September 7, 2007
Visit to Daniela’s Home
Lydia had two main activities of the day. The first, which occurred in the morning, was a visit to Daniela Sara Tejada’s home. After I rang the doorbell, Erika, Daniela’s mom, opened the door, and Lydia instantly recognized that a big dog (an adult black Labrador) lived there too. Lydia approached the dog slowly and gently touched its fur.
Lydia next saw Danny, Daniela’s father, and then she reacquainted herself with Daniela, Danny’s and Erika’s two and a half months old daughter. At Daniela’s tender age, she requires a lot of sleep. When we arrived at 9:45 AM, Daniela’s eyes were about 75 % open, and over the next thirty minutes, she gradually shut them as she fell asleep.
While I was taking pictures of Daniela Sara as she slumbered in the living room, Daniela’s parents, Daniel and Erika, were playing with Lydia. Erika opened one of Daniela’s toys for Lydia, a rubber ball that made sounds, which held Lydia’s attention for a few minutes. Later Danny gave Lydia some pillows to play with, and this occupied her for about a half an hour, and then Danny showed Lydia how to pull a light switch on a floor lamp that would turn the lamp on and off, something which fascinated Lydia for another half an hour.
Daniela awoke after napping soundly for an hour. After she awoke, Lydia touched her gently and hugged her. At 11:30 AM, we left Danny, Erika, and Daniela as we returned home for a quick lunch before the afternoon’s main event.
Swimming Lesson # 1
Al and Florence Crane rode in the car with us to the pool for Lydia’s first swimming lesson. Along with seven other children and their mothers, Lydia experienced the Lazy River part of the Mountlake Terrace Pool in the first of seven lessons for Tots. The first exercise was one in which Lydia’s head laid on my right shoulder with me supporting her torso with my hands as I backpedaled in the pool. The purpose of this activity is to teach Lydia the basics of floating in the water. The next lesson was singing “Old MacDonald Had a Pool” with the other parents. Then as various animals were named, such as duck and fish, in the song, the instructor asked the parents to move and position their children in certain ways to get them accustomed to moving in the water. The final lesson of the day involved small inflatable balls that were about 3 inches in diameter. While holding their child’s waist, allowing their child to stretch out his arms in the water, and then walking in the pool, the parent was instructed to toss the ball a short distance in front of the child so that the child would reach for the ball. The half hour passed quickly. Because Al kindly photographed Lydia’s first lesson, SiowFong could see what happened even though she could not attend this event because she was working.
Friday, September 7, 2007
Photos: Playgroup with Papa
DSC_0150_largeDad helping Lydia at arts and crafts time as he is trying to assemble an oyster from various materials
DSC_0159Dad next to Lydia, who has a crown on her head today (something that all the other children have as today would be a birthday celebration for every child)
DSC_0165Dad with Lydia in his lap as they listen to Iwen Chiu, the playgroup's teacher, introduce each child
DSC_0357Daddy carrying Lydia as they post for a picture in front of the CISC sign in the first floor lobby
Note: SiowFong took all of these pictures on August 17, 2007 at the Chinese Information and Service Center in Seattle, WA.
Hello Mom !
September 7, 2007
Hello Mom !
The 2007 season of the National Football League (NFL) officially began last night in Indianapolis, Indiana with the home team, the 2006 Super Bowl Champions called the Colts, facing the New Orleans Saints. During these television broadcasts of the games, viewers occasionally see a football player who spontaneously turns to face one of the many cameras in the stadium and then says, “Hi mom!” In all the years that I have been watching NFL games on television, I have yet to hear a player utter the words, “Hi dad!” There is nobody in the world like mom.
The fact that Lydia missed her mother this morning after SiowFong left for work was clearly evident. After seeing her mom’s car pull out of the driveway and then diminishing in the distance until it disappeared entirely, Lydia became frantic. She shouted “mama. . .mommy. . .mama” and started to cry even before we reentered our home. For the next fifteen minutes, she bawled, and 2 mm in diameter spherical tears flowed down her face, wetting her pajama top. Repeatedly assuring her that mom had gone to work and would return this evening did not console her. Neither did hugs or offers of fruit. During Lydia’s crying, I intermittently wiped away her tears with fresh Kleenex. Later I hugged her again, and her emotional distress gradually subsided.
A similar, but much tamer scenario played out this afternoon after Lydia completed her two and a half hour nap at 5:00 PM. When Lydia awoke and stood in her crib in the nursery, she softly said, “mama. . .mama. . .mama”. After I carried her to the living room, she kept pointing at the front door and at the window while intermittently repeating “mama”. Ten minutes later, when Lydia heard SiowFong’s car coming up the road, I hoisted her to the living room window so that she could see her mom’s car pull into the driveway. Immediately the sad expression from her face vanished, replaced by a wide smile. When I carried Lydia downstairs to the front porch to meet SiowFong as she was ascending the outside stairs, Lydia reached out both of her arms once SiowFong was near. When SiowFong held Lydia in her arms, Lydia was beaming with joy.
Hello Mom !
The 2007 season of the National Football League (NFL) officially began last night in Indianapolis, Indiana with the home team, the 2006 Super Bowl Champions called the Colts, facing the New Orleans Saints. During these television broadcasts of the games, viewers occasionally see a football player who spontaneously turns to face one of the many cameras in the stadium and then says, “Hi mom!” In all the years that I have been watching NFL games on television, I have yet to hear a player utter the words, “Hi dad!” There is nobody in the world like mom.
The fact that Lydia missed her mother this morning after SiowFong left for work was clearly evident. After seeing her mom’s car pull out of the driveway and then diminishing in the distance until it disappeared entirely, Lydia became frantic. She shouted “mama. . .mommy. . .mama” and started to cry even before we reentered our home. For the next fifteen minutes, she bawled, and 2 mm in diameter spherical tears flowed down her face, wetting her pajama top. Repeatedly assuring her that mom had gone to work and would return this evening did not console her. Neither did hugs or offers of fruit. During Lydia’s crying, I intermittently wiped away her tears with fresh Kleenex. Later I hugged her again, and her emotional distress gradually subsided.
A similar, but much tamer scenario played out this afternoon after Lydia completed her two and a half hour nap at 5:00 PM. When Lydia awoke and stood in her crib in the nursery, she softly said, “mama. . .mama. . .mama”. After I carried her to the living room, she kept pointing at the front door and at the window while intermittently repeating “mama”. Ten minutes later, when Lydia heard SiowFong’s car coming up the road, I hoisted her to the living room window so that she could see her mom’s car pull into the driveway. Immediately the sad expression from her face vanished, replaced by a wide smile. When I carried Lydia downstairs to the front porch to meet SiowFong as she was ascending the outside stairs, Lydia reached out both of her arms once SiowFong was near. When SiowFong held Lydia in her arms, Lydia was beaming with joy.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Photos: Plugging Ears
DSC_0007Lydia is enthusiastically plugging up her ears. She does this whenever she hears a continuous, loud sound, such as that from the vacuum cleaner or the Water Pik.
DSC_0008Lydia has a lovely smile to go along with a delightful facial expression.
Photo note: This photo was taken seconds after DSC_0007 above. Note the difference in Lydia's expressions. Stacy Bratton, a highly regarded children's photographer based in Dallas, Texas, loves taking sequences of photos of children in her studio, particularly toddlers because of the variability of their demeanor that can occur in the span of just a few minutes.
DSC_0011While still plugging her ears, Lydia making a pig face in response to mom's request that she do just that.
Note: All pictures were taken on August 22, 2007 in the upper landing area of our home.
Vale of Tears
September 6, 2007
Vale of Tears
Lydia is still getting acclimated to the day care environment. The child care workers at Whizz Kids have been assuring us that every child undergoes an adjustment period, which ranges from a week to four weeks depending on the individual.
When I brought her to Whizz Kids this morning, she did not cry when I parked the car in the day care’s parking lot, and she did not cry when I carried her into the facility. After spending five minutes with her, her teacher, and her classmates, I informed her that I had to leave to go to work. Then Lydia’s crying began, and according to Jennifer, one of Lydia’s teachers, Lydia continued to wail for the next four hours.
Jennifer reported also to SiowFong that Lydia did not eat anything for lunch. After lunch, since she was physically and psychologically spent, Lydia slept for three hours. After resting, Lydia’s mood improved, and her crying abated. She enjoyed spending time outdoors, her favorite activity at the day care, and when outdoor time ended, she began to cry again. Fortunately her sobbing ceased shortly thereafter as SiowFong picked her up from the day care on the way home from work.
Vale of Tears
Lydia is still getting acclimated to the day care environment. The child care workers at Whizz Kids have been assuring us that every child undergoes an adjustment period, which ranges from a week to four weeks depending on the individual.
When I brought her to Whizz Kids this morning, she did not cry when I parked the car in the day care’s parking lot, and she did not cry when I carried her into the facility. After spending five minutes with her, her teacher, and her classmates, I informed her that I had to leave to go to work. Then Lydia’s crying began, and according to Jennifer, one of Lydia’s teachers, Lydia continued to wail for the next four hours.
Jennifer reported also to SiowFong that Lydia did not eat anything for lunch. After lunch, since she was physically and psychologically spent, Lydia slept for three hours. After resting, Lydia’s mood improved, and her crying abated. She enjoyed spending time outdoors, her favorite activity at the day care, and when outdoor time ended, she began to cry again. Fortunately her sobbing ceased shortly thereafter as SiowFong picked her up from the day care on the way home from work.
Photos: Chews and Peng
DSC_0147a(front row): Peng Liew, Tammy Yap, Nicholas Chew
(second row): Dad, Lydia, mom, and Steven Chew
This group photo that was taken at the start of the meal
Photo note: Jeem has charcoal gray ceiling tiles; as a result, directing the flash upwards is fruitless because the dark ceiling just absorbs the light even when the flash power is increased to its maximum at + 3. For this photo, the flash was mounted on a lightstand to which was attached a white, 43 inch umbrella that was aimed downward to light the group so that the illumination from the flash was diffused by the white umbrella. The lightstand was positioned to the left of the camera.
DSC_0176Peng Liew rotating while holding Lydia in her arms, something that Lydia enjoyed
DSC_0178_largeTammy Yap lifting Lydia up and down, which delighted Lydia
DSC_0198_largeNicholas Chew (who is about to start 9th grade), Lydia, and Tammy Yap (Nicholas' mom)
Note: All pictures were taken on September 1, 2007 either inside or outside of Jeem Asian Restaurant in Redmond, WA.
Mama, Mama, Mama and Lydia and Daniela
September 5, 2007
Mama, Mama, Mama
After six weeks of spending exclusive time with her mom at home, Lydia became very attached to SiowFong. Right after Lydia and I waved goodbye to SiowFong as she drove away to work at 7:15 AM, Lydia began plaintively and persistently saying “mama” every five to ten seconds. After we reentered our home, Lydia climbed on the sofa, stood (sometimes on her tiptoes), and gazed out the window while repeatedly uttering “mama”. For the next forty minutes, Lydia remained in that position while I ate breakfast. Offering Lydia food, even her beloved fruit, did not persuade her to leave her station on the couch. Shortly before 8:00 AM, emotionally and physically exhausted from her vigil, Lydia laid on the couch in the prone position, snuggling with her Tigger the Tiger soft toy. Within minutes, she closed her eyes and fell asleep, and she remained asleep for two hours.
Lydia and Daniela
Today was Lydia’s first opportunity to visit with Daniela Sara Tejada, the lovely two and half month old daughter of Daniel Gonzalez and Erika Tejada (one of my Peruvian colleagues at work). At 10:30 AM, we met Erika, Sonia (Erika’s mom), and Daniela at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, Erika’s home church where Daniela will be christened this Saturday.
Lydia is more reserved with adults than she is with children, especially children who are either about her size or smaller. Even though Lydia had seen Erika three previous times and Sonia twice before, Lydia stayed close to me when she met them again. With Daniela, Lydia was much more unguarded. When I placed Lydia in the standing position in the back seat of Erika’s station wagon, she quietly observed Daniela laying in her car seat. Lydia gently touched Daniela, who was awake and staring at her new friend. A minute later when I asked Lydia to hug and to kiss Daniela, Lydia first hugged Daniela and then kissed Daniela on her cheek. I explained to Lydia that since Daniela is a younger girl compared to Lydia, Daniela is like Lydia’s “mei mei” (or little sister in Chinese), and Lydia slowly said “mei mei”.
After our twenty minutes at the church, we traveled to Noble Court for good conversation, a fun time observing Lydia and Daniela, and a nice dim sum lunch.
Mama, Mama, Mama
After six weeks of spending exclusive time with her mom at home, Lydia became very attached to SiowFong. Right after Lydia and I waved goodbye to SiowFong as she drove away to work at 7:15 AM, Lydia began plaintively and persistently saying “mama” every five to ten seconds. After we reentered our home, Lydia climbed on the sofa, stood (sometimes on her tiptoes), and gazed out the window while repeatedly uttering “mama”. For the next forty minutes, Lydia remained in that position while I ate breakfast. Offering Lydia food, even her beloved fruit, did not persuade her to leave her station on the couch. Shortly before 8:00 AM, emotionally and physically exhausted from her vigil, Lydia laid on the couch in the prone position, snuggling with her Tigger the Tiger soft toy. Within minutes, she closed her eyes and fell asleep, and she remained asleep for two hours.
Lydia and Daniela
Today was Lydia’s first opportunity to visit with Daniela Sara Tejada, the lovely two and half month old daughter of Daniel Gonzalez and Erika Tejada (one of my Peruvian colleagues at work). At 10:30 AM, we met Erika, Sonia (Erika’s mom), and Daniela at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, Erika’s home church where Daniela will be christened this Saturday.
Lydia is more reserved with adults than she is with children, especially children who are either about her size or smaller. Even though Lydia had seen Erika three previous times and Sonia twice before, Lydia stayed close to me when she met them again. With Daniela, Lydia was much more unguarded. When I placed Lydia in the standing position in the back seat of Erika’s station wagon, she quietly observed Daniela laying in her car seat. Lydia gently touched Daniela, who was awake and staring at her new friend. A minute later when I asked Lydia to hug and to kiss Daniela, Lydia first hugged Daniela and then kissed Daniela on her cheek. I explained to Lydia that since Daniela is a younger girl compared to Lydia, Daniela is like Lydia’s “mei mei” (or little sister in Chinese), and Lydia slowly said “mei mei”.
After our twenty minutes at the church, we traveled to Noble Court for good conversation, a fun time observing Lydia and Daniela, and a nice dim sum lunch.
Photos: Bunny Blanket
DSC_0002Lydia gleefully holding and examining her pink bunny blanket.
Lydia's day care recommended that parents bring one soft toy for their child, so this is the one that Lydia brought to day care.
DSC_0004Lydia demonstrating how limber she is
DSC_0015_largeLydia hugging her pink bunny blanket
Whenever SiowFong arrives at the day care to pick up Lydia, SiowFong sees Lydia holding this pink bunny blanket in her left hand while Lydia is clutching another toy in her right hand.
Note: SiowFong took all of these pictures on August 29, 2007 in the living room of our home.
A Day in the Life of a Waddler
September 4, 2007
A Day in the Life of a Waddler
Rick Smolan, a former photographer for Time, Life and National Geographic magazines, and David Elliot Cohen, a well known author and editor, coauthored the popular series of books entitled “A Day in the Life”. Each of those books, including A Day in the Life of America that was first published in 1986 with 1.3 million copies in print, was photographed by 100 top photojournalists in a single 24-hour period.
Fortunately Lydia is not at day care for any 24-hour period, but here is her typical schedule during a day at Whizz Kids is as follows:
7:00 – 8:00: Arrival, breakfast, and free play
8:00 – 8:45: Work stations and diapers
8:45 – 9:00: Clean up
9:00 – 9:15: Morning meeting (stories, singing, music, and movement)
9:15 – 9:45: Snack
9:45 – 10:30: Outside and gross motor activities
10:30 – 11:15: Learning centers (art, sensory, drama, manipulatives)
11:15 – 11:45: Diapers, nap mats, story time
11:45 – 12:30: Lunch
12:30 – 2:30: Nap
2:30 – 3:15: Diapers and table toys
3:15 – 3:30: Snack
3:30 – 4:15: Outside and gross motor activities
4:15 – 4:30: Diapers and afternoon meeting
4:30 – 6:00: Free play and departure
A Day in the Life of a Waddler
Rick Smolan, a former photographer for Time, Life and National Geographic magazines, and David Elliot Cohen, a well known author and editor, coauthored the popular series of books entitled “A Day in the Life”. Each of those books, including A Day in the Life of America that was first published in 1986 with 1.3 million copies in print, was photographed by 100 top photojournalists in a single 24-hour period.
Fortunately Lydia is not at day care for any 24-hour period, but here is her typical schedule during a day at Whizz Kids is as follows:
7:00 – 8:00: Arrival, breakfast, and free play
8:00 – 8:45: Work stations and diapers
8:45 – 9:00: Clean up
9:00 – 9:15: Morning meeting (stories, singing, music, and movement)
9:15 – 9:45: Snack
9:45 – 10:30: Outside and gross motor activities
10:30 – 11:15: Learning centers (art, sensory, drama, manipulatives)
11:15 – 11:45: Diapers, nap mats, story time
11:45 – 12:30: Lunch
12:30 – 2:30: Nap
2:30 – 3:15: Diapers and table toys
3:15 – 3:30: Snack
3:30 – 4:15: Outside and gross motor activities
4:15 – 4:30: Diapers and afternoon meeting
4:30 – 6:00: Free play and departure
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Photos: Where Is The Ball
DSC_0095Lydia holding the small blue Winnie the Pooh rubber ball or pelota (Spanish word for ball) after she retrieved it
DSC_0096Lydia looking at the ball in her half-headstand position
DSC_0100While in her half-headstand position, Lydia pointing to the ball
Note: All these pictures were taken on August 12, 2007 in the upper landing area of our home.
It's Deja vu All Over Again
September 4, 2007
It’s Déjà vu All Over Again
This morning was the second time that I took Lydia to day care, and my experience was very similar to the one I had last week.
During the entire morning Lydia was quiet. I explained to her that she would be going to school today and that you would pick her up in the afternoon. She managed only to drink 3 ounces of milk despite watching 30 minutes of Curious George. She intermittently and softly said "mama". After drinking her water, she laid her head on the big stuffed pink dog.
Before we left the home around 8:50 AM, I re-explained the day care situation to Lydia. During the twenty minute car ride, Lydia did not make a sound. We arrived at the daycare shortly around 9:10 AM. When the car stopped in the parking lot, Lydia began to cry. When I unbuckled her from the car seat, she tried to exit the car seat on the left to get away from me. While I carried her into the day care, she continued to cry.
When she saw Abida, she turned towards the door and tried to escape. I caught her and handed her to Abida, who brought her to wash her hands. I stayed a few minutes, but because of my presence, she was reaching both of her arms towards me to tell me that she did not want to stay. Abida then gently asked me to go. The other children who were sitting at a small table awaiting their snack fixed their steady gazes upon her. By this time, her cheeks were maroon colored, her head was sweaty, and beads of tears had moistened her shirt.
After leaving Lydia with Abida, I spoke with Janet, the manager of the day care, in her office, and I paid the monthly fee. When I left Whizz Kids at 9:25 PM, I could still hear Lydia's wailing in the parking lot as she said "baba" intermittently.
It’s Déjà vu All Over Again
This morning was the second time that I took Lydia to day care, and my experience was very similar to the one I had last week.
During the entire morning Lydia was quiet. I explained to her that she would be going to school today and that you would pick her up in the afternoon. She managed only to drink 3 ounces of milk despite watching 30 minutes of Curious George. She intermittently and softly said "mama". After drinking her water, she laid her head on the big stuffed pink dog.
Before we left the home around 8:50 AM, I re-explained the day care situation to Lydia. During the twenty minute car ride, Lydia did not make a sound. We arrived at the daycare shortly around 9:10 AM. When the car stopped in the parking lot, Lydia began to cry. When I unbuckled her from the car seat, she tried to exit the car seat on the left to get away from me. While I carried her into the day care, she continued to cry.
When she saw Abida, she turned towards the door and tried to escape. I caught her and handed her to Abida, who brought her to wash her hands. I stayed a few minutes, but because of my presence, she was reaching both of her arms towards me to tell me that she did not want to stay. Abida then gently asked me to go. The other children who were sitting at a small table awaiting their snack fixed their steady gazes upon her. By this time, her cheeks were maroon colored, her head was sweaty, and beads of tears had moistened her shirt.
After leaving Lydia with Abida, I spoke with Janet, the manager of the day care, in her office, and I paid the monthly fee. When I left Whizz Kids at 9:25 PM, I could still hear Lydia's wailing in the parking lot as she said "baba" intermittently.
Photos: Car Seat
DSC_0003aLydia analyzing the components of the Evenflo Triumph car seat
Notes: Phil and Alison Wallace, parents of two children, gave us two identical car seats, one for SiowFong's car and one for mine, and in late January 2007, James and Jenny Chen, parents of two children, taught and assisted us in two tasks: first, adjusting them in the living room and second, installing them in the cars. As Lydia was less than 20 pounds in January 2007, the seats were rear-facing. After Lydia exceeded 20 pounds this summer, we decided to re-install the seats to make them forward-facing.
July 5, 2007
DSC_0016Lydia playing with a pacifier that is attached to car seat
Note: Lydia never experienced a pacifier in China, so she does not like to use one.
July 7, 2007
DSC_0020Lydia examining the back of the car seat.
July 5, 2007
DSC_0022Lydia trying to cliimb out of the car seat
July 5, 2007
Note: All these pictures were taken in the living room of our home.
Sabrine's Birthday Party
September 2, 2007
Sabrine’s Birthday Party
Along with about thirty other people, Lydia attended her second birthday party for a child late this morning as Sabrine Hassane, the delightful daughter of Tariq Hassane and Casey Williams (SiowFong’s colleague), celebrated her third birthday today at her home. SiowFong and I had not seen Sabrine in over a year and a half, and during that time, she had change dramatically, growing not only in stature but also in maturity. SiowFong and I also had the pleasure of meeting Mr. and Mrs. Hassane, Tariq’s parents who call Algeria their home and who had been visiting with Tariq, Casey, and Sabrine for several months.
Lydia’s favorite activities during Sabrine’s birthday party included playing with all of the kitchen appliances in Sabrine’s playroom, which used to be the dining room. With respect to the backyard, Lydia loved sitting in the sturdy swingset that Tariq constructed while her mother pushed her swing, and she also played with some plastic toy homes that were spread out on a large blanket. Tariq and Sabrine also rented a large inflatable in which children could jump and bounce, but Lydia was too small to participate in this event.
The Speed of a Child’s Growth
One thought that crossed my mind after this celebration concluded was the reality of just how fast children grow up. The Sabrine that SiowFong and I last encountered in 2005 was vastly different from the Sabrine we saw today. Recently when SiowFong was looking at photos of Lydia taken within the last two months, she remarked how different Lydia appears now compared to just eight months ago when we met her.
Sabrine’s Birthday Party
Along with about thirty other people, Lydia attended her second birthday party for a child late this morning as Sabrine Hassane, the delightful daughter of Tariq Hassane and Casey Williams (SiowFong’s colleague), celebrated her third birthday today at her home. SiowFong and I had not seen Sabrine in over a year and a half, and during that time, she had change dramatically, growing not only in stature but also in maturity. SiowFong and I also had the pleasure of meeting Mr. and Mrs. Hassane, Tariq’s parents who call Algeria their home and who had been visiting with Tariq, Casey, and Sabrine for several months.
Lydia’s favorite activities during Sabrine’s birthday party included playing with all of the kitchen appliances in Sabrine’s playroom, which used to be the dining room. With respect to the backyard, Lydia loved sitting in the sturdy swingset that Tariq constructed while her mother pushed her swing, and she also played with some plastic toy homes that were spread out on a large blanket. Tariq and Sabrine also rented a large inflatable in which children could jump and bounce, but Lydia was too small to participate in this event.
The Speed of a Child’s Growth
One thought that crossed my mind after this celebration concluded was the reality of just how fast children grow up. The Sabrine that SiowFong and I last encountered in 2005 was vastly different from the Sabrine we saw today. Recently when SiowFong was looking at photos of Lydia taken within the last two months, she remarked how different Lydia appears now compared to just eight months ago when we met her.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Photos: Playgroup with Mama
DSC_0007_largeMom helping Lydia with an arts and crafts project
August 3, 2007
DSC_0009Lydia examining the different bottles of colored inks while SiowFong is looking at the camera
August 3, 2007
DSC_0011bLydia blotting the paper with an ink bottle
August 3, 2007
DSC_0015Lydia examining some pieces of furniture and little people that are a part of a large house (which is in the background to the right) while a number of other children are playing in the area
August 3, 2007
DSC_0281_largeLydia and mom
August 17, 2007
Note: All these pictures were taken in the Family Center located at the Chinese Information and Service Center in Seattle, WA.
There's Nobody Like Mom
September 2, 2007
There’s Nobody Like Mom
During the last six weeks when SiowFong has been at home to care for Lydia, Lydia has grown very close to her mom. When SiowFong walks out of Lydia’s sight, Lydia begins saying “mama” with increasing frequency and volume even if I am next to Lydia. Even when SiowFong goes to the bathroom, Lydia follows her mom there. I commented to SiowFong today that Lydia sticks to her like skin.
Speaking of mothers, I recently read the following letter about just how special they are.
“A Mother’s Touch”
by James C. Dobson, Ph.D.
August 2005
Dear Friends,
Greetings from all of us at Focus on the Family. I hope that you are enjoying these closing days of summer before the breathless responsibilities of the fall sweep in on us. . .
You may know that of all the subjects that interest me, children are at the top of the list. I’ve devoted most of my professional life to their welfare in one way or another, first as a very young teacher in 1960, then as a school psychologist and administrator, then as a researcher and professor in a large children’s hospital and since 1977, in my role at Focus on the Family. Most of my books have dealt with childrearing. Obviously, I just love kids. I like everything about them, which is why I pursued a doctorate in child development at the University of Southern California. It’s been a rewarding ride.
I say all that to express my continued concern for this generation of kids, especially during the early childhood years. So much depends for them on the relationship with their mothers and fathers . . .
With that, let me share an excerpt that focuses specifically on mothers and the vital role they need to play. If you no longer have children, perhaps you could pass along this letter to someone who does. It could make an enormous difference in the life of a precious boy or girl.
* * * *
I have the highest respect and admiration for those who are blessed to be called mothers. There are few assignments in human experience that require the array of skills and wisdom needed by a mom in fulfilling her everyday duties. She must be a resident psychologist, physician, theologian, educator, nurse, chef, taxi driver, fire marshal and occasional police officer. And if she succeeds in each of these responsibilities, she gets to do it all again tomorrow.
To understand the world in which a young mother lives, our male readers might want to join one of them on a midmorning visit to the pediatrician’s office. After sitting for 45 minutes with a cranky, feverish toddler on her lap, Mom and Baby are finally ushered into the examining room. The doctor checks out the sick child and then tells the woman with a straight face, "Be sure you keep him quiet for four or five days. Don’t let him scratch the rash. Make certain he keeps the medicine down, and you’ll need to watch his stool."
"Yeah, sure, Doc! Any other suggestions?"
"Just one. This disease is highly contagious. Keep your other four kids away from him. I’ll see you in a week."
The amazing thing about mothers is that most of them would get this job done, and they would do it with love and grace. God made ’em good at what they do. And He gave them a passion for their children. Most of them would quite literally lay down their lives to protect the kids entrusted to their care. . .”
There’s Nobody Like Mom
During the last six weeks when SiowFong has been at home to care for Lydia, Lydia has grown very close to her mom. When SiowFong walks out of Lydia’s sight, Lydia begins saying “mama” with increasing frequency and volume even if I am next to Lydia. Even when SiowFong goes to the bathroom, Lydia follows her mom there. I commented to SiowFong today that Lydia sticks to her like skin.
Speaking of mothers, I recently read the following letter about just how special they are.
“A Mother’s Touch”
by James C. Dobson, Ph.D.
August 2005
Dear Friends,
Greetings from all of us at Focus on the Family. I hope that you are enjoying these closing days of summer before the breathless responsibilities of the fall sweep in on us. . .
You may know that of all the subjects that interest me, children are at the top of the list. I’ve devoted most of my professional life to their welfare in one way or another, first as a very young teacher in 1960, then as a school psychologist and administrator, then as a researcher and professor in a large children’s hospital and since 1977, in my role at Focus on the Family. Most of my books have dealt with childrearing. Obviously, I just love kids. I like everything about them, which is why I pursued a doctorate in child development at the University of Southern California. It’s been a rewarding ride.
I say all that to express my continued concern for this generation of kids, especially during the early childhood years. So much depends for them on the relationship with their mothers and fathers . . .
With that, let me share an excerpt that focuses specifically on mothers and the vital role they need to play. If you no longer have children, perhaps you could pass along this letter to someone who does. It could make an enormous difference in the life of a precious boy or girl.
* * * *
I have the highest respect and admiration for those who are blessed to be called mothers. There are few assignments in human experience that require the array of skills and wisdom needed by a mom in fulfilling her everyday duties. She must be a resident psychologist, physician, theologian, educator, nurse, chef, taxi driver, fire marshal and occasional police officer. And if she succeeds in each of these responsibilities, she gets to do it all again tomorrow.
To understand the world in which a young mother lives, our male readers might want to join one of them on a midmorning visit to the pediatrician’s office. After sitting for 45 minutes with a cranky, feverish toddler on her lap, Mom and Baby are finally ushered into the examining room. The doctor checks out the sick child and then tells the woman with a straight face, "Be sure you keep him quiet for four or five days. Don’t let him scratch the rash. Make certain he keeps the medicine down, and you’ll need to watch his stool."
"Yeah, sure, Doc! Any other suggestions?"
"Just one. This disease is highly contagious. Keep your other four kids away from him. I’ll see you in a week."
The amazing thing about mothers is that most of them would get this job done, and they would do it with love and grace. God made ’em good at what they do. And He gave them a passion for their children. Most of them would quite literally lay down their lives to protect the kids entrusted to their care. . .”
Photos: Feeding Time
DSC_0038Lydia drinking water from her sippy cup that has a straw
July 7, 2007
DSC_0069Lydia communicating to us one of two things: either that she does not know where something or someone is or she has consumed everything and does not have any more food
July 7, 2007
DSC_0132_largeLydia eating dad's version of congee, which is made with potatoes instead of rice along with pork and carrots
July 11, 2007
Note: All of these pictures were taken in the dining room of our home.
A Broader Perspective on Life
September 1, 2007
A Broader Perspective on Life
SiowFong and I are grateful that neither of us has to work on the weekends. One of the blessings of having Saturday and Sunday free is being able to spend time not only with each other and Lydia but also with friends. This morning was such an occasion when we met Peng and the Chews (Steven, Tammy, and Nicholas) for dim sum at Jeem’s, a Chinese restaurant that serves traditional Chinese food as well as Asian fusion dishes.
During our lunch, I spoke mostly with Steven since he sat to my right while Lydia was sitting to my left. During my conversation with Steven, a man of Chinese descent who was born in Malaysia, he stated that despite this country’s problems, which are mainly moral, we who live in America do not know how good we have it here compared to the people living in the rest of the world.
Singapore, a highly developed and technologically sophisticated nation, was just one example that Steven cited during our discussion. He pointed to Singapore’s well-respected education system, which is rigid and regimented, requires students to take O-level exams after 11th grade and then A-level exams after 13th grade. The latter tests determine which students advance to college and which ones do not. Those students whose less competitive academic scores do not permit them to enter into college during their late adolescent years can never attend college in Singapore. By contrast, the US educational system is extremely flexible as adult students can attend college much later in life, thus allowing them to change careers.
Another example was the disparity in the work-life balance between the two countries. In Singapore, most employees, including those who hold white-collar jobs, work at least twelve hours each day on weekdays and at least four hours on Saturdays.
Steven, Tammy, and Nicholas, their teenage son who is entering ninth grade this fall, have visited Malaysia and Singapore to see relatives. During those trips, Steven said that Nicholas noticed how much better off Americans were compared to their Malaysian and Singaporean counterparts, an observation that made him appreciate living in the states.
Peng, a principal architect with Mulvanny G2 who works six months each year in China, added that working and living conditions are even worse in China compared to Singapore despite all of the ongoing publicity about China’s skyrocketing growth and prosperity. In the ultramodern building in Shanghai where her firm’s office is located for example, a thin layer of gray soot from the polluted skies covers the windows. Because of the heavy pollution, a number of the wealthier people living in Shanghai want to leave China.
Peng also mentioned another example when she stated that her company has a contract to design the buildings for a Chinese company whose name is pronounced “Weh Weh” that is the equivalent of Cisco Systems of China. When she toured a “Weh Weh” building during an assignment in China, she discovered that the company’s workers, who labor in cramped cubicles for twelve or more hours each day, were told to bring a small mattress for their cubicles so that they could sleep there too.
As Lydia grows older, SiowFong and I will expose her to the realities of life outside the USA so that she, like Nicholas, will appreciate living as an American and will keep an open hand and open heart towards those many who are much less fortunate than she is. We will have many regular opportunities to broaden Lydia’s perspective. Those occasions include when we return to Malaysia to visit relatives, when she hears foreign missionaries in church and sees the pictures they share with the congregation, and when we talk about and pray for those who are in need outside our country’s borders (including those who are featured in our local newspaper, Samaritan’s Purses’ bimonthly Prayer Point magazine, World Vision’s newsletters, and letters from missionaries that we support).
A Broader Perspective on Life
SiowFong and I are grateful that neither of us has to work on the weekends. One of the blessings of having Saturday and Sunday free is being able to spend time not only with each other and Lydia but also with friends. This morning was such an occasion when we met Peng and the Chews (Steven, Tammy, and Nicholas) for dim sum at Jeem’s, a Chinese restaurant that serves traditional Chinese food as well as Asian fusion dishes.
During our lunch, I spoke mostly with Steven since he sat to my right while Lydia was sitting to my left. During my conversation with Steven, a man of Chinese descent who was born in Malaysia, he stated that despite this country’s problems, which are mainly moral, we who live in America do not know how good we have it here compared to the people living in the rest of the world.
Singapore, a highly developed and technologically sophisticated nation, was just one example that Steven cited during our discussion. He pointed to Singapore’s well-respected education system, which is rigid and regimented, requires students to take O-level exams after 11th grade and then A-level exams after 13th grade. The latter tests determine which students advance to college and which ones do not. Those students whose less competitive academic scores do not permit them to enter into college during their late adolescent years can never attend college in Singapore. By contrast, the US educational system is extremely flexible as adult students can attend college much later in life, thus allowing them to change careers.
Another example was the disparity in the work-life balance between the two countries. In Singapore, most employees, including those who hold white-collar jobs, work at least twelve hours each day on weekdays and at least four hours on Saturdays.
Steven, Tammy, and Nicholas, their teenage son who is entering ninth grade this fall, have visited Malaysia and Singapore to see relatives. During those trips, Steven said that Nicholas noticed how much better off Americans were compared to their Malaysian and Singaporean counterparts, an observation that made him appreciate living in the states.
Peng, a principal architect with Mulvanny G2 who works six months each year in China, added that working and living conditions are even worse in China compared to Singapore despite all of the ongoing publicity about China’s skyrocketing growth and prosperity. In the ultramodern building in Shanghai where her firm’s office is located for example, a thin layer of gray soot from the polluted skies covers the windows. Because of the heavy pollution, a number of the wealthier people living in Shanghai want to leave China.
Peng also mentioned another example when she stated that her company has a contract to design the buildings for a Chinese company whose name is pronounced “Weh Weh” that is the equivalent of Cisco Systems of China. When she toured a “Weh Weh” building during an assignment in China, she discovered that the company’s workers, who labor in cramped cubicles for twelve or more hours each day, were told to bring a small mattress for their cubicles so that they could sleep there too.
As Lydia grows older, SiowFong and I will expose her to the realities of life outside the USA so that she, like Nicholas, will appreciate living as an American and will keep an open hand and open heart towards those many who are much less fortunate than she is. We will have many regular opportunities to broaden Lydia’s perspective. Those occasions include when we return to Malaysia to visit relatives, when she hears foreign missionaries in church and sees the pictures they share with the congregation, and when we talk about and pray for those who are in need outside our country’s borders (including those who are featured in our local newspaper, Samaritan’s Purses’ bimonthly Prayer Point magazine, World Vision’s newsletters, and letters from missionaries that we support).
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