no more school, no more books...

... no more getting up at 5:45am to get the boys up and ready for school!

Wednesday, June 22nd, was the boys' "graduation" ceremonies for school. Each year group (grade) had their own awards ceremony, speeches, etc. It was a bit tedious, but also fun to see the boys with all their friends.

Eloise was only a week old, so was quite the attraction.* Simon couldn't even manage to stay in his seat. He kept coming over to my mom and I, and asking when he could show Eloise to Miss Denise or telling me in a not-so-quiet whisper that so-and-so wanted to see the baby. It was sweet, but also a bit nerve wracking since I knew he was supposed to be getting an award... but didn't know which one.

Turns out he got the Music Award. He adores singing. He has an amazing memory and does a surprising job carrying a tune, whether the song is in English or Spanish. I did get a kick out of his music teacher's notes on his report card though... something about having a "strong voice" but needing to "learn to control it". 

That's teacher-speak for "your son is LOUD".

Anyone surprised? 

Liam's time slot was after lunch, so we spent some time at the school letting Andrew run around and showing Eloise to some of the staff and students. 

For Liam's year group, there was only one award in each category per year. So only about 7-8 awards for about 40 kids. Liam was a bit disappointed to have not been chosen, but we talked about how it really wouldn't have been fair for him to be given one when he was there for less than half the year while all the other kids had been there working hard for the whole year.

Besides, we made it clear how proud WE were of him. 

Friday, June 26th, was the boys' last day of school. Official. 

Woohoo! 

And huge sigh of relief! I can't tell you how much Peter and I were looking forward to this day. 

My mom, Andrew, Eloise and I arrived at the school laden with snacks (strawberry lemonade bars) and gifts (pounded flower bookmarks) for the boys' teachers. We found Liam finishing up break time and lined up to head back to his class. What I didn't get a picture of was Andrew running up to throw his arms around his big brother. Andrew's displays of affection always draw huge reactions from the other kids. 

And the girls dig it.

At Simon's class party, they had a special time for the kids who are moving and won't be at the school next year. His teacher, Miss Denise, gave each of the four kids a special book with pictures of them throughout the year, and little messages and drawings from their classmates.

Simon was so thrilled with his book. He had both his teacher and the class assistant, Miss Natalia, read it to him in succession. That night he insisted on having it read to him a half dozen times by Peter AND me AND my mom. It's now been put someplace up high to keep it away from little fingers who started to pick at the decorations, but I can see how much Simon would love a special photo book (or ten) for his birthday or other special occasions. 

Simon with Miss Natalia

Simon and Andrew with Miss Denise

After Simon's party, we headed up to Liam's classroom. We were there about an hour early, which allowed time for an impromptu health and science lesson about reproduction, gestation, birth, babies, etc. Liam's teacher did an incredible job covering an amazing array of topics in a short time. The kids asked questions and had the chance to hold Eloise.

Then the party started.

Liam dancing with Andrew and John

playing a who-can-stay-still-and-quiet-the-longest game.
genius.

School was a bigger adjustment for Liam than for Simon. There were a few bumps -socially more than academically- but he really did a great job. He ended the year strong... and with some really great friends. I'm not going to fool myself into thinking that these elementary school friends -of only five months, really- will be life long friends. But you never know. With the nature of the foreign service and embassy life... you just never know where we'll all end up.

* * * * * * * * * * * 

After school, Liam headed to the house of a friend for one last playdate.

My mom and I came home with Eloise and the younger two boys... who got into the markers.

Simon emerged from the bathroom looking like this...

he declared he was a ninja

this is his "ninja face"

clearly being a ninja is serious business

mostly

We followed this up with a flying-jump-kicks-off-the-couch photo session, but I'll save you seeing those hundred pictures.

Until later.

*In Colombia, women don't leave the house with their babies until after the 40 day mark, so seeing a teeny, tiny newborn out and about drew quite the crowd! I don't know what all those ladies do for forty days (leave their baby with the nanny, perhaps?), but the reaction to Eloise has been a tone of fun to witness. Walking through the crowded Sunday market draws audible gasps from all sides... everyone from the lady selling high end leather goods to the scruffy youth selling gum and cigarettes on the corner. So funny.

a few things I don't want to forget

There is so much that has happened in our time down here that I just haven't found the time to blog about, but that I don't want to forget. So this post is going to be a quick series of bullet-style memories. If you'll indulge me.

• Last weekend was a "Fun Day" put on by the school at the huge Multiparque. We'd driven by the entrance several times before, but had never been inside. We didn't quite know what to expect, so were just hoping there'd be enough to entertain all three boys at their levels. Well, it was awesome! As soon as we got there, went through the line for our wrists bands and entered the park itself, the boys were off and running. I pulled out my camera (of course) with its freshly-charged-overnight-batteries... only to find that I hadn't put the memory card back in. I was pretty furious with myself, imagining all the amazing photo ops I'd be missing that day, but decided it was a sign to fully experience the day without seeing the entire thing through the lens of my camera. I'm still sad that I don't have pictures as reminders of the great fun that was had that day, but it did make life a little easier to only have the three boys to worry about... and not my fourth baby (ie, my camera).

picture taken from Multiparque's Flickr stream

• The week before last there were our first parent-teacher consultations. I met with Simon's teacher, Miss Denise, first. Nothing she said was a surprise. She said he has tones of energy and enthusiasm, but can also be a bit too competitive and physical with the other kids (again, not a surprise). But everyone there adores him. Everyone from his classmates, to teachers, to other staff, to older students... they all know his name. He makes himself known (that day we spent at Multiparque, Peter couldn't get over how many people -both adults and kids- came up to Simon to say hi). She said that academically he would probably be finding school pretty boring except that he seems to love it so much (which he does). He's smart and funny and eager to please and do well. He's enthusiastic and completely engaged in the class. He's energetic and physical and competitive... and needs a bit of work developmentally when it comes to dealing with certain social situations (isn't that a nice way of putting it? *grin*). It all sounds EXACTLY like Simon.

Simon dressed as a cat for his Nursery Spanish Assembly

...and performing WITH VIGOR!

• My meeting with Liam's teacher also went well. Again, he's very well liked and has done a relatively good job integrating into the life and routine at the school. The entire school is IB (International Baccalaureate), so the marks are given between 1-7: 1 being the lowest, 4 is passing and 7 is far exceeding any expectations. For having been there less than two months of an over-three-month term, he did really well. He had mostly 5s and 6s, his only 4s being in writing, math and social studies. He still struggles a great deal with writing (a post I've been meaning to write), but I think (hope) that his teacher and I have come to an understanding. I still feel there is far too much homework expected to be done each night (not that it's particularly difficult, it's just the sheer volume! again, another post for another time). So while we do have some issues with the school, I love some of the opportunities that Liam has had there... violin lessons each week, tae kwon do classes, fencing. Fencing?! Although the mornings seem to be especially hard on him, I know he enjoys the school once he gets there.

Liam at the monthly school flag raising

• Speaking of the mornings, I'm not sure many times I've already complained mentioned it here on the blog, but mornings here ARE HARD. Peter sets the alarm each morning for 5:40am and when it goes off, he gets up to start getting ready. When he gets out of the bathroom, he comes and gives me a shake before heading to the kitchen to get breakfast ready for the boys. I drag myself moaning out of bed and then set to the task of waking Simon and Liam. Simon usually takes a minute to wake up, but he's little enough that I can drag him onto my lap and rub his back as he struggles to open his eyes. Generally the first thing out of his mouth is, "Is it a school day?" and when I respond that it is he jumps/falls off my lap and staggers to the bathroom and then to the table. Liam, on the other hand, is far more difficult to rouse. It's not that he won't wake up, he just doesn't want to get up. Remember it's still before 6am at this point, so I DON'T BLAME HIM. There are always complaints and sometimes tears. I try to be gentle and encouraging and understanding (and generally succeed), but it gets pretty exasperating because I'M EXHAUSTED TOO. After quite literally dragging him out of bed, he too goes to eat. But who wants to eat anything at dawn when you've only been awake for two minutes?? It's always a struggle to get them to eat anything in the mornings. Once we've given up the breakfast battle, they leave their half-eaten meal on the table and we begin the frantic where's-your-uniform-yes-you-do-have-to-change-your-socks-and-underwear-do-you-need-your-library-books-today-grab-your-bag-did-you-check-the-menu-for-Simon*-have-the-snacks-been-packed-why-don't-you-take-off-both-shoes-by-the-front-door-can't-you-take-off-your-coat-without-turning-both-sleeves-inside-out marathon of trying to get ready before we have to take them down to the meet the bus at 6:20am. That's right. Usually less than half an hour for waking to boarding the bus. Most mornings -after they've been kissed and waved off- I climb back into bed shortly after 6:30am hoping to be able to rest a bit more before Peter leaves for work. I'm such an optimist.

• While Simon still struggles with some of his phonemes -mostly blends with the letter 's' like 'sl' 'sp' and then the letters 'f' and 'v'- he has a pretty impressive vocabulary. However, he does struggle a bit with conjugating the past tense of verbs. It so cute though that I often let it slide. I know he'll figure it out on his own just by hearing correct speech... he's only four after all. But to give a few examples, he will generally just add 'ded' onto the end of any verb, even if he's already unconsciously conjugated it to past tense. So "I saw-ded..." or "Liam take-ded..." or "We go-ded..." or "I poured-ed...". However my personal favourite of all his mis-speaks is when he's trying to say the word "won't"... he says "willn't". For example: me- "You have to have a nap today or you'll be way too tired and won't be able to have fun tonight." Simon- "No, I willn't!" Am I wrong to not always correct him? It's not that we always ignore it. We do practice proper speech patterns at home, but some of what he says is just so funny!

• Speaking of funny (and since I've already mentioned Multiparque a couple of times), it'd be remiss of me not to share this story about Liam. After about an hour at the park he finally bumped into some of his buddies from school (remember the whole school and their families were there for the "Fun Day" in addition to all the normal FINALLY-a-super-sunny-Saturday park visitors). They decided they'd like to race the go karts together. We all walked over in a big group to that end of the park, where it was discovered that Simon was too small to ride. Andrew was SO excited about the little cars, but I knew he wouldn't understand that only Liam was allowed. Simon wanted to stay and watch, so I left Peter with him and took Andrew over to see some llamas. After a little llama ride (insert non-existent super cute picture of Andrew on a llama), I took him to the side of the track opposite where Peter and Simon were standing so we could watch Liam race. I should explain that these weren't little putzy go karts... it was hardcore! Full helmets with visors, five-point harnesses, neck collars to prevent whiplash... and they went fast! Liam just barely met the height restrictions and he's not short for his age. Clearly they're meant for more the 10-15 year old set. Either way, Liam was in a kart lined up near the back of the pack. When he came around the bend towards us, Andrew and I cheered and waved and were all smiles and encouragement. When Liam couldn't see me, though, I admit I was laughing my head off. He just looked so INTENSE. When the race was over, I watched Liam duck his way through the crowd to find Peter, who gave him a big hug. Since I was so far away I couldn't hear what was being said, but Peter later informed me that while he was all "Great job, buddy! You did amazing!!", Liam had buried his face into Peter stomach and said, "I thought I was going to DIE!". I will NEVER be able to think of this story without laughing... even as I write this, I have tears in my eyes. He has since decided that Mario Kart for the wii is a much safer way to feed his need for speed.

picture taken from Multiparque's Flickr stream

• I can't leave this post without mentioning Andrew. He is such a sweet, loving, easy little guy. He's a favourite wherever we go. The kids at school swarm him (to the point that he often needs to be picked up and saved), he runs and hugs all of the embassy staff whenever he sees them (who wouldn't love that??), and all the guards/maids/gardeners/drivers/nannies/police/etc that we see anytime we leave the house are always greeted with smiles and waves... and often hugs too (can be a bit awkward!). At 27 months, he's well on the way to being diaper free very soon. Yeah! He still has accidents, but generally only wears diapers at night or starting in the afternoon when his brothers get home and the crazy starts. And he's finally -FINALLY!- starting to talk. We know this is really late, but he communicates so well without words and is otherwise so great/amazing/awesome, that we've been hesitant to worry too much. He's clearly able to say most sounds and syllables, but just wouldn't put them together. Truly, I think it was/is a power issue as much as anything. Back in January I got fed up and taught him two dozen or so signs, which he caught on to immediately and have helped a lot (and are super cute to watch). I think he's also decided that it's as much to his advantage as to ours if he starts talking. Thankfully. He still only really says mama, dada, yeah, up, poop, goal (*rolls eyes*), bye bye, owie and uh oh (which I realize is not a lot) with any regularity but he's at least gotten over his stubbornness and will parrot us when prompted. Frankly, when compared with his brothers it's been kind of nice to have at least one quiet kid!

here he's waving goodbye to Peter (the little blob on the right, under Andrew's arm)

...and how cute are those tiny undies??

sweet, sweet boy

silent 'b', tears, and reasons to homeschool

At the boys' school, they have set up a really neat and useful system for parents. It's kind of an intranet type thing for which each family has a user name and password. Once logged in, it's possible to read notices from the school, email teachers (and possibly other parents, though I've never tried), pay money owed to the school, check the academic history of your child... and also check pending homework assignments. 

Liam's teacher, Mr. A, uses the system to send home the weeks' spelling words.

The spelling lists generally have a theme: 'oy' words, camping, silent 'k', etc. This week it's silent 'g' and 'b'.  The list contains the following words:

- gnomes

- gnat

- gnaw

- numb

- dumb

- bomb

- thumb

- crumb

- doubt

- tomb

You might not see it right away, but look at the fifth word down... 'dumb'? Really? With the vastness and richness of the English language, 'dumb' made the cut for words with a silent 'b'?? I realize that the word can be used properly -as in the deaf, dumb and hard of hearing- but I seriously doubt that's context in which most seven year olds use the word.

I know that 'dumb' isn't the worst word out there and that many seven year olds likely use it as part of their daily vocabulary. Liam, however, does not. While we wouldn't punish him if we did hear him using it, we would take the opportunity to talk to him about words that are respectful and those that aren't, and about the importance of being careful with the words we choose to use. We hope our children will grow up to be eloquent, articulate adults who can string together a sentence -even and especially in anger or frustration- that doesn't include base four-letter words.

I did send Mr A an email explaining my disappointment with the word choice, even suggesting some alternative (ie, comb, lamb, climb, etc). His response was kind, if somewhat dismissive. Apparently the word lists come from some National Literacy Strategies board in the UK (since it's a British school) for students in Year 3 (grade 2). He did say that they take the opportunity to talk to the kids about the true meaning of the word and its appropriate use, but still.

Am I completely out of line -and a total prude- to still think that having the word 'dumb' on a spelling list is questionable? It's not like Liam misspelled the word in an assignment and the teacher simply taught him the correct spelling... they're teaching the kids to spell it!

In the interest of full disclosure, this wasn't the first email I'd sent Mr A...

Last week Liam had a couple of very rough days at school. He told us all about what happened when he got home (and I'm quite happy that he still feels safe and confident enough to be that open with us, something I hope will continue for years and years to come!) but after hearing his account, I was a bit surprised and upset that his teacher hadn't written to us himself, either an email or in Liam's agenda...

Liam spent 10-15mins hiding under his desk -crying- during one of their breaks and his teacher didn't think it warranted a mention.

And so I sent Mr A an email (not harsh, but not overly cheerful either) explaining what Liam had told us and asking for an explanation as to why his teacher -the adult that we've entrusted with our son's care- did not feel it important enough to tell us himself. And Mr A did respond, quickly, with a very thoughtful email. I'll give him that.

But I'm pretty sure I've now cemented myself in his mind as the over-protective-overly-attached-prudish-mother-to-the-new-kid-in-class...

*sigh*

(The school just called and Liam has a fever. So I have to stuff some food into Andrew and I, change us out of our pjs, jump in the car, and drive the 30-60 minutes (depending on traffic) to the school and back to pick him up. Hmmm, wouldn't be doing this if we were still homeschooling...)

how do the rest of you do it??

After homeschooling for the last year and a half, Liam (7 1/2 yrs) and Simon (4 yrs) just started school here in Bogota. I have to get up around 5:45am in order to have them ready for the 6:30am bus pick up. IT. IS. KILLING. ME.

Prior to this the routine was that Peter would be up when the boys woke around 7am, he'd get their breakfast ready before leaving for work, the boys would eat around 7:30 or 8am (Liam would pour the milk if necessary), then they'd play until I rolled out of bed around 8:30am. Several times a week they'd wait until I got up and we'd make oatmeal or pancakes. All nice and relaxed! 

So waking up almost THREE HOURS earlier every day has been HARD!

Liam in his "formal" uniform (minus the tie which the shop was out of)

Sleeping in a bit was about the only thing I'd found to help with the awful morning sickness I've experience this pregnancy. Losing three hours of sleep each night means by the end of each school week I'll have lost almost TWO FULL DAYS of sleep! Having a nap in the afternoon with Andrew is great, but doesn't help with how extremely crummy and sick I feel all morning.

Do I just have to get used to this?? How do you all function when you have to get up so early? AM I GOING TO HAVE TO START DRINKING COFFEE?!

Simon in the sweatsuit that the "nursery" and "reception" kids wear

Today is day three of school and I think it's just really caught up with me. My stomach has hurt all morning, I'm so tired I can't see straight and all I've done is lie on the couch throwing random toys at Andrew (thankfully he found this hilarious) or getting the Nerf guns ready for him to shoot me at point-blank range in the face. 

Then add to this a general sort-of-down feeling about Liam and Simon being gone all day...

rolling down a hill on the playground

As I said, the bus picks them up at 6:30am and doesn't drop them off until sometime around 3:40pm... that's over nine hours! And I think about them all day long. While Andrew and I eat breakfast I wonder if they were able to find friends on the playground before school started... I wonder how their lessons are going and what they're studying... I wonder if they're actually eating anything for lunch and what they're eating... I wonder if the kids they're meeting are nice... if they're having fun... if they're happy. 

It might just be the control freak in me, but I really hate not knowing what they're doing and how their day is going.

Liam (in his P.E. uniform) and Andrew at the end of the first day 

(think someone might have missed his brothers??)

I know it's all going to take some adjustment -for them and for me- but so far I'm not loving this. They seem happy, but so tired at the end of the day. And, as I feared, I feel like we're getting "the worst" of them. Last night neither of them really liked the supper I made which lead to a battle of wills and harsh words and some tears... so that was how we spend the majority of our time together... upset, angry, glaring at each other from across the table. 

So tonight I'm making something I know everyone will eat and I'll try to have it mostly prepped before they even get home so it will only take a few minutes to throw together. Hopefully that will leave us enough time to play a few rounds of Uno together before bed and to read together before lights out.

I need to find ways to make this work. Because even if we're getting the worst of them each night, I want to make sure that they're getting the best of me. They're worth it.