Reading!!

As a mother of two very different little people, I have long attempted to be mindful in how I approach the girls when it comes to parenting. Be it teaching, feeding, disciplining or een encouraging them, I have to had to connect differently with Havana than I do with Amara. Amara is louder, curious, and a bit intense (kind of like her mother!) Baby Girl is quieter, imaginative and proceeds in her life with a softer touch (kind of like Don!) Sure, they share some similar traits but they are two very different souls with two distinct personalities (Gemini with a Capricorn rising and cancer with a Libra rising; need I say more!)

Learning to read was one area where the girls differences really stood out. Amara wanted to learn to read when she was just four (read about Amara's process here http://twosmallgems.blogspot.com/2012/04/learning-to-read.html). Havana, while she has always enjoyed being read to and has looked at books my herself did not show much progress until she started K. Initially,  Havana came home with a few word lists that she was so proud to read to Don and I. Then she stopped (you can read about that the first steps she took with reading here;  http://twosmallgems.blogspot.com/2014/09/first-words-havana-is-learning-to-read.html.) Weeks and months went by and she refused to read to us. Other than those few words we didn't think she could read. When I would try to gently coax her she would get mad and state loudly, "I can't read." Baby Girl has to be really upset to raise her voice.

So a few weeks ago, Don came home after seeing Tia Paula (a K teacher of many decades and who was instrumental with us helping teach Amara to read) and expressed his concerns about Havana's lack of reading. I eventually emailed her teachers and the head of school to convey our worry. A meeting was set up for us to discuss Havana's lack of reading. Come to find out, Havana was reading, in class though, just not at home. Her wonderful teachers, Trina and Logan along with Henry (head of school) showed us her work and shared what they thought was the issue. One of which was perhaps Havana's fear of us no longer reading to us if she began to read herself.

Don and I walked away from that meeting feeling empowered and encouraged. I had a heart to heart with Havana that evening that I would keep reading to her until I was 100 (if she wanted!) while Don went out the next day and picked up the Bob Books (see below) that were suggested to us. And that was all it took.

Ms. Havana has devoured those books. Every night she reads to both of us (we have to take turns though! Don goes first then he leaves and it's my turn!) We have since expanded to some other easy readers. Just last night, Havana asked to see my book so she could pick out the words she knows. Wow! What a huge difference from just a few weeks ago. I have taken other suggestions from the school to enhance BabyGirl's reading and overall it has been a joy to watch Havana become so proud of herself as she is reading more than just a few words on a word list.

Nana's 75th

 The girl's nana was having a milestone birthday this Febuary; 75! Since we were planning on going to Hawaii instead of Florida for our winter holiday, we decided to invite her to join us. Nana arrived a few days prior to our departure and the girls, especially Havana, couldn't wait for her to get to the house so they could do things like put on make up together!

During our week in Hawaii both girls spend quality time with Nana be it reading, learning (and excelling at) crossword puzzles and watching movies together. Havana even opted to stay back with her nana a few times instead of going for a hike or to the beach. The two of them bonded pretty strongly this trip which left a sweet feeling in my heart.

Nana is the girl's only living grandparent so to have the good fortune to have her travel with us allowed for them to create some memories that I hope will last a life time. It'll be sad for them when she leaves but thankfully we have skype (not the same but better than a phone call) and we are planning for her to return again soon.

Two Sisters in Hawaii

Na Pohaku O Hauwahine Trail

One afternoon, after a morning at the beach and a siesta after lunch, we decided to check out a trail. This sweet hike was just a few minutes drive from our house which made it all the more appealing. Ms. Havana opted to stay back with Nana so it was just Don, Amara and myself, which was a nice change of pace. It's good to change up the dynamics at times and give each girl special attention. Amara soaked in not having to share her parents attention and she could ask as many of her endless questions without interference or from from her little sister.

The trail itself was more of a walk in the woods and marshland than a hike but it was pretty special nonetheless. There were many varieties of local plants and trees that were well kept. Amara enjoyed learning about these. We also talked about the marshland and it's importance to the planet.

But mostly, it was refreshing and soothing to be outside in nature and being surrounded by the magnificence of the Creator.

Teeny Tiny Creatures

 

Hanauma Bay

 It took this, my fifth visit to O'ahu to finally make it to Hanauma Bay on the south coast. Hanauma Bay is a protected marine life conservation area that was formed from volcano  and it offers some of the best snorkeling on the island. During previous visits, we stayed on the North Shore and well, to be honest, I didn't have it in me to make the drive; not when I was 7 1/2 months pregnant or when Amara was an infant and later when the girls still napped. It all felt like too much work. 

Not this trip; staying in Kailua offered us the opportunity to do things we opted out of before. It was a short but breathtaking drive to Hanauma Bay. Along the way we took in the majestic peaks, crystal clear water and even saw some whales on the way home.  It was magical.

The park itself was crowded; it is a huge tourist destination, yet it was worth the visit. The girls used their boogie board to get up close to the fish and were just giddy each time they spotted one. Snorkeling is one of my most favorite things to do and to share this with my girls was something I felt most grateful for  (well their version which was laying on the board looking down) That they loved this experience made my heart full with thanks for the blessings to be able to make such memories with our family. The girls also got to make their umpteenth sand castle with their papa. They are getting quite elaborate at it.

It was a perfect day. The only downside; I wish we lived here!

Taken with underwater camera.

It's hard to tell from the photo but that is one of several whales we spotted from a scenic overlook. Seeing those magnificent creatures was a blessing. It was the first time the girls saw whales and they were in awe and thoroughly delighted!

I am an Island Girl. I could never tire of the warm sun, tropical breezes and crystal turquoise waters that make up the South Pacific (or the Caribbean). I don't know much but I do know that one day, I will call this type of land/seascape home. 

Hibiscus Girl, Hibiscus Dad