Found out a pretty funny tidbit o information a few days ago.
Me and my sister (Katrina) were discussing 'learning at your own pace/interest', and my learning to read came up as an example. We both frequent a blog related to this (encouraging infant and todler independent investigation and learning, amongst many other things), and she mentioned she had actually posted a reply to a post on babies/todlers and learning to read.
See, Katrina taught herself (or rather, with the help of our biggest sister, Pippin) to read when she was three. Because she wanted to. And ever since then she's read. A lot. And fast. I, on the other hand, never really learned how to read until I was about 8-and-a-bit (the one of many areas in development that I was a 'lagger').
Up until then I would only do the slow, painful, sound-it-out-stutter read. Then suddenly within a few weeks (or months) I became a fluent -and avid- reader. Never have gotten up to the speed of Katrina, but that's because we approach reading differently.
Anyhow, I never knew this until recently, but, stealing a quote from her:
"(...) I was very, very worried about her. I was worried that she would never be able to enjoy fiction and non-fiction, and that she would struggle in school, and that she’d be dumb. (...)"
It made me smile. Out loud. First because it shows how much she loves reading (a true understatement), and second, well - that she thought I'd be dumb. I love it!
~ and it makes me feel loved (especially how she finished the comment off - made me feel like a rock star).
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Friday, October 29, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
secret anticipation
Wednesday is our 2nd official check-up at the doctors. Tomorrow (Tuesday) is 15 weeks. So, if Baby co-operates there's technically a chance we will know Baby's gender (!)
Originally I was enamored with the idea of waiting until delivery day, as previously mentioned, but I realized the surprise isn't going to be any less, we just get it earlier. And, then I can use he or she ('it' just doesn't seem right), and settle on a name or two (though I think we're already set on a boy's name in Norwegian/English).
So, I'm secretly hoping Baby co-operates tomorrow. I know 15 weeks is a bit early, so that's why I'm only secretly hoping. If not, then we just wait until end of November (or December if Baby really decides not to let us know :P).
For fun, here is my eve-of 15, where tummy really is starting to round out (compared to eve-of 14 that is, shown first):
Originally I was enamored with the idea of waiting until delivery day, as previously mentioned, but I realized the surprise isn't going to be any less, we just get it earlier. And, then I can use he or she ('it' just doesn't seem right), and settle on a name or two (though I think we're already set on a boy's name in Norwegian/English).
So, I'm secretly hoping Baby co-operates tomorrow. I know 15 weeks is a bit early, so that's why I'm only secretly hoping. If not, then we just wait until end of November (or December if Baby really decides not to let us know :P).
For fun, here is my eve-of 15, where tummy really is starting to round out (compared to eve-of 14 that is, shown first):
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Monday, October 18, 2010
call out their 'names'
I am starting to get used to this little cultural tidbit. Didn't realize before just how important it was until I was actually accepted into the family. I am still more comfortable with the western 'Hi+a smile' way of greeting people though (and if it's a first time encounter then a hand-shake is usually a respectful throw-in).
Here, when us younger generation enter a room, we need to 'call' each older generationer by their title. For me on Saturday or Sunday evening family dinners, that usually means:
For cousins it's a lot easier. Their titles are all 'little sister' and 'little brother' (Judge and his sister are the oldest kids on this side of the family) and we are not required to 'call' them as we are older than them. Also, we can call them by their actual names if we wish - though I tend to find the sibling title easier to begin with at least :P
Oh, and interesting point is that I should call Judge's sister 'older sister' even though she is younger than me - because she is Judge's older sister I go by his position in reference to all relatives. I'm actually 100% fine doing this one - also interesting :P
Now, when you 'call' someone, you do not need to add a hello or hi. This is where I kind of got tripped up at first, just throwing the titles out there (that and timing it when others are entering the room same time as you - I was a bit timid and so mine would be drowned out).
So I've learned and am getting comfortable with the fact that all you have to do is make sure you say their title when you come in the room (or they come in the room) for the first time, and that you say it loud enough for them to hear it. It's their choice if they want to acknowledge it or not.
You can also switch it up to "mom, you're home" or whatever you want really, as long as you add the title first.
I also have to be careful when I am speaking to Judge in reference to his parents - and they are in earshot - that I do not say "give it to your mom" (ie. when we are at a restaurant and he is closer) but rather say "give it to mom". Thus I am training myself by now trying to only refer to her as 'mom' even if it is just the two of us, because it's hard to have your brain turned on at all times.
I have to admit that all the extended family titles are a lot easier for me than mom and dad, because I have called many a person auntie and uncle...but only ever called my mom 'mom' and my dad 'dad' before. It's getting easier as our relationships are developing, but it may take a little while until it flows smoothly.
Another related point I'm getting used to is the 3rd person speak. For example, as a teacher, parent, auntie or uncle etc, you will often say to those younger generationers "Do you want auntie to read you a story?" or "Mom said you can only have one" instead of I or me. It will even go so far as "Mom wants you to give that to mom when you are done" etc. Though in Norwegian this one is common when kids are little, once we grow up it is not so common any more.
Also, instead of "Johanna, what do you like to eat?" such a question is often posed as "What does Johanna like to eat?", which threw me for a loop until recently because I thought the person was asking Judge about me (ends up that Judge answered for me each time because I was 'ignoring' the various questionners). Until I realized this mistake, I was always a bit unhappy that they'd ignore me and ask Judge these questions when I was right there.
Ah, gotta love it. No matter how familiar a culture becomes there's still something to catch you off guard and pop you outside your comfort zone.
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Here, when us younger generation enter a room, we need to 'call' each older generationer by their title. For me on Saturday or Sunday evening family dinners, that usually means:
- grandma aka a-po
- a-third-uncle-in-some-way-on-grandma's-side (still not quite clear to me)....san-shu-gong
- 'mother's-sibling-who-is-xx-in-the-sibling-line' [only uncles here, and if only one uncle present can drop the 'big' '2nd' '3rd' before uncle aka just jioe jioe because all the uncles are older than Judge's mom]
- 'mother's-sibling-who-is-xx-in-the-sibling-line's-spouce' [here only aunties of course, and again if only one can drop the 'big' '2nd' '3rd' etc...aka just jioe-ma]
- and of course when I see Judge's parents that means mom aka mama or just ma, and dad when he's here aka baba or just ba
For cousins it's a lot easier. Their titles are all 'little sister' and 'little brother' (Judge and his sister are the oldest kids on this side of the family) and we are not required to 'call' them as we are older than them. Also, we can call them by their actual names if we wish - though I tend to find the sibling title easier to begin with at least :P
Oh, and interesting point is that I should call Judge's sister 'older sister' even though she is younger than me - because she is Judge's older sister I go by his position in reference to all relatives. I'm actually 100% fine doing this one - also interesting :P
Now, when you 'call' someone, you do not need to add a hello or hi. This is where I kind of got tripped up at first, just throwing the titles out there (that and timing it when others are entering the room same time as you - I was a bit timid and so mine would be drowned out).
So I've learned and am getting comfortable with the fact that all you have to do is make sure you say their title when you come in the room (or they come in the room) for the first time, and that you say it loud enough for them to hear it. It's their choice if they want to acknowledge it or not.
You can also switch it up to "mom, you're home" or whatever you want really, as long as you add the title first.
I also have to be careful when I am speaking to Judge in reference to his parents - and they are in earshot - that I do not say "give it to your mom" (ie. when we are at a restaurant and he is closer) but rather say "give it to mom". Thus I am training myself by now trying to only refer to her as 'mom' even if it is just the two of us, because it's hard to have your brain turned on at all times.
I have to admit that all the extended family titles are a lot easier for me than mom and dad, because I have called many a person auntie and uncle...but only ever called my mom 'mom' and my dad 'dad' before. It's getting easier as our relationships are developing, but it may take a little while until it flows smoothly.
Another related point I'm getting used to is the 3rd person speak. For example, as a teacher, parent, auntie or uncle etc, you will often say to those younger generationers "Do you want auntie to read you a story?" or "Mom said you can only have one" instead of I or me. It will even go so far as "Mom wants you to give that to mom when you are done" etc. Though in Norwegian this one is common when kids are little, once we grow up it is not so common any more.
Also, instead of "Johanna, what do you like to eat?" such a question is often posed as "What does Johanna like to eat?", which threw me for a loop until recently because I thought the person was asking Judge about me (ends up that Judge answered for me each time because I was 'ignoring' the various questionners). Until I realized this mistake, I was always a bit unhappy that they'd ignore me and ask Judge these questions when I was right there.
Ah, gotta love it. No matter how familiar a culture becomes there's still something to catch you off guard and pop you outside your comfort zone.
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Wednesday, October 13, 2010
mothers
When thinking of what kind of mother I aspire to be, I have so many amazing examples to draw from. First and foremost I have my own mother, of course. I hope I can be as patient, gentle-in-guidance, open-in-discussion, solid-in-support and empowering as she is, allowing my children to grow into who they are and venture out into the lives they seek to live with confidence - while also allowing them to make their mistakes, stumble and fall, pick themselves up again, and continue to grow from it all, with me being that solid-support (not a crutch or protector) throughout. An iota of what my mom has been and continues to be to me.
I also have my grandmothers, the other women who have been mothers to me throughout my life (Diane, Pam, Linda, Sandy, and the newest mother in my life - Judge's mom, to mention a few), and the oh-so many ladies I grew up with in different stages of my life, who are now mothers themselves. Each and every one has various qualities I hope to nurture and develop within myself.
From all of these women I have gained what I believe is an inkling as to what being a mother means - though I am sure I am still unaware of much of it. I do know that I have long had a strong appreciation for everything my mother - and father - have done for me both growing up and after I flew the coup (left the nest is perhaps the better term eh), and this appreciation will I am sure grow stronger as I myself become a mother, as my understanding will continue to deepen.
I am excited to see how I develop, change and grow as a mother, wife, daughter and friend.
I also have my grandmothers, the other women who have been mothers to me throughout my life (Diane, Pam, Linda, Sandy, and the newest mother in my life - Judge's mom, to mention a few), and the oh-so many ladies I grew up with in different stages of my life, who are now mothers themselves. Each and every one has various qualities I hope to nurture and develop within myself.
From all of these women I have gained what I believe is an inkling as to what being a mother means - though I am sure I am still unaware of much of it. I do know that I have long had a strong appreciation for everything my mother - and father - have done for me both growing up and after I flew the coup (left the nest is perhaps the better term eh), and this appreciation will I am sure grow stronger as I myself become a mother, as my understanding will continue to deepen.
I am excited to see how I develop, change and grow as a mother, wife, daughter and friend.
[Windblown us top o the world Aug. 2007]
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Tuesday, October 12, 2010
into the 2nd trimester
Today's the day - the first day of the 2nd trimester, and the first belly pic of I'm sure many to be taken.
I realized I should have taken a picture two months ago for a proper comparison, as those of you who haven't seen me in the past year or more won't know what this picture means as much :P But no worries, as at least there is now this as a base going forward.
Though already bounding out of the first trimester uncomforts, there is still a bit to go, so as you can see in the picture I'm wearing the sea-bands I thankfully finally found here (searching online I found one guy selling them in all of Taiwan, and he just so happened to work in the same Science Park as me and Judge, go figure....then I hear from Judge's sister that some pregnancy/baby stores sell them, so it turns out that for actual motion sickness people just take pills here - explaining why none of the pharmasists we stopped by knew about them perhaps, and that these sea bands are only used by pregnant women...though not commonly discussed).
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I realized I should have taken a picture two months ago for a proper comparison, as those of you who haven't seen me in the past year or more won't know what this picture means as much :P But no worries, as at least there is now this as a base going forward.
Though already bounding out of the first trimester uncomforts, there is still a bit to go, so as you can see in the picture I'm wearing the sea-bands I thankfully finally found here (searching online I found one guy selling them in all of Taiwan, and he just so happened to work in the same Science Park as me and Judge, go figure....then I hear from Judge's sister that some pregnancy/baby stores sell them, so it turns out that for actual motion sickness people just take pills here - explaining why none of the pharmasists we stopped by knew about them perhaps, and that these sea bands are only used by pregnant women...though not commonly discussed).
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