Short Month Syndrome

February is over.  As quickly as it came it’s gone.  I think it has a bit of the short month syndrome.  You know, trying to overcompensate for being the shortest month.

There were so many awesome things that happened that I didn’t time to blog about them.

But it needs to be remembered.

Then Chinese New Year was celebrated at the beginning of the month. 

This was a big deal for Lael’s school because they study Chinese from PreK through the 5^th grade. Lael decided to be one of 4 kids from her class to participate in their Chinese New Year celebration. She gave up recess everyday to rehearse for this big production.  This also meant I had to listen to her speaking Chinese around the house for weeks.

I show up early on the day of the event. I secured a second row seat and I was armed with my camera phone. Yes, I totally forgot my “good” camera but didn’t think it would be a big deal.

There entire auditorium filled with all the different classes.  It got crowded rather quickly.  We watched a few different groups act out their songs and dance.  Then it was time for Lael’s group.  They walked back stage donned with wearing paper masks. They lined up on stage behind paper umbrellas and begin peeking out while singing a song (in Chinese of course). The song and story line were cute and I followed along well but I soon realized Lael wasn’t on the stage.

I was confused. I was sure that I saw her go backstage. Her  group finishes their song and everyone claps but the kids don't leave the stage. It gets quiet for a moment and we realize they aren’t done.

Suddenly a kid that has on a mask different from the rest jumps from behind one of the umbrellas. She walks to the middle of the stage and grabs the mic. She begins to sing a song.  She had such a soft sweet voice.  Wait, is that Lael?

Yes. Yes it was.

My child stood in the middle of that stage and sang that song all by herself.

I had no idea she had a solo. I didn’t even know she could sing so beautifully. I could not hold back my tears.

After the performance I tease Lael about not telling me she had her own part.  I walk up to her class to get her things and her teacher stops me.

She tells me that the 2^nd grade classes will be having a Black History Month play at the end of the month.  Then she tells me that she has given Lael female main character role because she is so theatrical.  I don’t know whether to be excited or worried.  No, I was super proud.

The performance were supposed to be the 24^th but they postponed it until today.  Funny they are having it after Black History Month is over, but who cares?

In addition, they were given a biography project. Lael chose Michael Jackson as her famous person and there was a Spelling Bee. 

Our month was filled with studying spelling words, looking up facts about MJ’s life and rehearsing her play. It has been busy to say the least.  She made it to the 4^th round in her grade Spelling Bee.  She’s excited to do it again next year.

I am headed to her school soon for the play and she also get to dress up as Michael to read her biography on him.  It’s going to be exciting.  I even ordered her a sparkle glove and red “Thriller” pleather jacket for her to dress the part.  Oh, how fun.

Stay tuned for that post.


**In case you are curious, they are acting out a book called “Dinner at Aunt Connie’s House”by Faith Ringgold.**

Wordless "Wacky" Wednesday

Happy Birthday Dr Suess!

Hope you all have a Wacky Wednesday too!

Kobi Love

I was at Lael's school for her 2nd Grade Spelling Bee (which I'll blog about later) and I saw this hanging on the wall outside of her classroom.

Kobi

"My favorite person name is Kobi. Kobi lives with me. Kobi likes to grab stoth. I love to play with Kobi.  Kobi is my favorite person because he is the smallest one in my family."

                                                                                             -Lael

I can't tell you how much my heart exploded with pride.

Even though she can't spell the word "stuff".

Wordless Wednesday

The Tantrums.....

......have begun.

(See, he isn't smiling ALL the time.)

9 Months

9 months. It goes by in the blink of an eye.

You are so incredibly funny.  You love cheese. If you see me reach for the package you squeal.

You love watching Lael play basketball. I can see in your eyes that you can barely wait to be able to run with her.

You are always smiling.  You smile while still holding on to that paci. Sometimes you cry and smile at the same time.

You make the weirdest faces.  I try my best to get you to make them over and over just to catch them on camera.

You are a biter.  I have marks on my shoulders, finger and legs from you daggering me with those 6 knives.  Somehow you know better than to bite me while nursing.  Just so you know, the formula is only a few steps away.

You have finally started sleeping in your crib.  Only for about 5 hrs at night, but it's a start.  I'm so proud of you for this.  You are becoming such a big boy.

You aren't taking steps yet like your sister did at 9 months but there is no need to rush.  I want you to be a baby for as long as you want.

You like to dance now.  You have this cute little bounce you do whenever you hear music.  If I say "Go Kobi, go Kobi, go go go Kobi" you giggle and bounce.  So. Cute.

I am both excited and sad to be planning your first birthday already.  It's only a few months away. Can you guys believe it?

His 9mth checkup is next week. I'm excited to see how much you've grown.

Silly boy.

Wordless Wednesday

This is the pretty bun Lael had when she went to school this morning.

This is what I saw when I walked in the house from work.

Seriously?

I live with animals. Animals I tell ya.

Average Work

Lael got her report card on Friday.  I’ve been making up excuses for the past year or so on why her report cards haven’t been the greatest.  I’m not sure what I expect.  Part of my problem is that I am not a fan of the grading system that is used.  I need to see a letter grade.  Instead I get a N for Not Introduced, a D for Developing, or an S for Secure.  From the end of last year up until now she has mostly D’s.    

A few weeks ago Lael asked me what an F was on her test. I explained that it meant she failed. That she had too many wrong answers.  She was very upset about this. I emailed her teacher and found out that the class had taken a unit math test and many of the kids did poorly.  It annoys me because that means that some kids did fine. Mine was not one of them.  Her teacher explained that Lael KNEW this stuff but rushed and made simple mistakes.  This annoys me as well.  It doesn’t matter what she KNOWS.  If she can’t pass her tests it doesn’t matter.  She assured me that she was going to go over the test with the class and have them retake it.

Along with the report card a progress folder was sent with class assignments and tests from the past quarter.  Included was that test and the retake.  She went from an F to a B.  Even then she made silly mistakes.  She does very well in spelling.  Some tests she got every word correct plus the bonus words. 

Maybe I have to come to the realization that this is who she is.  She does just enough.  She has two smart parents and she is fully capable but I know in my gut that she can do better.  Do I push her? Is this something she has to want for herself?

I asked her teacher to send extra work home so that I can practice with her.  Part of me doesn’t even want to bother because she will mumble and groan the entire time. 

Have any of you had this experience? A smart child who doesn’t seem to focus and apply themselves?

I am at a loss. I don’t want a child that is just getting by.  What makes it even worse is that she is compared to her sister. The one that gets Above Average marks on every report card. The one that is doing math and reading at a grade above where she should be.

I know every child is different but they are equally smart. What should I do?

Help!