Pre School Graduate

 Heading into the pre school for the graduation ceremony.

 Changing her shoes in front of her classroom one last time.

 Looking a little nervous before her name is called to receive her diploma.

 Finally, a smile as she returns to her seat.

Sneaking this one in here, under the wire.  Before Sophie starts elementary school, I probably should at least put up a few pictures from her pre school graduation.  (Bailey had school the day of the graduation, so he couldn't attend.)

Sporty Spice

Getting ready for Sports Day held on October 4, Sunday. It was supposed to be held on Saturday but got rained out.

Sophie marching in with her class.

Sophie and me during the parent dance.

Run, Bailey, run.

Back home, sweaty and tired.

Before And After

Before heading out to catch the pre-school bus on Monday morning.

Right after they got off the bus on Friday afternoon.

Lots of people have asked me how Sophie's first few days of pre-school went and I am happy to report that they went rather well. One day, the teacher asked me to come in and help out and I was so surprised by Sophie. She was bound and determined to do everything by herself no matter how long it took. Seeing her so determined instead of asking mommy or daddy or big brother to do it for her was so cute. She has gained a lot of confidence this past week and her new obsession is buttons. Doing them and undoing them a hundred times a day.

On the other hand, she isn't taking a nap anymore so the evenings are a little rough. Lots of crying and fighting with Bailey, but I hope, in time that she will get used to it. From next week they will stay at pre-school through lunch and Sophie has already put in her order for a rice ball and some cheese. I will sneak in a few extras to round out her lunch.

Wish us luck!

Getting Ready

Today, Sophie and some of the other three year olds that will be starting pre-school in April got the chance to experience a few hours of what it is really like. They played with the kids already in school and got to hear a lecture on the importance of bus safety. We also got to pick up the uniforms that we ordered earlier this year. Here she is in her smock and play pants that she will change into upon arriving at school.

And here she is in the uniform that she will wear to and from school. We bought it a little on the big side since she will have to use it for three years. She was so excited to get a uniform like Bailey's.

Bubble Bazaar

On Saturday, the pre-school head it's annual Bazaar. Bailey's class was in charge of two areas- the bubble blowing and drawing. I donned my-oh-so-official apron and helped out with the set up and bubbles. Look at that itsy bitsy tiny whiny chair that they wanted me to sit in. I said that I was alright standing and let the chair be a towel rack instead.
Bailey and Sophie trying to make "bubas, bubas!!" The look on Sophie's face in this one is great. It's like she is saying you want me to do what with what???
After playing around in the bubbles, the kids headed over to the drawing area where they got to draw with chalk. Here is Bailey peering into his chalk basket deciding what to make.
I was finished around 11:00, so we headed on home but not before getting caught by the candy lady. Of course, after they saw it they both wanted one so we bought two "candy leis".

Shaking the bubbles out

And, I Will Just Leave It At That

"Good morning," I said into the telephone, rubbing the sleep out of my eyes, "The school just called. It's raining again, so they are postponing the field day, again."

"I figured as much," replied my mother-in-law, "How about you let me know when they do decide to do it."

I opened my mouth to reply, but I heard her hang up.

Seems like I am not the only one getting tired of this waiting game.

Isn't Rain Supposed To Make You Sleepy??

Sophie is usually a very good sleeper. She goes to bed without any fuss, puts herself to sleep with only the help of her stuffed Big Bird and stays asleep until at least 6:00 am. So, I really shouldn't complain but last night was a double doozy (and not the kind that you get from the cookie place at the mall with lots of sweet icing in the middle).

It might wear you out just reading this account, so pace yourself.
8:00 Lights out
9:45 I go to bed and listen to Sophie banging against the sides of the crib as she rolls all over the place
10:10 She cries, I wait five minutes and it seems like it is safe to think about going back to sleep as her breathing deepens and the crying stops.
10:45 Crying again- loud and strong. I try a million things put her in bed with me, put on an extra blanket, take off said extra blanket, give her a sip of water, rub her back, rock her, hold her, give her a few rice crackers in case she is hungry, sing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star until I am sure my jaw is gonna fall off, check for a fever, give her Tylenol just in case....
5:15 She finally stops crying long enough to sleep for an hour and thirty minutes
6:45 Wakes up happy and bright eyed plays and eats most of her scrambled egg and rye toast breakfast
12:00 Finally decides she needs a little more sleep and is asleep even before I get the blanket pulled up over her

Good lord a mercy it feels like jet lag all over again!!

**********
Bailey, on the other hand, slept through it all and headed out for pre-school today. It is still raining today, so there will be no field day. The teachers are supposed to met sometime today and decide what to do about the field day. The headmistress of the school will be gone on a school business trip from October 10-20 and this Saturday and Sunday is smack dab in the middle of fall break, so I am not quite sure what will happen.

I guess one thing is for sure, it is hardly ever boring here.

Rain, Rain Go Away

I keep Hershey's Kisses in the freezer for emergencies. I just had to go get two and press the sweet coolness to my eyes. Can you say stress headache???

Saturday was supposed to be Bailey's field day at pre-school, so I spent most of last week getting ready- buying foods for the picnic lunch, planning the menu, inviting people, making sure his outdoor shoes were clean and ready to go, re-gluing the lion onto his hat (seems he thought it was just a big sticker and he could pull it off if he tried hard enough) and the like. I even made lists. Not one, but three separate lists so that I was sure I wasn't forgetting anything. I was feeling pretty confident, like I really knew what I was doing, like I really had a grip on things this time.

But, what is the one thing you can't control? Oh yeah, that's right, the weather. Saturday- a lite but steady rain. Sunday- a heavy, steady rain. The forecast for tomorrow- rain, rain, rain. We are supposed to get a call from the school tomorrow morning around six (like we have for the last two days) telling us what Monday's schedule will be. Monday was supposed to be a school holiday it return for having the kids participate in a school activity during the weekend, but since there was no field day due to the weather I am guessing that there will be regular classes tomorrow.

Uggghhhhh, I hate not knowing what is going on, what to expect; but what I hate even more than that is that the kids worked so hard practicing everyday and if they end up having the field day on a weekday so many parents (particularly fathers) won't get to see their children in action.

I, for one, have watched Bailey, spin around the living room every morning practicing the dance that his class will do. And, then, again every evening as I make dinner he practices sprinting across the living room. He was so looking forward to showing Daddy what he could do. Now, who knows....

Did I mention that I really hate not knowing what is going on????

Is That A Needle In Your Hand?!?!?!?

My heart is beating fast. My palms are sweaty and I feel like I might throw up any minute. The two cups of coffee I had with lunch? Nope. Something much more sinister is afoot (can you tell I have been reading Harry Potter?).

It is common knowledge that, despite my best intentions, I am very limited in my sewing/ crafty abilities. I want to so much. I go to the craft/ fabric store and find something that looks doable, bring it home work on it for ten or fifteen minutes get frustrated and give up. But, if you are the mom of a pre-schooler here in Japan, it seems impossible to just throw your hands up in the air and give up. (And believe me, I so want to.)

So, I bit the bullet and went to the craft store today to find something to make for the school Bazaar and something to decorate Bailey's hat for field day. While I was there, I decided to splurge on a pair of "fabric only scissors" and a needle threader. Now there are no more excuses. I have all the supplies. I know what I have to do and when I have to do it by, but oh my word if it doesn't frighten the heck out of me.

Pictures and hair pulling to follow.

Like A Ninja, It Appears Outta Nowhere Sometimes

I had to turn down the TV to hear it. Just the slightest noise and then a gasp and there was no doubt it was crying. At first, I thought it was Sophie. Just give her a minute, I thought, she will find her handkerchief (her lovey) and settle back down. It continued and so I flicked off the TV and turned on the hallway light so I could find said handkerchief and maybe rub her tummy a few times.

When I opened the door, a little voice, trembling, said, "Mommy, the ninjas are here. Be careful."

And, then, the story tumbled out as he rubbed his nose on the front of my shirt and rubbed my ear (his lovey). Some of the older kids at pre-school were playing ninja today and it scared Bailey. (Funny the way culture smacks you in the face sometimes. They were playing ninja much like I used to play cops and robbers or cowboys and Indians.) He asked me to stay with him, something he hasn't done in a long time.

Sometimes, little things like that remind me that I am raising kids from two different cultures. Two different languages. Two different worlds. I just hope I am doing alright.

Saturday, You Just About Wore Me Out!!

Sophie, fueling up with an onigiri (a rice ball with tuna in the center and wrapped in seaweed) in preparation for back to back Sport's Festivals ( one at Bailey's pre-school and another at cousin K and A's elementary school).

Waiting for Bailey's class to march out. Check out Gramma's sassy shoes!!

Praying before the Sport's Day began. That is Bailey with the ducky pants and blue shirt with red stripes. (No, he isn't wearing pajamas. These are what the kids wear when they play outside. They pull the pants on over their uniform shorts and change from their smock into a t-shirt.

Can you find Bailey and me? There were four events and Bailey chose two (this dance with me and a piggy back relay with Daddy) to participate in.

Running the piggy back relay with Daddy. There were some really competitive parents in this race. Kids barely hanging on but the parents kept on running. One guy even tripped over his own feet he was going so fast and sent his kid flying through the air. Thank goodness nobody was hurt.

After Bailey's Sports Day was finished, we loaded up the kids and headed for the elementary school. The camera fell out of my bag and I ended up leaving it in the car so I didn't get any pics.

Clean Soles

(For those of you that asked, here is the special soap; which I guess now that I think of it is more like a cleanser, that I used to clean Bailey's shoes.)

Last Thursday Bailey's teachers came for a home visit. After all good news- your son is active and makes friends easily; came the bad news- your son's indoor shoes are not as white and clean as they should be. Oh no, now don't get me wrong, she didn't say it like that so directly, so American, nope the real story went something like this:

Teacher: Bailey loves to play outside. He is so eager to go outside that he often forgets to change from his indoor shoes to his outdoor, play shoes and as a result, his indoor shoes get pretty dirty. (pausing for a moment to let in all sink in) Have you ever washed a pair of shoes before?

Me: I guess so.

Teacher: Well, in Japan, there is a special way. A special brush. A special soap. All to keep our indoor shoes very clean.

Me: Oh, right.

Teacher: Do you have a special brush and special soap?

Me: No, I was just using a toothbrush and diluted bleach.

Teacher: Oh, well, you should probably get the special brush and the special soap and scrub away this weekend. Have Bailey help you; he is good at cleaning up the sand box toys.

Me: I will see what I can do.

*****
So, while the kids and Hubs napped on Saturday afternoon I went to procure the special brush and the special soap so that I could "scrub away". I found them and once back home fumbled my way through the directions and scrubbed with all my heart and soul. The result? Pretty, nearly as good as new white indoor shoes. A day hanging out on the line and I put them back into the shoe bag and sent them with Bailey to school this morning.

This afternoon, when I picked Bailey up at the bus stop, his teacher was on the bus. As Bailey got off, she yelled to me, "Bailey went outside in his indoor shoes again today. Please wash them again. And, don't forget to scrub the soles too!"

Now, they are nicely scrubbed and hanging in the sun to dry. Clean right down to their soles. (Couldn't resist the pun!)

Enough To Make You Sweat

It is only 9:00am and already it is hot. The kind of hot where you wake up sweating and just keep on sweating. Hot enough to warrant the summer version of Bailey's pre-school uniform or so I thought.

The bus pulls up and even before the doors open to let the kids on, the teacher is gesturing with gusto and looking forlorn. As the doors open, she meets my eyes and says, "No summer uniform until you get the letter saying that it is okay. Everybody must wear the same uniform at all times."

Strike one (thousand three hundred and three).

Without Leftovers There Would Be No Bento

In a mad dash this morning, I dumped some rice in the yellow container and topped it off with marubo-dofu leftover from dinner last night (tofu and minced beef in a slightly sweet sauce). Then I fried up two small sausages, microwaved some spinach and added a little salt and black sesame seeds, leftover rolled egg from yesterday's lunch and some strawberries with mandarin oranges hidden underneath for good measure.

Yesterday's lunch was a success! It came home completely empty except for a lone carrot slice stuck to the lid. This may look like a lot of food for a 3 year old, but Bailey just nibbles his breakfast around 7:00 every morning and so by the time lunch rolls around I know he is starving. At daycare (where the teachers prepared lunch), he was always asking for seconds and sometimes even thirds. It seems like Bailey always eats the most for lunch.

What's In The Box???

Today is the first day Bailey had to take his lunch to pre-school. So, while the kids played with their new kitchen toy set (remind me to get another frying pan- they fight over that thing like CRAZY!!) I attempted to make o-bento.

I think it turned out alright and hopefully it will be enough to keep Bailey full until school lets out. I made yakisoba (fried noodles with lots of veggies), mini pot stickers or dumplings, rolled egg, mixed veggies sauteed in butter and a couple of star shaped hash browns. I threw a couple of strawberries on top for color and because I ran out of space.

All of it gets loaded into his lunch box bag along with a fork and spoon and a cup for milk. He also had to take a place mat and a bib with him.

The true judge of o-bento success is how much he really ate. We shall see......

A Pre-School Lesson

So, today was the day. Sophie went off to day care a little early and as soon as Bailey was on the bus, another mother and I headed off to the pre-school.

When we arrived the teacher asked us to help the kids get settled in- doing things like helping them find their shoe box or showing them where their locker was. Then the teacher called role, the students prayed and sang some songs and got ready to go outside to play. But, the weather had other plans so it was back inside to play with clay, read a book or draw. Then there was more singing and dancing and then it was to the car and heading home.

Doesn't sound like much, right? But, good lord, let me tell you. When there are thirty kids (give or take a few) that have no idea what they are doing and just want to have fun and five moms (give or take a few) that have no idea what they are doing and just wanna help out, it was so chaotic. And from tomorrow it will just be the teacher and her assistant going at it alone for a longer period of time and with everybody eating lunch together. I hope that they get paid well- they surely do deserve it!

Anyway, I feel like Bailey is in good hands and he seems to have already made friends. He is so excited to ride the bus and go to school every morning- I hope that that excitement lasts for a long time!

Honey Bee, Why You Gotta Sting Me??

For the first few days of pre-school, the teachers ask the parents to come in and help out. I think that it is a way for the teachers and parents and students all to become familiar and comfortable with everyone and plays into that whole group mentality thing that is so popular here in Japan. On Monday it is my turn.

I talked to another mother about it as we waited for the bus to bring the kids home and she said that more than likely we will break off into groups and walk the kids through things like where the glue goes or how and where to line up for the bus. No problem, I thought, I can handle that. But, her next words stopped me dead in my tracks.

"Nobody would blame you if you made up some excuse and didn't go," she smiled.

My reply? A lame, "ohh" and a quick thanks to God that the bus arrived and the conversation was lost in the shuffle of book bags and welcome home hugs.

I know that she didn't mean to offend me, but her comment stung a little. Like a honey bee had stung the soft part of the arch of my foot. The bee is long gone but the sting is still there.

The Pre-School Pre-Game Show

Today was the entrance ceremony for pre-school and here is Bailey all uniformed up and waiting for the car.

Trying to get everyone organized for the class picture.
Bailey was so nervous at first but once he got his bearings his smile came back.

Feeling better now that the first day is behind him, Bailey skipped back to the car with Gramma.
Getting to know his table mates. From the look on his face, Bailey is really going to like pre-school, I think.

Plan B

When I wrote the last post, Hubs was out with friends. When he came home he saw the order form for the sewing service on the table and he was having none of it. The conversation went something like this:

Hubs: What's this?
Me: Oh, just something they gave me at the craft store when I bough the material for Bailey's pre-school stuff. I am gonna take it back to the store tomorrow so they can get started on it. I just wanted to double check some of the measurements.
Hubs: You should just make it yourself.
Me: Oh my gosh, are you kidding? (laughing out loud)
Hubs: No I am not.

My Mom always said that Hubs rarely uses the word no but when he does use it, there ain't no changing his mind.

And so began my desperate attempt to find bags that were almost what the school is looking for. Until I got a call from my SIL, who offered out of the kindness of her heart, to make the things that Bailey needs. (I think it may have to do with the fact that she has seen the whole name tag field day incident and she knows.)

We are meeting up tomorrow for lunch to talk about what he needs and to buy some of the things that I have forgotten.

Hubs is happy that he doesn't have to lose an arm and a leg to have a stranger make them and I am happy because I know that Bailey will have something well-made and filled with love.

Sew Not Cut Out For It

When I was a young 'un I always looked forward to going back to school shopping. A new lunch box, a few new shirts and fresh pencils just waiting to be sharpened and I was ready to go. Lord-a-mercy, I wish it were that easy now.

Bailey will start pre-school on April 10, but before that a monumental task awaits. The kind that involves Thomas and Friends fabric and straight pins and elastic and scissors. The kind of thing that I am absolutely, positively NO GOOD at doing.

"How bad?" you might ask. Let's see if these will answer your question.

1. In junior high, I took a home economics class. The last three or so weeks of school were devoted to sewing. We were supposed to sew and stuff pillows in the shape of letters that spelled out our name or initials or whatever. Six letters in my name. I should have been able to manage that. At the end of three weeks I only had a very lopsided T to show for all my effort.
2. My sisters and I used to use material scraps to make dresses for our Barbie dolls. If I couldn't get the dress to fit just right I would pin it..... to the Barbie doll. In another tragic turn of events I once amputated a Barbie foot. I was trying to shorten a skirt and ended up shortening Barbie's foot as well.
3. Frustrated and tired I once begged my sister to work the pedal of the sewing machine while I guided the fabric through and did some kind of presser foot magic. Did I ever mention I am not a multi-tasker????

That is how bad I am. That is why I still haven't finished the cross stitch blanket that I started for Bailey when I first found out I was pregnant with him. That it why at Bailey's last field day the name tag that I had sewed to his shirt was hanging on by a thread before the introductions were even finished. That is why I am paying someone else to make all the bags that Bailey needs for pre-school.

Why not just buy them? Because they have to be a certain size and I am having trouble finding the sizes that he needs. And the sheer quantity, the amount of things needed would make even the most experienced sewer have to re-group. Three bags for shoes (one for street shoes, one for his indoor shoes and one for his playground shoes), a bag for his milk cup, a bag to put a change of clothes in, a bag for his play pants (the pants also have to be handmade), a lesson bag, a bag for his lunch box, a couple of bibs and place mats and I am sure there is something else I am forgetting.

I am paying an arm and a leg to have someone else make them for me. I am paying an arm and a leg because I am sew not cut out for it.