so much to consider

As I sit here writing, I find myself a tad bit uncomfortable. The waist of my paints are slightly taught on my slowly, but surely, growing belly. As most of you already know, I am expecting my second child in mid to late April. By now, I am 15.5 weeks along and still experiencing a little bit of morning sickness also. However, no complaining from me on this as I know that it is a sure sign that the baby is healthily growing.

At almost four months, I have gained 5 pounds and lost 11 and then regained three more pounds; for a net loss of 3 pounds.  I also informed my new boss of 2.5 weeks that I am expecting. How nerve-wracking was that? She was understandable, at least in front of me.

Since my last entry, several things have changed in my life. I find that if I wait longer, I have more to report out and remember. I learned that I am not a very good stay at home mom. At least, I never got into a good groove of being one. Though other encouraging SAHM’s have told me that it takes several months before they got into a routine that was rewarding for them. If worse comes to worst, I guess I could also blame it on the morning sickness.

I also was finally offered two jobs in a matter of a couple of days after three months of interviewing with them. After some consideration, I opted to take the lower paying job. In retrospect, I am feeling good about the decision—to decline a six figure job filled with travel for a local, yet very flexible job that pays a little less. Either would have been great positions for me, regardless.

Enough about me, then again, this could very well be about me, but after some struggle we finally decided where to send Roan for preschool. I have to say that the St. Paul early childhood (SPPS) options are confusing and often not very working parents friendly. Since we were late to register—as we did not know in time for the deadline—that we were going to move to St. Paul, we were put on a waiting list for the three programs that we hoped Roan could attend. 

I was informed that the chances of us getting into any of them would be close to 0%. Therefore, I had also registered Roan to attend an amazing private school also, Cornerstone Montessori School as we played the waiting game with the SPPS. We heard back from Cornerstone that Roan had been excepted to the school and were excited. However, since both of us were unemployed at the time, tuition costs were heavy on our minds.

At around the same time, I also heard back from the SPPS that Roan would get into a preschool program. However, it would be one in which we would have to provide transportation to and from the program, which only lasted 2.5 hours a day. In these programs, there was no option of after-care either. This was a bit inconvenient for us since we were still hoping that both of us would have jobs soon enough.

We did not do much research on the program choices we were given, but they did not appear on our top 10, therefore, the decision to have Roan attend Cornerstone was clear to us, even though it costs almost $1K each month to send him there for school and after-care and it was a bit of a drive for us from Summit Hill to the Roosevelt Homes area of East St. Paul each day.

Roan thrived at a traditional school. However, we had done some research into Montessori and really hoped that it would be an even better fit for him to learn. As he was new to the Montessori methodology, he was a bit bored in the beginning. (My disclaimer is that Montessori methodology includes a child centered program and each teacher, or guide as they like to be referred to, introduces each activity to each child—that’s a lot of “each”es. A child cannot proceed to do the activity until he/she is presented the materials. It takes several weeks to introduce each child to each activity, which may have caused him to feel like he was not being allowed to play with certain things.)

I am happy to report that Roan is learning so much and is even more independent now. I tended to tend to his every need, as he is my only child, but now he tells me, “Mama, I want to do it by myself,” or “I need privacy,” which is code for “I want to finish and then I will tell you when I am done.”

We also love the school because they have free classes for parents of students there. The classes are so enlightening. We see the practicality of teaching the Montessori way and wished that we had had the opportunity to learn in the same way, growing up. The school is also just beautiful! It’s brand-spanking new and the classrooms are large and serene.

One reason we hesitated to send Roan here, initially is that we were afraid that he would no longer have the opportunity to receive his speech therapy. However, the SPPS has a program that will send a therapist out to your child’s private school to ensure that that need is still being met as well. Roan gets speech therapy once a week at Cornerstone through the SPPS. We are so grateful for this and have seen the programs work together to make such a difference in Roan. It’s also wonderful to hear the therapist rave about how wonderful Cornerstone is.

I wanted to let as many people as possible know, however, that even though we pay full tuition, Cornerstone is an amazing opportunity for any child and they have scholarships available to families. Oftentimes, children who meet certain family income standards attend for free. We love the quality of the program and the mix of socio-economic and cultural students at Roan’s school.  I especially encourage all Hmong parents to look into the program and the school since Roan is the only Hmong child at Cornerstone.

In addition, the school has applied for charter status and hopefully, in 2011, will be free for St. Paul residents. With another child on the way, we hope to have him continue on at Cornerstone in 2011. As for now, we still wait for that waiting line to shrink over in the SPPS, especially at JJ Hill so he can attend kindergarten there. I know, why the rage about Cornerstone if we don’t plan to have him attend in 2010? Because we really do love and believe it is the best school for Roan. However, we need a break from daycare expenses. Did I mention that we have an infant on the way also?

And finally, since a post is no fun without a photo, here is one with my Peach:

back online…summary of what we hope is the last move for at least one year!

…FINALLY!!!!!

We spent our last days in Chicagoland enjoying selfish days in ideal weather. We were able to spend some time at the beach (above and below), both on the North Shore and at Michigan Dunes.

We learned that with such a fearless little swimmer, if we armed him with a life jacket, he was able to feel more independent and we were able to feel more peace, since neither of us are particularly strong swimmers. I still can’t believe summer is officially over.

We also tried out some new restaurants…well new to us anyways. This one (the name escapes me now) was on the river and very good. It was featured on Groupon so we had a nice discount for food. Roan enjoyed the yummy pancakes…

…and the trendy outdoor lounge area.

Choua and I enjoyed our dishes as well, but we really enjoyed scenery.

Until Roan and Choua found what we believe was a baby rat, stuck  in a work tube. Roan was so sweet. He excitedly pulled me over to go see the baby animal. I did not have the warm reaction that he was looking for when I finally realized what it was.

Then it was time for the actual move. Our fourth in just seven months–this is where the photos stopped as I didn’t want to have such a backlog of processing to do when we finally got our computer set up and online again.

We packed up and with the much appreciated help from relatives were able to move another two more times when we got up to the Twin Cities. We stayed with Choua’s parents for one month and now we are in our semi-permanent rental. Have I mentioned how much I hate moving?

We are so blessed though to have such a wonderful support system back here and such an amazing little boy. The transition was hard for him, heartbreakingly so for me at times. However, I think the worst is over. Dressing up as Spiderman always helps Roan to find his normalcy.

BTW, he told me that he wanted to be Spiderman again this year for Halloween, but he wanted me to get him some Spiderman hands. This is fine with me since the costume finally fits him perfectly. Now I just have to order him some hands.

Some general updates for now, Choua is working (Thank God!), I think I am getting close to getting a new job, and Roan started a new class at a warm and wonderful Montessori. We are still trying to fully get Roan back into his own bed as he often climbed into our bed with us when we were all sharing a room at his grandparent’s home and also trying to get him stop and use the restroom to avoid the semi-accidents he’s been having. There is just too much love and fun for him here with most of his loved ones here. Since we’ve been back and aside from all of the moving, even more changes are in store for us. That’s for another post.

Good-bye Chicagoland! We’ll miss all of our friends and our time down there. Below is our livingroom from our Oak Park.

good-bye chicagoland

I will be on further hiatus until we move into our new place and get the computer up and running. I knew I should have added the photos to the blog before we shut the computer down. Finally have some time, but now no photos.

is it selfish?

Maybe it is, but I never want Roan to grow up. I am certain now, in my almost eight days away from him that my life simply is not as much fun without him. Things I used to find pleasure in or thought I might, just aren’t.

This was the last picture I took of him before I watched him drive away with his cousins, Taylor and Ayden.

I’m counting down the days until I can hear that squeeky little voice in person again…just two more days…

Also, if he’d let me post a picture of him up, I would, but Happy Birthday, Choua! I meant to send you something, but I hope you understand. I’ll make it up to you.

Another thing I’ve learned recently is that absence makes me more patient and logical. …hmmmm…maybe I should take that job that is 70% travel?

duel of the pirates

There was one afternoon, last week, as I watched Roan playing that I could no longer resist staying in my photography slump. The moment was too lovely and the lighting was too perfect that I had to run and get my camera. You can tell by his expression in the first photo of how excited he is that Mommy is using her camera again.

Now I realize that to most people, every day life, is just every day life. However, as we move closer and closer to our final days in Chicagoland and as I realize that the quiet little boy that I brought home from the hospital just over four years ago, is no longer a baby, I feel that I just don’t have enough time.

If you know me, you know how much energy I have put into helping Roan with his speech. You would think I would be elated now that he does speak a lot more…and mostly, I am. However, like most kids his age, my little son asks me a lot of questions now. I find myself mortified each time words come out of his mouth.

 Either I am afraid that he’ll say something inappropriate or I’m afraid he’s going to ask a question that I haven’t thought up an appropriate answer for yet. I wish I was one of those witty Mom’s that has the perfect answer to every question her kid asks her. I feel seriously inadequate at answering my four year old’s questions. What am I going to do when he starts asking the hard questions?

I haven’t quite mastered WordPress yet so I don’t how to control where text goes so I apologize for the broken paragraphs. I really wanted to tell a story with the photos.

In an earlier blog, I talked about how I resorted to bribery to get my child to poop on the toilet consistently…which totally worked…  Well, Roan’s Dlaab (that’s Hmong for Uncle on mother’s side) Phil also gave him a late birthday present.  Shortly after that, Choua let Roan watch Pirates of the Caribbean and now he’s completely enamored by the series. Roan was so excited when Choua put the second boat together because now he can have duelling pirate ships.

He still builds ships out of his regular lego blocks, but it’s was such a joy to watch and play with him. He’s got this whole little pirate world going on in his head at all times.I mean all of the time. He’s Captain Roan, and Choua and I are First Mate Daddy and First Mate Mommy. Although, sometimes Choua is Captain Octopus a.k.a. Davey Jones and Roan is Captain Jack Sparrow from the Pirates Movies.

I’ll be sad when this phase is over for him.

zoolander

This was not a prompted pout. This kid just naturally does it. I actually have to tell him to stop doing that. I think it’s funny.

For weeks now, I’ve been wanting to sneak into our new neighbors’ back yard. They have these signs up against their garage and they’ve been calling me to do a photo shoot. Unfortunately, I have had no time and uncooperative participants…ahem…Choua and Roan.

We are going to cut Roan’s hair as he gets really sweaty in the summer and he just got this new little suit…and I didn’t bring work home tonight…so I felt I had to take advantage of the moment. He unhappily obliged since I promised him that I would put his Lego pirate ship together for him, if he let me shoot a few photos of him. And yes, he did finally potty 10 times. He was so proud of himself…chanting…”Roan…Roan…Roan…” It was particularly cute, I thought.

I realized that I have not written about our new place yet. Coincidentally, it was built in 1927–same as the house we recently sold. It’s a two flat and we live on the second floor. It is full of character and squeaky floors.

I was thinking yesterday as I was walking from doing some work at Borders to meet the boys for dinner how wonderful living in this new city is. It’s got the right combination of city and suburb. We walk or bike everywhere. Roan loves it.

And although Choua was laid off, we are renting again and the stress of knowing that I am on the verge of quitting my job (for a move back closer to family) with no new job waiting for me, I haven’t been happier in years! It’s liberating to know that I don’t have to be responsible for the condition of our home and that we have free weekends to wander aimlessly on public transportation throughout Chicago. Although, it could also just be that I know we are only here temporarily.

The only sad thing is that Roan still asks for his room and going “home to our house with the red door“.

I am so grateful for the life and gifts from God. I just hope I can start being me again.

captain roan’s birthday

Lately, that’s what he’s been asking us to refer to him as. Four years ago (it was actually early on a Monday morning when my contractions started), he came into my life at 12:26p. It snowed earlier in the day, but melted by the time he was born. We still feel so blessed and in the words of my dear husband the moment we laid eyes on him, “We got the BEST one!”

I’m sure every parent feels this way, but I really cannot believe the little person he’s become. He is simply amazing to me…then again, he is my only.

He tries aimlessly to assert his power. I’ll tell him, “Roan, five minutes,’ and he’ll respond by holding up four fingers and saying, “No…four.”  

He writes his name and also is able to almost write some of his friends names.

He also counts. I sometimes find him facing the wall with his face in his hands counting. I’m guessing he’s practicing for Hide-N-Seek.

And yet, we still struggle with potty training. He won’t go#2 anywhere except for home.

He remembers things that I don’t expect him to and reminds me first thing in the morning.

He’s been insisting that we all sleep together. He’s always been a good sleeper. It’s so tempting to let him sleep with us…well for me anyways.

He loves pirates…anything pirate.

He builds all kinds of boats, airplanes, helicopters, rifles and handguns with Legos.

He reads…actually, he pretends to read. I catch him in his room with his favorite books open and telling stories.

He’s emotionally sensitive now. He cries a lot which is frustrating to me, since he never used to cry unless he was really in pain.

He’s a jokester and he cracks himself up.

He tells me not to yell at Daddy. I guess I yell at Daddy a lot.

And finally, I’ll end Roan’sbirthday post with a cute story. He’s going to be a litigator…we decided to implement a check-box system to get him to get  used to pottying in the toilet. I bought him a very nice Lego pirate boat and told him that if he poops 10 times in toilet, then he gets to have the boat. The first couple of times, he only had one poop each and we only checked one box each time. On the third time, he had multiple poops; four to be exact. We’ll he insisted that he check off four boxes. I guess I wasn’t clear enough.

Happy 4th Birthday, Captain Roan! I love you the best!

feelings

A couple of months ago, I found Roan in his room. Unlike most times, he was not busy playing, making a mess, or jumping on his bed. I looked into the room and saw him looking into a mirror. He was making faces and saying what the faces were expressing…”I mad” and then a mad face. “I sad” and then a sad face…and so on. He kept at it for several minutes. I learned later that they were learning about feelings at school.

I asked him to show me his feelings a couple of weeks ago and he happily obliged. BTW…it’s hard to tell, but from top to bottom and left to right, it is: mad, sad, surprised and happy. I have to say, sad is truly pathetic.

can i get one of these?

Need I say more? Back to update with commentary later.

pi day…WARNING gross photos included

Today  is my birthday. My plans included: waking up late (which is like 8a for me on a weekend), a dim sum brunch in Chinatown, a nice stroll, a long nap, and really just keeping it low key with the little family.

I woke up this morning and went to get Roan. He still waits for us to go relieve him in the mornings…we wonder when he’ll catch on that he can get out of his bed on his own. I took him to the family room so that he could catch some Saturday cartoons and gave him a pear. As I crawled back in bed, I remembered thinking to myself, “Boy…life sure is pretty darn easy with him now.”

And then about an hour later, I get up to see what’s going on with Roan. As I walk down the hallway towards the family room, I start to smell that all too familiar stink of toddler poop. As I turn into the doorway, this is what I see:

In case you cannot see, there is poop all over the floors and his hands are encased in poop.  Here is a better picture of it: 

These photos were taken with my Blackberry Storm so ignore the poor quality and also ignore the messy room.

Anyways, I know it’s really gross and I can officially claim that I have the grossest preschooler alive. At least he knows not to eat his own poop. I asked him later if he ate any of it and he told me “No…it’s not food,“ with an expression that said to me, “Duh, Mom!” 

We are alive and finally moved in. It took three days of cleaning and going through mail from three different addresses over the last two months, but most of things we need are in our apartment.  We’ll get our new address cards out soon and hopefully, get back to “regularness” (a word I just made up according to WordPress spellchecker).

Thanks to all who wished me a happy birthday on Facebook. I am not a loyal Facebooker, but I do see the notes since it comes across on my Storm. Other than the poop issue, today has been one of the best days I’ve had in many many months. I feel so grateful and happy.