Week

So this crazy guy almost punched me in the face (I'm not kidding) - I was crossing the street and he was coming from the other direction. I could tell he wasn't "all there," so I put as much distance as I could and stepped away from him just as I passed him, which turned out to be a good move, because he just missed me (I felt the wind).

We had our first Tornado experience - but the sirens sounded outside (pretty amazing warning system actually) and we headed for the basement - with Chase, the dog and the cat. We were down there for a half hour, checked the warning and unfortunately I misread the second warning and we stayed down there for another half hour (even though we didn't have to). Ah well, better safe than sorry, right? Good thing I had taken some of Chase's toys downstairs - she entertained us by whacking on her drum set and singing.

And Taggart (the most expensive dog in the world) visited the vet (yet again). He's had a rather large bump that won't go away over the top of his eye and there are three others that seem as though they are growing fast - turns out he has mites (yuck-o). So we just need to give him more meds.

Busy Bees

We are heading into another busy streak here... expecting Hubs' parents next week (hurray!) to help us with our kitchen and nursery. From there, Hub's little sister and her hubby will be in town, as well as some friends from Portland (for the Democratic Convention) - and then my mom returns! My dad may be able to come visit in October. And November/December should be nice and quiet, with many a fire in the fireplace - and many a hot chocolate.

Living in Denver has been so great. It is SO nice to have company and see family. We love it.

Counter tops

And so the much anticipated kitchen remodel begins in less than two weeks. Hubs' parents will be in town - Yei Yei will help Hubs demo and prep the kitchen for the contractor to install the cabinets, while Nee Nee will play with Chase and help me stay sane.

The custom cabinets have been ordered. We have selected the tile. Now we are evaluating counter tops. Who knew that the counter top would be the hardest part?

We've decided (okay, I've decided) we are going green. I just need something that isn't going to emit radon and radiation (like granite), something without toxic polymers and sealants, and something that is going to be a safe and sanitary cooking surface. Is that so much to ask? Apparently it is.

So being everso slightly obsessive compulsive, I have contacted a number of stone vendors in the area, as well as "green builders." And while they say their stone is safe, they can't actually provide me with recent radiation/radon readings. The green builder wasn't even aware there might be a problem with granite counter tops.

The New York Times recently wrote an article about radon and radiation coming from granite counter tops and noted "The E.P.A. recommends taking action if radon gas levels in the home exceeds 4 picocuries per liter of air (a measure of radioactive emission); about the same risk for cancer as smoking a half a pack of cigarettes per day." So I guess smoking three cigarettes is okay? Whatever. Is that seriously their guidelines for when to take action? Oh and there was no mention of the toxins in the polymers that hold granite counter tops together.

And of course all of the granite people are telling me that the story was placed by quartz people - and then go on to provide me with a tutorial of what PR is (seriously!). It's always interesting to hear what other people think PR is, so I have actually only told one that my background is PR. The others I figured, well, whatever.

So granite is out. Soapstone and quartz are possibilities (if anyone could actually provide me with a picocuries reading from them, which they don't have even though they say it's safe). And then Ice Stone is supposed to be good, but I'm weary of the glue that holds all the recycled stuff together - it clearly isn't water soluble. And did you know they are actually putting antimicrobial agents in counter tops now? That's a little scary too.

But the one on top? Glass. Recycled glass. Pure, simple, non-leaching and easy to clean. It doesn't get better than that, does it?

Is It Hot In Here?

We have just survived Denver's 21st consecutive day of record-breaking heat - every day has been above 90 degrees. Seriously. And we have no AC. We do, however, now own more fans than I have ever owned in my whole life.

We leave the house first thing and by 10:30 a.m., it's too hot to be outside. The weather guy seems to think it will break this week. Fingers crossed. I would be happy with anything in the 80s at this point. I would be VERY happy if it rained. And I would be elated if we could have a couple days in the 70s - although I think we'd have to pull out our winter jackets and boots because we've become so accustomed to this heat.

And let me say that being pregnant when it's hot is SO UNFUN.

Anyway - on to Chase. Hubs and I marvel at her growth - mental, physical, emotional. At 2-years, 4 months, she is capable of completing a 24-piece puzzle with very little help. She has the concentration to complete 5 puzzles in a row, which seems to prove she has a powerful ability to focus for her age. She has started loving the game of memory (we have a Pooh set). I'm starting her on Dominoes this week and may even buy the game COOTIE for her some day in the near future. Her ability to self- entertain is growing -- she can play for about a half hour at a time before she needs attention. She loves her friends and talks about them constantly.

And her Chinese is coming along beautifully. She can sing songs and repeat Chinese words with ease. And yes, she even plays with her dolls in Chinese. Speaking of which, we have decided to have Chase's latest tutor give us 6 hours a week once baby #2 comes along and we have also decided to apply for DIS's Fall 2009 class NOW - they just merged with another private school so it looks like it's the best we could hope for! - Now she just needs to get in...

On another note, we took her to the pool and used a swimming aid (not wings, it's this yellow pad that straps to her back. The child really has to work to stay afloat.) and she was swimming short distances, un-aided, by us on the third day.

And she continues to grow. After she gains another 2 lbs she can ride on the volvo booster seats - goodbye car seat! She will be in to 5T clothes (does T go that high?) this fall - and wearing size 8.5 shoes.

She still loves the Einsteins, Clifford, Elmo and Thomas the Train. She enjoys books and being read to immensely. We start a dance class in September.

It will sure be interesting to see what number 2 is like...s/he is already kicking and moving about like mad - much more than Chase. Both Hubs and I have had dreams that s/he is a boy. Hmmm. We'll know in a couple weeks.

Happy Birpy To You

Chase sang 'Happy Birpy To You" to her little friend, Anna, who turned two yesterday. CUTEST ever. I really have to start using a video camera to capture this stuff!

Testing, Testing

So baby number 2 has tested negative for downs and spinabifita and something else I can't spell or pronounce. We are busy counting our blessings.

Best Cucumbers Ever

Maybe it's just being preggy and hot, but I have to say cucumbers are the best food EVER. I love eating them they way they do in China. Here's the recipe - enjoy!

Ingredients:
- English cucumber
- Marukan original rice vinegar
- Sugar
- Peanut oil
- 3 dried red small chilies

---

1) Slice English cucumber into 1/4 inch slices
2) In shallow pan, mix approx 2 cups Rice Vinegar(must be Marukan original) with 4-5 TBS sugar (to taste).
3) Add cucumber and arrange so they are all covered in vinegar
4) In a frying pan, put about 5 Tbs peanut oil in with two small, seeded red chilies (the kind you buy dried and are hot, hot, hot). Fry those chilies until they are crisp - a dark brown. The smokier they are, the smokier the cucumbers will taste.
5) When oil and chilies are smokin, pour over the cucumbers in the rice vinegar
6) Chill in fridge until desired coolness/hotness (the longer they stay in the fridge, the hotter they get because the chilies leach their heat into the marinade).

AMAZING

Schools

So I've made up my mind (finally). For this year, we are already on two wait lists - JCC and Children's Garden Montessori. They are the the only programs I've been impressed by, and as I see it, there is no reason to send Chase to something I think is only okay - seriously, what's the point? If she doesn't get into either of these schools, she'll stay home with me for another year.

Next year is a little more difficult, which is what I've been trying to figure out now so that I don't (a) miss out on any opportunities and (b) feel like my back is against the wall - deadlines for applying for Fall '09 are in December. So here's the larger question. Do we want Chase to go to public, private or a charter school? The reason why we need to decide this now is because it's important to get into the right "feeder" school.

And so after pulling my hair out, trying to figure out what school I want her to go to, what school is right for her and what school we can afford, I think I've decided we're going to try to get her into Denver International School - and go the language immersion route with her. Reason being, it seems that we're going to have to supplement her education no matter what - with schools cutting back on arts, music, sports, we're just going to have to do some stuff on the side - no matter what. And after thinking it through, the hardest thing to supplement on the side is a language, if we really want her to be fluent.

Whew! Now all we have to do is actually get in to one of the three spots available at DIS. I wonder if I just went there and wrote a check if they'd say, "Welcome to the school."

Butterflies

A couple days ago Chase put her nose on my shoulder and made a big sniffing sound.
I said, "Are you smelling Mommy?"
She nodded.
I said, "What does Mommy smell like?"

"Butterflies," Chase answered.

SO HOT

So it has been high 90s/low 100s for weeks. And I am so tired. The heat, combined with pregnancy, just takes it right out of me. I was lucky enough to get a nap - and sleep in - last weekend (thanks Hubs!) but already it feels like I've been on a transatlantic flight, with no sleep for 25 hours. And it's just been one day. With regular sleep.

And so I'm trying to figure out what to do with my precious girl today. And I'm stuck. No idea. Everything has been "done" - it feels like that anyway. Sort of like days when I just can't figure out what to make Chase for lunch.

And then I started thinking about what it was like living in China. What it was like living in Europe. And while it was quite difficult with a child in tow, we could always go somewhere interesting. And I think we could go somewhere interesting here, too, like one of the many National Parks, but with gas prices being so high, a kitchen to renovate, a new baby to plan for - oh and then there's the kids education, classes, and retirement to plan for ... how did we suddenly get so grown-up?

Chase Review: Piolia

So I found out about another woman who has a three-year-old Chinese boy, who is also trying to teach him Mandarin. Chase and I joined their lesson on Thursday. Overall I thought it went pretty well, but the teaching style was a little different from any other instructor we've had. I'm trying to figure out if it was effective - but I really liked the instructors and the little boy and his mom -so I'm thinking it's worth the 30 minute drive to continue.

Here is the instructor's feedback from the lesson:

"I noticed Chase kept smiling. We are glad she was enjoying herself. On our way home we spoke of Chase, we are so impressed by her qualities - beautiful, sweet, and cultured; we are particularly impressed by her great love to learn as she was bold to ask us new words. We, from bottom of heart, like Chase."

I love you SO much

Chase has started telling us, "Mama, I love you SO much." And "Dada, I love you SO much." And giving us the biggest bear hugs she can give - it is so sweet. So incredibly sweet.

Doctor Appointment

So I've gained 6 lbs since day one of pregnancy (which feels like 20!) and we won't know the sex of the baby for a month. Everything else has been good, except I am so darned exhausted.

Googly Eyes

While I drank my tea and took a shot at "planning" for the day, Chase became obsessed with googly eyes.

You see, in Chase's craft supply cabinet there is a small pack of googly eyes - in every color - green, yellow, blue, pink. And Chase kept wanting more eyes. Different eyes.

And then she'd run off to the living room. And then, two minutes later, she'd be back in the kitchen for more. And when she had the last two eyes, she ran off again to the living room with a smile on her face.

A couple hours later, I looked over at her while I was sitting on the couch, and couldn't help but laugh hysterically - she had put googly eyes on all of her Einsteins!

Nana Cris Strikes Back

Here are a couple pictures from Nana Cris' second visit.

Chase really grew very attached.
So much so that she'd say "bye bye, Mama. Chase play Nana Cris."

Chase still asks me to pick-up Nana Cris at the airport every morning.

Here they are at the park...
































These pictures were taken at a kite-making party...













Ready, set ...



















Go!

Make Mee Mee For Pooh CD

This morning Chase said to Hubs, "Bye Dada, see you tonight. Have fun at work. Make Mee Mee for Pooh CD." Not kidding.

Happenings

Our dog was totally un-manageable a couple days ago. So I took him to the dog park. Within 5 minutes, another dog bit a big chunk of skin out of his side. I'm not kidding. I used to think I should have been a vet, but after seeing my dog without skin, I realized I made the right choice by not becoming a vet.

I took down the information from the woman who owned the dog that was involved in the "incident." She mentioned she was a vet, but I didn't think twice and sped to our vet (someone I trusted). En route, I called them to let them know I was coming; they said they couldn't see him and sent me to 24-hour emergency pet hospital (other side of town).

After about 45 minutes, the ER Vet told me it would cost about $500 (plus the $110 admission fee) to stitch him up. I called the woman whose dog had done the deed and she said, "Are you at Alameda East? I work at Alameda East. Let me speak to the vet you spoke with." And so I handed over the phone. Weird, huh?

The good news? We didn't have to pay a thing. The bad news? Taggart had to get 10 stitches. So he's shaved and while it looks way better, it still looks bad.

New Sizes

Just a quick note that within the next month or so, Chase will be squarely into 4T size clothes and wearing size 8.5 in shoes.

Re-Thinking Education

After being really happy that Chase got into the JCC, we decided to decline the opportunity. We're now thinking a two-day-a-week (morning or afternoon) program would be a better fit for us.

This way, Chase would have a time/place for herself, and we could also continue private Mandarin lessons, and afford a Mother's Helper after number 2 arrives. I've made a commitment to Chase to continue to have one-on-one time with her, while Mother's Helper holds and coos at baby number 2.

We've also decided on four schools for next year (JCC, Children's Garden Montessori, Montview and Denver International School) - which are all, unfortunately, are lottery-based. There is also the possibility that the Denver Public School (Mandarin Immersion Program) will be up and running.

"Honk"

The other day we were sitting on the back porch. Chase went to "honk" Nana Cris' nose - and Nana Cris made a honking sound; then she "honked" mine - and I made a honking sound. Then Nana Cris "honked" Chase's nose - and Chase said "c-h-a-s-e." What a funny sound for a nose to make.

Shalom!

Got the call today. Chase has been offered a position for the fall at the JCC. Yah!

Summer's Half Birthday

On Sunday we celebrated Summer's half birthday.
Summer, Reid and Chase are buddies - spending every Wednesday afternoon together.

At Summer's birthday, Chase found she loved bouncing...













And cupcakes... (this was the first time she had ever been interested - now we're in trouble)













And Reid was, as usual, surrounded by girls...













And here's Summer - the birthday girl!

Chase's New Favorite Game

Is called, "build zoo." My mom bought her a pack of zoo animals and we've been using the blocks my dad made for me when I was a child to build a zoo for them.

One of her dolls acts as "zoo keeper" and stays busy feeding and cleaning up after the animals. The little Einsteins spend their time touring the zoo, looking at all the animals.

Chase has been able to keep herself busy playing zoo for a half hour at a time. Amazing.

Chase

Nana Cris Visit #1

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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."

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....

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.

Swim Lessons

Today Chase went under the water!

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?

Today I Turned 34

I am almost in a new demographic. Where has the time gone?

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...

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.

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.

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.

What's Next

We've spent the last couple days getting back into the Denver groove. Re-stocking the kitchen, trying to re-establish bed time routines, catching up on must-see TV. (Can you even believe how they ended LOST and Desperate Housewives?)

For the first time in five years, we don't have any travel plans for the foreseeable future - except to try to get out to Maryland to see my grandparents. We've talked about spending a little time touring America (Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Mt. Rushmore, Santa Fe), and maybe doing a little car camping with Chase this Summer. But mostly we're talking about work on the house and the yard. The kitchen desperately needs to get done. Plus there is much painting I'd like to do.

I finally found a good swim program for Chase (at the Jewish Community Center, which by the way is like Club Med). If we're lucky she will also get to do a little dance program there called twinkle toes. And yes, even though we aren't Jewish, we can still take classes there.

I am uber frustrated with the school situation - the Denver International School (the one that is super close) is starting a early immersion program this fall, which takes 3-year-olds. Problem 1: Chase misses the age cut off by 3 months. Problem 2: They only have 3 spots (all of which are filled) for part time. The other Chinese school is so far away - and so disorganized. So if we want to have her attend in Fall 09, we need to get the application in asap (but this still doesn't guarantee anything). Plus, the Denver Public School system may open a Mandarin immersion program nearby, so I'm on the fence about DIS. We're currently on a wait list for the Children's Garden Montessori (but won't know until December) and the Waldorf School has a massive wait list as well (for the younger grades - the only grades I'm interested in). UGH. Why is this so hard?

Other than that, I have big plans for home-made sorbet this Summer. I also need to figure out how to cook real Thai food, because the Thai food in Denver is awful.

Virgin Gorda

As we could not make it to Virgin Gorda in one day, we spent the night in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

We packed a cooler full of food for the trip. We awoke hoping our food was still cold (neither of us actually wanted to open the cooler for fear the cold air would escape) - or perhaps most importantly, that Chase's yogurt tubes were still frozen...




















And then we boarded a small plane...
































And an hour later, arrived at last...














Our friend, Jeff, picked us up at the airport.

Our first stop was the house (Jemstone), to catch up with Victoria (who looks like a super model) and the kids (Jack & Olivia).



























Over the next eight days, we spent most of our time between the beach and the house.

(Here's my super model friend)













Chase loved the beach...
































And when we weren't at the beach, she loved playing at the house.
Here are Olivia and Jack...
































Chase overcame her fear of water...













Hubs read books...













And Chase learned to love the sand...



















And we went to Mad Dogs ... several times ...







































































































On our last day we went for brunch at Little Dix (a Rockefeller resort).
The grounds are amazing; the beach was beautiful...














































Sure going to miss this island...


























And the next morning we bid farewell to Virgin Gorda ...

Back In Town

Back from a most relaxing trip to Virgin Gorda, one of the British Virgin Islands. I think I slept more in the past 10 days, then the last two years. It was marvelous. Pictures to come.

R&R

We're heading out of town for a little R&R with old friends. Back on 27 May.

Lovely Little Lady

Mandarin School

Today, I went to visit the school that provides 2.5 year-olds with a full Mandarin immersion class. I went in hoping for the best, but I have to say I found it all a little make-shift and a bit chaotic.

The school seemed a little less established than I had hoped it would be - and Chase would be the very youngest in the class - the oldest being about 5 years-old, which kind of concerns me, only because it seems that the older kids would probably be more verbal and proactive, and I'm afraid Chase might get lost in it all. But I could be wrong. There is always the chance that she could learn a lot from the older kids.

I had a good chat with the school admissions woman, who also doubles as the English teacher. She indicated that by 4th grade, children are proficient - they can write and speak Chinese with ease. At 4th grade level they also offer kids an opportunity to add a third language. SO COOL.

Jury is out. Not sure what the verdict will be.

Down South

So Animoto has changed their format; they won't allow me to download shorts anymore. So here is the latest video link - hope y'all can reach it.

http://animoto.com/play/6wyAOLAGvX0hRgPNDlR0KA

Still Trying To Get Back On Track

Not much from me this week; it has been really tough getting Chase back on schedule. She has at least decided to sleep in until 5:45/6 a.m., but has decided against naps - falling into a hard slumber at about 7:30 p.m. While I like the early to bed, I'm not so fond of the early to rise part.

This morning we went and saw two new babies, born to two friends I met the first month we arrived here (have we really been here long enough to know someone through an entire pregnancy?) Both were sweet, darling and so chilled out. I couldn't believe it.

I don't remember getting any time "off" when Chase was little. I just remember the feeling like I was going, going, going the whole time. Of course, I feel like we've always been going, going. It would be nice to slow down, just for a year or so, to catch our breath - and then go explore the world again (when she's old enough to entertain her jet lagged self in the middle of the night).

5:30 a.m.

The thing I dislike about traveling with a tot isn't the part where I have to come up with 150 things to do with a barf bag (in one hour-oh, and there are still 4 hours left), it's what it takes to get her back on schedule. This morning she was up at 5:30 a.m. Ready to start the "new" day. Looking at me like I was crazy - and why was I was having such a hard time keeping my eyes open? Like it wasn't the third day in a row (it was).

And so as we get ready for our next trip (to Virgin Gorda), which happens in a week and a half (convenient that she will just have found her schedule again), I have my fingers crossed that the break will allow us to actually-get-some-rest.

CPSC

I signed-up for free recall news, courtesy of the CPSC. Did you know they issue a new recall EVERY DAY?

Chinese

I found a school, cross fingers, that could be a great fit for Chase. It's only three days a week, a couple hours a day - and offers full Chinese immersion. Plus, they'll take Chase when she is 2.5 years old, which coincides with when Lili, our fabulous tutor, is slated to have her baby. I'm VERY happy.

Dance, Baby, Dance

Today I took Chase to a trial ballet/tap class.

They let us borrow a pair of tap and ballet shoes (but she wouldn't put them on). There were little girls in tutus everywhere. One girl had glitter in her hair. Some were doing twirls in the waiting room. Others were tapping their toes. It was all super duper girlie cute.

I didn't know I was going to have to leave her there - alone. Okay, not really alone. She was with the rest of the kids and the instructor.

She cried when I left and it just made me want to grab her up from the teacher and run away with her. But instead I stayed strong, thinking - if she can get through this class, I might just have one hour to myself. WHOA.

There was a place where I could peak in to see her. The instructor carried her for the first 10 minutes. Ten minutes later, she was standing at the bar with the other girls. Tapping her toes. And so I went to get a coffee.

The hour passed pretty quickly, and when I returned (10 minutes before class was out) she still seemed to be hanging in there. When the doors opened and she (and the rest of the class) was allowed out of the studio, her bottom lip was quivering (poor darling). But she held it together. She showed me two stamps she received - one was for tap, the other was for ballet.

She pointed to the door and said, "go dogs go." But later, when we were in the car and I asked her, did you like dance class? She said, "yes." And I said, "do you want to go back?" And she said, "Yes."

Too Funny!

Thanks, Elaina!


FOLLOW THESE 14 SIMPLE TESTS BEFORE YOU DECIDE TO HAVE CHILDREN.


Test 1 Preparation

Women: To prepare for pregnancy:-

1. Put on a dressing gown and stick a beanbag down the front.

2. Leave it there.

3. After 9 months remove 5% of the beans.


Men: To prepare for children:-

1. Go to a local chemist, tip the contents of your wallet onto the counter and tell the pharmacist to help himself

2. Go to the supermarket. Arrange to have your salary paid directly to their head office.

3. Go home. Pick up the newspaper and read it for the last time.


Test 2 Knowledge

Find a couple who are already parents and berate them about their methods of discipline, lack of patience, appallingly low tolerance levels and how they have allowed their children to run wild. Suggest ways in which they might improve their child's sleeping habits, toilet training, table manners and overall behaviour.

Enjoy it. It will be the last time in your life that you will have all the answers.


Test 3 Nights

To discover how the nights will feel:

1. Walk around the living room from 5pm to 10pm carrying a wet bag weighing approximately 4 - 6kg, with a radio turned to static (or some other obnoxious sound) playing really loudly.

2. At 10pm, put the bag down, set the alarm for midnight and go to sleep.

3. Get up at 11pm and walk the bag around the living room until 1am.

4. Set the alarm for 3am.

5. As you can't get back to sleep, get up at 2am and make a cup of tea.

6. Go to bed at 2.45am.

7. Get up again at 3am when the alarm goes off.

8. Sing songs in the dark until 4am.

9. Put the alarm on for 5am. Get up when it goes off.

10. Make breakfast.

Keep this up for 5 years. Look cheerful.


Test 4 Dressing Small Children

1. Buy a live octopus and a string bag.

2. Attempt to put the octopus into the string bag so that no arms hang out.

Time Allowed: 5 minutes.


Test 5 Cars

1. Forget the BMW. Buy a practical 5-door wagon.

2. Buy a chocolate ice cream cone and put it in the glove compartment. Leave it there.

3. Get a coin. Insert it into the CD player.

4. Take a box of chocolate biscuits; mash them into the back seat.

5. Run a garden rake along both sides of the car.


Test 6 Going For a Walk

Wait
Go out the front door
Come back in again
Go out
Come back in again
Go out again
Walk down the front path
Walk back up it
Walk down it again
Walk very slowly down the road for five minutes.
Stop, inspect minutely and ask at least 6 questions about every piece of used chewing gum, dirty tissue and dead insect along the way.
Retrace your steps
Scream that you have had as much as you can stand until the neighbours come out and stare at you.
Give up and go back into the house.

You are now ready to try taking a small child for a walk.


Test 7

Repeat everything you say at least 5 times.


Test 8 Grocery Shopping

1. Go to the local supermarket. Take with you the nearest thing you can find to a pre-school child - a fully grown goat is excellent. If you intend to have more than one child, take more than one goat.

2. Buy your weekly groceries without letting the goat(s) out of your sight.

3. Pay for everything the goat eats or destroys.

Until you can easily accomplish this, do not contemplate having children.


Test 9 Feeding a 1 year-old

1. Hollow out a melon

2. Make a small hole in the side

3. Suspend the melon from the ceiling and swing it side to side

4. Now get a bowl of soggy cornflakes and attempt to spoon them into the swaying melon while pretending to be an aeroplane.

5. Continue until half the cornflakes are gone.

6. Tip the rest into your lap, making sure that a lot falls on the floor.


Test 10 TV

1. Learn the names of every character from the Wiggles, Barney, Teletubbies and Disney.

2. Watch nothing else on television for at least 5 years.


Test 11 Mess

Can you stand the mess children make? To find out:

1. Smear peanut butter onto the sofa and jam onto the curtains

2. Hide a fish behind the stereo and leave it there all summer.

3. Stick your fingers in the flowerbeds and then rub them on clean walls. Cover the stains with crayon.

4. Empty every drawer/cupboard/storage box in your house onto the floor & leave it there.


Test 12 Long Trips with Toddlers

1. Make a recording of someone shouting 'Mummy' repeatedly. Important Notes: No more than a 4 second delay between each Mummy. Include occasional crescendo to the level of a supersonic jet.

2. Play this tape in your car, everywhere you go for the next 4 years.

You are now ready to try taking a long trip with a toddler.


Test 13 Conversations

1. Start talking to an adult of your choice.

2. Have someone else continually tug on your shirt hem or shirt sleeve while playing the Mummy tape listed above.

You are now ready to try having a conversation with an adult while there is a child in the room.


Test 14 Getting ready for work

1. Pick a day on which you have an important meeting.

2. Put on your finest work attire.

3. Take a cup of cream and put 1 cup of lemon juice in it

4. Stir

5. Dump half of it on your nice silk shirt

6. Saturate a towel with the other half of the mixture

7. Attempt to clean your shirt with the same saturated towel

8. Do not change (you have no time).

9. Go directly to work