Losing My Cool

So, Q’s only five and it’s happening already, I’m not that cool anymore. I thought I had at least until he was about 9ish, but I guess the start of elementary school has a lot to do with it. He’s realizing there are a lot more options out there than the ones I put in front of him. Up until now, I got to pick out his wardrobe. There aren’t a lot of options for boys clothing most involve hokey trucks or sports equipment, but I was able to get to this point without putting him in cooky toddler boy gear. He ended up in a lot stripes and plaid, but I’ll take the lack of variety over monster truck shirts that say vroom vroom any day.
Q and I were shopping a couple of weeks ago and he asked if he could buy a shirt. I showed him a couple of cute options and was told “those shirts aren’t very cool mommy, I wanted to buy a cool shirt.” So in the middle of Nordstrom Rack we had a blank stare stare down for a good thirty seconds. I was speechless, staring at him thinking my five year old is already looking at me like I have no clue. And he was speechless, staring at me. I have no doubt that his thoughts were somewhere along the lines of my mom has no idea what cool is.
Later on that day, he also found some star wars light up shoes. I’m not a fan. I just wanted him to get some black slip on vans, so I told him the lights are probably a little too distracting to wear in class. It kills me that the five year old that thinks the star wars light up shoes are the way to go is the kid that thinks I’m not cool. After some thinking, I caved, I’m getting him the star wars shoes for Christmas. Cookey wardrobe decisions aren’t that big of a deal in the grand scheme of things, but it’s still painful to witness. And the real bummer is knowing that this is just the beginning. He’s starting to make his own decisions, some I will approve of and some I will not. I’m working on being grateful that he still shops with me.

First Man Tooth

The last two weeks have been big weeks for Q. Well really, he’s done a lot of growing up since he started kindergarten in September. In just a couple of months he’s a completely different kid, he is definitely a bona fide big kid now. So last week was Q’s first parent teacher conference which went so well, I teared up hearing just how well he’s doing in class. Academically he’s ahead of where he needs to be, and as expected, the one thing he could improve on is participation. His teacher is working on getting him to participate more in classroom discussions, but she did mention that he’s starting to show glimmers of confidence in the classroom.
So not only is Q growing up emotionally, but physically too. His first man tooth has sprouted up, I teared up as soon as I saw it. His man tooth was coming up behind the baby tooth which wasn’t loose yet so went to the dentist to check it out. Of course he was terrified of the dentist, but a little bubble gum scented laughing gas with a tv to watch Toy Story and everything went smoothly. The dentist ended up pulling both of his bottom teeth since the man tooth next to his first one is about to come up too. They handed me his first baby teeth in little treasure boxes and I teared up again. Q and I went home and had some fun in the mirror while he had his first experience with numbness. Just like baby’s that look completely different when they go from a toothless, gummy smile to a smile with a couple of teeth, Q with a couple of missing baby teeth now looks completely grown up. And yes, I’m tearing up again typing this…..

Advent Season

I've been wanted to do an Advent Calendar for Q and just recently found a great idea on this blog. http://www.chicaandjo.com/2010/11/10/grinch-advent-calendar/. I used an over the door shoe organizer which is perfect because they have 24 slots and decorated each slot with Christmas scrapbook paper. Q was super excited to start opening his advent calendar gifts last night. Before getting ready for bed, the three of us sat together to talk about Christmas and remind Q just how much we love him. I think the Advent Calendar is going to be one of my favorite Givens family Christmas traditions.

Awards Assembly

Q had his first awards assembly on Friday two recognitions and an award. He received a recognition for perfect attendance with no tardies (thanks to B who gets the sleepy little guy up every morning and to school on time), he received recognition for a "caught being good card" that he earned during recess and the award he received was an award for honesty and integrity. His teacher let us know about the awards assembly ahead of time by slipping a note into his going home folder that also let us know to keep it a secret. He was so surprised to receive his award and was excited that we were there to see him. He even went right up to receive his award and pose for pictures, he's grown up so much since the start of kindergarten just two months ago.

Reading

Q's kindergarten class started using the website Ticket to Read this week. Part of their homework is to log on and use the site for at least 30 minutes a week. The site is really cool, his teacher can go in and check how long each student spent on the website and see which lessons were completed. Q loves all the games and has learned so much.

Halloween

Halloween was so much fun!! Since Q started kindergarten this year, I thought for sure this would be the year that Q would switch from cute costumes to total boy costumes. We looked at costumes online, I thought he might go for iron man or maybe one of the super mario bros. I was so excited when he told me, he doesn't like those kinds if costumes. Since he loves rootbeer right now, I showed him a cute rootbeer bottle costume which he didn't like because he didn't want a straw coming out of his head. On the same site, he spotted this horse costume that he loved! This is probably my last year to enjoy little kid costumes, he's already told me he wants to be a vampire next year. He doesn't even know what a vampire is, he just loves wearing the fangs. Maybe he'll just wear a cute costume again with the fangs, that sounds like something he would do.

Octoberfest!!

Last weekend was the beginning of our Octoberfest! Friday night Q's costume arrived and he loved trying it on, Saturday night we went to Disneyland to check out the Halloween decorations, then on Sunday we went with the Michael family to Tanaka Farms. Tanaka farms was so beautiful, so much better than the side of the road pumpkin patches. The kids got to run through rows and rows of pumpkins and through a corn maze. We took a tractor ride around the farm and got to see a pumpkin cannon shoot a pumpkin 350 yards. I love our version of Octoberfest. We've done the pumpkin patch, now we still have pumpkin carving and Halloween left to enjoy!!

Child Care

We went to back to school night last Thursday. It's a strange feeling sitting in your kid's elementary school classroom, I still think of him as a baby. His teacher said he's sweet and quiet, but did say he participates! I was thrilled! He's already changed so much since his first day of school, he's more independant and even more confident.

He was having a really hard time with child care. I was picking him up from school, having lunch with him then dropping him off at his preschool for day care for the rest of the day. I thought it would have been easy for him because his preschool was a familiar setting, but we realized it was hard for him to be picked up then dropped off again. We talked about it last week and decided to have him stay at school for child care and thankfully they had an opening for him. I explained to him he would be having lunch at school, he had some concerns but still wanted to give it a try. Yesterday was his first day at child care, when we picked him up he looked like a real little boy, candy on his face and paint on his shirt!! He had a blast! He made a couple of new friends and a two of the little girls asked me if he could keep coming to child care.

It's strange to think Q is at school all day with kids I know nothing about. These are the kids he will be growing up with and it's completely out of my control. It makes me even more greatful for the wonderful friends that we have in our lives. My hope is that Q will see what good friendships look like so he will be able to recognize good relationships.

Celebrating at the Beach

To celebrate Q's first week of school, we told him he could pick wherever he wanted to spend Saturday afternoon. He picked the beach and we had a blast! Summer just flew by this year and somehow we never made it to the beach. I forgot how much Q enjoys the beach, he lets loose at the beach unlike anywhere else. He splashes around in the water, he gets dirty making sand angels and runs around chasing the seagulls. He had so much fun that we took him again this last Saturday to celebrate his first combo class week.

The Second First Day of Kindergarten

Monday was Q's first day in his new Kindergarten/1st Grade combo class, he was so nervous. His new combo class is so different from his kindergarten class. Before school, he lines up with the other classes and grades, instead of lining up with just kindergartners right in front of the kindergarten classrooms. He has his own supplies stored in his own desk (that's him at his desk in the turquoise shirt) and he has to go outside to the bathroom instead of having a bathroom right in the classroom. One plus, he still gets out at 11 with the other kindergarten early birds. Thankfully, his first combo class week went well and he's still enjoying kindergarten.

It seems like he's already grown up so much in just his first two weeks of school. I peeked in on him in class when I picked him up on Monday, it's so strange to see him maneuvering around the room and following directions. He looked so grown up, so different from the scared, little boy that I left on the rug on his first, first day of kindergarten.

Kindergarten

This week was full of changes for Q. Tuesday was a big day, kindergarten at a new school. He's been going to preschool at a small private school, so the switch to public school was a huge change. He woke up excited, but I think he was just trying to psyche himself up. B and I stood with him in line in front of his class and both of us (Q and I) managed to hold back our tears. When we picked him up he said he loved it!! On Wednesday after I picked him up, he asked if kindergarten was everyday. I told him yes and thankfully he's still ok with it. I took Tuesday and Wednesday off to hang out with Q after his first two kindergarten mornings so Thursday was another big change for Q, kindergarten in the morning and daycare after. He goes to daycare at the private school where he went to preschool so at least it's something familiar. He doesn't love having to go to daycare, but he's dealing with it. Today we found out he has another change to deal with, he's getting moved to the kindergarten/first grade combo class starting Monday. He seemed excited at first, but now he's starting to rethink the whole ordeal. He's already told me he doesn't want to switch, he likes the kindergarten class he's already in. All of our anxieties that were slowly starting to fade have just reached a new height....

Self Portraits, 2nd generation self portraits

Q was proud of writing his name and age on his power chart. He took pictures and even a video. I used to look at the pictures on his camera and would find silly self portraits that he had taken. One day when he and I were in the kitchen, I looked over to see him filming a video of himself with his power chart. A skill I'm sure he learned from his super talented cousin, Sami. I wish I could have uploaded the whole video. I had to cut off the beginning because the file was too big. The first 15 seconds or so of the video are of him adjusting the camera to make sure it was aimed at the right spot.

So Q starts kindergarden tomorrow, already. I can't believe the super sweet little boy in that video is off to school. I'm not sure who is more anxious, me or him.

Green Belts

We got to spend the summer with my mom who just recently went back home to the Philippines, so it's back to sending pics, videos and stories through the blog. Q just tested for his green stripe belt, and this was Q's best testing yet. The instructors at his tae kwon do school amaze me. They know each child (all 200+ of them) so well and understand each child's needs and talents. The instructors take extra time to talk to Q and encourage him to build up his confidence. Q, who used to be afraid of the board breaks, had enough confidence this time around to break two junior boards. His age group usually does board breaks with a single smaller board.

Q's tae kwon do school encourages family involvement, so I started the adult classes a few months ago and just tested for my green belt. I'm in class with a few parents and really enjoy it. So, after sitting back and watching class for a few months, B just joined the adult class too. I can't wait to put pics and videos up of his first testing!

Preschool Graduation

Q had his preschool graduation ceremony last night. I knew his class had been practicing, but I wasn't sure if he would really go through with it. When I asked him about it the other night, he said he talked to his teacher about it and told her he would think about it. Only Nana and Papa were there because I didn't want to invite other friends and family out only to have him back out. The Church was full of friends and family of the other students, I wasn't sure how it was going to go, but he did so well! He did the procession, recited the two verses and sang the three songs! He even managed to crack a smile while singing. We were so proud of him and it was so awesome to see him be proud of himself.

Yeti Sighting

Seeing the real Quentin in action is rare for most, it's like a yeti sighting. He only cuts loose around family and his cousins have a way of really getting him to come out of his shell. Tonight he was feeling so good because he did so well in his tae kwon do class. Q got to hang out at his cousin's house after his class while I did my tae kwon do class and this is what I came home to when I went to pick him up. Hold on to your hats and glasses......this is the Q that I see all the time, but no one ever sees this side of him!

Board Breaking

Q is really good at board breaking, but he has no idea that he is because of his lack of self confidence. He just doesn't see how strong he is and doesn't realize he has good technique. His instructors are so patient with him and keep encouraging him to build up his self confidence. After lots of practice that included crying and freezing up, board breaking is finally something Q enjoys.

No More Training Wheels!!

Woohoo!! We've been telling Q it was almost time to take off his training wheels. The other day B took them off and held him while he scooted around a little. Last night Q asked if he could try riding his bike some more while I did the laundry, so he did a little scooting around on his own. Tonight he asked if he could try riding again. He scooted around a couple of times then just started peddling!! B and I were stunned!!

Five!!

The little man had his checkup today. He called his gown his doctor pj's. He's 42 inches and 38 pounds, 39th percentile on the height and 20th percentile on the weight. He's been practicing his writing, getting ready to start kindergarten in the fall. That will be interesting, for both Q and me.

Cooper

Last week Q's instructor was out sick, so Cooper's instructor had him lead stretching for Q's class. It was a very proud moment for Cooper, he did a great job. Mom, you would be really proud of Cooper he's so helpful with the little kids.

Tuesdays and Thursdays

Q goes to tae kwon do on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Tuesday and Thursday nights are my favorite, after class we spend time at my brother's and have so much fun. Last week the kids made paper claws, they even made me a set. Here's the pictures of the claw battles.

Weapons

Q just started with weapons at tae kwon do. He even has to do 10 knuckle pushups if he drops them.

Purple Belts

Q was just awarded his purple belt and his cousins their purple stripes. Q enjoys doing tae kwon do, but still does not like being in class with all the other kids. His instructor is good about pushing him a little to build up his confidence. Q very rarely volunteers to demonstrate, so instructor Ramirez will call on him to demonstrate for the class. Cooper LOVES tae kwon do, it's fun to see him take so much pride in his martial art. Cooper, who is so different from Q, will almost always volunteer to demonstrate.

Purple Best Testing

Q just tested for his purple belt on Thursday, Cooper and Dex tested for their purple stripe belt on Friday. Q is still nervous and anxious during testing, but once he warms up, he does a great job. I love watching testing, it's such a positive experience for the kids. They start with prayer to give thanks. Then they remind the kids that testing is about their effort and not giving up, the instructors do a great job encouraging the kids. The kids end testing feeling so proud and with a huge sense of accomplishment.

Disneyland!

Q's reward for doing such a great job at his Christmas belt testing was his first trip to Disneyland. We have never taken him because he didn't like crowds, life sized characters or rides. He's built up some tolerance for crowds, isn't too deathly afraid of characters anymore and doesn't mind slow rides so we decided to take him the day after Christmas. We had so much fun! He loved It's A Small World, but bolted when we saw Mickey. His favorite ride.......the bus ride to the park from the parking lot.

Straight Hair

Q has the BEST cousins ever! They take good care of him, entertain him and set good examples for him. Even though there's a big age difference between him and them, they are so good about humoring him. He even wishes he had straight hair just like his cousin Dexter. New years day is Sami's birthday, so we spent the day hanging out at my brothers. Q must have told Sami and her other girl cousins that he wanted straight hair like Dexter, so they flat ironed his hair for him. The first picture is the end result.

Life Lessons at Tae Kwon Do

At Q's tae kwon do school, the teachers always say the kicking and punching is the fun part. They stress that what's most important is that the kids learn about hard work, discipline, giving their best effort, love, respect and gratitude. They also end every class reminding the kids to be thankful to their parents. I always wonder exactly how much of these life lessons Quentin is really taking in. The other day, Q fell asleep in the truck on our way home from Disneyland. When I was laying him down, he woke up and told me he had a lot fun and said thank you for working hard and spending your money on me so I can have fun. I just about died.......