A Sunny Spring Day!!

Thank goodness after our freaky little snow this past week, the weather has turned more like spring!! I think I've mentioned this before, but our weather can probably best be compared to Indianapolis in the states. We can get cold (but not nearly as cold as Chicago!) weather in the winter, and then the summer is extremely hot and humid. The biggest difference that we have had to get used to is the dryness. We are still using humidifiers in all of the bedrooms because the air is so dry and if I don't turn them on, we all end up having coughing fits in the morning!! Right now we are still experiencing cold mornings and then warmer afternoons, therefore, the kids have to layer, layer, layer!!

Coop was happy to have a nice sunny day on Saturday so he could take his Buzz car out for a spin. There is a perfect racetrack around the Sheraton - I'm not sure they are too happy about him driving past the cafe nonstop, but the diners all get a kick out of it!!

The glass behind Coop is the Sheraton's dining cafe...Zurg (Coop) is waiting for Buzz (Eens) to find him! And here he comes!!Poor El is too big to fit in the car! She doesn't care - she rides her bike much faster than the car will go anyway!!

Do you have your WITTS?

This Friday at the weekly assembly, Eensie's entire Pre K class was awarded certificates for using their WITTS!! WITTS is an acronym they use for dealing with conflict among their peers.

W = Walk Away

I = Ignore

T = Tell Friend to Stop Softly

T = Tell Friend to Stop Strongly

S = Speak to an Adult

Eens has taught us all about WITTS at home, so I often hear from one of them, "Do you have your WITTS?" I just crack up! But I am thankful that some of the strategies that are used at school can also be used at home. I think this reinforces the behavior and shows support for what is being learned at school!!

Here is Coop enjoying his first Friday morning assembly!! He loved getting to sit by his big brother! Eens was a bit annoyed, but used his WITTS (hehe) and handled it nicely!!

This is the director of our school playing the guitar and singing with the elementary students at the end of the assembly. This is just one of the things that make the kids feel at home and comfortable in their environment. They completely respect the teachers and administrators, not out of fear, but because they know they are genuinely cared for...each and every one of them!!

Art and Cookies

This afternoon we enjoyed spending time with El's art teachers. Last time they had asked if I would teach them how to bake "monster" cookies! This must seem so funny to them - I mean, what is a monster cookie and why is it called that!! They love peanut butter and chocolate, so thanks to my MOPS cookbook, I was able to show them pretty quickly how to make the cookies! They had fun whisking (which they had never done before) and stirring the mix. When I was adding ingredients I was being videotaped - I felt like I was on my own cooking show!! I just hope I never have to watch the footage - it will probably be uploaded to YouTube without me knowing!

I really wanted to buy them all of the ingredients they would need to make their own cookies at home, but neither of them have an oven. Most Chinese do not have ovens in their homes, just a stovetop. Which of course makes sense, but can you imagine Americans living without an oven. What would we do if we couldn't make casseroles and lasagnas or worse yet, cookies and cakes?!!

Ellie did get to work on a painting while the crazy cooking was going on. This is one of my favorite pieces that she has done - I love all of the colors!! She is also improving on spreading the paint and water to make the colors fade and give the painting more depth!!

We have a New Record!!

Our dear little Ethan overtook any previous record in eating mini dumplings tonight at Din Tai Feng! He ate 23 dumplings in a matter of about 15 minutes!!

I thought that he had to be full, but apparently not. When our strawberry ice (shaved ice with a bit of sugar and strawberries) arrived he finished two bowls!! I guess he takes after his daddy when it comes to eating!!

The rest of us just sat back and enjoyed watching Eens fill his little (not so little anymore!) tummy!! A perfect end to a relaxing weekend!!

He's Too Smart

My 3 year old has learned way too much already and he has only been in school for 2 days!! Just had to share this cute, quick story...

I was making breakfast in the kitchen this morning and Cooper came in and said, "Mommy, am I still your baby?"

My heart was breaking, thinking he thought maybe he was too big to be my baby, so I said, "Of course, you will always be my baby!"

In full scheming mode Coop replies, "Well, if I'm still your baby then I can't go to school. Babies don't go to school!"

Oh, what is he going to be like in a few years??? I'm pretty sure he will always keep me on my toes!!

Welcome to Nursery Coopie!

Cooper started school the day after his birthday! I know you must find that funny, the boy turns three and I send him to school, and yes, that is basically what happened!! Deere would not pay for him to go to school until he was three, so I thought I would follow the rule to a T and wait until the day after. I would have sent him earlier because he was so bored at home. I know he loved being with his mommy (and I loved being with him too!), but he had very little interaction with children his age. I believe, especially here, that he needs socialization with other children and some structure and routine. At home, I try my hardest (don't laugh Danny!) to be consistent with his discipline, but it is a bit hard when I turn my back and ayi offers him a chocolate bar in time out!!! So now, he is in a safe, loving environment with what appears to be a billion little three and four year olds!! I'm not sure how his extremely patient teachers do it on a daily basis!!

His first day went better than expected. Danny took the morning off so he could help me take him to his classroom. He went in a bit hesitant, but he did go through the door. He found his locker and we helped him unpack his backpack. I showed him the bathroom and then we decided that it would be best for us to make a clean break. One of his teachers reassured us that she was a pro at distracting children. We wondered if she realized what a strong willed little boy she was dealing with, but we trusted her so we left to roam the hallways. We had to go about two hallways over to not hear his protests and screams, but miraculously after about 5 minutes, all was quiet! I had packed a book and magazine to sit in the parents room all morning in case he really "lost" it - no need, one of his teachers came in and said it would be fine if I went home!!

Danny and I left, a bit unsure, but happy that he was finally playing with other kids! We peeked at him on the playground as we left the building and he was happy as could be - completely in his element!

I went to pick him up at noon and I got a great big hug and a good report from the teachers. It helps when you have a brother in pre-K that can play with you and comfort you! He couldn't stop talking about the fact that he was a big boy because he played with Eens at school. He really looks up to his big brother and Eens enjoys his new status!!

Day 2 of nursery started with a ride on the bus. Not only did Coop get to ride the bus, but so did mommy. I really think I am going to have to start taking Dramimine on a daily basis...I wonder what the health effects of that would be??!!! I will be riding the bus every morning at 7:30 because I do not feel comfortable allowing my 3 year old to go at it alone. We cannot use our driver because Dan leaves for work at that time, so we all will ride the bus and rough it!! (Let me point out that arranging transportation is one of the biggest frustrations for me here!!) The bus is not what I would call a bus. The "nice" bus does not have room for Coop, so the four of us get to ride in a van turned into a bus with one seat belt per row, not the safest vehicle I have been in, but what choice do I have?!

After the bumpy ride, we made it to school and Coop assured me that he was not going to cry. We went into the classroom and unpacked his bag, but he refused to take off his coat. Okay, I decided to take him to the potty and then I would leave. We were in the little stall and he refused to leave. I told him that was fine, he could stay in there but mommy had to go. I told the teachers he was in the stall and I walked out. About 10 seconds later I hear the pounding and the screaming. I found out later that one of the teachers had to physically hold him so he would not harm himself. Yep, that's the fiesty son I know!! I waited the screaming out and in less than 3 minutes it was over!!

I am really proud of him and I know he will thrive in such a wonderful environment. For me, this means an extra 2 1/2 hours a day to get some things done, but my heart longs for that hug at 12:00!! I miss him!

A Little Adult Fun!!

After the stress of last week and barely being able to keep my head above water, I was in need of some good company, good food, and a bit of good fun!! That pretty much summed up our night out with 3 other couples!! We started off at South Beauty (the spicy place) where the decor is fantastic! Huge chandeliers and mirrors adorned the place! I almost forgot I was in China! Then in the bathroom, there were swan heads as the faucets - don't you love that I took my camera into the bathroom!!

The ladies also found these interesting horse heads lining the upstairs walls outside of the private rooms. Why not take a picture?!!

After a delicious dinner and some interesting chatting, we decided that the night was still young...off to my first bar/club in Tianjin! I was excited to experience the nightlife and Danny promised me that it was a "nice" bar!! All I will say is that I did not do the "worm", but was tempted...but I did do a bit of dancing (which is scary in and of itself!!)!

I'm pretty sure a fun time was had by all, but the St. Martin's were a bit tired for a few days after!!

Coop's Last Day at Gymboree

Last week we had to say good-bye to Coop's teachers at Gymboree because he starts nursery this week!! Honestly, it wasn't particularly sad for me - I get a bit antsy sitting in those classes. The art class was much more tolerable than the gym class! I like to help Coop get a bit messy in someone else's space and then take home cute little art projects! I do not like acting like a horse and rooster for 45 minutes in gym class trying to pretend I am eating blocks, and at the same time acting excited so Coop may or may not participate depending on his mood. He probably thought the whole thing was a bit over the top too!!

This is Coop and Miss Cherry (you have to love the English names they give themselves!! That could be a whole post by itself!). He will miss her - she taught both classes and always paid a lot of attention to him!!

He insisted, once again, on wearing the Buzz Lightyear costume for his final gym class. When he dresses up, none of the other kids will come near him. I can only imagine what is going through their minds! On his last day, I was a bad parent and didn't force him to participate in all of the nonsense of pretending to be farm animals, instead, I let him run around and play on all the equipment! It was probably the most enjoyable gym class that I had been to with him!

You see, they want him to be a pig, but he has no interest. He would rather blast off as Buzz!!

Birthday Surprises!!

I would have to say that Coop was completely spoiled on his third birthday! He woke up this morning and walked into our bedroom where an electric Buzz Lightyear car sat waiting for him! He looked at it and then looked at Danny and I, like, "Is this mine?"!! We said happy birthday and he said, "I love this toy!". He has rammed every corner of the house today since it was snowing/raining this morning and we couldn't get outside! He even knocked down a plant, but it was his birthday, so I got over it pretty quickly!!

After playing this morning and talking to many family and friends on Skype, we had lunch with Coop's little friend Lucy at the Sheraton! The kids hardly touched their food, but when the waitresses (who know us all by name) surprised Coop with a cake, they were suddenly starving!

And, yes Nai Nai, he did eat long noodles today!!

Danny surprised Coop by coming home early, which meant that Coop got to open all of his gifts that travelled across the ocean to reach him!! Thank you, thank you!! He loved everything and so did El and Eens! I rarely buy new toys for them here because they are either, double the price that they would be in the US, or they are poorly made and will fall apart in a week! So, today felt like Christmas all over again for my little ones!!

Ayi made Coop his favorite jaozi for dinner which he picked the meat and veggies out of like usual! I had made ice cream cone cupcakes earlier in the day, so I let the kids put icing on them and then decorate them. Coop really just wanted to eat the chocolate and then the icing (by licking it off the plate!). Eens on the other hand designed a happy face on the top of his!!

The other night we celebrated Coop's birthday early with three of our dear neighbor families! I was so excited to finally entertain in our house! I love little appetizers, so I made lots of appetizers with a little help from products I had brought from the US and a little tweaking of the recipes! They all turned out yummy and it made me realize that I can actually "cook" here!!! I also made two lasagnas, some bread, and ayi cut up some fruit for dinner.

And of course, Danny made Coopie his very special birthday cake! This year he chose an appropriate theme, Kung Fu Panda, and he asked for a baozi cake!! A baozi is a bun stuffed with meat and or veggies. I was very impressed with the end resultn and thankful there was cake, instead of meat filling it!!

There was a lot of Wii playing, chatting, and eating going on, so Coop could barely concentrate on opening his gifts!! He was thrilled to get his very own Lego box set like Eens, a Hot Wheels race track and a delightful Alien Underpants book!! It was a wonderful way to celebrate his special day, with some of the very special people he has in his life here in China!

Happy 3rd Birthday our Little Miracle!!

Three years ago on March 24th, the day started out just as any other typical day. Dan was on his last business trip in Kansas City before I was due with our third little bundle of joy! Ellie and Eens kept me busy with a little bickering, but we made time for lunch at Burger King with friends and a quick trip to the mall to pick up pictures that had been developed! Just as we arrived home, I knew that it could turn into an interesting night because the contractions I had been having all day and ignoring had gained intensity and were getting closer. I called my dear friend Shonna and told her I had to bring the kids over and then I called Danny's mom and dad in Chicago and asked them to come down. Off I went to the hospital by myself with my coat and purse. I still had about 5 1/2 weeks to go, so I assumed I would come home.

I was a bit wrong...as soon as I got to the hospital they determined that this baby was coming. I interrupted Danny during his business dinner (he was probably bummed out he didn't get to eat his yummy Kansas City steak!) and told him we were having a baby. Thankfully, he was allowed to fly on the corporate jet to make it to the hospital on time. He made it, and shortly after our sweet little (actually not so little - he was six pounds already!) Coop arrived.

The days and weeks after his birth were the most difficult, heartwrenching days I have experienced as a mom. Watching my child fight for each breath was more than I could handle on most days, but with prayers and support from our wonderful family and friends, we fought right along with him. We learned to celebrate the small victories and tried not to fall apart during the setbacks. We rode the NICU roller coaster for five weeks hoping and praying that soon our little boy would be home where he belonged. During the ride, the doctors continuously told us that we would never forget the details, but thankfully, Cooper would never remember. Then, after spending 3 weeks on the vent, a chest tube, 100's of chest x-rays, doses and doses of surfactin, antibiotics galore, high and low blood pressure meds, and a little viagra (yep, you read that right!)...he miraculously came home 35 days after he was born!!

Now, three years later, you would never guess that our little boy ever endured any difficulties after he was born. He is an amazing, active, funny, lovable, stubborn, outspoken little boy. I love watching him grow and discover the world around him. He loves playing with El and Eens best, but when they are at school, I am the one who receives all the cuddles and kisses (and an occassional tantrum!). He adores everything boy...Buzz, Diego, the color blue, trains, Hot Wheels, Legos, and Spiderman!! He is very good at imaginative play, but if he has a choice, he would rather be kicking a soccer ball with his daddy! He is all little boy and I love everything about him (okay, maybe not when he is screaming really loudly in time out, but at least then I know his lungs are healthy!)!

This past week leading up to his big day, I have been extremely anxious for his 3 year check up. Like the doctor said, I do remember every detail...staring at machines and dreading the long walk to his room each morning wondering what his oxygen level was at and what the day would bring. I go into these appointments hoping and praying for good news, which is exactly what we got! He weighs 30 pounds now which puts him in the 25% bracket! Yippee. The dreaded pulse oximeter (it measures pulse and oxygen levels) came out at the very end and he was at 100% oxygen saturation - yeah!! My fears were put to rest and I cannot wait to see his face in the morning when he finds his Buzz car!!

We are very blessed to be the parents of Cooper Li!! Happy birthday Coopie!!

We can't wait to see what the next year will bring!!

Spring has Sprung!!

We have enjoyed three full days of beautiful, warm weather! Today we hit a high of 84 degrees! Of course, by tomorrow we will be in the 60's, but we'll take advantage of the weather now and spend as much time as we can outside!

Yesterday Coop and I went on a walk behind our compound. There is a little lake and some nice structures there. It is also a fascinating place to people watch! I only wish (as I've said so many times!!) that I understood the language better so I could fully understand what it is everyone is doing! Apparently people can pay to fish in the lake, so there was a stand with fishing rods and bait. Coop was determined to fish - I said no way, and that was the end of it! Maybe Pepere can take him this summer (hint, hint!!)! We watched chickens, roosters, and ducks meander all over. We saw a beautiful golden retriever who had obviously not seen very many white people because the minute we were in his view he stared us down and then started barking pretty loudly. Thankfully the owner was there and took him inside. It's a shame that he wasn't nicer because he was clean and I would have liked to pet him! Oh well!! Coop brought his little big wheel, and all the ladies thought he was so funny riding super fast and pretending to be Diego (we go back and forth between Buzz and Diego!)! I got to be Baby Jaguar - lucky me!!

This is a cool dragon mural - for some reason (maybe the polution??) it is not very clear and you cannot see the vibrant colors!

Coop decided these ducks looked hungry, so he made the executive decision to back track around the lake to avoid being a snack!!

We hope you are all enjoying the spring as much as we are!! I love to watch all the trees and flowers bloom - I always think of it as a fresh start!!

Please say a prayer for Coop this Friday that all goes well at his 3 year check up with a pediatrician. For those of you who know his story, I'm sure you can understand the anxiety that comes this time of year for me! He is growing like a weed and we have so much to be thankful for!!

Ellie's Newest Creation!

El had fun again in art class yesterday, despite the fact that her friends were all outside playing in the beautiful weather! Her teachers brought lilies for her to draw and then paint. It took quite a bit of time to accomplish both tasks, but El stuck with it! If you notice, the water is brown in the vase, but not from the actual water quality, but from the reflection of the table! I don't want to scare my parents too much before they come for their visit!!

Ellie is not the only one taking lessons during this time, I am now studying my Chinese with one of the girls. I have been having some issues with my Chinese teachers (I'll explain in another post!), so she has offered to help me learn things I really want to know! It actually works out quite nicely because we also speak in English so she gets to practice too!!

Back to Beijing

We are getting very good at our weekend trips to Beijing! This past weekend, Danny was invited to go to a dinner with some students from his business school that are touring China. He jumped at the opportunity - we both have such fond memories of our life during the two years he was in B - school - he couldn't wait to meet some of the current students! The kids and I tagged along and were looking forward to swimming and Ellie was anticipating a Subway for dinner while daddy was out!!

On our drive there, I snapped some photos of the countryside, because soon the trees that were planted for the Olympics, will cover up the fields and fields that are hand worked by the farmers. It is truly amazing and humbling to watch these farmers in the field using equipment that we would have used 60 - 70 years ago. Last week when I was on my way to Beijing, I had to text Danny that I actually saw 2 JD tractors!! It is rare to see 1, let alone 2 in a row!! Of course, that is good news for us, and hopefully to the farmers as well! But, the majority do not use tractors, so long, hard hours are spent in the field.

After we checked into the hotel, we went on a hunt for an Italian restaurant we wanted to try. We finally found it after the taxi driver took us far away, only to go back about 2 blocks from our hotel where the restaurant was located. Ahhh, if only our Chinese was better, we would have known to walk!!! We all enjoyed the food, but most of all, the kids loved making their own mini pizzas while they waited for the rest of their meal! It was a great concept and definitely made our visit more relaxing, therefore we will go back!!

After eating, we headed off to the German butcher to buy meat (obviously!!). Then, we decided to take the kids back to the hotel, instead of running around, and let them do what they really wanted to do...swim!! We had the entire pool to ourselves and we all had a great time!! After that, Subway and early bedtime!! I got to watch an entire DVD in peace and Danny was able to enjoy his "adult" dinner!! Once agiain, a great time was had by all!!