... 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!