Chase's First Loose Tooth

It happened. Chase actually has a loose tooth! She was so excited, she couldn't stop smiling. It was brilliant!

A Walk In The Park

Today was a public holiday - and I'm pleased to report that instead of snoozing our way through it (a difficult decision for me to make as I haven't slept well in a week), we packed up the car and headed out to find a spot in the mountains for a picnic.

We drove for a while trying to find a "special spot," a place Hubs had found on one of his walks. We missed the entrance the first time around the loop and as the girls were hungry, we pulled over at the next potential picnic spot. If it hadn't been for a slight sewage scent (at the entrance), it would have been a perfect place to return to ...














































And for those who haven't been to park in Hong Kong, most of them have exercise equipment.


































































And then we decided to try again to find Hubby's favorite spot. The promise of salamanders was like rocket fuel.

And then, after winding over hills and through single-lane roads through the jungle, and walking down many stone steps, we found it. And it was absolutely magical. Only a couple people wandered by when we were there. Amazing to have found a spot that wasn't littered with people and garbage on a public holiday.

































Hubs showed the girls the fish and the salamanders ...














A lovely shot of Chase ...













And Mads ...













A very interesting reflection shot that I thought Hubs did on purpose, only to find he was as surprised by it as I was.

Garden

It finally cooled down enough to plant a proper garden. I've been on the fence about planting food, because (1) after it rains there is a thin black layer on everything, and (2) I don't trust the soil at the garden shop. There could really be anything in it. But I'm tired of not having a garden. And Chase has been really keen to try to plant different seeds from our fruits - watermelon, mango, avocado. We also planted peppers, carrots, chives, cauliflower, cabbage, cucumber, nasturtiums, and cosmos.

Decorating For Halloween

Spooky ...

The Ballet

Chase was invited by her friend to go see the ballet, Coppelia. She was so excited. As she raced out the door, she said "I can't believe it, I really am going. I really am going." She wore the dress she won at the Chickeeduck fashion show and the pearl necklace and bracelet we bought for her four years ago. Before she dashed out the door, she paused at the mirror to take a look at herself. I hope I never forget that moment. I saw in her eyes that she knew she was truly, absolutely, unmistakeably beautiful.

Here are some pictures taken just before she left. Madoc was terribly sad that she could not go along. Mads cried for a long time after Chase left. It broke my heart I did not have two dresses, two different play dates for them to go on "at the same time." Because explaining life to a 2.5-year-old is really hard work. (Oh and yes, I realize, that Mads looks like she just graduated from Jazzercise 101, but I haven't been able to get her out of a tutu-type clothes for two weeks).

Swimming Chase

We had a pool party not too long ago and invited Chase's swim instructor, who brought his underwater camera. This pictures are way too cool!

First Week Of School

Mads had her first day of K1 (preschool) on Monday. Chase walked her to her school. Mads carried her little backpack all the way up to her little school. We opened the gate. Chase helped her put her snack bag in one basket. Her hat in another. Her water bottle on the water table. Chase found her name tag and helped Mads hang it on a peg next to the letter that starts her name. They worked together to hang her backpack on the peg next to her name. Chase gave Mads a huge hug and said, "I love you, have a good day." I kissed her and tried to be "cool," although I did have a twinge of sadness seeing my littlest rabbit gleefully hopping away from me - but of course, this is what we hope for...

And then she was off! And I found myself standing there while other mums had kids hanging, clinging and crying on them. And I knew I had to go. Even though I wanted to stay and watch. It was the easiest "transition" ever. Of course, it helps that I had taken her to playgroups there all last year. She was so happy to be back. So comfortable being there.

When I picked her up on Friday afternoon she said, "Mama, Gemma is my best friend." Sooo cute!

Chase, like Mads, had a staggered start, which is designed to give the teachers a day to "get to know" their students. Chase's first day was Tuesday. She then had Wednesday and Thursday off. And then everyone went to school on Friday.

She was so happy and exhausted by the end of Tuesday. I have never seen her like that before - and I really pride myself in running my children into the ground with projects and activities designed to keep them VERY busy. She told me all about her day, but two things stayed with me. (1) She told me her teacher played a game with the kids where they had to pass smiles to each other, and (2) she had a little run in with a girl who broke her lego house - and after she rebuilt it, the teacher said it was so great she wanted to keep it, and put it up on a shelf.

On Friday, she was assigned her buddy, an older student who knows the ropes and will take her to her bus after school. The greatest part (and strangest coincidence) is her buddy is actually our next door neighbor. It works out very well.

She also told me she saw a little girl who was looking really sad because no one was sitting by her and so she went over and asked her if she could sit next to her. Oh how I love her sweetness.

As Mads wouldn't let me take any pictures of her first day of school, I snapped one after she passed out waiting for Chase to get out of school.













And then school was over. And there were kids everywhere. And Madoc jumped to her feet and ran to her sister....

Let's Study The World

So you'd think the opportunity to study the world would give me lots of ideas. It didn't.

Problem is I just lacked motivation and focus this week. End of Summer blues, combined with wishing so hard it was cooler so we could actually go outside and enjoy the sunshine, instead of feeling like I was melting right into the pavement.

Halfway through the week, Chase sensed I was not into it, so she quickly changed the topic to fairies. Which for some reason I just couldn't get excited about either.

Maybe it's because I am a little burnt out on the Rachel and Kirsty fairy book series because we read at least two per week. And they are all the same.

So I'm trying to pull my act together and give Chase at least three fairy-related activities. Wish me luck.

I like this

When I woke up this morning, I asked myself, "What is life about?" I found the answer in my room...the fan said, "Be cool." The roof said, "Aim high." The window said, "See the world!" The clock said, "Every minute is precious." The mirror said, "Reflect before you act." The calendar said, "Be up to date." The door said, "Push hard for your goals." The floor said, "Kneel down and pray".... Shared linked from Rosalie Alvior Bat-og.

Tea Party?

I honestly feel at times like I am spending most of my day at the Mad Hatter's tea party.

Tubes

Oh I am so upset. I just found out that Madoc's tubes should not STILL be in her ears. That they should only have been in her ears for 6-9 months. And that if they don't fall out, it means they, quite possibly have somehow gotten lodged into her ear, which means they need to be surgically removed. And the doctor told me, that it's not uncommon for kids to start getting ear infections after they have the tubes removed. I want to puke and cry at the same time.

Let's Study Chinese People

So after a disappointing week of studying Castles (how many cardboard castles can one mum make? oh and what? I'm not an actual princess?), Chase decided she wanted to study Chinese people.

Now that we can do! Suddenly I found myself in craft-making/cooking heaven. And a week is definitely not enough time, but attention spans are short. Sadly there were no books at the library about Chinese history for children in English (can you believe it?) and no Mandarin CDs (that's okay, the girls have got that covered).

We started off by trying to make fortune cookies (I don't have a picture of the finished product, because, well, they stuck to the cookie sheet). Chase wrote the fortunes, which included "You will meet a prince" and "Have a happy day."














We made paper lanterns, which symbolize warmth, brightness and reunion and are supposed to ward away evil spirits.


























We made paper dragon puppets ... The Chinese consider dragons the ultimate symbol of good fortune. There are actually nine major Dragons; each has a different role.






































We made Chinese "Coolie" hats ...






































And plum blossom trees, which the Chinese consider a symbol for courage and hope...













And Chinese hand drums from wooden spoons ...













I told Chase the story of the Terracotta Warriors (one of my favorite stories of all time). About how, so many years ago, a Chinese Emperor had his prisoners make thousands of warriors to protect him (and his treasure) after he died. Each Terracotta Warrior was different - hair, height - some looked to be from the North (high cheekbones), some from the South (rounder, softer face). Each had a weapon - some had horses.

The peasants, however, were terrified when they heard about the Emperor's great army that would protect him in death. So they stormed his grave and broke his army into tiny pieces, taking the weapons. And then his tomb was buried. And forgotten. Until 30-years-ago, when a farmer was thirsty and began digging near his well. And found a piece of a soldier. And another piece. And another. And he kept digging (along with others) and they uncovered millions of pieces of warriors. All brilliantly painted.

And within one week all the gorgeous, original color faded. To Terracotta. And no one on earth, to this day, can figure out how to preserve it. So archeologists have spent years putting together Terracotta Warriors. And there are thousands left buried, still to this day. Because they can't figure out how to keep the color.

And then we made our own Terracotta warriors.















































































Chase wants to study "the world" next week.

Getting My Groove Back

So Chase picked a topic for this week - "let's study Chinese people" - and yes, hey!, we can do that! Castles were not very inspiring, but we have been up to our eyebrows in crafts this week. Pics and stories to come.

So Proud

There is something about having your children actually cheer for each other that is so, unbelievably beautiful.

Yesterday, Chase cheered-on Madoc during soccer. Today, Madsy was shouting at the top of her little lungs, "go Chasey-boo" during gymnastics.

I want to bottle it up. Stick it on a shelf. And come back to it years from now when they are slamming doors in my face (oh please girls, if you are reading this years from now, don't ever do that).

Jumping back in...

After being a full time mom, I am starting to evaluate different options. I have one year until Mads is in morning kindie. So it's time I start planning for the future (as if I can even do that with no idea where I'll be in a year). At this point I have started thinking more and more about re-entering the world of social media (could there be a better job for me?), as well as pursuing my Masters (hurrah!) - which means that maybe, someday, I could actually be a professor.

Castles

So Chase really wanted to study castles. And I thought, I'll just go down to the library and check out a book for inspiration. Well, there weren't any books on castles (go figure), and there aren't any castles we can visit, and I've made about 1,000 castles out of cardboard boxes for barbie already. And I was tired and feeling "off" all week (I blame the insane heat!) - I hate to admit I couldn't even come up with a craft idea.

We did, however, check out a book on living royalty - a book that profiles all of the princes and princesses all over the world. And Chase asked if she was a princess, and I told her "you're always going to be MY princess," but that wasn't exactly what she wanted me to say.

I think she was really hoping I would say, as I once hoped my parents would say, "oh yes! And I was waiting for the day you would ask. Come with me and we will go to your castle and I will tell you all about how to rule your kingdom." Seriously.

So then she said, "well then we need to arrange a play date with a prince. Mom, can you do that, please?"

Sooooo, if anyone happens to know a bored 4- to 6-year-old prince who is available for a play date, please let me know.

Lonely

Chase was rolling around on the floor yesterday. No particular reason, it seemed. Just couldn't get up. And then she stood up and came over to me. Hung on me. Really hard. I sat down. She cuddled up to me in a way that made me feel as though I was going to be pressed right through the couch.

"What's up?" I asked her.
No response.
"Are you angry?"
A shaking head no.
"Are you sad?"
A shaking head no.
"Are you lonely because you don't have anyone to play with?"

Oh yes! Fierce nodding. And then she said, "but I'm not lonely for friends, Mama. I'm lonely for you!"

Oh, melt my heart and fill me up with guilt. But here's the thing... I'm around all the time. So I'm not exactly sure how to fix the lonely for you thing. She is probably just getting anxious about school. About being away. Or maybe she is just sensing I am feeling sad about it.

What to do?

We have to make a difficult choice.

Hubs' company has informed us we have less than a year left in Hong Kong (the company needs to cut costs by hiring locally - quite understandable and not a surprise). Having been expatriates for some time, this is not a new or unexpected concept.

And so we find ourselves weighing the benefits of trying to stay here (Lifestyle!! Yah!) with the benefits of moving elsewhere (pretty sure you can't beat this lifestyle anywhere else in the world).

And I find myself on an emotional roller coaster. I love so much about Hong Kong, and our life here, but I am so worried about the air quality. About my children's health. And I can't help but wonder if we moved elsewhere if I would get to see my husband more? Would we be able to keep up Chase's Mandarin? Would Madoc's breathing improve? Would I seriously have to cook and clean again? (I am trying to remember how to do this).

Oh and I do need to start a business, go back to school for my Masters in Communications. And maybe even find a part-time job. Oh and raise two kids. And spend time with my loving (although I think his nose doctor removed part of his brain) husband. Hmmm, not quite sure how to get all this done.

And it's getting late - so I must run... much to do

My Seven Links

I was recently nominated by a friend to participate in My Seven Links, designed to unite bloggers and revisit favorite posts.

It sounds like a really nice way to revisit previous posts, but I've been blogging for over 5 years. In that time, we've lived in 5 countries. We've visited at least 13 countries (lost track along the way). Had two kids. Had ups and downs. Health scares. Joys and sorrows. So when I sat down to pick seven posts to fit into someone's proposed categories - I found I couldn't do it. Not the right way, anyway.

So here goes my version.

Your most beautiful post:
OBVIOUSLY the exact minute my daughters took their first breath of air. But I'm not going to post that. So instead, I chose this post, which I think is the most beautiful - my eldest daughter holding her new sister on the day she was born.

http://thechaseison.blogspot.com/2008/12/big-sister.html

Your most popular post:
I really have no idea. I know people read my blog, but no one ever comments on it. One friend told me the posts seem "too personal" and commenting doesn't seem right.


Your most controversial post:
I don't write controversial posts. Or at least I don't set out to write them. Probably the hardest post I've written in a long time was the one just before this - about the pressure kids are under in Hong Kong. It was hard because I didn't want to offend my Chinese friends (because I really really get the pressure their kids are under) and most of my Western friends have a completely different approach (more play, less classes).

http://thechaseison.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2011-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-08%3A00&updated-max=2012-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-08%3A00&max-results=50

My most helpful post:

This would be easy if I was writing a self-help blog. But I'm not. And my posts aren't exactly designed to help other people do anything. They are to help document my children's lives, so they have something to treasure and maybe, just maybe will be able to hear my voice when I am long gone. And so I guess I would say my Flowers post is most helpful - should anyone want to study flowers with their children, this might be a good starting point.

http://thechaseison.blogspot.com/2011/05/flowers.html

A post whose success surprised you:
This might sound funny, but I guess that I am most surprised that people read my blog. People who I haven't seen in years and years. I don't have many comments on my entries, so judging a blog post's success is too hard to do. So instead, I have to say my blog has most surprised me. Because it gave me an outlet where I could express my feelings about transitioning from full-time career woman to full-time mom. It gave me a way to express my feelings when I was feeling isolated and missing home after moving to a new country. It gave me a place to share things I've seen and things I've learned, and keep track of friends and family along the way.

A post you feel didn’t get the attention it deserved:
I'm not even sure what to say about this one.

The post that you are most proud of.... Only because I somehow managed to keep my cool.

http://thechaseison.blogspot.com/2011/03/oh-drama.html

My blog nominations:

http://www.goolygost.net/

http://babygalvin.blogspot.com/

http://brennemans.blogspot.com/

http://cowboy-and-indian.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-namaste-india.html

I fear for the children

I met a little Chinese boy at Chase's tennis class. He is adorable. Funny. Loads of energy. And Chase adores him - and even better, he adores her! They laugh through the entire class. Turns out they are born the same week. No wonder.

So I started talking to his helper (I have no idea who his parents are...) I asked her about his schedule (one of my favorite subjects with Chinese parents). She rambled off his class list - school, drumming, art, tennis (they actually commute an hour each way to this class), etc... I asked her if he could do math - oh yes, she said. Could he read? Oh yes. When does he see friends? Did he have any availability for a play date? Oh no. He has classes all day, every day.

One thing I love about Hong Kong? I think they really GET that children are incredibly capable. Capable of learning all kinds of things if given the opportunity. The fact I can find a tennis class, ballet class, Mandarin class and soccer class for my 2-year-old is proof enough. I know my friends and most family members think I have lost my mind, but my mom, who is an educator (and I think doubtful of what I was doing to my children) left Hong Kong with a firm understanding of how people really GET children here - their potential, and how conditioning kids early can really create a mind-set and capabilities for the future.

The problem, of course, is when it's taken too far. The pressure the local kids are under is unreal. At the same tennis class, I met a mom from South Africa, who told me her kids who went to an American-style school, were given 2-hours of homework a night (ages 5 and 11), and that parents were pushing kids to do more. That her 11-year-old's friend was learning four languages and 3 instruments (how?). I asked her how could this be? And she told me that competition in HK is so fierce, there is no other option - you have to do your best to outshine the others (which is hard when everyone is pushing their kids to the absolute limits). But I understand it. Apparently it is near impossible for kids to actually land a spot at University.

And so, while I think pushing kids this hard is wrong, I find myself surprised and delighted that my kids have access to so many kinds of classes. They can be taught to copy a masterpiece at age 5. It's crazy. And yes, I think it's wrong that kids, especially local kids, are under so much pressure. It will surely wreck a child if a parent pushes too hard - but what other choice do parents here have? No other choice. They are not going to get a space for their child at university because their child is good at playing. Or socializing. So I guess what I'm saying is that I get it. I'm in awe of it. But I worry for the children. For the next generation.

And I worry for America. Kids are very, very good at socializing. Or at least they were, until TV and video games and fast food came along. The kids here are too busy to eat crap and watch TV. Well, they may eat crap, I don't know, but they aren't just hangin out in front of the TV. They are too busy learning 13 languages.