Grey Tooth

About two weeks ago, right before leaving for school, Jill fell up the stairs and hit her mouth on the steps. She was bleeding pretty bad, her tooth cut her upper lip a bit. She cried a lot but after a while she said, "is it time to go to school now? I don't want to miss the bus." Walking to the bus she changed her mind and wanted to stay home, but I told her Nurse Fiona at the school can take a look at her when she gets there. They can do more for her there than I can at home. So she got on the bus and asked the bus monitor (Marie) to sit with her. Marie and Alexis then took her to see Nurse Fiona. She was fine, got a sticker and went to class.

Jill brushes her teeth when we ask her to, but sometimes she asks us to do it for her. A few days ago that happened. I was brushing her teeth and noticed her one tooth looked a little grey, very faint but noticeable. I emailed Heather and asked what she thought. After reading Heather's reply, I made a dentist appointment with a Paediatrician Dentist, Dr. Rana here in China.

This morning Jill stayed home from school and went to the Shanghai United Family Dental Clinic. Jill was excited to go to the dentist, because at home it is fun. She gets to see Auntie Heather and gets gum, a toy and new tooth brush after her cleaning. As we were leaving the house Jill says, "I don't want them to pull out my tooth". She got very quiet and just sat on my lap holding tight to me in the taxi. She must have over heard Chris and I talking about it.

We found the building with no problems. It was very nice inside, clean, bright and very friendly staff.

Monkey came along to protect her.

The first thing Jill says after sitting in the chair is, "I don't want you to take out my tooth". Li, Dr. Rana's assistant, gave Jill a new tooth brush and showed Jill a Berenstain Bear book, Going to the Dentist. She told her they were going to use a mirror and just look at her teeth. Then maybe take a picture.

Jill's middle top tooth is grey as you can see. It also is slightly pushed back and a little loose, but didn't hurt when Dr. Rana tapped it with her tool. In the sunlight you can see that both her middle top teeth are very cracked, from the fall. There is no sign of infection on her gums or in the X-ray, so Jill still has all her teeth.

We have to watch for infection on her gums, and bring her in again if it appears, or if Jill complains a lot of pain in her teeth. We will go back in one month for another X-ray, as the fall was only max two weeks ago, it may be too soon for an infection.

Jill was very happy to have all her teeth. We got in a taxi and took her to school for the rest of the day. All her friends and teachers were very happy to see her.

Almost There

52 sleeps + 1 airplane sleep = home


Leaving home came fast. Being here went slow, got faster and slowed right down again, but just 52+1 sleeps away from going back home for a week. A WEEK! That's all we have, better make the most of it.
I made an itinerary knowing our time would get busy fast. Now all nights are booked and only a couple times during the day left for us to get things done.

1. I am in desperate need of a haircut: split ends, dried out, soft-water deprived hair, ugh. 
2. Even with Chris' two trips back and two Mama visits, I need to stock up on "buy in Canada only" favourites and necessities.
3. Time with family and friends, even if it is just an hour for coffee or lunch.
4. Sleepovers
5. Immunization appointment to squeeze in.
6. Dentist
7. Visit to girls old school.
8. Three family Christmas gatherings
9. Oh, and don't forget naps, so we can do it all again the next day.

It will be crazy, but worth it to be with family and sleep in my own bed. This one is comfortable and bigger but, my bed in Canada is still the best.

So we are about 1/2 the way to being 1/4 the way home for good. That's "almost there" right?

Jack & Jill

Suddenly Jill has developed a British accent. Listen carefully.

Art in the Park

Friday Chris came home early from work. He was just in time to go with me to the school. When at the school we joined the Year 4 group (Alexis) on a local walk taking pictures and rubbings of nature. Our final destination was Zhu Zhai Park, where we had a picnic and made 3D art with leaves, twigs and whatever else we could find in nature. It was a lot of fun, and crazy at times getting 5 classes of 8-9 year olds across China streets. The adults had to stand in the crosswalk making sure no buses, cars or bikes drove over the kids. The drivers here really don't care about pedestrians having the right of way.
It was a great time and good to meet Alexis' new friends.

Saturday we went to Pudong for a Family Fun Day, the theme was Adventure Farm. There was live music, bouncy castles, games and good food. The girls had fun blowing up balloons with the extreme blasters. There were even chicks for sale.

Now that the weather is getting cooler... LOL ...it is still 20degC and sunny most days. The girls now have their winter uniforms. Long sleeved polo shirts and a pinafore dress, with sweaters. They can mix and match short-sleeved or long, skorts or dress, cardigan or zip-up sweatshirt.

Jill wanted to wear her new dress last week so we put it on and she loved it. As we were walking to the bus stop she started to cry. I ask, "what's wrong?"

Jill says with a whimper, "I don't want Jack to see me in a dress. Can I go home and change?"

I couldn't let her change, she would have missed the bus.

She gets home and says, "Jack saw me in a dress today Mommy."

I ask, "what did Jack say?"

She replies, "nothing, but I don't want him to see me again in a dress."

10 Years

Chris is home and we all had a week holiday. The weather was beautiful, perfect October weather. Cool some days and warm the others. Although Jill had a fever all week, we kept busy with playing Monopoly, riding bikes, playing school and reading. Carly learned how to ride her bike without training wheels. She went into the bushes a few times and had two bad falls, that left some war blood on her bike. All in all she was a trooper and now going for rides around the compound with Chris.

Falling into the bushes

We went out for lunch, Thursday to Lamesa where Carly had some stringy cheese grills and Friday to Big Bamboo.

Big Bamboo Sports Bar and Grill is on Hong Mei Pedestrian Street. We had passed it many times before, but it was always too hot to sit outside. The inside is mostly pool tables. This time the weather was perfect for the girls to enjoy the playground on the patio, while we ate. This was our 10 year anniversary lunch. Dinner would have been too late for the girls, especially since Jill was not feeling 100%. Really good food, for sure a new favourite.

Thanksgiving

I am so happy and thankful...
... my husband is home.
... we are all healthy.
... we had a chance to have both Mamas here last week.
... "for my Grandma" Jill.
... "for my family and chocolate" Alexis.
... "for my parents" Carly.
... "to be home with my family" Chris.
... "my girls and I are Czech citizens now" Chris.
... we have family here in China.