The Ox Child

THE OX CHILD

This child will not be a crybaby. He is unusually tough and can endure hardship. A rugged individualist, he tends to begin speaking late and would rather settle arguments with his fists. Stubborn and unyielding, he can turn the house upside down when he puts his mind to it. He is not the fussy type but will be adamant about the few concessions he demands. One of them will be his privacy.He won't resent discipline and in fact will welcome your fixing a schedule for him. He may insist on having his meals served at the same time each day but he will not be particular about food. He thrives on regularity; knowing where everything is and what is expected of him will give him a sense of security. Being the strong, silent type, he may not readily reveal his feelings. He can be deeply hurt and no one may even suspect it, because the Ox child is a very private person.

Yikes.

At least an Ox soulmate is a Rooster (Athena and me), Zoe and Chris (Dog and Rabbit) are also soul mates. At least there will be some harmony in our home.

Introducing...

John Patrick!

To be arriving March 9, 2009 at 7:30 am, that is, unless he has other plans for us. What do you think? Does he have Chris' nose? Or mine? The ultrasound technician said he is perfect in every way, even outlined his little bow mouth for me (although I couldn't really see what she was talking about).

Also, we are 100% certain that he is a BOY. No mistakes here.

Photo of the Week

As I was cleaning out the girl's closet I found a basket of clothing that had been weeded from their dresser and tossed aside: bathing suits, ugly ill-fitting tee shirts and cold weather gear.

Zoe was fascinated by the clothes that she had not see in forever and wanted to put everything on at once.

Then she struck a pose.

She's sooo fashion forward.

Buddies

Twice a week, the girls and I attend a class at the YMCA that teaches preschool basics: arts and crafts, circle time and, of course, the chicken dance. Since Zoe is under the 3-6 age requirement, they let her attend as long as I stay in the room with her.

It's been a real treat to see my girls interact in a group setting together. They're like best friends, they sit together, get in trouble for talking and sometimes even hold hands. Zoe always looks to her sister to make sure she's 'doing it right' as she's inexperienced in such a school setting. And Athena in turn always makes sure she's sitting "criss-cross applesauce" or prompts her when it's her turn to do something.

When they're at home, they will fight about the most ridiculous toy, but out in the world they have a unbreakable bond and seem to really like being with each other.

The saddest face in preschool

We just can't find the right childcare for Zoe and I think I have looked at every daycare in town. I'm still working 15-20 hours a week and need a block of time where both girls are in school.

Earlier this year, we had Athena at her preschool three days a week and Zoe enrolled in a wonderful non-profit, parent cooperative nursery school four mornings a week. Zoe loved it and I got to be in school with her one day per week. Athena started to attend along with Zoe when I volunteered and liked it so much, I was going to transfer her to the same place. However, this parent cooperative, which was "organized by parents" closed down after 52 years serving the community due to infighting and unresolved issues with the Executive Board.

So, as of December, I enrolled Zoe in Athena's school two days a week and it's not going well. Above is the sad little Christmas card she made for me. Her little face says it all, she looks like she's in prison. When I drop her off she cries and when I pick her up she is still crying. The teachers say that she stops in between, but, I don't know...

Athena and Zoe have different classes but they share outdoor time. Athena tells me that she finds Zoe outside crying for Mommy. Athena just holds her hand and walks with her until she stops. Another time, Athena tells me, she found Zoe crying because there were several boys running too fast around her, Athena told them to go and played with Zoe until it was time to go inside. When Zoe's class lined up she cried and cried for her "Sisss-taah!"

Tuesday was the first day that I didn't get any reports of crying, so hopefully we're turning a corner. We'll see how today goes.

Bye bye fammame!

We've had a lovely holiday season with so many wonderful visits from family and friends. Thank you everyone for coming to check in on us and see our new life in California.

It's been a whirlwind three weeks, Mimi and Yiayia arrived on December 17th to help us set up for Christmas. We hosted Christmas for Baba, Grandma, Anthony, Jessica, Aunt Mave, Mariana and Lisa. Then, Aunt Katie and PopPop arrived just in time to help us ring in the New Year.

And this morning everyone left. Holidays are over and we're back to our regular programming.

Zoe clung to her Mimi all morning and
Mimi promised to come back soon.

PopPop got a last snuggle before bed.

And this photo makes me laugh as Zoe ruins
what could have been a lovely parting shot with her YiaYia.

Now let's start planning visits for the baby's birth! Only 10 more weeks!

Happy New Year

New is the year

New are the hopes and the aspirations
New is the resolution
New are the spirits and forever my warm wishes are for you.

Have a promising and fulfilling 2009!