Sick days

The Paradise clan (or "Lo-lu-ka" as the kids have started calling themselves in the collective) have been hit hard by the flu and all its complications. Lucy had fever, hacking cough and nose-bleeding issues for 5 days solid. Lorna had a fever, vomiting and just since last night the same nose-bleeding. Kai has come through unscathed, although solidly showing his two-ness. Lorna was up three times in the night with this nose bleed and it gave her an upset tummy and a lot of panic at the sight of it all. Today, we're just sick of being sick and all a bit grumpy. I really have to leave my body sometimes just to get through it - head down and march forward. I wish there could be a fly on the wall just to ask with me, "is this all humanly possible for one person to do?" Or give me a pat on the back. It's hard.

Right now all are sleeping and the sun is shining. I was just knitting, when I remembered how much better I feel when I can put it all down on "paper". Right now I'm in my pajamas which have remnants of almost all bodily secretions and I've given about 8 collective time-outs before noon.

And there are those tender moments of comforting and stillness, of cuddling and tears. And hopefully Lucy learned that she can be comforted and held until she's ready to let go.

Well, the silver lining is that I did cancel my trip this week to visit my sister and her newborn baby in Tahoe. I was concerned that bringing three kids in February near a newborn might not be smart and boy was that a good call. I hope to leave the house tomorrow and Will gets back on Monday.

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

That's Cantonese for "Happy New Year" and we really have tried our best to incorporate Chinese New Year into our lives. We are officially a Chinese-American family. Lorna and Lucy made New Year's cards for their classmates, complete with the traditional money envelope with two dimes.

I also got inspired to knit a bunny for each child. Great way to use up yard and the kids love them. (It's the year of the hare.)

Friday night we went to a local Chinese restaurant and joined the "Families of Chinese Children" Boulder chapter at a big table. It was nice to meet some other families and then we watched the lion dance. Lucy LOVED it. Kai was less enthusiastic, actually screaming at the loud gongs and lions running around the restaurant. Apparently the lion must eat the orange and cabbage affixed to the ceiling and then tear it to shreds and go to sleep.

Friday night Will came home and we all headed to Denver on Saturday for a New Year's celebration put on by the Chinese school. The costumes were great and it was held at one of the Colorado mega churches with its own Starbucks in the lobby! We came home to eat the traditional potstickers and then set off firecrackers in the back yard.

As the biggest Chinese holiday and one centered on family, I think of Lucy's birth mom and hope she doesn't worry for Lucy. I hope she knows that I will do my best to help her stay connected to her Chinese roots.

Too Cool for School

All local schools closed for the day, not because of the inch of snow from yesterday, but because the forecast is for a high of -1. This after last Friday set a record at 68 degrees. I picked up Lorna from school in flipflops. Such is the weather of Boulder! Here are some pics from our never out of jim-jams day! And never resorted to TV time.

"I'm Chinese"

Perhaps it's the upcoming Chinese New Year, but Lucy seems to have a growing consciousness of being Chinese. We've been listening to some kids' Chinese sing-a-long music in the car and now I can hear her singing in Chinese when by herself doing a puzzle. And even some hand gestures to the Chinese version of "Frere Jacques". Saturday night we were out at a restaurant and the waitress asked if they were all ours. Before we could answer, Lucy said confidently, "I'm Chinese." Will and I just stared at each other and wondered if she knew what she was saying or if it was pure coincidence. She's never said that sentence before.

Now that her English is so good, I asked her yesterday, if she remembered China. She said, "Lucy go back China."
"Lucy do you want to go back to China"
"Yes, Lucy go China with Mommy."
"Of course we can all go to China some day."
"Lucy, Mommy go back China eat egg drop soup and Chinese noodles."
"Lucy do want to go back to China or to the Chinese restaurant?"
"Go eat China restaurant."

So of course, now I'm wondering if she remembers that there is a China or if she simply wants to go to the restaurant."

Now, I think I'll go full steam ahead and try to find a Mandarin tutor who can come to our house for all the kids. I want to meet this growing interest however I can. We also have some things planned for the Chinese New Year - this Thursday. Pictures to come.