From Kailei's Timeline at School

Kailei-ism's

I told Kailei she could not have a to-go cup of sprite in my car because she doesn't have a very good reputation. Insulted she said, "Heeyyy, I don't know what that means, but Heeyyy."

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At one point in a conversation Zeb said I was"no fun." Kailei came to my defense and said, "She's fun. Not as fun as playing games with me, but she can be fun."

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I sang Kailei the Oscar Meyer wiener song from long ago commercials and,after I was done she said "I'm tearing up Mom." Apparently my amazing voice brought her to tears 

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Me: "Have you made a decision about dance yet?"

Kailei; "Mom, I've been busy. I was sleeping. I had work. I had to have fun. I can't make a decision while I'm having fun." 

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Me; "That was very thoughtful you bought something for your cousin with your own money. "
Kailei: "Just doing what cousins do." 

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I was talking to Kailei about stereotypes and I used the example that some people assume red heads get angry easily. She said, "That's not true. If it was Dad would be a redhead." 

Cirque du Soleil... Amaluna

Today was a treat for the girls and I. We got to go see Cirque du Soleil in downtown Denver. Went with friends Britt, Sheryl and the girls. Every time I looked over at Kailei, her jaw was dropped. I think she was amazed by it all. In fact, everyone was. Sure fun to be able to go see such artistry.

Party Time

Today we celebrated Kailei and Sydney's birthday. We planned on a pool party but the weather had other ideas. The girls got to swim for about 30 minutes before we had to head out due to lightening.  Everyone just convened at my house and we enjoyed Chinese and cupcakes and opened presents and had a good time.

Theater Date

Kailei and I went out to see Peter and the Starcatcher today. It might have been a little bit above her head but she said she had a great time so I guess that's the whole point. After the theater we went to the Spaghetti Factory and enjoyed some good food and good conversation. Always nice to spend time with my girl.

Rapids Game

After successfully completing the summer reading program, the girls got free tickets to the Rapids soccer game.  Zeb took the girls and Khiem.  Looks like they are having an awful time.

Work

160 laptops

A particularly busy start to the school year.  These arrived at my doorstep on Thursday.  So much to do, so little time.  Even had Nic and Keara in to help me, along with my wonderful staff.  Over 400 new computers to set up.  Whew!

Keara's version of helping.

Express Yourself

CCAI holds a workshop every once in a while called Express Yourself. It is two weekends with kids that have been adopted where they can just get together and talk about what life is like being in America and what life is like being Chinese. Kailei loves to go. This is her fourth time going but she enjoys it. This time she even had friends Emily, Lily and Catie in the group which might have meant just a big play date or maybe a comfortable environment in which they could talk.

While the kids were away the moms decided to have a get together for themselves. We took a walk and we had a very long and enjoyable lunch. Hope we get to do it again.

The "Teacher Mom"

Dearest Teacher-Moms,

It’s okay. It’s okay that you work. You’re making money to support your family, and you’re teaching children important skills. It’s okay that sometimes you resent your students because you spend more time with them than your own baby. It’s alright that you sometimes see a student that looks like your own child and you want to dissolve into a puddle of tears. It’s totally okay that you carry your iPhone around just in case your child care provider needs you. You have a thousand baby pictures on the bulletin board? Me too.

It’s okay that you aren’t college-skinny anymore. It’s okay that putting makeup on feels like a chore, and blow drying your hair is so annoying you just want to shave your head. It’s totally okay that you are wearing maternity pants to avoid the muffin top. Nobody will notice that your top has a smudge of spit up. Is alright that you donated all of your pre pregnancy clothes to charity because seeing them makes you want to cry and eat an entire cake. You look good, trust me. You are a mother now. Think of that chubby little baby grinning at you. Smile.

Guess what? It’s okay that you didn’t really write lesson plans this week. Nobody needs to know that they are last weeks’ lesson plans with this weeks’ date. You’re doing a writing activity that isn’t aligned to the Common Core? I won’t tell. You get to school at your contracted time and leave at the contracted time? It’s cool. Teachers who know what they’re doing can multi task and you’re a rock star at that. You know that snotty teacher whose classroom looks like Pinterest exploded? You know how she rolls her eyes when you miss a day for a sick baby, and thinks you should stay until six every night? She’s a snob, and her perfection must be exhausting. Smile at her and go about your business.

Don’t worry about cleaning and chores at home. It’s totally okay that you have re-washed the same load twice because you forgot to put it in the dryer. It’s really fine with me that your baby’s clothes aren’t color coded and arranged by size. Nobody needs to know that sometimes you just take the clean bottles out of the dishwasher, and run it again. It’s cool that your attempt at a gallery wall is only half finished and has been that way for three months.

I won’t tell the world that you let your baby stay up later just because you want extra snuggles. It’s okay if you think the cry it out method is hateful and mean. I like to comfort and snuggle my baby too. Don’t worry about the toy disaster downstairs. It was fun playing with them, wasn’t it?

Listen friends, you’re okay. Your baby has a professional mommy who is working to make a wonderful life for him or her! Your baby is well fed, dressed in clean clothes, has lots of toys, and knows that you love him. Your baby knows that you always come home to him. You are the world to that chunky little bundle of love. Put Sesame Street on for the baby, put your feet up, and enjoy a little glass of 4.99 Chardonnay. Don’t be so hard on your baby’s mommy.

Love,
Gretchen

First Day of School for Kailei - 4th Grade

Middle School!!!!

New Haircut for School

My Beautiful Girls

White Fence Farm

Decided on one last hurrah before our summer draws to a close and school begins. Headed out to the White Fence Farm. We've been there before but the kids don't always remember as parents know. It is a great place to have a family style chicken dinner, walk around and enjoy the animals and beautiful grounds. We really had a great time being together.

Dance

So for the last four weeks Kailei has been attending dance camp. It was a last minute decision to attend but we figured she likes to dance so why not. Apparently at camp they also auditioned for one of the dance teams at her dance school and she made it. She is officially a "Razzle". 

So as part of the dance team Kailei will be dancing six hours a week every week until competition season which begins in February. She will dance a lyrical, tap and jazz number in competition. I think it'll be fun, expensive, but fun.

Birthday Party No. 1

Today we celebrated Anika and Kailei's birthday. Mitch and Lieu hosted and as usual we feasted on amazing Vietnamese and American food. Grandma came up for the weekend which made it very special. Everybody had a great time. More parties to come later this month.

Heritage Camp

You know Heritage Camp is coming because it's 90° in Colorado and it's always hot at heritage camp. Both Kailei and Keara attended this year as well as our friends the Trautman's which makes it fun.  I think they're having a good time. The theme this year is belonging. As you have heard me say many times before, the counselors are so great and priceless role models for all the children.  I've really enjoyed being here myself as well.  Always a good time.