sweetisu

Yesterday, Seb was playing race cars on the floor with Grandma, both sitting down and facing each other, rolling the cars back and forth. Grandma wanted to go take a nap, as she normally does in the afternoon. She told Seb “Grandpa is going to play with you ok.”

Seb, who usually takes a while to transition or adjust to a new idea, plus he is in between giving up naps so he was crankier than normal, naturally protests, “NO NO NO”

Grandpa stands in to take Grandma’s place, except he is standing, with his hands hanging to his sides.

Seb, realizing that the protest won’t work, tells Grandpa “Sit down Grandpa, sit down”

Grandpa, “No”

Seb, “Sit down!”

Grandpa, in all seriousness, “No. I’m a grown up. Why should I sit down!”

Me, speechless. Grandma, speechless, then proceed to shoo Grandpa away and took over playing with Seb again.

He and I had a small altercation the day before, and it wasn’t really resolved, we just agreed to disagree in the end because it was obvious that we both have different (and strong) viewpoints. But I just couldn’t believe my ears when he told my 4-yr old son that, in such a tone. You can just imagine what it must have sounded like. Yep, just like that. I don’t know if he realizes what he said was out of line. Sometimes it is so hard to live with someone in the same house. It’s been 2.5 months and I guess everyone’s getting kind of edgy. They are leaving in a couple of weeks. I hope it will leave us with good parting memories.

Sigh.

Added note: he’s usually pretty nice and easy to get along. Maybe it’s stress related to his work, or he hasn’t gotten over the argument with me, or he just plain sucks when dealing with toddlers (he was great when they were babies, but babies as you know don’t do much and don’t ask for much..) Whatever it is, I still think it was out of line.

My father’s aunt. I learned of this the day after. It’s been nearly one month now. I don’t think the sadness and grief has lessened any, if at all.

I’m it. I’ve been tagged. Interestingly, I have never played the actual tag/it game as a child. How does it work?!

I’m going to do it in reverse. I was tagged by lotsacheeks in which she says she LOVES my blog! I fainted a little bit when I read that.
I do read quite a few blogs, probably more than I should. There are practical blogs for finances and business, funny blogs about people’s kids and the funny things their kids do, painful blogs that chronicle plights, inspirational blogs that just makes you feel good because their motto is “there are more good in this world than there are bad,” and so many more others.

I read all of my friend’s blogs. However, these ones really stand out to me, in no particular order:

ac360blog (CNN’s Anderson Cooper, and his colleagues. And it doesn’t hurt that I think A.C. is very hot)

so close (Tertia. I found her after my miscarriage 3 yrs ago. She’s multi talented — wrote and published a book while raising small twins, working full time. She’s down to earth and yet damn gorgeous at the same time. And I love her recent boob job)

chookooloonks (Karen is a true inspiration, in every aspect of life. She is one of those that when I read her, my spirit and mood gets a huge lift. She is someone who I would want to be when I grow up. And her photo skills are beyond superb)

ask moxie (moxie has all the answers of raising kids, anything and everything about kids, but especially sleeping issues)

Please don’t feel left out if I didn’t list your blog. I love to read about your lives as well as see all the pretty pictures of your kids, and read about your troubled and frustrating days, and about how stupid people (friends, families, strangers) can be.

Some day I need to redo my page to add in all the blog links. Yes some linkylove!!!!!

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The other tag was by mumsgather to write 8 random facts about my own mom.

1. My mom and dad were born 9 days apart. Same year. Their cities of birth were less than 20 miles apart.

2. She was “sent” to the boonies to do farm work at some smaller village/community during the cultural revolution. I think this was before she got married.

3. My mom (and dad) were forced into hiding when they implemented the “One Child” law, to give birth to me. See the About me.

4. My mom is one of 9 children.

5. My mom is one of the most patient person I know.

6. My mom has one fake front tooth.

7. She was very well lactated when she was breastfeeding us kids. Sorry mom, you probably find that disclosure to be embarrassing, but you should really be proud of yourself.

8. My mom is the one of those women who stand by their husband, no matter what.

* * * * * * *

Now I want to tag anyone and everyone who comes across this post. Let me know in the comment section where I can find your own responses. You are all IT!

My in-laws are visiting us (only several more weeks before they go back to Malaysia). As we explore this new city and new state, my father in law has taken a healthy interest in the local wineries and vineyards. We have gone to a few, and every time we bring home 2 men who are pretty wasted (Hubby and my father in law. What were you thinking??). Two bottles is the maximum, for the 4 of us. A lot of the wineries have scheduled events twice a week for the whole duration of summer — and some in the wintertime as well. We all enjoy the free concerts / shows, kids find whatever is nearby to play in / with, and everyone munch on snacks all evening long.

I never knew there were so many wineries here! In fact, one is just 10 minutes outside of where I went to university but for the 4+ years that I was there, I had no idea it was within arm’s reach. Not that I’m a big wine drinker, or consume much alcohol at all (I’m the designated driver), but it would have been nice to know and attend some of the free concerts.

This evening though, the band was some sort of blue gra*s genre, and none of us enjoyed it. I don’t know if it’s the genre of music or the quality of the band, but it gave a few of us headaches! We’re all making notes — never come close to that type of music again.

Fiona went to her first day of preschool today. I think she did very well!

It was from 10:30 — 11:30 a.m., a required “introductory” period for TWO weeks, where the toddlers attend preschool for a mere ONE HOUR, instead of the regular 2:15 hours, personally I think it should be called “MESS WITH THE PARENTS’ SCHEDULE” period because really, what can I accomplish in ONE HOUR, do groceries? The grocery store is at least 10 minutes away. Run some other errands? Again, far away from most things. And there’s no free (rip-off) wi-fi in that area either, not with the weak signals this computer gets. I might bring a book.

Fiona had NO problem at all separating from us. She is rather independent and mature, and plays well by herself or within a group of children. Half of the kids in the class were crying and or screaming for their mommies when we dropped Fiona off. We’re very proud of her.

Speaking of being proud of her, she’s turning TWO tomorrow. Where did the time go?? Tonight as I was snuggling with her before bedtime, I told her it’s her birthday tomorrow. She lied there drinking her milk, and suddenly perked up and asked “where are my balloons?” She remembered big brother Sebastian’s birthday in July, and there were balloons.

Oh I think we could swing some balloons, just for you. And probably some presents and even a cake! Happy 2nd birthday our precious baby.

* * *

Sebastian did quite well at his first day of preschool too. His first day was Tuesday (also one hour long…)

Today the delivery man brought our first inventory shipment! Wheee!

Couple of weeks ago while I was selecting merchandise for our store, KangarooBoo, Sebastian came into the office and sat on my lap. He said “let me see what I want to buy” and then proceeded to point out this picture and that picture, saying “I want this for my birthday, I want that for my birthday…” And then “I want a xylophone for my birthday.” Well his birthday was hours away and there was no way we could get him a xylophone. Besides, all his presents were already purchased and wrapped (one of which is a trumpet).

As usual, I went off on the tangent again. What I’m trying to say is, I can count the times I mentioned the word “xylophone” with exactly 2 fingers. This guy has a super memory for words! He sang one of the nursery songs that were at least 20 lines long to us during bedtime a few evenings ago. Hubby and I can’t even sing it without reading the book, even though we have read it thousands of times.

Not long ago I read somewhere that it is easiest for children to learn (foreign) languages before age 10. The ability and ease decreases drastically as the person gets older. I strive to keep the kids bilingual by speaking to them in as much Cantonese as I can. I know they understand everything I say, but it is a little discouraging when they respond to me only in English instead. I know it would be easier and they would absorb more if Hubby and I spoke Cantonese together — the problem is, he doesn’t know how! It would be best if the kids can learn to read/write Chinese as they grow older, but for now, I will settle for at least being able to speak it.

Do you parents of ABC’s or AB-other-ethnicity have problems teaching/maintaining the mother tongue at home?

At this time in 5 more days, my in-laws should be here in our house, safe and sound all the way from Malaysia. It would just take a hop and a skip to arrive at our front door from their front door: merely 47 hours or so which includes a 15+ hour transit layover in Singapore.

I bet they will want to jump into the shower immediately upon arrival, followed by a long night of sleep. IF they don’t have jet lag.

The last time we were together was when Fiona wasn’t quite 4 months old yet (she’s now 22+ months old).

My in-laws are extremely nice people. Most of the time I can converse with them as I would with my own parents, very frank and open. They thoroughly enjoy their grandchildren and can play with them all day long. My MIL is a really good cook. They don’t force me to convert to Catholic. They are very fun, adventurous people, willing to try new cuisines and things, unlike many Old Fashioned Chinese Old People (i.e. my own parents!). They are still very young - both in their late 50’s. The only thing is, I wish they lived closer!

To make the LONG and EXPENSIVE flight worth it, and to make up for the lost time being with their grandchildren, they will be here a few days short of 3 months.

I’m very excited!

We had our outing and fireworks on Sunday. It was really fun, and the kids stayed up TWO whole hours past their bedtime. They both passed out on the one-mile drive home.
On the actual 4th, we spent the evening with my brother’s family. It was nice and the kids had a lot of fun playing with their cousins.

The kids were watching me make watermelon juice with a blender. Why my children will not just eat watermelon like everyone else… I don’t know.

Staring at the blender for a while, Seb pipes up:” Mama, what happened to the watermelon?”

“It’s all crushed into juice (and pulp).”

“Why?”

“Because I put them into the blender so now it’s all crushed.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m making watermelon juice for you (and Fiona).”

“Why?”

“Because I love you.”

He paused, and said:

“I love you, too, Mama.”

* * * * * * * *

Thank you for all of your prayers and well wishes for my mom. It is very much appreciated. They said the results will be back on Tuesday..

UPDATE: the lab is very busy and have not examined my mom’s biopsy slides. I will post as soon as I know.

2nd UPDATE: NOT CANCEROUS!!! I’m so relieved. Everyone is so relieved. They will leave it alone but monitor it periodically.

Last night shortly after 8 p.m. I spoke with my father. He had taken mom to her annual OB check earlier in the day. My mom has been having dizzy spells and lots of headaches in the last month, and several different times in the past few years but no one has been able to figure out why.

After the routine OB stuff, the OB examined her neck and found a lump. She sent my mom to get an ultrasound and needle biopsy immediately.

My father told me my mom has a tumor in her neck. THREE needle biopsies samples(read: poked in the neck with a giant needle) were taken. Nothing is certain until the result comes back, but based on location and feel of the tumor, the doctor believes it is very likely it is cancer.

My mom is 55 years old.

I’m glad they may have found the reason for her dizzy spells, lost of balance, and headaches. But this is certainly beyond what I was prepared to hear.

My parents live in California, my brother and I are in the midwest.