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!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
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!
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.
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.
Monday, July 07, 2008
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.
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.
Friday, July 04, 2008
"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.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
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!
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.
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....
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