Temple Visit

We decided to visit a local temple while Nana Cris was in town...



















Mads made a friend...















Then Chase and Nana visited the local deity (Chase asked for a Prince and candy)...














Then Chase and Nana shook the fortune sticks...



















And then Chase and Nana went to the fortune teller...

Photos From Mom's Trip To Hong Kong

Thanks so much for coming to see us, Nana Cris!

Updates

Chase skipped for the first time in dance class last week. She also swam, without a float, for the first time yesterday. Really amazing!!! She has taught herself how to swim (mostly because she fights Brian and I when we try to teach her anything), because she has so many friends who already know how - and now that we have access to a pool, there is really no reason she should not be out there every day. Well, one reason is the bugs, but we went this morning and it seemed virtually bug free.

I gave Madoc her first hair cut yesterday. She had grown a nice little mullet. Business in the front, party in the back.

We recently went to Shenzen, China, in an effort to buy some inexpensive furniture for our house. The trip was a bust. Shenzen, while much improved from a decade ago (the sky was actually a brilliant blue), is still the Tijuana of China. Filled with loads of Gucci this and Gucci that. The thing that made the trip fabulous, was our stay at the Intercontinental. It had a massive pool, complete with a white sand beach and giant ship for the kids to explore. Really over the top. A fabulous Brazilian dinner. Brazilian music, to which the girls danced until 9 pm, before falling fast asleep.

Other then that, I have finally figured out schools (well, sort of). Chase is back to morning programs next week, which should be better for us, before she switches back to afternoons in September. Things just seem to be falling into place (finally). I have also had a realization that I need to get over my obsessive nature with my children (not easy to do) and let Madoc attend some classes with Jojo, otherwise she will never get to do anything. With me driving here, there and everywhere for Chase, Mads has become the "come along" child, and while she gets to play and watch her sister do activities, she is quickly becoming old enough to do classes. For example, I have scheduled piano and Mandarin lessons for Chase, beginning next week. Mads starts soccer the following week (the only time she can do it conflicts with Chase's school, so I will drop Mads and Jojo at soccer, zip over to drop off Chase and then zip back to catch the end of soccer). She is too young for Mandarin lessons here. Still trying to find golf and tennis for Chase. Mandarin pottery, which sounded great, really wasn't.

And finally, I have decided to switch on my exercise program - actually exercise - for the first time in four years. Did yoga on day one. Went for a run on day two. Day three and four, I counted carrying Madoc and her bag through China non-stop as part of the program. Should run today.

Also worth mentioning that Chase is all about princesses and barbies right now. Madoc is all about climbing up things and drawing on things she shouldn't. Good times!

I AM BAD

I have become so bad at writing.
At keeping in touch.
At doing just about everything.
This includes everything related to friends and family.

It's like I'm having a melt down.
But still smiling.
It's all I can do to figure out what we are going to eat each day.

And it should be easier.
It really should.

I have "help" now, so I can actually shower alone, for the first time in four years. The first morning my helper started, she said, "do you want me to help the girls eat their breakfast so you can get ready?" I looked at her like she was from another planet. It never occurred to me that showering without at least one child screaming (Mads usually) and at least one child in the shower with me, would ever be possible. Not for many more years to come.

I now have ironed clothes in my closet, for the first time ever. I don't have to do the laundry anymore. I don't even have to cook meals. Or clean.

So what's my problem? I'm not sure, but I think it has to do with having three people depending on me to (a) take care of them and (b) make sure they have everything they need the moment they want it. And it's great I can now delegate, but my brain is foggy from four years of doing everything myself and getting no sleep. Hubs and I have an ongoing conversation about how long it should take for my body to get back to "normal" (which only means how long it will take before I'm not so exhausted). He seems to think it only takes a month. I think it's going to take about three more years.

And it seems that just when I stop worrying about something, another little something pops up that is all consuming.

Like the fact Chase has a rash. She has had a rash now for four days. It is bright red, splotchy and on her arms and legs. We've seen a doctor. He thinks it might be all the mosquito repellent I've been putting on Chase - every day. I've done rash research online and it says rashes can last up to four weeks. Egads. So we went to the fabric market today to buy cloth with which we can cover Chase up from head to toe. We've also sprayed for mosquitoes, which has made a huge difference.

Or maybe it's because we just moved and adjusting to this new life has been more stressful than I thought it would be - two kids is much harder than one.

Or maybe it's because Chase isn't happy at school. She complains she feels sick every morning before it's time to go. Or maybe it's because the school options here are crazy, there are two year wait lists for primary schools, ugh....

Anyway, I have to say that most of my friends have told me one becomes more relaxed with the second child. I don't believe this has happened to me. I feel like my worries and concerns have only increased - two kids to be responsible for! And I am still just as torn about spending any time away from Madoc. I feel like Chase has certainly come into her own (or at least is doing the best she can with her 4-year-old-ness), but she still needs so much from me (time, love, energy) all of which I am happy to give, but boy do I feel torn up inside about Mads (who is so sweet at this age!!!). Time away from Mads is time with Chase and vice versa. They play well together. Sleep together and fight together.

Space Museum

Today we interviewed a helper - more like she interviewed us. She ended up deciding to work for our family! Hurray! She will start working for us on Friday.

After we spoke with her, we headed to the Museum of Science, which didn't last long (and honestly I would not recommend even though they do have a very cool anti-gravity chamber). Mads was really tired and everyone was getting hungry.

Our New House

Today we went out to our new house and took measurements - still have to buy beds (for all) as well as a fridge and washer/dryer before we move in.

Good news: 1) We got the cars, 2) we sold our car in Denver, 3) we found a helper.

Bad news: We had to reduce the price on our house in Denver AGAIN. We are hoping to get under contract by the end of the month, before the tax credit deadline. People are so darn picky though - they really like living in the basement in Denver, and ours isn't really livable, or we don't have a place for the parents, or the third bedroom upstairs is too small, or they don't "get" the home office, or it isn't modern enough (c'mon people, the house was built in 1913, if you want modern, why are you looking at an old house?) - very frustrating!

Everyday Lessons

Today Chase learned not to stand under a building in Hong Kong with your mouth open trying to catch the "rain."

Hong Kong Botanic Gardens & Zoo

Today we went to the Hong Kong Botanic Gardens. It was really hot and humid. The gardens, like most of the outdoor attractions in Hong Kong, are located on a steep hill, so if you aren't sweating after you step out of the taxi, you will be sweating 5 minutes later. Loads of stairs and uphill paths. I guess one should be able to steer around this problem if one was clever enough to know the name of the entrance at the top of the hill. Only problem is, the main entrance is at the bottom of the hill. So we climbed up and up, Mads walked most of the way and fell asleep in the cab on the way home.

The Botanic Gardens have quite a bit of green and a good collection of animals, but they are all in cages with thick, black metal bars, which makes it sort of hard to actual animals.

Both girls really enjoyed themselves. Chase drank half a bottle of water. And by the end we were all on the look-out for the nearest taxi (with AC). And funny enough, we heard Uncle Courtney's song in the car on the way home, and Chase was overjoyed, "it's Uncle Courtney, Uncle Courtney!"

And in other news, it appears Icky has returned. He is with us most days. He was with us on the subway, in the Gardens and in the taxi home.















At the gardens...














The entrance...



















One of the many paths up... up... up...













Some flora and fauna...














Lots of stairs... Mads walked up every one of them (as did Chase).














Birds...














Birds...














The skyline...














They had a lot of Lemurs. At least 5 kinds.



















Mads looking at monkeys...














No spitting (just in case you were tempted)...














Lovely flowers...

Chase's Classes

So the good news is that the Mandarin tutor told me Chase's Mandarin accent is better than most local Hong Kong children. Bad news - she's lost most of it. Also, she has been in an art class, which, from what I've seen is more a "paint this," kind of class. I came in early and the art teacher was actually painting part of her project for her (hmmmm). Good thing this art class is only a week long, and it gives me an idea of what not to look for -- but at least it gives Chase an opportunity to work on a project and get a little dirty while we dwell in this tiny apartment. You only have to sneeze and it's mess-town everywhere!

Schools

Today we went to look at local preschools.
And yes, the MTR is very clean (you are not allowed to eat or drink in paid areas).
Chase has memorized this message and repeats it at every opportunity.
She is probably rather fixated on a place where they prohibit snacks.














We then caught a mini bus, which is like a shared taxi. Less expensive, but just as crazy. The driver has to show you the speed at which he travels (upper left corner).














Here is Chase, taking it all in...














When we arrived, we decided to walk along the waterfront. There are several boats you can pay to take out. Chase was very interested in the "show" advertised below.














Lots of cute little restaurants...














And we took a look at what the local restaurants had on offer...














These fish gave the girls some strange looks...














This was where one school was located. High up and a bit of a walk through the jungle. Quite cool, except there were SO MANY mosquitoes.















And here is Chase, waiting for the mini bus - we were in the middle of nowhere. She refused to use the bathroom at Leapfrog (she really didn't like the school).



















And then it was off to a play date - needless to say, by the end of the day, both girls could hardly keep their eyes open. To that end, Chase has really impressed me by her ability to go, and go, and go. And she's not in a car. She's walking. Almost the entire day. It's amazing.

Met some ladies who live in our new town. They seem pretty cool.

Not Afraid Of Crowds

Today we went to Dim Sum (best ever; it tasted fresh and didn't have any extra "parts"), then to City Super (best grocery in HK - we even bought a baby loaf of Tillamook cheddar) and then to Ikea to do some shopping for the house. Unfortunately I forgot the camera, so Hubs caught Chase and the street performer on his camera. By the end, she had attracted quite a crowd!

One Car And One House Too Many

So we bought two cars today; they should be ready for pick-up next week, just in time to drive us (and our stuff) out to our new home. Hurray!

Now all we need to do is sell the Volvo and house in Denver. I am not a happy camper when I feel over-extended, which is how I'm feeling right now (something about owning four cars at the same time that makes me feel a little jumpy). I'm okay with moving and traveling, but I have very low tolerance for risk when it comes to money. Maybe because I'm not making any of my own at the moment. Now to figure out how to change that...

Quote of the day: "I love Hong Kong and I never want to leave." - Chase

Hong Kong Museum Of History

Today we tried to go to Teddy Bear Kingdom - after a lot of walking and a Ferry ride, and more walking, we found out it no longer exists. Poor Chase was SO sad. Next on our see/do list was the Space Museum - well, it was closed until 1 p.m. (and we were right outside it at 11 a.m.)

So we hopped a cab to the Hong Kong Museum of History. Such an interesting place! The exhibits were massive in size, and they actually recreated an old town to show how the British and wealthy Chinese lived. And then, exhausted, we ate some lunch and headed home via Star Ferry. Now for a rest before Chase's art class.




















These girls stopped me to ask some questions for a survey.
So I had them pose with the girls.
Mads was NOT happy about the situation.
I actually get this look from Mads just about every time I put her down.















Inside the Museum of History...
Bun towers and Chinese dragon costumes.















Chinese opera traditional dress...















Giant guardians made to ward off evil spirits...




















A very small part of the reconstructed British town...




















And of course, a snack for Chase...















And one of the things I love most about Hong Kong - the old Junks!

Hong Kong Art Museum

Today we applied for our residence visas (if only you could see the the photo we took of Mads in the photo booth as she screamed her little head off). The kids and I also went to the Hong Kong Art Museum and then met Hubs up for a doctor's appointment, where we all received the Typhoid vaccine (for upcoming trips to Thailand and Vietnam).

In other news, the house contract seems to coming along. Should have something signed tomorrow/Friday and then will hopefully be into the new house end of next week if all goes well.





























Okay, so it wasn't cold or wet. I have no idea why Chase decided to make it look so frigid. I think she just liked her hood.















Chase practiced writing her name on the Museum wall.















And anyone who knows Chase knows it is ALWAYS time for a snack.





























And of course, Mads is always game for anything.

Amahs All Around

Not much to report today. Chase and Mads both had a visit with the pediatrician. Mads had her 15-month check-up, while Chase had her 4-year-old check-up. The doctor reported Chase is now in the 75th percentile for height and 50th percentile for weight. He said Mads, on the other hand, "has superior growth," with off the charts measurements for height (no wonder she can wear Chase's clothes).

While we were waiting to see the doctor, a Western woman came in, with a 1-month-old baby and an Amah. The woman flopped herself down into the couch. The Amah gently sat down, with the 1-month-old and proceeded to feed her with a bottle. The mom said to me, "being a mom so hard." And she wasn't kidding in the least. It was, however, a bit hard not to laugh as she was SO not doing anything, while her Amah was busy taking care of the baby. This lifestyle, I am finding, is everywhere. People on the streets look at me as if to say, "where is your Amah? Why isn't someone helping you?" In fact, as I went to cross the street, a Filipino woman said to me, "do you need help?" I said, "no thanks, just crossing the street."

After the appointment, both girls were ready for a bite to eat, so we popped into the closest Chinese restaurant. We ordered chicken with noodles, spring rolls (which came out beef and Karo root) and shrimp dumplings. Chase wolfed down the shrimp dumplings and Mads practically rolled in the noodles. I had to wipe the girls down by the end of it. But they had big smiles!!

From there, we hopped on the MTR (subway) and headed back to a Mandarin class I arranged for Chase. She loved it. She was SO happy to be "going to school." Poor girl misses school so much. I have also lined-up art class for her all next week (just 1 hour each class), but I know she will LOVE it.