Dear Logan,
Needles are not our favorite thing. You had so many during your short little life. It always pained me seeing them give you shots and draw your blood. I have grown stronger. I didn't even want to watch them poking you at first. But I've learned that I should be there to support you, while you're the one going through the pain. I'm sad you're not here, but I'm happy you didn't have to go through any of this anymore.
Your brother got his last set of immunizations last week after his 4-year old check up. I was so impressed. When he was little, I wouldn't want to go in with him when he got his first shots. I always had daddy go in, because I hated seeing needles poking into little babies. Then I've gotten stronger and I didn't mind anymore. Just like supporting you, I need to be there for your brother.
When your brother got his last H1N1 shot, he didn't cry at all. That's the first time!! I was so proud of him. Granted, he's always been a strong boy and only cried for 2 seconds when he got his shot. This time, he was prepped, and he knew what to expect. He didn't cry! But when we went in to get his last set of immunizations, he had to have FOUR shots! FOUR!! Poor thing, two shots on each arm. He did SO well for the first two shots and didn't cry. But when the 3rd and 4th ones came (which were more painful than the first two), he couldn't help but cry. I felt so bad for him. He was prepared to be strong. He was prepared to make Mommy proud. But they were too darn painful!
Mommy told him, I was still very proud of him. I am always prepared to have some kind of little treats afterwards. After his treats he's fine, and happily forgot about the pain. He has grown up so much. When I look back at his baby pictures, I couldn't imagine he was so cute and little then. Time sure does fly. Sooner or later, Mommy would be an embarrassment and he wouldn't kiss me first thing in the morning anymore.
Miss you,
Mommy
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Belated Happy New Year!
Dear Logan,
I'm so sorry that Mommy hasn't been writing to you. We've had a busy few weeks and I was sick with the flu last year. Now, Mommy has two teeth less but is actually doing amazingly well. Let me briefly recap what we did over Chinese New Year.
On New Year's Eve, we went over to Grandma and Grandpa's house for dinner. They cooked so many delicious and yummy food for us. We also brought over gifts, of course, for them. Uncle John and Auntie Katie were there as well. Grandparents said that this was the first time they had so many people, all 7 of us, sitting around their nice dining table. I could see that they were both very happy that we're all there. And you know what, I was very happy we could all sit around and have dinner together. We're Chinese, and for the end of the year, we HAVE to have a big family dinner.
We also celebrated Grandma's birthday. We missed Grandma's birthday and were unable to have lunch or dinner with her. So we bought a birthday cake, and had a little celebration afterwards. It was an interesting Mango & Kiwi Mousse cake.
As for New Year's Day, we at first planned to go "bai lin" aka visit Grandparents again. But they didnt' want us to go all the way up to S. City again, so we only called them and wished them Happy New Year.
Mommy took your brother to take the Caltrain from Sunnyvale to San Mateo for the very first time. Your brother loved trains, and especially, the blinking lights when the train was approaching. He had a lot of fun looking out the window, and crossing the tracks (of course, when it was safe). I think the distance was just long enough to hold his attention and to make him happy. Daddy, on the other hand, drove to pick us up at the train station. We then headed to Foster City for their Chinese New Year celebration. We saw some dancing, martial arts, had some yummy crispy chicken, and checked out different booths. We stayed for maybe an hour, and then left. It was a pretty small celebration, not as big as the Millbrae one that we went to last year. Remember you were there as well? But you slept most of the time, even with the loud music playing. Ah Gung and Ah Po were with us last year. This year, it's just Daddy, Mommy and your big brother. It definitely felt very different.
We then headed to downtown San Mateo for some Japanese food. That's our Valentine's Day/Chinese New Year meal. Valentine's day is different now that I am a mother. No more romantic dinners or dates, since it's hard to get someone to watch your brother. But it's ok, I like family time. Hey, at least Daddy got Mommy some lovely roses!
After lunch, we went shopping for some flowers for you. Did you like the flowers we got? Your brother chose that. I also picked up that little golden tiger for you and of course, a heart for Valentine's Day. At first, I planned to get you a big balloon, but because I procrastinated, I didn't end up getting it. Next time, I should just buy things when I see them, instead of waiting. Sorry we didn't get to stay too long, as your brother was getting tired and cranky. It's been a long day.
Now we're preparing for our housewarming party. We are pretty furnished, but didn't really decorate the house much. Both Mommy and Daddy are not really the artistic type, and with our tendency to procrastinate, we probably won't be able to decorate the whole house until...maybe 5 years from now?
Miss you,
Mommy
I'm so sorry that Mommy hasn't been writing to you. We've had a busy few weeks and I was sick with the flu last year. Now, Mommy has two teeth less but is actually doing amazingly well. Let me briefly recap what we did over Chinese New Year.
On New Year's Eve, we went over to Grandma and Grandpa's house for dinner. They cooked so many delicious and yummy food for us. We also brought over gifts, of course, for them. Uncle John and Auntie Katie were there as well. Grandparents said that this was the first time they had so many people, all 7 of us, sitting around their nice dining table. I could see that they were both very happy that we're all there. And you know what, I was very happy we could all sit around and have dinner together. We're Chinese, and for the end of the year, we HAVE to have a big family dinner.
We also celebrated Grandma's birthday. We missed Grandma's birthday and were unable to have lunch or dinner with her. So we bought a birthday cake, and had a little celebration afterwards. It was an interesting Mango & Kiwi Mousse cake.
As for New Year's Day, we at first planned to go "bai lin" aka visit Grandparents again. But they didnt' want us to go all the way up to S. City again, so we only called them and wished them Happy New Year.
Mommy took your brother to take the Caltrain from Sunnyvale to San Mateo for the very first time. Your brother loved trains, and especially, the blinking lights when the train was approaching. He had a lot of fun looking out the window, and crossing the tracks (of course, when it was safe). I think the distance was just long enough to hold his attention and to make him happy. Daddy, on the other hand, drove to pick us up at the train station. We then headed to Foster City for their Chinese New Year celebration. We saw some dancing, martial arts, had some yummy crispy chicken, and checked out different booths. We stayed for maybe an hour, and then left. It was a pretty small celebration, not as big as the Millbrae one that we went to last year. Remember you were there as well? But you slept most of the time, even with the loud music playing. Ah Gung and Ah Po were with us last year. This year, it's just Daddy, Mommy and your big brother. It definitely felt very different.
We then headed to downtown San Mateo for some Japanese food. That's our Valentine's Day/Chinese New Year meal. Valentine's day is different now that I am a mother. No more romantic dinners or dates, since it's hard to get someone to watch your brother. But it's ok, I like family time. Hey, at least Daddy got Mommy some lovely roses!
After lunch, we went shopping for some flowers for you. Did you like the flowers we got? Your brother chose that. I also picked up that little golden tiger for you and of course, a heart for Valentine's Day. At first, I planned to get you a big balloon, but because I procrastinated, I didn't end up getting it. Next time, I should just buy things when I see them, instead of waiting. Sorry we didn't get to stay too long, as your brother was getting tired and cranky. It's been a long day.
Now we're preparing for our housewarming party. We are pretty furnished, but didn't really decorate the house much. Both Mommy and Daddy are not really the artistic type, and with our tendency to procrastinate, we probably won't be able to decorate the whole house until...maybe 5 years from now?
Miss you,
Mommy
The Winner Is....
Dear Logan,
After touring all the schools and attending a dozen open houses, we have finally decided on the school that we want your brother to go to. And the Winner is... Monticello Academy. However, the pre-K class at the Lochnivar campus (main campus) is totally full and with a wait-list already. So, we enrolled your brother at their preschool location on Monroe, which is much closer to our home. The Monroe location is their first location, thus it's somewhat old. The curriculum is the same as the other location. However, this is only a preschool with classes for 3-5 year olds. We're hoping after attending the Pre-K class, your brother will have priority to enroll in the kindergarten class at the main campus the following year. This is like putting the foot in the door first.
As mentioned in my previous recap, we liked Monticello Academy because it seems to have a pretty well-rounded curriculum, with fun and academics. I talked to two parents at both locations, and they were both happy with the school. We especially like that Mandarin will be offered as an extra-curriculum class starting in kindergarten. We definitely want your brother to take Mandarin classes. Hopefully, KG won't be too late for him to start.
We have already registered for the Pre-K class for this coming Fall. Hopefully, your brother will adjust well, and will grow academically. We will also sign him up for (of course, extra fee) Spanish, Music, and Gymnastics. I assume it's probably just once a week for each of the classes.
On the other hand, your brother will graduate to the Sea Lion room at CCLC (equivalent to the Pre-K class) in March. He will be in the big boy room, and thus interact with the oldest kids in the school. Luckily, his little girlfriend is transitioning with him. CCLC doesn't focus much on academics, and is more play-based. I am glad he could have some more fun at CCLC, before heading to a more academically-focused program. I do want him to have fun. After all, there are many more years of studying ahead of him.
Love,
Mommy
After touring all the schools and attending a dozen open houses, we have finally decided on the school that we want your brother to go to. And the Winner is... Monticello Academy. However, the pre-K class at the Lochnivar campus (main campus) is totally full and with a wait-list already. So, we enrolled your brother at their preschool location on Monroe, which is much closer to our home. The Monroe location is their first location, thus it's somewhat old. The curriculum is the same as the other location. However, this is only a preschool with classes for 3-5 year olds. We're hoping after attending the Pre-K class, your brother will have priority to enroll in the kindergarten class at the main campus the following year. This is like putting the foot in the door first.
As mentioned in my previous recap, we liked Monticello Academy because it seems to have a pretty well-rounded curriculum, with fun and academics. I talked to two parents at both locations, and they were both happy with the school. We especially like that Mandarin will be offered as an extra-curriculum class starting in kindergarten. We definitely want your brother to take Mandarin classes. Hopefully, KG won't be too late for him to start.
We have already registered for the Pre-K class for this coming Fall. Hopefully, your brother will adjust well, and will grow academically. We will also sign him up for (of course, extra fee) Spanish, Music, and Gymnastics. I assume it's probably just once a week for each of the classes.
On the other hand, your brother will graduate to the Sea Lion room at CCLC (equivalent to the Pre-K class) in March. He will be in the big boy room, and thus interact with the oldest kids in the school. Luckily, his little girlfriend is transitioning with him. CCLC doesn't focus much on academics, and is more play-based. I am glad he could have some more fun at CCLC, before heading to a more academically-focused program. I do want him to have fun. After all, there are many more years of studying ahead of him.
Love,
Mommy
Thursday, February 4, 2010
How does a parent choose which child to save?
Dear Logan,
I just finished watching "Private Practice". The medical story of this episode was focused on choosing which of the two sick twin girls their parents had to save. Twin girls were both sick and they were relying on their newborn brother's cord blood to do blood transfusion to save them. However, there's not enough blood to save both of them, and the girls' parents had to choose who to save. How do you decide who to save? It's such an agonizing episode.
The episode reminded me of a conversation I had with Daddy and Grandma, and also inside my head when you were sick. I remember thinking by letting you go, I was choosing your brother over you. It appeared that by letting you go, life would be easier because I didn't have to deal with home-care nurses taking care of your overnight. We wouldn't be tied down at home because you would require a lot of attention, and we wouldn't have to worry about your tracheostomy, or medication, or doctor visits. These were such horrible thoughts. I knew that's not the case. I knew by letting you go, was to relieve you from all pain and suffering. By letting you go was not the easier choice. By letting you go, we were not choosing one son over another. But why did it still hurt when all these feelings were brought up when I was watching this episode?
It's been 9.5 months since you left us. On one hand, it felt like you have left us for a long time, as life has settled down and we have moved on with our lives. On the other hand, I could remember all that has happened 9.5 months ago. It felt like it was yesterday when we had to make the most difficult decision of our lives. We might have moved on with our lives, but you are still definitely in our hearts.
Love and Miss you,
Mommy
Monday, February 1, 2010
St. C Open House
Dear Logan,
The last school that we checked out last weekend was St. C. This school is a little farther away, but still in Sunnyvale. We first went into the Preschool/Pre-K room. Both rooms are decent-sized and brightly lit. Aidan was immediately attracted to the school bus in the little kids room. He didn't want to go over to the Pre-K room. Hank mentioned his nose was allergic to something when he was in the preschool room, and wondered if it was mold. Not a good sign! I talked to both Pre-K teachers, who are nice and young-looking. I got a feeling that the class is not academically-focused. I believe they follow the Montessori style of teaching. Not that it's a bad thing, but I think we're looking for more focus on academics.
They have music class once a week, Spanish once a week, computer class once every 2 weeks. there's a computer lab that the kids could go to. They have 3-4 field trips a year, Christmas pageants and performances. I think the curriculum is very similar to what Aidan is doing right now at CCLC. We didn't stay too long in this room, as we're running out of time already. We wanted to be able to go to the KG room.
We were escorted by the Vice Principal, who also teaches science and computer. The Vice Principal seems like a pretty young guy. He showed us the computer lab and the library, which I like. I spent a decent amount of time talking to the Kg teacher. She looks like she's my age, and appears very enthusiastic about teaching.
There are about 16-22 kids with 1 teacher and 1 part-time aide (shared with 1st grade). They have computer class once a week (30 mins), PE twice a week (30 mins), Spanish once a week (30 mins), Art once a week (50 mins) and music once a week (30 mins). They also teach religion everyday, and go to mass once a month. Religion appears to be a big part of the school curriculum. Classes are from 8-2:50 p.m. and then extended care. Before Christmas, kids all have nap/rest time. But after Christmas, they won't be able to nap anymore.
Kids are taught to read and write 1-2 sentences, and there are a bunch of sight words posted on the wall. They use a language arts program (phonics) from day 1. They also teach addition and subtraction within 1-10. The first couple hours in the morning are ability groups, when teacher can work 1:1 with students to improve their reading. Students have homework every Monday to bring home, and bring them back to school on Friday. There isn't any formal tests, but assessment of how they are doing.
There are about 1 field trip a month, except in the beginning of the school year when they're trying to learn the basic rules and schedules.
This school is OK, but I don't think it's one of the top ones, though I like the KG teacher.
What do you think, Logan?
Love,
Mommy
The last school that we checked out last weekend was St. C. This school is a little farther away, but still in Sunnyvale. We first went into the Preschool/Pre-K room. Both rooms are decent-sized and brightly lit. Aidan was immediately attracted to the school bus in the little kids room. He didn't want to go over to the Pre-K room. Hank mentioned his nose was allergic to something when he was in the preschool room, and wondered if it was mold. Not a good sign! I talked to both Pre-K teachers, who are nice and young-looking. I got a feeling that the class is not academically-focused. I believe they follow the Montessori style of teaching. Not that it's a bad thing, but I think we're looking for more focus on academics.
They have music class once a week, Spanish once a week, computer class once every 2 weeks. there's a computer lab that the kids could go to. They have 3-4 field trips a year, Christmas pageants and performances. I think the curriculum is very similar to what Aidan is doing right now at CCLC. We didn't stay too long in this room, as we're running out of time already. We wanted to be able to go to the KG room.
We were escorted by the Vice Principal, who also teaches science and computer. The Vice Principal seems like a pretty young guy. He showed us the computer lab and the library, which I like. I spent a decent amount of time talking to the Kg teacher. She looks like she's my age, and appears very enthusiastic about teaching.
There are about 16-22 kids with 1 teacher and 1 part-time aide (shared with 1st grade). They have computer class once a week (30 mins), PE twice a week (30 mins), Spanish once a week (30 mins), Art once a week (50 mins) and music once a week (30 mins). They also teach religion everyday, and go to mass once a month. Religion appears to be a big part of the school curriculum. Classes are from 8-2:50 p.m. and then extended care. Before Christmas, kids all have nap/rest time. But after Christmas, they won't be able to nap anymore.
Kids are taught to read and write 1-2 sentences, and there are a bunch of sight words posted on the wall. They use a language arts program (phonics) from day 1. They also teach addition and subtraction within 1-10. The first couple hours in the morning are ability groups, when teacher can work 1:1 with students to improve their reading. Students have homework every Monday to bring home, and bring them back to school on Friday. There isn't any formal tests, but assessment of how they are doing.
There are about 1 field trip a month, except in the beginning of the school year when they're trying to learn the basic rules and schedules.
This school is OK, but I don't think it's one of the top ones, though I like the KG teacher.
What do you think, Logan?
Love,
Mommy
St. L Open House
Dear Logan,
Continuing with my series of blog posts regarding the open houses, the next one is St. L. This Catholic school is the closest to our house. This school actually goes up to high school. The campus isn't and as all Catholic schools, the campus is on the older side.
We were first escorted by a member of the student council to the Extended Care room. But for the first 15 minutes, I thought that was the Pre-K room. Then it dawned on my after questioning the teachers for a while that it's not! The extended care room is pretty big, but the toys that they had there were all very old. Granted, Aidan still had a good time playing with the cars and trucks that he saw.
When we went to the Pre-K room, we saw a few bunnies outside. It's nice to see live animals, especially when you're teaching about them in science class. There are actually two rooms for the one Pre-K class. One of the rooms is open to other students, and the little ones get to interact with the older kids. However, they only offer a half-day Pre-K class from 8-11:15 and the rest of the time, Aidan would have to be in extended care. That's already a "NO" in my book. That's just not enough class time, and too much downtime. They have Music class (Mon), Library time (Tue/Th), Mass every Wed morning, and PE (Th).
The teacher said the first half of the day is spent on Math, putting numbers in order, learning dates of the month and their birthdays. The second half of the day will be reading and learning the alphabet, and associate words with the letter. The teachers acknowledged that students come in at different level, and they will work with students with different abilities in different groups, so the advanced ones won't be bored. They also accept Open Enrollment throughout the year, provided there's a spot for the student.
We toured the garden at the back where the students have planted carrots. The teacher said the Boy Scouts helped with the project.
We then headed over to the KG room. We saw brand new computer screen where the chalk board was. The teachers said they just got this SMART screen last week. It did some really cool stuff. We also saw some "fake snow" that a couple kids were playing with. I couldn't tell from the texture what kind of snow that is. We didn't notice they have the whole Penguin theme going on in the classroom. There were 5 laptops there, and Aidan of course sat himself down and played with it. The teacher was nice enough to log on and let Aidan play, while I asked more questions. The students use the laptop for reading and math programs, and they do assessment on the kids using them.
There are about 31-36 students in the class with 3 teachers. Actually, I think the room is a little small for that many students. Class is from 8-3, and then extended care until 6. There's a kitchen in the school, where students could order lunch the day of. The teacher also said there's a volunteer who comes in on Fridays to teach a cooking class. There are other classes taught by outside teachers, such as Spanish, Music, Art and PE. There are 3 field trips a year (see a play, pizza parlor, park). On the teacher/class website, it will show what they are doing for the week, and the teacher welcomes emails or talk in person. There's homework to be given out every Monday, and they're expected to complete them and bring back to school on Friday. Informal assessments are done every month, and a report card 3x/year.
Students are expected to be able to read and write 3 sentences, and be able to do addition and subtraction by the end of the school year.
I get a good vibe from all the teachers, but I just don't like the Pre-K is only half day. The campus also seems a little small with all the students around. However, I do like that they invested on technology with the new SMART screen in all the KG and Grade level classrooms. I think the middle school kids all get a laptop as well.
Love you,
Mommy
Continuing with my series of blog posts regarding the open houses, the next one is St. L. This Catholic school is the closest to our house. This school actually goes up to high school. The campus isn't and as all Catholic schools, the campus is on the older side.
We were first escorted by a member of the student council to the Extended Care room. But for the first 15 minutes, I thought that was the Pre-K room. Then it dawned on my after questioning the teachers for a while that it's not! The extended care room is pretty big, but the toys that they had there were all very old. Granted, Aidan still had a good time playing with the cars and trucks that he saw.
When we went to the Pre-K room, we saw a few bunnies outside. It's nice to see live animals, especially when you're teaching about them in science class. There are actually two rooms for the one Pre-K class. One of the rooms is open to other students, and the little ones get to interact with the older kids. However, they only offer a half-day Pre-K class from 8-11:15 and the rest of the time, Aidan would have to be in extended care. That's already a "NO" in my book. That's just not enough class time, and too much downtime. They have Music class (Mon), Library time (Tue/Th), Mass every Wed morning, and PE (Th).
The teacher said the first half of the day is spent on Math, putting numbers in order, learning dates of the month and their birthdays. The second half of the day will be reading and learning the alphabet, and associate words with the letter. The teachers acknowledged that students come in at different level, and they will work with students with different abilities in different groups, so the advanced ones won't be bored. They also accept Open Enrollment throughout the year, provided there's a spot for the student.
We toured the garden at the back where the students have planted carrots. The teacher said the Boy Scouts helped with the project.
We then headed over to the KG room. We saw brand new computer screen where the chalk board was. The teachers said they just got this SMART screen last week. It did some really cool stuff. We also saw some "fake snow" that a couple kids were playing with. I couldn't tell from the texture what kind of snow that is. We didn't notice they have the whole Penguin theme going on in the classroom. There were 5 laptops there, and Aidan of course sat himself down and played with it. The teacher was nice enough to log on and let Aidan play, while I asked more questions. The students use the laptop for reading and math programs, and they do assessment on the kids using them.
There are about 31-36 students in the class with 3 teachers. Actually, I think the room is a little small for that many students. Class is from 8-3, and then extended care until 6. There's a kitchen in the school, where students could order lunch the day of. The teacher also said there's a volunteer who comes in on Fridays to teach a cooking class. There are other classes taught by outside teachers, such as Spanish, Music, Art and PE. There are 3 field trips a year (see a play, pizza parlor, park). On the teacher/class website, it will show what they are doing for the week, and the teacher welcomes emails or talk in person. There's homework to be given out every Monday, and they're expected to complete them and bring back to school on Friday. Informal assessments are done every month, and a report card 3x/year.
Students are expected to be able to read and write 3 sentences, and be able to do addition and subtraction by the end of the school year.
I get a good vibe from all the teachers, but I just don't like the Pre-K is only half day. The campus also seems a little small with all the students around. However, I do like that they invested on technology with the new SMART screen in all the KG and Grade level classrooms. I think the middle school kids all get a laptop as well.
Love you,
Mommy
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