Sensational Singapore!

I barely had time to unpack our suitcases from America, and then it was time to repack them (full of warm weather gear) to head to Singapore to escape the madness that is Chinese New Year!

We had visited Singapore during our first year in China and loved it. We only had two days, so we thought it would be fun if we were able to explore for longer! I planned our trip so we would have a bit of rest and relaxation and also lots of exploring time!

As I’m writing this, I can’t believe this trip occurred over two months ago!!

Our first four days in Singapore we stayed on Sentosa Island. This past year they opened a Resort World which included Universal Studios on the island. There is a lot to do and this was supposed to be our relaxation time!

When we arrived we were able to take advantage of the great pool at the hotel. There was a shallow end for the kids and a couple of water slides, along with a wet playground! Honestly, even though it was warm out, the pool was a bit chilly for me, so I happily sat on the side and watched the madness!

On the second day we were there we went to Universal Studios. This particular park is quite small, but like Hong Kong Disney, the kids loved it and we spent the entire day playing and at some points trying to stay dry during a downpour!

When we first arrived at the park, we were greeted by a few characters. All was good until Danny and I both looked up and saw Frankenstein not too far away! We tried to shield Eens from him, but it was too late. A look of horror crossed his face and he jumped into Danny’s arms much quicker than he typically moves! I kept walking and pretending it did not bother me until I turned around and there was Frankenstein touching Cooper - thankfully Coop played tough guy, but I could tell he was a bit frightened! We quickly left the entrance area and began exploring the rest of the park.

After a rough start, Eens finally started to enjoy himself, but you could see that he was constantly looking over his shoulder! Ellie and Coop rode every ride they could as many times as they could. El was a bit disappointed that the biggest roller coaster was not operating the day we were there. I was happy because it looked really scary!!

Despite Frankenstein and a bit of rain, we had a wonderful day and really didn’t want to leave. Upon exiting the park, I was shocked to find a Chicago favorite right outside - Garrett’s Popcorn!! It is the little reminders of home that bring a smile to our faces!!

The next day we spent the entire time at the pool! Danny and I pretty much watched the children swim as the water was once again a bit on the cool side for us! The kids were swimming so much that they didn’t mind at all! Later in the day we strolled along the beach and ate some yummy pizza as we watched the sun set!

Our dear friends, Karen, John, and the girls arrived on Sunday! We were thrilled to see them, but a little bummed that the weather forecast was for rain all day! We made the most of it and walked to the aquarium that was just down the hill from our hotel. Then we had a nice long lunch at a restaurant on the beach and were able to enjoy the beach in between rain showers!!

On Monday we had made plans to change hotels and move into the city. Singapore is such a fun city and there are plenty of things to do with children! Once we checked into the new hotel, I swear I lost my mind!! We arrived in the room and I heard a buzzing sound, so I called downstairs and the chief of security came up to the room. He checked everything and assured me that it was probably the cars outside - I was not so sure about this, but could think of no better explanation, so I went with it. About an hour later as I began to unpack, I move one of the suitcases and the noise stopped. I dug in the suitcase and found my toothbrush turned on!! So much for the cars causing the noise. Only a few minutes later I began looking for Danny and I’s swimsuits, pj’s, underwear and socks, only to realize that I had left them at the other hotel on the island. Boy was I thankful that Karen and John were still there so they could retrieve them and bring them to us - a bit embarrassing, but it all worked out! The next very interesting thing I proceeded to do was check our return flight time before I put the paperwork away! I remember when I booked the flight how fortunate I felt because we were going to take a 01:15 flight - perfect time for the kids was what I was thinking. Only after studying the paper for a few minutes did I realize that I had booked a 1:15 am flight!! I immediately called up Singapore Airlines and explained my mistake. I was so thankful at this point that I was in Asia because customer service here is so much better than in the US!! The gentleman gave me two other flight options and told me there would be no charge! I was breathing a sigh of relief as Danny sat in wonderment. He was probably in awe that I could do so many dopey things in one afternoon!!

Obviously at this point I was in need of some fresh air, so we went out and walked the city. The kids weren’t exactly thrilled, but I love learning a city by walking! We saw the Marina Bay Sands hotel from a distance - it looks amazing, but it cost $20 per person to go to the top so we skipped that. We saw the merlion, which the kids were not impressed with and we ended the day on Orchard Road where we stocked up on books at Borders!

On Tuesday we decided to take the kids to the fabulous Singapore Zoo. This was probably the highlight of the trip for me! There were periods of sun and rain, so we bought some lovely ponchos that we will keep to remind us of soggy Singapore! The kids favorite part was the children’s wet playground! This time around I was prepared with swimsuits and dry clothes!

On Tuesday night we were fortunate to meet up with one of my friend’s who used to live in Tianjin. They were very brave and offered to take us to Chinatown. The reason this was such a brave endeavor is because it was coming upon Chinese New Year’s Eve! The streets were packed! We had such a wonderful time catching up and meeting their beautiful daughter who was born in Singapore! Thank you so much Anna for taking such good care of us!

On Wednesday and Thursday we spent time at the pool soaking up the sun and time shopping!! We were so happy to have friends to spend time with while on holiday! We are going to have a really hard time vacationing alone when we get back to the US!! The kids have fun and we completely enjoy ourselves!!

Despite the rain, I would have to declare our last Chinese New Year holiday a success!!

Writer's Block!!

I’m not usually one at a loss for words, ask any of my dear family members (especially my dad!)! I can talk about most anything to anyone. But, as you are probably aware, lately, I am at a loss for words. There is not one particular reason for this, but it has happened and I’m going to attempt over the next few days to start blogging again. I don’t want to look back 5 years from now and wonder what happened during those three months when I went undercover!!

One of the biggest reasons for my lack of blogging is quite simple, lack of time!! Last November I proposed that our school hold it’s first “carnival” for families. Most of the PFO committee looked at me blankly because they had no idea what a school carnival was all about! I proceeded to explain that there would be games, food, and fun for the school community. The idea eventually caught on, although I just recently realized that most people were not completely tuned in until the event actually happened in mid-February!! I’m sure you are realizing by this point that since not too many people had participated in an event like this, it only made sense that I would head the committee! Thankfully, my dear friend Karen and I got a wonderful committee together and we started planning before we all left for Christmas. The planning did not take up too much time until right after we returned from Singapore - so, for tmost of January and February my mind was constantly thinking about the Winter Carnival! I will put up a post all about the carnival because it was a wonderful success!! We had so many families come out and spend the day playing and having fun - just what we all needed during February!!

Another reason for my hiatus is really the uncertainty of our situation right now. The carnival was probably a great thing for me to focus on because at the moment, we have no idea where we are going when Danny’s contract is up. Most of our friends who have been on expat assignments have been told or given a heads up a few months in advance of their next posting. We are approaching that time period and it scares me. I have been assuming all along that we would go back to the US, but now all the questions of how that is going to happen have begun to haunt me as the reality sets in. We have heard from several people that repatriating is not easy. Many claim that this transition is actually more difficult than going to a new country. I have a hard time believing this - how can going “home” be harder? When we left my heart broke leaving my family, friends, and the familiar behind. Now, I am preparing for another broken heart as we have to say good-bye to some of the most amazing people I have ever met. I guess I will also have to watch and prepare the little ones for their broken hearts. For them, China is home - Cooper has spent more of his life in China than he has in America. There is nothing harder than to watch your children struggle and try to come to terms with saying good-bye. We will also be saying good bye to a lifestyle that we quite enjoy! Holidays every few months, seeing parts of the world I never imagined I would see, these will all turn into beautiful memories! Saying good-bye to all of our helpers will not be easy. As much as they drive us crazy some days, they have made life here in Tianjin easier. I’m just not sure I am up to doing laundry and scrubbing toilets again!! And, saying good-bye to China will be difficult (when the fireworks wake me up for the umpteenth time tonight, I will regret writing this!). I have fallen in love with this country - quirks and all! Many days I feel like I live on a completely different planet, but that’s what makes China so enticing. So, yes, I can understand how this transition is not going to be easy on any of us and that really scares me and probably has caused me not to want to write about it. When it is written, I have to come to terms with my fears!

Another reason I have taken a leave of absence from writing is the simple fact that Cory (my cousin’s son) is fighting cancer. How does that affect me and my writing? I know it doesn’t make much sense, but I have been in Chris and Michelle’s shoes before, fighting for my child’s life. We were lucky and although our fight was tough, it was only five weeks of major ups and downs, they will be battling this beast for many years to come. I know their world has stopped, and I guess I just thought parts of mine should come to a stand still also. It is difficult to write about funny and disgusting habits of the locals when one of my family members is suffering the effects of chemo! However, the good news is, prayers are working for Cory and so is his treatment!! My heart is lighter just knowing they are seeing that the radiation (that caused tremendous amounts of pain) is killing the nasty tumor and for the first time since his diagnosis he is able to open his eye!! I’m sure there is laughter once again in their house and they are celebrating the gift of each day!

There is one other very big reason that I have not written lately, but you must wait for that in a later post...after I have updated what in the world we have been doing since January!!

Obviously words are coming back much easier than I anticipated!! Life does go on, sometimes I just need to take a back seat and enjoy seeing things from a different perspective!

Frozen Tundra!

I knew before we even got back to the states that there would be snow on the ground and it would be freezing. I’m not sure why, but it always feels so much colder when we are visiting our parents than when we are in Tianjin - even if it is the exact same temperature. I’m assuming that it has to do with how dry Tianjin is (no snow yet - yippee!!) and it also helps that I always have a warm car waiting for me! To prepare for the cold and snow, I thought I was smart this year by ordering boots and snow pants for the kids prior to arriving at my parent’s house. (My way of saving luggage space!!)

There was definitely snow, but I didn’t take into account the fact that it was too cold to go out and play in it!! By the end of day two, Ellie and I had went and purchased Uggs that go up to our knee in an attempt to stay warm!! The weather did finally warm up a little during our second week in the frozen tundra. I actually made the kids go outside and play because they had spent all of their time in the house! At first they put up a big fuss, but eventually I got them all out and they had a ball!! They were sledding down a mini hill and ended up having a snowball fight - with a bit of crying from each one at different times!! They came in to a nice mug of hot chocolate waiting for them!!

One Big Blessing!

On the first Friday we were in the states I had arranged an appointment with our ENT to have Coop’s hearing rechecked. He has been doing amazing in school with the few interventions they have in place (front and middle seating, buddy help, and a very clear teacher!), however I was still worried about kindy placement, especially if we are back in the US. Right now he is in a class of 13 students with a head teacher and a full time teacher’s assistant. I know when we come back, his class size will be much larger and I needed to know if we would have to request anything special for him at his new school.

He once again did not pass the OAE, which is a computerized test that measures if he can hear certain pitches. He has difficulty with the high pitch sounds. This is most likely the result of the antibiotics he was on in the NICU. However, he passed with “flying colors” his auditory play test!!!! The ENT was very happy with his results and does not think anything needs to be done at the moment for his schooling. No paperwork - yeah!! He just said that we will watch him and if there are ever concerns, we have a place to start!

I am so thankful for Coop! He doesn’t like to be treated differently and I do think he will have a little difficulty transitioning back into life in the states. By the time we come back, Coop will have spent more of his life in China than in the US! Maybe he will make lots of friends really fast if he wears these scary teeth!!

Thank You United Lady!!

Today (last Friday!) hopefully marked the last time that we will be hauling 11 checked bags and about 12 carry-on items through an airport!! I am always so proud of my packing abilities, but they failed today! My final bag weighed in at a whopping 67 pounds when it was supposed to be 50. I’m not sure if it was the three packs of frozen hot dogs that I put in at the last minute, but it was definitely overweight. Instead of telling Danny of my mistake (we now had 4 70 pound bags instead of 3), I decided to test my luck with the mass confusion we create when we enter the airport.

The United lady gave us one look and I think she almost closed her aisle, but thanks to all of our miles we were in a priority line, so she had to accept her fate!! We began by placing some lighter bags on (by lighter I mean they weighed about 47 pounds) first to show that we were following baggage requirements. We put the 70 pounders in between hoping that confusion would stop her from realizing we were over the weight limit more than we should have been! In the end, we had 5 bags over the 50 pound limit and I’m not sure if it was confusion, or just that this woman was really kind, but she did not charge us!!! Thank you so much United lady - you made my day and saved my track record of being a great packer!!!

Technology Hiatus!

Many apologies for taking a break from lovely technology!! I did not intend to not blog for nearly 4 weeks, but life got in the way!! I am now sitting on the plane for what could possibly be our last trip back to China. (Obviously this was written last week - I need a bit of motivation to get these posted!!)

We enjoyed our break away from Tianjin, but now we are ready to go back and enjoy our dear friends and life the way we know it until we get the “call”!!

We spent some wonderful time with family while we were away! Unfortunately, the majority of that time was spent in the NICU waiting room as we waited on developments on my sweet niece Kylee! I wouldn’t have it any other way - as I said last month, we’re family and family sticks together. Had I been in China and received a call from my brother that his daughter was going to be undergoing open heart surgery, I would have been on the first flight back!

Kylee was our little Christmas miracle! She defied even the surgeons with her strong will to stay stable for 11 days until surgery, and then go home one short week after surgery! She is amazing and I really can’t wait to get back to the US and snuggle her like an auntie should!!

My sister-in-law has kept a wonderful journal that made me laugh some days and cry others. It will be a treasured keepsake for Kylee as she gets older! If you are interested in reading it, just follow the link below!!

Kylee's CaringBridge