up up and away

The plan was for Baba to go to Bible Study at 6 am, (giving us an hour more to sleep)come home, eat breakfast with us at 7:30, and leave at 8:15, to be in Redmond by 9:00. HA! Guo was up at 6:05 checking his rocket. In the process, he decided he better glue "just one more piece"; then he bounded back upstairs announcing:  "don't you think time to get up?" (sic)... if only that that had been a rhetorical question...

The following question I guaranteed has now taken over the #1 spot as most annoying from "are we there yet?"... It is:

"you ready to go yet?", followed by: " you ready to go yet, Barbara?" (with a roll of the r's)... hear this every 30 seconds when something exciting pending... translating to mean: some place a 12 year named mister, bouncy, trouncy, full of life, meet every adventure vim & vigor Guo wants to go...

(excuse the blurriness of couple of pictures... someone was moving too fast...)

                      

..."there it is"... "where?...                                     ... "I'll get it"...       

 

   ... "Look, Baba... see..."

               

... everybody look this way                                     ... the smile tells it all

Baba (aka Grandpa), Guo (Uncle), & Richie (3)

Even with a minor disaster of loosing the nose cone from the rocket, it didn't dampen Guo's spirits. He had soaking wet feet and jeans from the long grass, but the biggest grin. He couldn't wait to get home to check out hobby stores for a replacement nose cone. We finally found a new hobby store in Everett today (Monday), that has a variety in stock.

Guo also saw his brother Carl and got to tell all about his rocket with a complete description of Saturday's adventures. I had forgotten Carl had done a little rocket flying in middle school. Carl seemed genuinely interested in the rocket and going into the hobby store with them. Perhaps since he lives closer than Robert & Richie, Guo will have an additional partner.

As I told someone today, Guo never ceases to amaze me. He still is at the beginning stages of reading, but that doesn't stop him from learning. When he decides he wants to do something or know about something, he listens and watches everybody and everything around him. He gets very quiet and his eyes are in constant motion. He misses nothing. 

And now he knows here "it's ok to ask a question". It took me a year to convince him that was a good thing and he would not be punished or belittled... now he is even beginning to ask his father. One step at a time, though... for some reason he will raise his hand... and yet I know why he cringes when he says: "I have a question" even though both of us immediately always answer: "yes, that's good... what is it?"... AND #2 he only as questions of David and me... His day is coming...!

Anyway what I started to say before I got side track... about his learning... for example with the rockets... he came home the other night and explained to me about the motors, igniters, what ever size, launch pads, packing, etc..., the whys & wheres...  This is all from Friday and Saturday... this kind of learning happens all the time with him... he is a sponge... very aural and tactile... 

Yes, my hands are full... what a wonderful feeling... and I love the learning... boys are so cool... :-)

rocket construction

Here are the beginning stages of the rocket construction on Friday night. The entire process lasts until after 8:00 pm what with waiting for individual pieces having to be glued and dried..


   

... the box is open... now the directions are being studied... oh no, Baba started to hold his

head already... :-)

            

... "let me see here..."                                              ... "I know... see..."

... what's the saying??? ... 'a picture's worth a thousand words' 

... seems Guo read the pictures...

"Baba, we open the box & take a look at the pieces???"

... followed by "there's more to this than I thought" coming from my living room is never a promising sign of things to come.

The boys (?) are going to fly rockets tomorrow which necessitated a trip to the hobby store. Sending them off with strict instructions of budget boundaries, the grinning pair came back with all the basic items, plus some. When I tried to sternly question the need for everything, Guo first went into a serious monologue with hand gestures explaining rocket firing to the best of his knowledge. When he thought he wasn't making progress he turned on the twinkling eyed Guo charm. Such a boy.

At present the rocket builders are on a 'break' waiting for parts to cement. One keeps checking the clock to see if time will move faster thereby drying the glue quicker. 

News flash: this just in: ... "Baba, I think one part dry... I think so... let's go put one part together... I think so..." 

I'll let you know how the flight line continues; and test flights go...

:-)

YEAH!!!!!

Record book for fair entry and fair entry forms signed and turned in!

 Now to get those projects, dog, and Guo polished and ready to go...

Think we can... think we can... think we can... :-)

hmmm... let's try to play catch up again...

... but first...

              ... this should give you the visual of why I'm always at a day late on everything...

This was actually taken at Kayak Park on Puget sound about 10 miles from our house. We had -2.25 tides this last week. Those are substantially low tides showing sometimes unseen sea life in the tide pools that developed. Unfortunately, we are having what the weather department calls "June-uary", (very cold and very wet... snow alerts in the Cascade mtns.). Didn't keep this crazy family from putting on jackets, throwing on extra clothes in the car, and heading for the beach.

We spent nearly 3 hours enjoying it all. Before it was over Baba had a pocket full of shells and rocks... Guo had built 25 feet of canals from the streams in the middle of the beach to the water... he tested the strength of the dams and the speed of the spill ways with a feather, a round piece of balsa tubing he found, and a saturated piece of flat wood... to see not only which would make the distances, but the fastest as I said... what a kid...

In the process, they also saw a starfish which Guo reported "the kid said had 21 legs, but I don't think so... it didn't look like that many to me!" ... "but was big"

Sunday afternoon the sun came out for about 10 minutes. Guo decided to make sure his poor vegetables hadn't drown. The jury is still out. I'm afraid there will need to be some replanting. :-(

 

For the last week along with school work, we have been trying to get Guo's 4H notebook finished for the fair entry deadline. Tuesday is class and meeting night so we are keeping our fingers crossed that everything is finished correctly.

Well, along with everything else... can you imagine this child thinks he's hungry and since it's almost 5:00 we should think about eating AGAIN... What a concept!!! Best get going!

twinkle twinkle

morning conversation excerpt with Guo:

~while fixing the covers & pulling them back over to David's side of the bed, he says: "Baba sleep with you?" (meaning last night- yes, why?) "he roll over and give you kezz???" grinnnn, twinkle, twinkle... (yes) "whyyyy???" twinkle, twinkle (because he loves me!) "Oh!"~

... you'd think we never kiss, hug, or say I Love You... duh... especially, only about 20 times before all the lights are out around here... anybody ever seen old re-runs of the Waltons... that's what it sounds like at the Lymans!!! 

... have we told you lately how much we love Guo???

:-)

... yesterday we were driving down to Ft Lewis when in the midst of conversation my charming son said: "yes, sugar"... David wasn't sure he had heard correctly so he asked Guo if he'd called me 'sugar'... he said: "yes... she's my 'sugar Mama'"... 

this morning while getting ready for church I heard him say: "I decided Mama can be my 'sugar pumpkin', too"...

hmmmm....  :-)

busy week end

Last week end was a busy one... it started out Friday with a trip to Sears to replace the washer & dryer. After a week of researching brand, model, price, and listening to Guo say: "you buy?", it was a relief! The funny thing, Guo and Baba helped the delivery men set them in and Guo has been doing laundry ever since... hmmm, I may have something going here! :-)

Saturday we began tackling yard work... ick! Baba and Guo worked on digging out the place for his vegetable garden while I pulled weeds and innumerable dandelions. The boys were really into it because Sunday afternoon after church, and Monday they were back at it trying to finish the garden. 

They did get the tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, cucumbers, cabbages, dill, squash, and pumpkins planted. (The second planting and the corn can wait another 10 days.) And yes, there was giggling and silliness the entire time.

 

sun... beach... fun

Last week end one of the weather channels said it best: "from March to August in 2 days". Wednesday it was in the hi 50's, Friday and Saturday it was 90 degrees. Both days Baba had a synod meeting for church which we took him to early,  we came home did a little yard work before it got hot. Then I taught Guo a philosophy from my Mother: 'when the sun shines finish the majority of your work quickly and play'. That's precisely what we did:

We grabbed our books, pencils, lunch, water, the dog, beach towels, sun screen, extra clothes, etc. and headed for the beach. Who says you can't do reading, math, and spelling on the beach? We are always charting birds for science anyway. (apologies to all you desk or table/chair Moms... seriously...) [This isn't everyday, but it is variety for Guo. Remember, he only had a little over 2 years of school in China. We are now finding out  just how sporadic that was.] 

Here's a couple of the smiles I saw:

  

We are now back to our typical WA rainy May weather yesterday & today, but it's supposed to be sunny for the

long week end. 

Doesn't matter though, because as you can see we have our own ray of sunshine 24/7!!

The Busy Month of April~part 3

Birthday time and excitement!!!

(officially the day before)

Guo's birthday started out with a doctor's appointment. Fortunately, Dr.'s wonderful, efficient,

and always on time! So... since Baba had the entire day off, we decided to check out some of

our favorite sites:

Guo checking out the snow level at Mt. Pilchuck. (10 miles from home)

[We have had record & late snow falls this year. As a matter of fact, this week end the weather

is very warm for us and there is skiing at Snoqualamie Mt. Pass.]

On Guo's birthday we grabbed a picnic lunch, went to the Stilliquamish River at Arlington for

the next stop.

Later further North:

Guo de Meiguo hua 

Guo's "American flowers". This is now our "traditional" April trip. We sent pictures of us at the

tulip fields in Skagit Valley, Mt. Vernon, WA, when he was still in Fujian. He named them: 

Meiguo hua (translated American flowers). 

Last stop dinner of course; & more presents on your "real birthday".

a camera... oh no... no one is safe now...LOL

The Busy Month of April~part 2

 what's next...?  always curious,            always willing to listen...        

Baba and Guo... what fun they have together...

                                      

silly boys                                                 giggles                                                  here they come...

   lunch time 

not to worry... he had help eating it... his appetite isn't that big... :-)                               

 

  I love this one.

The Busy Month of April~part 1

  Disneyland... Here we come!

    What a Good Morning! 

  ... buddies forever...      
    

   a peaceful moment 

  

Dog Capers

Friday evening and all day Saturday we spent up at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds in Monroe with the 4H dogs groups from around WA state. Most of the kids spent the night (in the cow barn, on the cement floor, in sleeping bags, 37 degrees & raining outside), but this Mama's back wasn't quite up to it and Guo wasn't too sure about the whole concept.

The event was a great time for Guo as there were many workshops: AKC obedience testing, fitting & showing, agility course (which he and his dog have never done), dog bowl, making treats, crafts, and a number of others.

One of the rules of 4H is you must always have a "buddy" and our group of kids is the best about this. From the youngest to the oldest they look out for each other. 

When Guo first joined the group, there was a girl whom I've admired ever since she joined who walked up to our leader and said: "Can I be Guo's special partner and helper?" There is a bond between Taylor and Guo like none other. They will do anything for each other. They were working together this last week-end, too. It's amazing to watch. She knows just how to explain things or re-explain for him; and Guo isn't shy about asking Taylor questions.

I'm attaching a photo... not the best... but the kids are the best!!

"where we going today..."

The short version of the long story is this: besides having regular schedules to follow, Guo's Mama has had physical therapy on her back, and we are trying to get all extra type "things" it takes to go on a  9 day vacation to Disneyland, San

Diego, and Citrus Heights, CA. 

Yes... Guo is bouncing HIGH and OFTEN... 

Right now, I think I'll go catch him and put him back to school work... LOL

... write more later...

Baba is home...

... and not a moment too soon! Guo has been practically joined at the hip with him ever since this picture was taken. 

Guo has his family back together again.     (Yes!)

"... look outside..."

Fortunately on the level of science Guo is studying we haven't begun to discuss the issues of 'global warming'. I would have had a difficulty being sympathetic this last week anyway. The weather has seemed rather unusually damp and cold for this born and bred Washingtonian. (I've loved the extra snuggles with my boy.)

In any case, here it is officially Spring... dare I repeat it... Spring! The daffodils are blooming... the trees are starting to blossom... the Skagit Co. Tulip Festival starts next week... and I suddenly hear: 

"Mama: look outside. It's Snowing!"

20 minutes later... "look outside... it's still snowing"

90 minutes later... "look... I can't believe it... it's still snowing!!!"

2 hours later... " I told you snow today. Why it didn't stay?"

(maybe because it really is Spring, I hope, I hope... the Mama thinks to herself)

counting the days...

Guo has been doing so well about David being gone, but he is counting the days. Aren't we glad we know when we will be all together again, and aren't playing the CCAA waiting game? That was torture for all three of us.

Counting tomorrow Baba, 2 more days! Wo ai ni. :-)

"Mama: 'Lyle' misses Baba"...

Baba, aka David, left on a red eye flight Monday night for MA to spend 5 days with his parents, in part to celebrate his father's 92nd birthday. This is the first time Guo has been separated from either of us. We prepared him the best we could, however, as you can well imagine the anxiety is still there. Good thing our cell phone has a family plan with unlimited minutes between phones. :-)

Anyway, Guo will verbalize about missing his Baba, but he has a new stuffed lamb named Lyle. You remember Guo's pengyou (friends) do a lot of talking too. Well, Lyle is doing more than his share while settling into the 'family'.

Guo, the boy who wants to understand and be ok with everything, will talk it out: "what is Baba doing now"... "where is he now"... "what time is it"... "where is he sleeping"... "what is he eating"... "only __ days until he comes home"...  "I miss him"..., etc..

Guo, the uncertain child comes out in Lyle. 

I am so thankful he is comfortable telling me: "I dreamed 'bout Baba last night. I run to him, and give him big hug. ... You miss Baba, too?" 

"I clean 'da church"

'Easter Saturday', there's a tradition at our church the youth have a pancake breakfast & car wash to raise funds for summer camps. After breakfast, many families get together to join in Spring cleaning inside & out before the dusk to dawn prayer vigil culminating in the celebration of the resurrection of our Lord.

David had choir practice @ 10:00 so while he and I were enjoying a last minute cup of coffee, Guo said he was off to play. Good idea, except... ten minutes before rehearsal we went to find him as I was going to the store for plants for church. It was necessary to know whether he was coming with me, or staying at church with his Baba. But Guo was nowhere to be found! Everyone "thought he was that way". 'That way' can usually be the opposite way because our complex probably takes up 1/2 a block, and has many wonderful :-) old knooks & crannys (sp.?)

After about 25 minutes, one of the kids Guo had been with came in red-faced and breathless from playing. When asked he said: "I think he's out 'there' ". ("by the car wash??") "well, maybe..."

Upon further investigation, I see the very top of my son's head on the sidewalk, next to the street, on the other side of the hedge... my heart skipping three beats, I rapidly walked out... when he proudly looks up, from the hedge trimmings with a rake in hand, and says:

"I clean 'da church"

And the 85+ year old man doing hedge trimming says: "And he doing a good job, too!"

They both quietly went back to their work... a great example of cross generational teaching... 

A Winning Smile turns a Winning Style!

Friday, March 21st was Guo's first 4H oral presentation/demonstration. He was primed. 

The tri-fold board had his special touches. Even though he can't read yet, we'd spent a enormous amount of time with him saying: "Mama, what do these words say... I want say... next say.... we do this..." etc (you get the idea) and printing it out. They were then cut,  and pasted with his creative use of color and design.

By this age Guo is at the intermediate level of 4H which means his presentation was to last up to 15 minutes. However, I called ahead, as did our trainer and everyone was aware he is still developing his English language skills. He knew he was to do his best English with his 'medium loud' voice and demonstrate for the judge.

We arrived at the site... things were going great... we waited... and waited... pretty soon Guo says: "Mama can you come in with me?" ("I don't think so... parents aren't supposed to... we'll ask")... we waited some more... the organizer comes out & says the judge will come out to introduce herself soon... "Mama, I really want you in there with me" ("I know sweetie, but you know I'll have to just be quiet") "I know, you just sit there. OK?

The judge came up right then, sensing the nerves, began to talk to Guo about his project, his dog, and me. She almost gave the perfect segue for me to ask permission to go in with Guo. She didn't have a problem with it. As a matter of fact, she let me help get him set up before quietly sitting down. (a side note: her son was being judged at the next table over).

Back to Guo's performance... at the last possible second another man comes up and tells the judge he is supposed to be the second judge with her. Every ounce of blood drained from Guo's face. I thought he was going to throw up on the spot.. As it was, the oddest thing happened... he stood up and started reciting the text of his presentation forgetting to demonstrate. He tried to remember word for every last 'perfect' word in order, all the while getting softer and softer.

I couldn't even catch his eye to motion to him pick up his stuff to show them while talking. Finally, with only about 7 words left he scratches his head and said: "I just don't 'member the rest". Poor kid he was trying to do his English so well.

Then the judges both mercifully said: "could you show us how to make them". At which time, Guo animatedly demonstrated and spoke in phrases like he had practiced. 

Some day when he is older, I will be able to explain to him the later was the blue ribbon presentation. By then he will probably understand any way. :-)

Guo first communion

Guo celebrated his first communion last night, Maundy Thursday.  Baba sang with the Chancel Choir and immediately came down and joined us. Guo was very excited as gege Carl was at service just to be there for him. 

Our very dear friends, extended family, Roy and Karen were communion lay assistants. Roy, who is Guo's best buddy in the entire world, was able to serve him his first 'wafer' (the body of Christ). It was so special for both of them.

Pastor Snyder, his teacher and interim pastor, whom he knows, served the 'wine' (the blood of Christ), which made it so comfortable for him.

It was a joy for all of us to see him understand and take one more step in his faith journey. :-) Praises Be To God

the train wreck

Yes folks... today's excitement was a train-semi truck wreck and derailment. Those of you familiar with Guo know his love and fascination with trains, so you can imagine his interest in the news when it was right here in town. He couldn't wait to know absolutely every bit of information I could find for him. Sources said, of course the road was closed off and I wasn't sure how close we could get to safely view, but I did promise after my physical therapy appointment we would try to see for ourselves.

He was so good waiting for me, however, I was informed when I stopped for a Starbucks after PT that I could drink coffee anytime. It WAS time to go look at the train wreck. LOL

We got within about a couple of blocks of the wreck. Guo was able to see a good deal of one side of the damage; lots of the equipment and machinery that was being used. He took some pictures with my camera. 

Normally, for most kids that would have been the end of the adventure. This boy stood out there in the less than desirable weather drawing his own conclusions for the process of moving the 3 engines, repairing the destroyed track and road way, and the equipment needed. How do I know this? Besides the fact he chattered about it all the way home, he also called his Baba to tell him what he had been doing and proceeded to explain to David what the men were going to need to do.

It was fun listening to him talk to his Baba. He was really digging deep in his English vocabulary using adjectives for the first time. He spoke for almost 10 minutes on the phone (a record), at times seemingly straining as if giving a major presentation to a group of hundreds. Occasionally, he would look at me and quietly say: "dui bu dui" ? (right/not right?).        

Dui, Dui Xiao Guo!!

'family' news

Guo would like to announce he is once again an uncle. Baby Henry N. Lyman was born to his brother & sister-in-law: Robert and Christine. Henry arrived on Wednesday, March 12th at 8:12 am, 7lb. 5oz., 20 1/2", joining his brother Richard, 3 years old.

Guo was so excited when we told him the baby had been born. He immediately began counting up family members. 

"Wow, we have big family! ... YES!!"

We are the lucky ones!

It always seems odd to me people need to comment that Guo is: "so lucky to have been adopted by us", when in fact it is just the opposite.
It is interesting to read other adoption travel stories and hear differences in care children are getting even within the same province. Guo has learned that he can trust us even with his inner most secrets, stories, and... . Some days it is a sentence, others it may be a conversation that will last 10-15 minutes, but we are learning about he past. It is different, wide, and varied. 
The words "foster care: and "orphanage" that were used in his original bio. literally do not have the same meaning in his case, sad to say. Yet... Happily, we have been Mama & Baba from minute one. He has showed the deep love and affection for both us in many ways. Guo is kind, gentle, and generous.

And, before this "silly Mother" goes on and on any more WE ARE the luckiest ones to have Guo as one of our gifts from God!

" ... did you hear what I said ... ?"

yes/no... 

do you know what I mean... yes/no... would be more accurate... 

many times as a parent and a teacher I've said: "did you hear what I said"

but it has been Guo who has taught me the answer: "yes/no" ... 

and by the way he answers I then follow up with the question: "do you understand?"... "yes/no"...

with Xiao Guo and me, he had to learn it was also ok not to understand and admit the need for help in learning...

Guo has been making such great strides in his conversational English skills and basic understanding of the language. A little at a time he has begun talking with those he knows and he feels comfortable with. Even his "adult" friends have it figured out: this is not a boy that is going to sit with both feet on the floor, bottom on the chair, back straight, and hands folded on his lap and have a 'conversation' for 20 minutes. YES... LOL ... there are too many  to be counted think that should be the case... even I can't do that... blah!!!

At our church it has now become the tradition the 4th graders take their first communion at the Maundy Thursday services. To prepare for this the children spend a Saturday usually two weeks ahead of time at a day long retreat at Trinity Lutheran College. Obviously, Guo is older; however having not being raised with any knowledge of the saving grace of Jesus Christ we have started from the very beginning. Guo was baptized a year ago Palm Sunday, has been receiving the blessing during The Lord's Supper as all children of the faith. He has been an eager young learner.

Guo's faith journey has been remarkable considering the short amount of time he has been to church. So, David and I decided yesterday he was ready to attend the retreat in preparation for his first communion.

What a day full of opportunities. The kids were blessed to have three great teachers: our interim Pastor Snider, our former Pastor "Jack" (Richards), who brought several students from his new congregation, and "super teacher" member: Mr. Ernie Fosse. Each had unique teaching styles, and had the kids coming up with the most amazing and thought provoking answers. (Parents/drivers/chaperones were used as facilitators to assist in class work when needed for quickly moving from reference to reference in the Bible.)

For Guo personally, it was  a day of great strides. He came out of his shell. He raised his hand and volunteered answers... The best part: twice it was something not only was he the only kid that knew the answers, but they were answers from particular parts of Bible stories. Both times he turned and grinned at a smiling Baba & Mama.

Several times last night Guo said to me: "... did you hear what I said..."

I said: "... Yes! :-)"

My heart was saying: "... I do know what you mean..."

... have I ever told you I love this boy???

Guo loves his stuffed animals. They all have names and individual personalities. Since he didn't have any toys when he was growing up in China, and didn't go through this stage of development he is playing catch up now. It is wonderful. :-)

Often times the "friends" reveal all sorts of information... today was really heart warming. There was a 'party' with all of them in attendance, but I was told they were having a "meeting" first. When I inquire of Guo what the meeting was about, he informed me it was a secret. The "friends" were only going to tell him, but he would let me know what they decided.

A little while later I noticed one animal was singled out away from the others, so I asked why he wasn't at the meeting. Guo quickly said the meeting was over and "Jackson" was getting ready to go to the 'party': "But Jackson just told me the secret from the meeting (grin, grin)... just be minute, I tell you... meeting decided how we be good to Mama!"

ahhh.......

~a fun filled Saturday~

It has been too long with preparing for surgeries, surgeries, and recovering from them since Guo has been swimming. With his cough more or less subsided, Guo was so excited when we agreed it was time to get back at it. He jumped right back in as if he'd never been gone. Guo loves the water and tries to increase his swimming distance along with having a good time playing. I have pictures to prove this time. Yeah Mama.

After about an hour and a half he announced he was ready to go because we had to get ready to go to the hockey game.

It was his first time to a hockey game. Every year the 4H puppy group takes a field trip with the dogs to the WHL Seattle Thunderbirds. Guo was so 'primed'... he almost couldn't contain himself. Baba began by explaining the basics of the game and Guo was really into it. Before I knew it... it was a 'father/son huddle'... and it was more than basic...

Guo napped a little on the way home so consequently, he was still wound tighter than a knot... chattering away at 11 pm... not only did he make it to 8:30 church services this morning, but he was a silly little wiggle worm... He finally slowed down about 5 pm this afternoon. What a Boy!

... where did this word come from???

In the first place... we don't have a TV... we monitor the dvd's and the computer... yes he has been choosing his own library books, but they have been 'J' scholastic series on African and Asian mammals... 

In the second place... my house keeping is bad, but I think Mr. Twinkle Eyes could have picked a better adjective...

Yesterday we were talking about our upcoming vacation, when out of Guo's most precious mouth comes: "We really have to clean house. The computer room and your bedroom look like jungle."

Thought it might be interesting for him to help clean the computer room "jungle" today. Laughs were again on me, when it got quiet and I found him inspecting one by one a box of left over "special treasures" instead of picking up.  :-)

Ahhh... it's a beautiful day...

... sunny blue sky with wispy clouds... Guo and I head out to apply for his passport. The second he gets in the car: "Mama,

I so hot... please open the windows."... and down his goes all the way... "open your window, please"... (no) ... "how 'bout open back windows"... (ok... it's a compromise)... "ahhh, beautiful day... beautiful day... right?"

At this point, I wished I had one of those in-car video cameras like the police/buses have. Guo was sitting back, seat belt on, soaking up the rays, with the biggest smile on his face acting like he hadn't seen the sun for at least 6 months. 

It was only 58 degrees and he only had a simple T-shirt. I also got to thinking if the "clothing police" could only see him. 

LOL

Be careful what you say...

... for you might hear it said back at you! How true... how true... Guo has a new phrase to add to his cuteness.

Today on the way home from the store I asked him what he would like for lunch. Mind you he is well aware of the available menu options.

He takes his index finger to his temple, tilts his head slightly and says: "I will think 'bout it."

About a half an hour later, he was playing in the living room when I called from the kitchen saying I was going to make the lunch. Guess he wanted to see how far he could stretch it because he said: "I still thinking 'bout it."

When I replied: "oh", his brain must have decided very quickly as his mouth immediately said to me that he wanted a big salad for lunch.

And he calls me silly. 

we actually saw other people today!!!

Yes, it's true Guo is out of quarantine! Yeahhhhh! He woke up this morning and announced: "Mama, 2 nights sleep, no coughing." Indeed it had been, we still have the residual day time cough, but his public is going to have to live with it. [at least he won't ever be coughing & spitting... oops I shouldn't go there :-)....] 

I was so glad we didn't miss church again this morning. The choir anthem was especially meaningful for me. It has been said God gave us music so we could pray without words, but the words in the song called "The Prayer" helped my heart today. I think in a way it spoke to Guo too. David always comes to sit with us after he sings, usually Guo has to immediately say something to him. Today, he sat quietly just the way he had been during the anthem.

I made a note to self the other day. When most children are sick mothers make sure they stay hydrated. When John Guo gets sick, I must make sure he stays hydrated and doesn't loose too much weight. In this last 9 day 'virus' he lost 4+ lbs.. Well not to worry, our boy is back. He ate more today than he has eaten in the last 9 days all together. :-)

I AM SO HAPPY!

Happy Valentine's Day

Bless Guo's special sensitive spirit. Baba made sure Guo had a card and candy to give to me since his still got his cough. This afternoon my over indulging romantic husband sent flowers. Sweet little Guo says: "what about Baba... you have present for him?"

I said: "I'll be Baba's present!"... that was met with the blankest, the most uncommunicative... i.e. untranslated, blank stare and "huh" ever! I tried again: "should I wrapped myself in pretty wrapping paper like this with pretty ribbon and be a present?"

Guo: "You have present for Baba? yes??? ... no???"

Me: "I know, I'll make the meatloaf in the shape of a heart, like a valentine."

Guo: "Silly Mother" ... at dinner time: "looks like a pancake made into dog ears" (he says with twinkling eyes)

In case you're wondering Baba actually did end up getting a 'present'(ly) needed surprise. It seems the van had a flat tire, beyond repair which lead to the admission the purchase of tires could not be avoided any longer. He is now the proud owner of 4 new 65,ooo mile tires. Oh, fear not I will share my chocolates with him.

You know it's about love. Without getting super gushy, our son is one lovable kid. It is very contagious! We are super fortunate parents. Bye for now, I'm going to give him another Hug. :-)

"... gee, I know it must be rough"

Day 6: granted Guo's fever is gone, but we have been listening to continuous coughing day and night. It has been so bad at times the little guy has been gagging. So I piled him in the car, picked up Baba and we descended on the pediatric department at the U of W.

When I called for the appointment, I was told his pediatrician was not in today. Imagine our surprise when one of the first people we saw was Dr. Davies. You also can imagine the round of questions out of Guo's mouth... most of them starting with: "Why?" or "How come?". Obviously if Dr. Davies was walking around the halls: "he's in a meeting"; was not a logical answer... and: "I don't know"; was definitely not a sufficient answer. So... it boiled down to: did Mama trick Xiao Guo, or did the receptionists trick Mama. If Mama was tricked... then why did they trick her.

After waiting 50 minutes... 30 of that in the exam room, needless to say Guo was going stir crazy, even if he was sick. He opened the exam room door no less than 6 times looking for the doctor, each time closing telling us in a very annoyed voice: "pokey doctor". Thank goodness the young doctor was a very kind, gentle, caring, attractive, blond young woman.

Guo's mood immediately softened when he saw her. Bless her heart, she also recognized the need for Guo to see Dr. Davies. She said from the beginning of the exam she would make sure that Guo got to see him before left. 

Okay so this part was "peachy"! My son flirts again, gets to see the Dr. he really wanted to, but do we solve the cough problem and no sleep. Nooooooo.....

Diagnosis.... "well, this has been a really rough season for this. It sounds like you are doing a lot good things. But I need to tell to just wait it out or see if it manifests into something else." (What about sleep???) "It should be over in about two weeks. However, if something gets worse we will be here through the week." 

The newer doctor was so gracious about getting Dr. Davies; and  he has such a cute smile even if did say "... gee, I know it must be rough". 

No wonder he and Guo are such pals... 

back again...

We're back! 

Sorry it's been so long, but it's seem the computer had a mind of it's own. In so it doing wanted to be retired and quit suddenly without giving proper two weeks notice.  Now we are up, running, and in the midst of learning new technology (at least for me). 

Plus, Guo has what the nurse classified per phone conversation "just what 'every child' in WA has": a case of high fever and cough. So for the past two days, it's been the push the liquids, tylenol, etc... blahhh

On Thursday, February 7th, we had a chance to combine the two cultures of our family as it was the Chinese Lunar New Year. Many Christians might say it is wrong to recognize this holiday because it has origins in paganism. However, in my humble opinion there are many aspects which are closely related to the 'family'. 

A child is a special bond born of the heart.  As one family in Christ it is easy to talk to others about the love of Jesus and the love of children, if they have children. In Christ's family we all come from different nationalities, cultures, and traditions. Combining those traditions which instill the value, love, and respect of  family members, I feel have a place in our home.

Xin Nin Kuai Le

or Happy New Year!

BTW anyone want leftovers? My "eating machine" (aka Guo) cheerfully watched me cook all day Thursday and slowly came down with: "... what 'every child' in WA has" about an hour before dinner. :-(   Poor little guy!

'The Post of Many Titles...'

food..., "Mama, I so hungry"..., "Mama is cooking"..., "mmm"..., "hao chi"..., "xie xie"...

I have been feeding this child the last two weeks, but you would never know it by the way

he talks and has been eating. This one boy, so small in stature has one giant appetite these

days. He is eating like a 250 lb. line backer and not gaining an ounce.

Mama conclusion: growth spurt in the making.  :-)

"Do you understand..."

..."I don't understand"... he says in all innocence. Ok so how do I explain this. If you beg for something at the grocery store even if it is at the Chinese grocery store you don't get it. Well, I did my best in both languages, when Baba who is very sick with a cold/cough says: "what's the problem"; followed by: "it will be OK". (hmm soft touch?)

I turn back to Guo who is now looking more angelic than ever. In the sweetest voice, with twinkling eyes, my precious son turns on the charm and says: "please, buy some for dinner". (in Chinglish) 

Yes! I understand. This son of mine also has my number, and he has me wrapped around his little finger.

BTW, I love him.

A Sunny Winter Day

The rain finally decided to let up and it has been a sunny Sunday. After church we went to "Beijing Gardens" for lunch with Roy and Karen. In the middle of lunch Guo announced he was "sooo hot" and it had been a long time since he'd played baseball. Mind you it is only January 13th, we live in WA state, and it's 50 degrees, so it's not like we are in the middle of a heat wave. 

Immediately after arriving home he and Baba did indeed hold batting practice. There were gales of giggles; the bat being tapped on the ground, the little "backside" wiggling around, and the winding of the bat just like the big guys. John Guo also is very precise on where his Baba should pitch the ball, and when it is a "ball" instead of in his strike zone.

In about 45 minutes Guo was back inside hunting for the soccer ball. It seems he still had an excess of energy and hadn't quite worn out (?) Baba. At this point I'm not sure what happen, but this sport activity didn't last quite as long. 

Coming thru the door Guo made the pronouncement: "Baba's in biggg trouble! Not me!!"

When I asked why? It seems the soccer ball just happened to make way to one of my rhododendrons and break off part of it. I explained it was an accident...  so it would be ok...

The advantages of a Sunday afternoon of play far out weighed the loss of a branch from a plant!!!

Where To Begin...

... credit for the originator of the title: Pastor Jack Richards. Jack saw a picture from our original website while we were in China and titled his e-mail to us 'on the go with Guo'. It's always been appropriate. Thanks, Jack!

As the writer and Mama of this trio, I will be attempting to learn my way around all the features of this site. It is suffice at this point to say John Guo has come a LONG WAY in 11 months.