Dear Logan,
I spent all morning yesterday running around at Kaiser like a crazy woman. First of all, I had an appointment with my new PCP. Then, I headed over to the lab thinking I should get all the blood tests done, but wasn't able to do so as I had to fast for 12 hrs first. Doh! I then went over to Pediatrics to drop off the school forms for your brother's pediatrician to sign. Next, I went over to the Optometry department to set up an appointment for a future check-up in regards to the allergies in my eyes. It's so troublesome that because of insurance policies and to lower my cost, I had to bounce between my regular optometrist and the Kaiser one. I couldn't wear my usual contacts still because the little bumps under my eyelids came back after I started wearing again. I have to continue with my eye drop treatment, then see the Kaiser optometrist to see if I am cleared to try out these new 1-Day contacts that my other optometrist gave me. Hopefully, I am only allergic to this one brand of contact lenses and not all. I can't stand wearing my eyeglasses all the time, and can't afford Lasik at the moment.
Anyways, after scheduling an appointment at the Optometry department, I headed over to Ob/Gyn to schedule an appointment. I was lucky enough to get an appointment an hour later, so I just sat and waited. Thank god for my phone, if not I would have been bored to death waiting for that hour. Actually, I was seen within the hour.
Both the PCP and OB/GYN are new, and they both seemed nice. Even though I've been with Kaiser for 11 years, I never developed any relationships with my doctors. I guess the most that I've seen was my last Ob/Gyn, since I had two pregnancies. But starting off with new doctors, also meant that I had to tell them all about my history, esp. in regards to you and my genetic tests results.
Most of the time when talking about you, I would be fine. But yesterday when I had to talk to my doctors about you again, I got choked up and had to hold back my tears. I'm not over it yet. It still hurts deep down. It doesn't help that everything happened at this particular Kaiser, and our family would be going to for a while, unless we change our medical insurance.
My Kaiser trips are not over yet. I went back this afternoon for a little lecture on Snoring and Obstructive Sleeping Disorder. Of course, this also brought back memories of the time we spent at the Sleep clinic where you were hooked up to all these monitors. I have opted to try out the take-home sleep study to see how bad my sleep apnea is. So, I'll be back to Kaiser for at least 2 more trips before my vacation is over.
Miss you,
Mommy
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
It's going to be a very different learning experience...
Dear Logan,
Mommy accompanied your brother to his new school today for his first trial day before officially starting on September 1. All in all, I think Aidan enjoyed the new school as he didn't want to leave at around lunch time. We will be back tomorrow afternoon, and he will do another trial day without my presence.
This school is very different from CCLC. CCLC is a play-based program, and from what I saw, all the kids played most of the day, and academics are introduced through play. If I had wanted Aidan to learn more, I would have to pay extra for it, which I didn't. In a way, I was glad that Aidan started out at CCLC, where he got to socialize, play, have fun, and actually be a kid. Because at his new school, everything will be different.
We got to school at 9:30 a.m., and the kids were about to start their first of three circle time of the day, Language skills. Aidan joined in without problem, but was definitely confused when they were reciting the Pledge of Allegiance (I think?). I was speaking with a teacher at the time,. who was introducing me to the different binders, cubbies, etc, while Aidan joined in the fun. At the circle time, the teacher reviewed the letters of the alphabet and the sounds made by each letter. No problem there, as Aidan knew all of his letters, and has learned the sounds at CCLC. However, when they started playing Bingo, this was when I think Aidan was a little lost. Instead of the teacher reading out the picture and the kids put a cube on the their bingo cards indicating the picture, the teacher just gave out the sound of the first letter of the picture. For example, if the picture is a fish, the teacher would say "Fffff", the students would have to determine what letter makes that sounds, then look at their cards to look for the picture of an object/animal that starts with the letter "F". I was sitting away, so I wasn't sure how Aidan did. If I could explain the instructions to him personally before it started, he might have done better. However, it's towards the end of the school year, and I am sure the kids have played this game before. I was actually proud of Aidan for sitting down criss-cross apple sauce quietly for the whole 45 minutes.
After circle time, it's free play time where different stations were open for the students to choose. Aidan was immediately attracted by the dramatic play, kitchen and cars/trucks stations. I was not surprised that he was far away from the tables set up for painting and puzzles. Aidan was offered to have some snacks at the snack table, but he declined. When the teacher turned off the lights, the students immediately stopped what they were doing and put their hands on their heads. This signaled that it's time to clean up. Aidan was alarmed and possibly a little scared, as he wasn't sure what was happening. I, myself, was a little confused, too. Seems a little too drastic to get the kids to clean up, but I guess that's the best way to get their attention. All the children knew what to do, and started cleaning up. Aidan helped out as well.
Now it's the time for the second circle time of the day, Math Skills. Aidan had no problem with the calendar (month, day, and date) and was able to recognize all the numbers. Students came out in pairs to locate the card with the correct number, and the teacher also tested them in locating the number before and after the given number, and locating the number that is larger or smaller. Aidan has always been very good with numbers, so he has no difficulty in participating.
Because of the large class size, even though the ratio is 1:10 (3 teachers and about 30 kids), I felt that it was difficult to engage all the kids and to keep them interested during the long sessions of circle time. Each teacher was in charge of each circle time, and the other two teachers started preparing for open activities/snacks/decorating. So that means the ratio became 1:30 during circle time. It took a lot longer to get to each of the students for questions and games, thus, some kids got bored and started fidgeting and talking. If Aidan were to come here when he's only 4 yrs old, I am sure he wouldn't be able to sit still during circle time. But at 4.5 yrs old, I think he's old enough to really pay attention and learn. I was so proud of him that he was able to sit still for so long.
After the second circle time, it was outside play time. Some kids brought their swim wear, as it was sprinkler/water play day. Perfect time as it's very hot today. Aidan was running around in the playground (bigger than CCLC), and was a little lost and confused in the beginning. He eventually shot some hoops, dragged a wagon around, and then sat down on the bench with two other kids. Outside play seemed to be only 15-20 mins, and then the kids went in to prepare for lunch. It seemed to be a little too short for the kids to run around and use up some of their energy. They have another outdoor play time at the end of the day.
Nap is from 1- 3p.m., which is the same at CCLC. Then it would be the third circle time, Social Studies. Then snacks and more indoor play, and outdoor play.
We left at around noon. Aidan wanted to stay, but I explained to him that he would be back tomorrow. He said his goodbyes, and off we went to his favorite restaurant, The Pasta Market.
Overall, I think Aidan would be fine at the new school. I think I am just more concerned about the transition. I chose this school because it's more academically focused than CCLC, but now that I really sat in the class, I became worried. There's homework to take home everyday, and I am not sure how Aidan would do. He's at the age that he likes school, and likes to learn. I just wish such eagerness to learn will continue for a long time. He will have to do a lot of homework from now on.
Tomorrow, he will be on his own. I still need to talk to Daddy about the drop-off and pick-up schedule. It's easiest for Daddy to drop off and pick up as his work is closer to school. But I want to be able to talk to the teacher and know how Aidan is doing as well. I might need to change my work schedule to 8:30-4:30, and leave me 1.5 hrs to get to school to pick him up by 6. We'll see.
Love you,
Mommy
Mommy accompanied your brother to his new school today for his first trial day before officially starting on September 1. All in all, I think Aidan enjoyed the new school as he didn't want to leave at around lunch time. We will be back tomorrow afternoon, and he will do another trial day without my presence.
This school is very different from CCLC. CCLC is a play-based program, and from what I saw, all the kids played most of the day, and academics are introduced through play. If I had wanted Aidan to learn more, I would have to pay extra for it, which I didn't. In a way, I was glad that Aidan started out at CCLC, where he got to socialize, play, have fun, and actually be a kid. Because at his new school, everything will be different.
We got to school at 9:30 a.m., and the kids were about to start their first of three circle time of the day, Language skills. Aidan joined in without problem, but was definitely confused when they were reciting the Pledge of Allegiance (I think?). I was speaking with a teacher at the time,. who was introducing me to the different binders, cubbies, etc, while Aidan joined in the fun. At the circle time, the teacher reviewed the letters of the alphabet and the sounds made by each letter. No problem there, as Aidan knew all of his letters, and has learned the sounds at CCLC. However, when they started playing Bingo, this was when I think Aidan was a little lost. Instead of the teacher reading out the picture and the kids put a cube on the their bingo cards indicating the picture, the teacher just gave out the sound of the first letter of the picture. For example, if the picture is a fish, the teacher would say "Fffff", the students would have to determine what letter makes that sounds, then look at their cards to look for the picture of an object/animal that starts with the letter "F". I was sitting away, so I wasn't sure how Aidan did. If I could explain the instructions to him personally before it started, he might have done better. However, it's towards the end of the school year, and I am sure the kids have played this game before. I was actually proud of Aidan for sitting down criss-cross apple sauce quietly for the whole 45 minutes.
After circle time, it's free play time where different stations were open for the students to choose. Aidan was immediately attracted by the dramatic play, kitchen and cars/trucks stations. I was not surprised that he was far away from the tables set up for painting and puzzles. Aidan was offered to have some snacks at the snack table, but he declined. When the teacher turned off the lights, the students immediately stopped what they were doing and put their hands on their heads. This signaled that it's time to clean up. Aidan was alarmed and possibly a little scared, as he wasn't sure what was happening. I, myself, was a little confused, too. Seems a little too drastic to get the kids to clean up, but I guess that's the best way to get their attention. All the children knew what to do, and started cleaning up. Aidan helped out as well.
Now it's the time for the second circle time of the day, Math Skills. Aidan had no problem with the calendar (month, day, and date) and was able to recognize all the numbers. Students came out in pairs to locate the card with the correct number, and the teacher also tested them in locating the number before and after the given number, and locating the number that is larger or smaller. Aidan has always been very good with numbers, so he has no difficulty in participating.
Because of the large class size, even though the ratio is 1:10 (3 teachers and about 30 kids), I felt that it was difficult to engage all the kids and to keep them interested during the long sessions of circle time. Each teacher was in charge of each circle time, and the other two teachers started preparing for open activities/snacks/decorating. So that means the ratio became 1:30 during circle time. It took a lot longer to get to each of the students for questions and games, thus, some kids got bored and started fidgeting and talking. If Aidan were to come here when he's only 4 yrs old, I am sure he wouldn't be able to sit still during circle time. But at 4.5 yrs old, I think he's old enough to really pay attention and learn. I was so proud of him that he was able to sit still for so long.
After the second circle time, it was outside play time. Some kids brought their swim wear, as it was sprinkler/water play day. Perfect time as it's very hot today. Aidan was running around in the playground (bigger than CCLC), and was a little lost and confused in the beginning. He eventually shot some hoops, dragged a wagon around, and then sat down on the bench with two other kids. Outside play seemed to be only 15-20 mins, and then the kids went in to prepare for lunch. It seemed to be a little too short for the kids to run around and use up some of their energy. They have another outdoor play time at the end of the day.
Nap is from 1- 3p.m., which is the same at CCLC. Then it would be the third circle time, Social Studies. Then snacks and more indoor play, and outdoor play.
We left at around noon. Aidan wanted to stay, but I explained to him that he would be back tomorrow. He said his goodbyes, and off we went to his favorite restaurant, The Pasta Market.
Overall, I think Aidan would be fine at the new school. I think I am just more concerned about the transition. I chose this school because it's more academically focused than CCLC, but now that I really sat in the class, I became worried. There's homework to take home everyday, and I am not sure how Aidan would do. He's at the age that he likes school, and likes to learn. I just wish such eagerness to learn will continue for a long time. He will have to do a lot of homework from now on.
Tomorrow, he will be on his own. I still need to talk to Daddy about the drop-off and pick-up schedule. It's easiest for Daddy to drop off and pick up as his work is closer to school. But I want to be able to talk to the teacher and know how Aidan is doing as well. I might need to change my work schedule to 8:30-4:30, and leave me 1.5 hrs to get to school to pick him up by 6. We'll see.
Love you,
Mommy
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Grandaunt's passing
Dear Logan,
As I told you that Ah Gung and Ah Po's trip was cut short, it was because of your grandaunt's passing (Ah Gung's older sister). We received the news when we're in Los Angeles, bright early at 3:30 a.m. I received a phone call from Macau about this news. It was definitely a shock, and has changed the mood and the stress level for the remaining of our trip in LA and in Vegas.
Grandaunt has no children, and we're her only family. Before Ah Gung and Ah Po came to visit, they have tried to persuade Grandaunt to install some kind of Life Alert system. She lived alone, and after her last fall in her apartment without anyone knowing, Ah Gung took her to the hospital, and really tried to prevent a similar situation from happening again. Unfortunately, Grandaunt didn't want to have the Life Alert system and barely turned on the cell phone that Ah Gung got her. That's exactly what happened to her. She fell in her apartment and nobody knew about it.
Ah Gung was stuck in a very difficult situation. Should he cancel the trip right away and fly back to Macau? Should Grandaunt #2 just go ahead to get things done in Macau? Let's just say Ah Gung and her two sisters have a very complicated family history. We tried to call the airline to see if we could change their flights, but it was Sunday and the reservations line was closed. When we finally got through, we didn't have the e-ticket number with us to change the reservations, since the information is at home and not with us on our trip.
We struggled back and forth with the ticket number, calling Macau back and forth, being in Las Vegas and not having all the paperwork at hand. Finally, we're able to change the plane tickets. Ah Gung and Ah Po would leave the same time as Uncle Carlos and Auntie Mena on Saturday. They originally were going to stay until the end of the month, so that I could go back to work and not worried about childcare, as your brother doesn't start school until Sept 1. But now that they're leaving earlier, I had to extend my vacation. Luckily, work was understanding and granted the extension.
I didn't think anyone fully enjoyed the rest of the trip after knowing of Grandaunt's passing. We're all stressing about the plane tickets, details of the funeral, finances, yet trying to have fun. I don't think anyone had the time to properly mourn the death of my aunt.
Now that everyone is gone, they will be busy preparing for the memorial service and the funeral. Luckily, Granduncle and Grandaunt #7 were assisting and representing us, in conjunction with the effort of Grandaunt #2 (Ah Gung's other sister). I wish I could do more to help, physically and financially, but I can't.
I hope everything goes well. This is a sudden and stressful situation.
You never had the chance to meet your Grandaunt, but maybe you will see her in heaven. If you see her, tell her I said "Hi" and thank her for all the support she gave me during my college years. I owed my college education to her.
Love you,
Mommy
As I told you that Ah Gung and Ah Po's trip was cut short, it was because of your grandaunt's passing (Ah Gung's older sister). We received the news when we're in Los Angeles, bright early at 3:30 a.m. I received a phone call from Macau about this news. It was definitely a shock, and has changed the mood and the stress level for the remaining of our trip in LA and in Vegas.
Grandaunt has no children, and we're her only family. Before Ah Gung and Ah Po came to visit, they have tried to persuade Grandaunt to install some kind of Life Alert system. She lived alone, and after her last fall in her apartment without anyone knowing, Ah Gung took her to the hospital, and really tried to prevent a similar situation from happening again. Unfortunately, Grandaunt didn't want to have the Life Alert system and barely turned on the cell phone that Ah Gung got her. That's exactly what happened to her. She fell in her apartment and nobody knew about it.
Ah Gung was stuck in a very difficult situation. Should he cancel the trip right away and fly back to Macau? Should Grandaunt #2 just go ahead to get things done in Macau? Let's just say Ah Gung and her two sisters have a very complicated family history. We tried to call the airline to see if we could change their flights, but it was Sunday and the reservations line was closed. When we finally got through, we didn't have the e-ticket number with us to change the reservations, since the information is at home and not with us on our trip.
We struggled back and forth with the ticket number, calling Macau back and forth, being in Las Vegas and not having all the paperwork at hand. Finally, we're able to change the plane tickets. Ah Gung and Ah Po would leave the same time as Uncle Carlos and Auntie Mena on Saturday. They originally were going to stay until the end of the month, so that I could go back to work and not worried about childcare, as your brother doesn't start school until Sept 1. But now that they're leaving earlier, I had to extend my vacation. Luckily, work was understanding and granted the extension.
I didn't think anyone fully enjoyed the rest of the trip after knowing of Grandaunt's passing. We're all stressing about the plane tickets, details of the funeral, finances, yet trying to have fun. I don't think anyone had the time to properly mourn the death of my aunt.
Now that everyone is gone, they will be busy preparing for the memorial service and the funeral. Luckily, Granduncle and Grandaunt #7 were assisting and representing us, in conjunction with the effort of Grandaunt #2 (Ah Gung's other sister). I wish I could do more to help, physically and financially, but I can't.
I hope everything goes well. This is a sudden and stressful situation.
You never had the chance to meet your Grandaunt, but maybe you will see her in heaven. If you see her, tell her I said "Hi" and thank her for all the support she gave me during my college years. I owed my college education to her.
Love you,
Mommy
Friday, August 20, 2010
Heartbreaking visit
Dear Logan,
Did it break your heart as well when Ah Po broke down and cried when visiting you? I guess the thought of seeing you for the last time, and not being able to visit you more often really hit her. When we first brought Ah Gung, Ah Po, Ah Yee and Kau Fu to see you, they were all calm and everything was fine. Your brother was able to break the awkwardness by singing and dancing for you. But because Ah Gung and Ah Po's trip was cut short, we had to see you one last time today before they all leave tomorrow. Ah Po couldn't hold it anymore. She just broke down and cried. Ah Gung started sobbing as well. I tried to hold it in as much as I could. Aidan saw Ah Po crying, and I think it scared him a little bit. He didn't know how to respond to the sudden change of emotions. He chose to be in Daddy's car on our way to lunch, instead of coming with me. I think he made the right choice. My ride with Ah Gung and Ah Po to our lunch place was solemn. I had to break the silence when we're close to the restaurant and informed them of our lunch options.
I'm not sure when they will be able to visit you again. But I promise Mommy and Daddy and your big brother will come as often as we could.
Love and Miss you.
Mommy
Did it break your heart as well when Ah Po broke down and cried when visiting you? I guess the thought of seeing you for the last time, and not being able to visit you more often really hit her. When we first brought Ah Gung, Ah Po, Ah Yee and Kau Fu to see you, they were all calm and everything was fine. Your brother was able to break the awkwardness by singing and dancing for you. But because Ah Gung and Ah Po's trip was cut short, we had to see you one last time today before they all leave tomorrow. Ah Po couldn't hold it anymore. She just broke down and cried. Ah Gung started sobbing as well. I tried to hold it in as much as I could. Aidan saw Ah Po crying, and I think it scared him a little bit. He didn't know how to respond to the sudden change of emotions. He chose to be in Daddy's car on our way to lunch, instead of coming with me. I think he made the right choice. My ride with Ah Gung and Ah Po to our lunch place was solemn. I had to break the silence when we're close to the restaurant and informed them of our lunch options.
I'm not sure when they will be able to visit you again. But I promise Mommy and Daddy and your big brother will come as often as we could.
Love and Miss you.
Mommy
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