US Trip: Maryland

And then we went to Maryland, to visit my Grandfather, uncles and aunts (loads of pictures below). While we were there, we also took a trip to the Maryland Zoo and a farm, that had loads of promise, but not much to see.

At the Maryland zoo...


























































And yes, there were more goats...





























And a very big kitty...










































Back at the house, we spent lots of time with Uncle Mike















And Grandpa!





























We had a chance to play with Auntie Elizabeth





























And spent more time with Uncle Mike and Aunt Janet











































Gave Uncle Shawnee and Aunt Elizabeth lots of love











































The next day, we went to a farm, that didn't have many animals, but it did have goats! Yes, more goats. We saw so many goats. But the farm didn't have much going on, so the girls played for a long time at a playground near the farm.





























That night, Auntie Michelle came by for dinner





























And then we said our good-byes ...


































We love you guys!

US Trip: Portland

Two weeks. Two kids. Ten planes. Thirteen time zones. Three coasts. Crazy? Yes. Will we do it again? Absolutely.

While we were in Portland, we tried to get outside and enjoy the fresh air as much as possible. One day, we visited a farm (can't remember what it's called) - but it was great!











































They actually had goats that will climb up into a tree to retrieve food.














Chase in the corn maze




















The nut house (A log cabin filled with hazelnuts! Only in Oregon...)




























Horse racing














A huge slide



















We even managed to catch up with some friends (although sadly I didn't always bring my camera, so Jody and Michael are the lucky ones! So sorry I didn't catch more of my friends and their families - next time!)
















We tried to get the girls out as much as possible.
Here we are at the Children's Museum...






















































































We also spent a lot of time a Grampa Mark's house, although for some reason (I blame jet lag), I didn't get pictures of the cookies that took 3 days to make. Or the playing in his beautiful garden. Or the toys on the floor. Or the lunches. I'm sorry, Dad!!!

We stayed with Auntie Lockett, who was kind enough to host us - Thank you so much! We loved, loved, loved seeing our little nephew, Ajax, who is absolutely adorable (but for some reason I didn't get a picture of him, either). I totally blame the jet lag!

A little rest before heading to the East Coast.

Nee Nee (Hub's mom) & Chase















Nana (my mom) & Madoc





























Auntie Lockett & Madoc














Nana & Chase

Beautiful Girls

This is Chase getting ready for ballet ... it was raining outside, so she needed boots. She is so beautiful.




















And the second photo - Chase came home one day and told me she wanted to make a dragon boat. So we did. Oars and water, too.

Dear Sweet Chase

Chase told me on the way home from school that she was planning to live with me when I became a little old lady, and that I would probably look a little funny, but that would be okay. She told me she would be my little old lady mommy (I have no idea where this came from, as we've never talked about it before) and take care of me. She said Madoc would live with us too, in a little old lady house.

Halloween Costume

Chase wants to dress up as a book for Halloween. Take that, Barbie!

I hope she always wants to dress up as a book.

The Hood

This is our neighborhood.

Sizes And Such

Just a quick update on sizes and such...

Chase:
Wearing US size 6/7 - growing quickly
Shoes - size 10.5/11
Loves: All things barbie. Princesses and mermaids are a close second. Also loves books. Puzzles are still a good bet, as are all arts/crafts things.

Madoc:
Wearing US size 4/5 - catching up to Chase!
Bottoms - 4 T is a safe bet
Shoes - size 8
Loves: All baby doll things. Loves her carrier, her stroller, her baby's bath tub. Loves taking her baby in the bath tub. Loves painting and getting really dirty. Also water play.

Such A Big Girl

Chase, my love, when did you get to be such a big girl? You are so sweet and a pleasure to spend time with. It makes me sad you are getting so big, but I am also happy you are finding your independence.

I know the last 20 months have been the hardest - all that growing you've been doing - and getting used to that little sister who keeps pulling mommy in directions other than toward Barbies.

It is hard for me to do things with you when Madoc is pulling me the other way, but my dear girl, it is a good time for this - for you to become more self-sufficient. Please know that even though I don't spend every waking moment with you, I love you with all my heart. I love you so deeply.

I need to give Madoc time so that she can also grow into a lovely girl, just like you. But I will always be with you, no matter what. No matter where you go or what you do. I am so proud of all that you do, all that you are, and all you will be.

Mads At School

So I decided to take pictures from an afternoon at Madoc's school. For family members living far away - and also for my dearest Hubs, who doesn't get to spend afternoons getting hot and sweaty and covered with paint.

First thing you do when you get to school is wash your hands...














Then you pick a baby doll to keep track of for the next two hours...













Then you might enjoy a little time indoors (with A/C!) ...



















But really it is all about water play ...













And being outside.













I look forward to it cooling off a bit. But isn't Mads just so darn cute? I love this age.

Helpers

I am long overdue in writing about our helper, Jojo. She is amazing. Wonderful. I learn new things from her every day. Like how to actually keep a house clean. How nice ironed clothes can be (I only know how to iron wrinkles in to clothes). And how, if you don't keep your house clean, you get cockroaches.

She has made my life so different, so much better. Instead of spending time cooking or cleaning, I can spend it with my children - and the house is immaculate. And breakfast is ready when we come downstairs. Snack is ready when Chase comes home from school. And dinner for the adults is ready when we are done putting the children to sleep. Clothes are always clean, ironed and put away. My lingerie is actually folded and ironed. A little weird. But way too good to ask her to stop. Bed linens changed twice per week. I can actually go to doctor/dentist appointments for the first time in four years, without my kids. Oh, and I can shower alone. And it's beginning to feel normal.

And I am, by far, the most hands-on mom I've met here (if I do say so myself). You never know if the other mom will actually be at home if it is only your child is invited over for a play-date. It's really weird. I only let Chase play at three homes, as I know the mom and helpers well. And she is big enough to tell me if there is a problem.

There is a big TV culture here (maybe because it is so hot, or there are so many mozies) - we don't even have a TV (yet). Most moms just leave the TV on, non-stop. And I'm not sure what to do, because I only let Chase watch 4 hours of TV a week. And I try hard to keep Mads away from the TV. Do I talk to the moms and just underscore my weirdness? Probably a good idea, but I'm a little worried that the mom's might just find my request to keep the tv off while we are there a little too crazy - but then if they did, should we be friends? Don't get me wrong, I don't mind a little TV, but when it's on all the time?

School In Session

I know I need to post more photos. I know I need to take more photos. The problem is I only have two hands. And way too much is going on.

So Chase started her new school, which she really likes. Unfortunately, she is being hit (again) by another child. Two days in a row. I called the head of school and had a chat with her about it this afternoon. Chase wants to be friends; the little boy doesn't. It makes me so m/sad that she seems to attract, or rather not avoid, children with communication issues. The head of school assured me she would handle it tomorrow. I told Chase that if someone doesn't want to be her friend it is too bad for them - they would be lucky to be her friend. And I reminded her of all of her good friends, and everyone she knows, and how she should always be kind to people, even if they do not want to be friends.

The good news is she likes her school overall. She is really calm, collected and focused when she returns home, rather than crazy and wild, like she was after her last school. She rides the school bus home, which is a big step for her in her big girl world, and something she is really enjoying. I never thought I would ever do it, but she seems so happy to take the bus with the other kids. She said, "Mom, I want to take the bus to school so that I can sit next to my friends." I told her no. I am driving her to school. I put her on the bus from school because I am now shuttling Mads around as well to various play dates and classes, and having Chase have a scheduled ride home (15 mins) is a huge help.

Chase never ceases to amaze me - she drew a "puzzle" for me tonight (I just gave her a pen and paper and asked her to draw) which took my breath away. She took two words and mixed them up. And then she told me I had to unscramble the words. And she is 4-years-old. What 4-year-old does this?

Madoc is now attending two organized playgroups, which feed into kindergarten next year. They are fabulous and amazing. She is loving them. They are all mom-tot programs and are just wonderful. Both focus on learning through play. I wish Chase had had an opportunity to attend them when she was young.

Madoc's first stop is ALWAYS the baby doll section. She then decides which baby doll she is going to carry (and which accessories she needs) with her for the rest of the day. From there, she usually heads to whatever water station is available. This past week, one school had a big water tray with various plastic water creatures and fish nets and the kids "fished" them out. The other school had bunch of plastic water creatures that you could pull out of a water tub and stick them to a plexiglass wall. She ADORES these water activities. From there, we go to painting. Patterns, brushes, you name it. If she can paint it, she will. And then there's the glue station, where the kids get to brush on glue and stick things to it (she doesn't really get this concept yet - I can tell she is wondering why you would use white paint on white paper, and what is mommy doing with the cut pieces of paper and glitter - and why are they sticking to the paper). And then, it's off to something physical - plastic cars, slides, climbers, you name it. And then it's snack time. And then it's music/song/story time, which she isn't so great at sitting still for, but boy does she love to dance and jump. She is soooo sweet.

And now I am finding myself having to apply for Primary 1 for Chase - and K1 for Mads, for Fall 2011. And they are like college applications. Oh my word. I have a large list of supporting documents I am supposed to submit with each application, and then there are interviews and in some cases, placement tests.

And if that isn't enough - Chase broke out in hives on Wednesday. I took her to the doctor, who told me she could be allergic to anything... even the air! She has had minor break outs in the past, but this one has now been with us for 36 hours, far longer than any before. Maybe I should look into getting her allergy tested?

Schools

A word about schools in Hong Kong. I am about to apply to three more schools (we are already wait-listed for two schools).

So here's the run-down.

*School 1 - seems to be the "in" school for our area. Loads of people apply and very few get in. When parents talk about the fact their kids go there, it is almost like talking about an exclusive club. Most of the kids who get in to this are from the feeder school. Almost the entire feeder school class was accepted last year. Catch is the child has to go to the feeder school for two terms before they can make the interview priority list. (we moved here too late to consider going there) The school has an IB programme and was originally designed to provide western families with a school for children who did not speak the local language. Well, I guess too many Westerners decided to move to the area, because there are way too many applications and way too few spaces. Between you and me, the School seems a bit run down, and overcrowded for a school that has so much attitude. I met a woman who has two girls there and they have had to be tutored in Math from early on because they aren't being given enough instruction at school. There is minimal homework. And I've heard tutors don't like tutoring kids from there because they lack focus and are all over the place.

*School 2 - seems to be "runner up" school. Takes the overflow from the first school but concerns from parents is that it is too Chinese and Western kids are ostracized. Not cool. Facilities are new and not run-down (as school number 1). Called to make an appointment in June to see the school, they told me to get back in touch in September because they don't offer tours during the Summer. Called last week (thinking I am ahead of the game) and they told me all tours are booked until October. And I have to apply in September. Not cool, not cool. So I have to apply without seeing the school? NOT COOL.

* School 3 - bilingual school. Actually top of my list these days. Combines Chinese and Western curriculum. Teaches in both Mandarin and English. Actually talks about kids getting into top universities around the world (haven't seen much about this anywhere else). Seems to have very strong academic, sport, art, language and music program. Small class size. 10:1 student/teacher ratio (compare to school 1 and 2 with 25 kids per class). Only problem - it's about 30 min away with no traffic and it starts at quite an early age = not much room each year for new students. I'm guessing there is a lot of homework from very early on.

* School 4 - Japanese school. Good facilities, education, class size is small. No telling if she will get in.

* School 5 - Applied. Last I checked, Mads (who should have the best chance of getting in) was between 170-180 on the wait list for a school that hasn't even been built yet!

*School 6 - Another bilingual school. Tempted to apply but I just don't know if we even stand a chance of getting in. And seriously, how many schools must one apply for?

My dearest Mads

Oh Madsy, Madsy, dearest Madsy,

I wanted to write you a little note because I love you so and feel as though I have been a rubbish mom when it comes to making entries about your development -- that's only because I spend every waking moment I can playing with you and your big sister.

So let me take a moment and tell you a little about you. You are brilliant. Sparkling. Shining like a star. Your laugh fills my heart with joy. You are so happy most of the time - except when you get a new tooth, and then you are miserable. It probably doesn't help I took your pacifier away and then pretended like I didn't know what you were looking for... but Mads, you are talking now! You can say mom, dad, chase. You also like saying shoes and juice a lot. You are very good at saying thank you. Not so good at saying please or waiting for your turn. You take things from Chase a lot, but to be fair, she has taken a lot from you, too - I don't blame you. We are working so hard at asking each other for things instead of taking them from each other. You need a little help with this.

You love our cat. And our cat loves you. You are the only one she allows to hold her. And you do, you hold her so close I'm not sure she can breath, so I only let you "hold" her for a second.

You love baby dolls. You love to wash them. Dress them. Play doctor with them. And puzzles. Oh you are getting so good at puzzles. At 20 months you can put single piece puzzles back together, and put train tracks together, and put large floor puzzles together (with help). You also love your little pink kitchen. You make your dollies food, before you examine them with the doctor kit.

Your smile is precious. Your skin is so soft. I just want to cuddle and snuzzle you all day long. Your eyes are a brilliant blue and your hair is pure white gold. The Chinese love you. Blond hair, blue eyes. They can't get enough.

You don't like diapers. You don't like hats or sunglasses (which worries me because the sun is so harsh here). You are fiercely independent and have figured out how to unlock our baby gates. You love our helper Jojo, and she, I can tell, loves you right back. You have a special relationship with all moms. You will cuddle every mom who comes over, just walk right over and give them a hug.

You are very physical, you love painting with your hands and getting really messy. You love play dough and water play. You are very good with the pitcher and cup. Only messing up when I hover too close.

Mads you amaze me every day, in every way. I love you sooooo much.

You are so lucky to have a big sister like Chase, and she is so lucky to have a little sister like you. I hope you continue to grow closer and closer and you will always, always be there for each other.

Connection

So we went to a birthday party for one of Chase's friends. I met a woman. She made an amazing connection with Chase. Really amazing. It is hard to articulate the details, but I'll give it a shot.

Early on, Chase loved puzzles. Chase has been fascinated by numbers and patterns lately. She turns everything into a pattern. Weather, music, food, hair-dos, eating -- everything is a pattern. She also counts. A lot. All kinds of things. She can do simple math in her head. At just 4 1/2, she can tell you that if there were 9 cupcakes and 3 people, that each person would get three cupcakes. I'm not sure how much is talent and how much is gift and how much is normal, but I do know she has a special relationship with patterns, numbers and shapes.

So I have been asking people if they know people who are good with numbers and patterns. And I finally found a lady. She was at the party. She sat right down and started talking to Chase. About shapes. So here is a snippet from their conversation... Lady: What shape do you like most (Chase: triangles), why? (they have three), do you count points or sides (points), how many points does a door have (four), how many points do two doors have (eight), three doors? (eleven. wait, I have to recount), and how does it feel when you get it wrong (sad), and if you get it right? (happy) so what do you do (recount until it's right), do numbers make you feel safe(yes). And how do you count cats? (four) Yes there are four letters - woman told me she would eventually count by strokes made to write the letters. And the woman told me she would eventually start counting by threes or by fours, or by both. That it wasn't uncommon for a child to relate to a shape, but it was uncommon for a child to be able to express it and be connected with it the way Chase was... and she was really impressed when she asked Chase the cupcake question and Chase answered without even taking a moment to count. She said Chase will need things to be "just so," corners in place, etc, because otherwise her brain will not be able to stop. She said from what she saw Chase will need to figure out a way to find a conclusion to her pattern search (this woman, it turns out, is a counter - she counts everything, sides of windows, tires on cars, everything).

I am so happy to have met this woman. I am so grateful for finding someone who not only understands Chase in this way, but I just have a very good feeling that this woman will be a very important woman in Chase's life. And I don't even know her. But Chase really, really connected with her.