It was such a long winter it's hard to believe it might actually be...summer? Yet the ocassional threat of hail seems to remind us not to become too comfortable.
If we list all the activities we do, it would seem like we are having a grand time. However, we are sick, so that clouds the circumstances, and is the backdrop against which everything plays out.
I've enrolled Tyler in two consecutive weeks of summer day camp, and it will be a test run for full-day junior kindergarten. Even the logistics can be worked out: the wake-up and get-ready routine, packing and handling of snacks and lunch, and labelling of clothes and personal items.
Immediately after JK open house, I think my expectations were set higher for Tyler to display more independent behaviour. I do need to remember he's just turned 4.
Meanwhile, Ashley is becoming a bigger presence every day, shadowing and sometimes overpowering her more laid-back big brother. Who made her the boss? I think she assumed the role.
Our world of three adults and two kids makes for a busy house, but not a full one - we are off-balance in places where we previously had an anchor, a steadying presence.
Monday, June 2, 2014
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
April showers
Yes, it's Spring, and I suppose it is cold...
Here at home, we have faced some tremendous loss, one that Tyler seeks to understand, and that Ashley may only feel. How do you explain death to a couple of toddlers, when life is all they've known? One way is to talk about life cycles of living things. Another way is to answer their questions as they observe proceedings. And, during the process, you guard their hearts.
It is a divine design and mercy that keeps Tyler from dwelling in sadness, and that keeps him from understanding that death is permanent.
Ashley looks at pictures and names him, her grandfather. "Don't forget," I whisper to her.
Here at home, we have faced some tremendous loss, one that Tyler seeks to understand, and that Ashley may only feel. How do you explain death to a couple of toddlers, when life is all they've known? One way is to talk about life cycles of living things. Another way is to answer their questions as they observe proceedings. And, during the process, you guard their hearts.
It is a divine design and mercy that keeps Tyler from dwelling in sadness, and that keeps him from understanding that death is permanent.
Ashley looks at pictures and names him, her grandfather. "Don't forget," I whisper to her.
Friday, February 28, 2014
Make hay while the sun shines
In my case, it's "write a post while the kids play with Play-Doh..."
How is it these days? When parenting is physically demanding, I say I have a 3 year old and a 1 year old. When there are unexpectedly easy periods, I realize I have an almost-4 year old and an almost-2 year old.
Yesterday we dropped off the junior kindergarten registration package at the neighbourhood public school. Tyler will start a full-day program in September. Before moving into the area we had already established that this would be the school we would send our (future) kids to, and I feel at ease with this, six years later. Sending them to a school that we would have to drop off / pick up from, or have them take buses to, means the kids are less accessible, and the links to community more tenuous. Every morning I drive past the school, and read what they've posted on their outdoor sign. Every evening when I drive home, I scan to see how many cars are left in the parking lot - a sign of staff dedication to their work. I've checked out their provincial test scores, noted the diversity represented in their staff photographs, and I appreciate their well-kept grounds, abundance of green space, and modern outdoor play structures. I'm getting connected: I've joined the school's mailing list and am following them on Twitter.
Would I enrol them into an early French or French immersion program? After talking to my mother, retiring from 25 years of elementary school teaching this year, I don't think it's necessary. My kids are already being raised in a bilingual environment (English/Cantonese). My primary concern is that they develop a strong foundation and easy facility with English. Learning French as a subject in grade 4 means that it will be fun and novel, rather than a potential roadblock to learning all other subjects, including English.
What about private school? Well, I can't see paying a small fortune for the basics primary/junior. We have a few years to think about the value of it for the intermediate/senior years.
Now the countdown begins to the first day of school...Pinterest can help me make it a photo moment, but who will help me prepare my heart?
How is it these days? When parenting is physically demanding, I say I have a 3 year old and a 1 year old. When there are unexpectedly easy periods, I realize I have an almost-4 year old and an almost-2 year old.
Yesterday we dropped off the junior kindergarten registration package at the neighbourhood public school. Tyler will start a full-day program in September. Before moving into the area we had already established that this would be the school we would send our (future) kids to, and I feel at ease with this, six years later. Sending them to a school that we would have to drop off / pick up from, or have them take buses to, means the kids are less accessible, and the links to community more tenuous. Every morning I drive past the school, and read what they've posted on their outdoor sign. Every evening when I drive home, I scan to see how many cars are left in the parking lot - a sign of staff dedication to their work. I've checked out their provincial test scores, noted the diversity represented in their staff photographs, and I appreciate their well-kept grounds, abundance of green space, and modern outdoor play structures. I'm getting connected: I've joined the school's mailing list and am following them on Twitter.
Would I enrol them into an early French or French immersion program? After talking to my mother, retiring from 25 years of elementary school teaching this year, I don't think it's necessary. My kids are already being raised in a bilingual environment (English/Cantonese). My primary concern is that they develop a strong foundation and easy facility with English. Learning French as a subject in grade 4 means that it will be fun and novel, rather than a potential roadblock to learning all other subjects, including English.
What about private school? Well, I can't see paying a small fortune for the basics primary/junior. We have a few years to think about the value of it for the intermediate/senior years.
Now the countdown begins to the first day of school...Pinterest can help me make it a photo moment, but who will help me prepare my heart?
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Approaching one year!
Ashley will be one year old soon, progressing from counting in months to counting by year...we hosted an early birthday party with a Minnie Mouse theme, toddler-friendly food, ice cream cake, and presents! We took off with both kids for cross-border shopping the day after, and picked up some more pretty dresses, ones that look like they were designed for dolls.
Tyler & Ashley have already settled into a love/don't love relationship. He gets on a ride-on toy and tows her behind in a red wagon. He pats her lovingly while she's napping. He seeks to console her if she's crying. But then, he also hides his toys from her, pushes her away, and sometimes eats her food...
If we were to have a third, I'd like another girl. I think sisters are a stabilizing influence on each other, and my son will also learn doubly how to respect women. Another boy would be easier though, we'd be more rough & tumble, and have no need for those pretty, but fussy clothes.
Not enough time to blog these days, just a tweet now & again...
Tyler & Ashley have already settled into a love/don't love relationship. He gets on a ride-on toy and tows her behind in a red wagon. He pats her lovingly while she's napping. He seeks to console her if she's crying. But then, he also hides his toys from her, pushes her away, and sometimes eats her food...
If we were to have a third, I'd like another girl. I think sisters are a stabilizing influence on each other, and my son will also learn doubly how to respect women. Another boy would be easier though, we'd be more rough & tumble, and have no need for those pretty, but fussy clothes.
Not enough time to blog these days, just a tweet now & again...
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Signs of maturity
Not a little kid any more...
Tyler:
-prefers to sit in a chair at the table for snacks rather than a high chair
-is more aware of being a guest at others' houses, understanding that the toys he plays with are to be asked for, amd returned on request
-can take "no" for an answer!
-initiates age-appropriate games with younger guests, like peekaboo
-will page through one of his books on his own
-regulates his energy at times, lying down for a brief rest
-has a calmer temperament overall
-when making a joke, looks for a positive response before repeating it
-identifying similar-sounding words, "racoon & cocoon," "parrot & pirate."
-tries to soothe fussy sister by giving her a hug, making verbal reassurances, alerting mommy if sister is crying
-can assess and report that little sis is tired, and tries to be quiet himself and admonishes others to be quiet if she is sleeping
Tyler:
-prefers to sit in a chair at the table for snacks rather than a high chair
-is more aware of being a guest at others' houses, understanding that the toys he plays with are to be asked for, amd returned on request
-can take "no" for an answer!
-initiates age-appropriate games with younger guests, like peekaboo
-will page through one of his books on his own
-regulates his energy at times, lying down for a brief rest
-has a calmer temperament overall
-when making a joke, looks for a positive response before repeating it
-identifying similar-sounding words, "racoon & cocoon," "parrot & pirate."
-tries to soothe fussy sister by giving her a hug, making verbal reassurances, alerting mommy if sister is crying
-can assess and report that little sis is tired, and tries to be quiet himself and admonishes others to be quiet if she is sleeping
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