4 Weeks And New Friendships

It's been four weeks since my mom came to visit and flew back this afternoon. What was left of were some of the leftover she cooked two nights ago and a slice of cake we had together from last night in the fridge. Scarlett claiming that she is not used to not having her grandma around after four weeks  of having her around and me missing her presence too. However, July is just around the corner, we will be seeing her soon. 

During the four weeks, she has cooked us some dinners, taught Scarlett how to knit, get to witness Chester's "terrific" two phase, did some awesome shopping and hopefully enjoyed her stay with us. 

What I heard most from her during her stay were "I feel so sorry for you." or "I feel so bad for you." seeing how I struggled looking after Chester. She makes me laugh whenever she said those words. I know she meant it and her sympathetic look also tells me she feels helpless that she isn't of much help when it comes to Chester. My son can be quite a nutcase when it comes to a meltdown or tantrum. Nobody can be of much help. He is very strong. I just take it as it is. 

I must admit, somedays I can get really discouraged by his behaviour but I have to find the energy to carry on. I mean, giving up on him isn't an option. He is only two. Like I always said, getting a helper isn't an option either because I don't feel right to pass him on to someone and letting that someone get hurt by him. The scratching and biting goes on but gym class teacher told me it will stop someday. Keep telling him nicely not to do it and just don't over react. That's exactly what I am doing. I just got scratched badly today again at the mall.

Good news is, ever since gym class teacher, Terry, suggested that I bring Chester to any class half an hour earlier to warm up and I did, both playgroups have been a joy to attend with him. He didn't flip. Which is also why I am starting to trust Terry's suggestions and advice. I feel like I am not only paying for the gym class but also some parenting class with him.

As I mentioned before, I made two friends during Friendship Garden playgroup, we are now also attending gym class together. Vivian and Angie, they are like my playgroup warriors, fighting my battle side by side with me. They encouraged me and they helped me through Chester's meltdowns. They have seen how he rolled on the street outside class, head butt me during class and scratched me till I bled. They have seen it all. They tried to distract Chester or cheered him up whenever he cried or felt anxious. They helped so much to the point that even Chester has grown fond of them and constantly looked at them now for approval and praises whenever he did something during playgroups. I attended playgroup for Chester with no expectation of making any friends who would be this kind to me and then they found me and keep encouraging me. I have no words for this other than to be very thankful and grateful. 

Today, I get to make Vivian coffee for a change. She has been making it for me for weeks knowing that Chester wouldn't let me walk even a feet away from him. Progression is so sweet. 

He is not cooking naked in the bathroom today

 I love these photos of Ame and Gi playing cooking with Chester

 As you can see, he loves to eat corn a lot

 Today we learned about teeth

 Goofing around with glasses

 "Hey Gi! Check out this glasses!"

Gi unimpressed

He has to always be the dirtiest kid in class when doing craft

After playgroup this morning, we sent mom to airport. Chester was a little upset seeing my mom walking away from us into the immigration check point. I didn't realize as Allan was carrying him but Allan sensed it. 

It's sweet to know how well he has bonded with my mom over the last four weeks and hope he remembers her in July when they meet again.

Oh and that hair of Chester's, I am definitely letting him grow it out. I can't.