tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10561748398020935512024-02-22T16:10:22.287+07:00The Frog & The MoonMusings from a culturally confused Mom, Montessori Teacher, Art Activist and Nature Lover - Happily living in Lao PDR. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00835139571867145015noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1056174839802093551.post-68478448148362074612014-05-16T12:42:00.001+07:002014-05-16T12:42:19.588+07:00Where is Frog and Moon?My goodness time flies... Especially when you are chasing around a 20 month old and an 8 month old.<br />
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Aside from mom time, I've been working on completing my Montessori Elementary studies, while doing alot of online research and application of the Reggio Emilia method. I've also transferred my job to another Kindergarten here in Vientiane. While I was sad to leave an official Montessori school, it was time. So I have started another chapter at another school who is already implanting many Montessori approaches. (And more to come ;) ) I've also moved in a new home out in the countryside a bit, that lets my 2 kiddos get plenty of outdoor time... no nature deficit disorder here.<br />
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You can generally find me on FB: kellyinlaos<br />
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I'm toying with the idea of doing a FB page for Frog and Moon as that just seems darn easier than trying to keep up a blog. (Which obviously I fail at.)<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785321146425723669noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1056174839802093551.post-86362209532143433482013-09-18T10:07:00.000+07:002013-09-18T10:08:51.725+07:00Welcome Lily! Our 2nd Lao birth storyOur little girl arrived Sunday, Sept. 1st at 6am, less than 2 hours after I got to the hospital.<br />
Her name is Lily Namfon, which means Lily Rain or if you put grammatically correct in Lao, Rain Lily, which is a small beautiful pink flower. Also, she was born during rainy, monsoon season.<br />
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I knew the Sturday before she would be coming very soon, but I was hoping she would wait a few more days. Friday I had gone to see my doctor for fetal monitoring and my doctor then informed me she had to go to Thailand for 3 days and introduced to me my (gulp) male, non-English speaking doctor. Now, granted I gave birth in this hospital before but my doctor was lovely, and I was so happy she would be assisting me with this birth as she already knew everything I wanted..but now a new doctor! And since passa hospital ( Lao hospital language) is not my strong point I was even mor scared. Scared too since they said my little girl was big and that they may have to do c section but wouldn't know until I was in labor. Ahhhh!<br />
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So 4 am Sunday I knew she wasn't waiting until my doctor was back. It was time. Now. Called my sister in law who lives next door and she had her truck ready in 5 minutes ( I really didn't want to have to go to the hospital on motorbike..phew). By 4:15 the new doctor checked me and said I was already at 7cm so he said I'd be delivering soon. Now, in a Lao hospital women walk around right up until delivery, so that's what I did. Besides, gravity helps things progress, don't tell me to lie down! So I walked the halls of Setthathirath hospital for the next hour or so, in my birthing Lao skirt that's required stopping to hold on something a contractions grew and I practiced my visualizations of clouds or ocean waves saying to myself out loud " I can do this" ... Then when the doctor called me to check again it was time. He ordered me up on the table and I admit, I fought about holding on to the stupid metal hand grips and he said push and I again fought, saying its not time. He said its time for your baby to come out, push!!!!! And once again I said its not time, and all the while my poor husband is there holding my hand and he says to me, "Lily's head .. I can see, push!" So ok, I'll listen to my husband but not the doctor, laugh.... So I pushed. 3 or was it 4 times and pop! There she was!<br />
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It was all over and I was back in my room at the international clinic side by 6:20. Once again a natural birth, no meds for the birth but now it was time for meds for me. Because she came so fast I had a lot of bleeding. A lot. Even my doctor was little worried. I was scared to death about them saying I would need a blood transfusion, so I did everything they asked to prevent that.. 3 bags of pitocin, shots to stop bleeding, suppositories to stop the bleeding, laying only on my back for a day (not fun) but on day 2 it stopped. My Lao doctor also during this time ordered me NOT to observe the local custom of laying by the fire or drinking anything hot ..he said it had the potential to make the bleeding worse. I did feel bad for my husband since these customs are the norm for his village, ESP. Because the doctor said, "don't do as Lao people did 100 years ago.."<br />
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So I was in the hospital longer than expected but I didn't mind, it gave me quiet time with La and our little girl before coming home to a busy house with our 1 year old son River and all the visitors. And family. Yeah, the hospital was actually relaxing..5555<br />
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So, here I am. Hopefully, finished with childbirth..2 is enough..everyone says we have good luck, one boy, one girl. I agree.. I couldn't be happier...Now its time to bring on the momma game.<br />
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Welcome to the world my little girl!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785321146425723669noreply@blogger.com1Vientiane, Laos17.962769 102.6144289999999717.721088 102.29170549999998 18.20445 102.93715249999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1056174839802093551.post-26219276993000830242013-08-09T11:10:00.000+07:002013-08-09T11:22:23.776+07:00Calling Lao Multi-Cultural Parents! Ma der! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRstzawAXXCA-YXigmU8DHroHky7BHkioI_dse_PoWbV4mWBw4Hl7HajUW8xMOp7PHMelmLNFETtaSJ5re-J9tWPEfT1U8l_mQDIIYYttliCYgNt7wkbn4I-jYvyuTPBUaKEoxA2vxkRN/s1600/cart+race.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRstzawAXXCA-YXigmU8DHroHky7BHkioI_dse_PoWbV4mWBw4Hl7HajUW8xMOp7PHMelmLNFETtaSJ5re-J9tWPEfT1U8l_mQDIIYYttliCYgNt7wkbn4I-jYvyuTPBUaKEoxA2vxkRN/s320/cart+race.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(not my kids, I was cart racing with the neighborhood kids..)</i></span></div>
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<i>NOTE: FB link if you want to skip all my babbling: </i></div>
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La and I have been together for some years now. Multi-culture relationships are their own challenge at times. We've never had any real major issues as both of us are open minded to learning from the other. As for La, I give him heaps of credit because he's from the way way outside outside countryside of Lao, in other words nothing like the capital city of Vientiane. Just as he's taught me how to 'Dang Fai" (light the Lao charcoal grill) and the finer points of Lao style living, I've taught him how to use a gas cook stove. And a computer. An a hot shower. And a washing machine. That's really just the beginning.... Anyway, I digress... I can say the only major problems we've ever had stem for language misunderstandings. (Note to multi-language partners, if you DON'T understand, DON'T say you do. Seriously. )<br />
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However, as we now are expecting our 2nd child, language and culture becomes all the more important to both of us. If you read the "about me" you know I worked with a Lao community back in the USofA. I know too many cases of kids caring less about their Lao elders. I understand the cultural challenge, just because you ARE biologically an ethnicity doesn't mean YOU are the same. You are HUMAN, you are YOU. If that makes any sense. (No coffee pregger mama speaking.) It doesn't mean you have to follow your culture's traditions, like their food or speak the language. BUT, starting out with kids 2 under 2 I really hope to instill in my kids a love of both their Dad's culture (Lao / Tai Daeng) and Mine (American Mutt - German, Irish and who knows what else ). </div>
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Our situation is reverse of Lao parents in the US. I'm pretty sure River and Lily are going to learn Lao. <strike>Probably </strike> 100% sure before they learn English. They'll also be fluent in Lao culture. But, now it's even more important I give them a love of Americana (ouch, did I just say that?) But seriously, I want them to know lemonade summers, Rock n Roll, playing in the grass, English, simple phrases like "see ya later alligator", my mom's lasagna... oi.. too many things to list. So, I am trying in Vientiane to make sure both of them will have a few English speaking friends, go to some "falang" (foreigner) events and not just live Lao life 100% of the time. </div>
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Searching the internet for tips on raising what I'd like to call culturally fluent kids, you can find a lot. But not so much specific to Lao multi-cultural kids. Some Thai, but as we know, not "same same". Since I work a Lao pre-school I often come across many materials for kids in Lao language. As those of you outside of Lao know, resources are severely lacking in Lao language let alone Lao for kids. As is a place for us parents to gripe, moan or brag about our kids achievements in only a way a parent who understands this culture can. (Never mind maybe gripe about why the dear Mother-in-law refuses to let your son use pampers or is horrified he eats anything other than rice,fish and "pak vitamin" (a local green). </div>
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Phew. That was long. Anyways, if you are interested, join me on FB to talk more about raising Lao/ _____ kids to love every aspect of their combined heritage.</div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/LaoMultiCulturalKids/">https://www.facebook.com/groups/LaoMultiCulturalKids/</a></div>
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Cheers!</div>
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Kelly</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785321146425723669noreply@blogger.com0Vientiane, Laos17.962769 102.6144289999999717.721088 102.29170549999998 18.20445 102.93715249999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1056174839802093551.post-5703284796560397552013-07-18T14:05:00.001+07:002013-07-18T14:05:44.027+07:00One more time..."One more time"... it's Daft Punk song from a few years ago I often have running in my head these days. I haven't blogged in ages. it's not that I haven't thought about it, or composed thoughts in my head, I've just been pretty dang busy...and tired. :) River is now 10, almost 11 months... and....<br />
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He's got a little sister coming in late August / early September! She'll be named after a flower "Lily" (for her English name) as we have them both in NY and here in Laos.. Her dad's done a painting of it already, but it sold so now I have to wait on him to do another one, just for her. In the meantime, I'm still working at the Montessori school and chasing a-just-about-walking-10-month old around our house with an 8 month preggers belly. See why no blogging? 555<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785321146425723669noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1056174839802093551.post-74611686517836916372013-04-17T07:08:00.003+07:002013-04-17T07:08:51.006+07:00Boston from afar. I know it's just on more voice, but I can't help but feel the need to say something about what happened in Boston.<br />
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It's Pii Mai holiday here in Lao. Lao New Year. Making it 2556.<br />
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Yet, there first day of the new year now is marred. April 16th wasn't a good day.<br />
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You know the news. I won't repeat all that here. But I couldn't help but not feel much for new year this year when back home so many are hurting. Being a mom now it hurts even more to hear of little ones dying. Boston. Afganistan. Iraq. Lao. Anywhere.<br />
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I grew up in NY. I also spent 13 years living in Providence, RI which for those not aquinted with the northeast as much, it's a 30 min T (subway) ride to Boston. Needless to say I played there quite a bit. The museums, the restaurants, Quincy Square, Chinatown...<br />
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So. There isn't anything I can say or do, but send love to those affected, and hope someday the world is better.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785321146425723669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1056174839802093551.post-59340636654212536022013-02-24T14:12:00.001+07:002013-02-24T14:12:37.433+07:00Reflections - Why I Stay.Happy 2013! Goodness, life has been busy. River just turned 6 months and time is flying. La's father has come to stay a little with us and it's been almost 3 months. Lao style, you never know exactly when family is coming or going.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCsJgHx-8wnbTHvlLvxlUgcauDv6qyf6iNsTv84xboPj0svzk9D9j6dBiy6jBnLjDZY-WEA2ycqBtSslVArHV87NQm6NWr0HUpa93wUhCunN_AF1OrlNAqzg5xvZ2j8phuart0k4iTUwUB/s1600/DSC04379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCsJgHx-8wnbTHvlLvxlUgcauDv6qyf6iNsTv84xboPj0svzk9D9j6dBiy6jBnLjDZY-WEA2ycqBtSslVArHV87NQm6NWr0HUpa93wUhCunN_AF1OrlNAqzg5xvZ2j8phuart0k4iTUwUB/s400/DSC04379.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view from bedroom of house-in-progress.</td></tr>
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The past few months to be honest I've been in a very "un" Lao mood. So much is changing here, people leaving, life... that I've been experiencing a little burn out on Laos. (I'm rarely around foreigners, although I am trying to change that. ) At times I need to remind myself (and my dear hubby) I am not Lao. Actually he's wonderful about it, he's open minded about cultures... well of course he is or else I wouldn't be with him. So instead of listing all the negatives about living in a developing country, I've chosen to remind myself why I stay.<br />
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Life, even as hectic as mine is, is slower than in the US.<br />
I like the closeness to nature... from daily life to shopping in the markets.<br />
I can mix crazy patterns with my clothes and noone cares. :D<br />
I owned 3 houses in the US but the one we are building here feels more like a "home" than any of the others ever did.<br />
There is no snow.<br />
You can buy DVDs for 10,000 kip. (About a 1.20) (Sometimes it's the small things..)<br />
All the fresh fruit.<br />
and for the most part, I enjoy the culture...<br />
Besides...where else would reading/speaking Lao be useful? Minnesota? See above reason to stay about no snow.<br />
I feel useful here. I like teaching English. I like the burgeoning Art scene. (Hope to work more with it in the future.) We have dreams and ideas, and there is possibility..potential here.<br />
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So, yes, I miss family. I miss my mom's cooking. I miss friends. I miss one stop shopping, my car and the diversity a "real" city offers...but.. in the end, I stay. Although at some point I want to spend some time in the US again...the reason is for River to know his family/friends there..and that's probably the only reason. Because, right now I'm home.<br />
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..and now since La's working on our house again today, I'm off running again, as River is sure to wake soon.<br />
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If your in Lao reading this, why do YOU stay? Share :)<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785321146425723669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1056174839802093551.post-84273113191482084582012-12-31T10:47:00.004+07:002012-12-31T10:51:47.666+07:00The Paper Trail<br />
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If you’re an American and plan on giving birth in Laos my advice is take lots of photos and save all your receipts.<o:p></o:p></div>
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What they don’t (yet) tell you on the US Embassy website. Although the kind folks at the embassy <o:p></o:p></div>
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said they will be
updating the website with this info. In the meantime..<o:p></o:p></div>
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As of December 2012</div>
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If you gave birth in Laos, this is the list of paperwork you
need to submit to the US Embassy to report a birth abroad pass on American citizenship. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Application for Consular Report of Birth Abroad</div>
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An affidavit of physical presence from the US Citizen Parent.
(They give you this at embassy)</div>
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Evidence of the US Citizenship of the American parent. One
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US Passport<br />
US Birth Certificate<br />
Certificate of Naturalization<br />
Consular Report of Birth Abroad<br />
Or a certified true copy from a notary public of one of the
above.</div>
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Original identity card or passport of Lao citizen</div>
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Original birth certificate. – In Laos you need both from
hospital AND from District Office.</div>
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Supporting evidence of child’s birth – hospital prenatal
records, receipts, sonograms, photos of mother while pregnant.</div>
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Evidence of termination of any prior marriage (divorce
decree or death certificate)</div>
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Marriage certificate AND supporting evidence of relationship
– wedding photos etc.</div>
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Transmission Requirements – Evidence of residency in US
prior to child’s birth. (I brought my high school and college transcripts.</div>
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If mother or father is US citizen, evidence that mother or
father was with Lao parent during conception. Rental receipts, matching Lao /
US immigration stamps, airline tickets, etc.</div>
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Appearance of child at embassy, so consular can verify
existence.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Fee for paperwork in Cash.</div>
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ALL LAO DOCUMENTS MUST BE TRANSLATED TO ENGLISH. (Birth Certificates etc.)<o:p></o:p><br />
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Best wishes! :-)</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785321146425723669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1056174839802093551.post-80404970224582730032012-12-25T15:29:00.001+07:002012-12-25T15:32:34.314+07:00A Lao LullabyRiver is sleeping. So, it's a good time to add a post...and his Papa is in Pakse for few days working on an upcoming Art project.... Good point is mama doesn't have to share her laptop... ;)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQ-l_8TxuN-IAgnJzGVkUfsjVArU2sZIW3vXal8O0Ez2k4VQQ9MHYTzC9JbrbS4_WX9Qvpi42FtuxJbzqZEge_bXbE0M1_n7MaM9HqIXqLnwn6cw3K7pIVuQl-KpuXoTx60jMM_UvwgmR/s1600/riversleep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQ-l_8TxuN-IAgnJzGVkUfsjVArU2sZIW3vXal8O0Ez2k4VQQ9MHYTzC9JbrbS4_WX9Qvpi42FtuxJbzqZEge_bXbE0M1_n7MaM9HqIXqLnwn6cw3K7pIVuQl-KpuXoTx60jMM_UvwgmR/s400/riversleep.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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It's sung to the "Where is Thumbkin?" English song.<br />
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Actually, there is a Lao version of Where is Thumbkin, which is where I adapted the lullaby from.<br />
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The Lao Thumbkin Version (This is the version we sing at the school I work, maybe you know another)<br />
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<i>Kneepo yu sai? Kneepo yu sai? (Thumb, where is?)</i><br />
<i>Yu nii neh, Yu nii neh. (Here)</i><br />
<i>Suk sabaidee bo? (Are you well?)</i><br />
<i>Suk sabadee bo?</i><br />
<i>Pai gon der (I go first.. bye)</i><br />
<i>Pai gon der</i><br />
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River's Lullaby version:<br />
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<i>___(insert child's name) _____ yu sai? ______ yu sai?</i><br />
<i>Yu nii neh, Yu nii neh</i><br />
<i>Suk sabadee bo?</i><br />
<i>Suk sabadee bo?</i><br />
<i>Non lap dee (sleep well)</i><br />
<i>Non lap dee</i><br />
<i>Dting dang dong (doesn't mean anything, just sound...)</i><br />
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I think it works ;) But then again maybe River is non kiidtua koi... lying about being asleep....555Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785321146425723669noreply@blogger.com5Vientiane, Laos17.962769 102.6144289999999717.721087 102.29170549999998 18.204451000000002 102.93715249999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1056174839802093551.post-2378887780742324152012-12-25T11:38:00.001+07:002012-12-25T11:38:40.451+07:00Herbal Baby Care - Best gas remedy ever!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's an herbal "roll-on". The main ingredient is Feruala foetida (botanical name) Asafoetida (English) or Ma Ha Hing in Thai. It's a roll on you can apply a little baby's belly in gentle clockwise circles and wait for him to let out the gas. ;) It was recommended to me by a Thai grandmother and although I was a little nervous to try it, I've used it a few times in the past month with River.<br />
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In Thai Herbal Medicine Asafoetida is considered a "hot" herb. Traditionally a poultice would be made of the resin from the roots.<br />
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You can learn more about Thai Herbs in the book "A Thai Herbal" by Dr. Pierce Salguero, my former teacher and friend. You can purchase MaHaHing in Laos at most pharmacies for about 27,000kip.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785321146425723669noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1056174839802093551.post-65574857655675884392012-12-08T07:58:00.003+07:002012-12-08T07:59:31.074+07:00KICKSTARTER | Lao American Poetry BookLove this project, had to share here :)<br />
The more funding it gets the bigger the collection published will be and the more illustrations it will have.<br />
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<a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thaoworra/demonstra-lao-american-art-and-poetry">http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thaoworra/demonstra-lao-american-art-and-poetry</a><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785321146425723669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1056174839802093551.post-32538604777677554902012-11-25T07:44:00.000+07:002012-11-25T07:56:57.063+07:00[Baby Play] Sensory BottlesWe've been settling into our routine since I last posted of - mommy being back to work at the local Montessori school, daddy painting nightly between 5pm and 2am and juggling how life is with a now 3 month old baby.<br />
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Living in Laos, I've found baby toys are either too expensive because they are imported and sold at stores that cater to moms who obviously don't live on a teacher's salary ..or.. there are toys that make the Naturalist / Montessorian in me wince because they are cheap plastic, busy with too many colors, bells, and cartoon logos.<br />
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So, on the weekends I often find myself looking for ideas and making things.<br />
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The sensory bottle idea I found on one of my favorite sites: <a href="http://www.theimaginationtree.com/2012/10/baby-sensory-play-discovery-bottles.html" target="_blank">The Imagination Tree</a><br />
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The basic idea is to take a small water bottle, fill with interesting objects for baby to look at, then super glue the cap on.<br />
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Our bottles<br />
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1.) Sticky rice and black tea. (Makes a nice color contrast and River likes the sound of the rice. I also like that both the rice and the tea were grown by his Lao grandparents.)<br />
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2.) Pale green marbles, pink glitter and water.<br />
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3.) Crinkled blue tissue paper, bits of cotton, yellow paper "suns" and bright blue hearts. (I had a little weather theme going on in my head on this one.<br />
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Rives loves his sensory bottles. I keep them in a small bamboo basket and plan to make more and rotate them out. They also help keep him interested in "tummy time'.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785321146425723669noreply@blogger.com0Vientiane, Laos17.962769 102.61442917.841932 102.4565005 18.083606000000003 102.7723575tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1056174839802093551.post-40148297706051611162012-10-11T10:52:00.000+07:002012-10-11T10:56:55.910+07:00Language mayhem<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">La and I made a pact that he would speak Lao and I'd speak English with our little man. However, I am r</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">ealizing I haven't been speaking English at all with River..gotta work on that. Otherwise his chance of picking up English is quite small considering his father and I are the only ones around him that speak it. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Just feels rude speaking English when everyone else is speaking Lao. :D </span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Would love to hear from other Lao / English families... (yeah I know that's a strectch of a request condsidering how much of the world doesn't speak Lao... but...</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Wondering how other bilingual families work it? Comments appreciated. ;) </span><br />
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Right now I am on a daily smash and destroy all mozzies mission. I've been MIA because I'm just getting over Dengue Fever. Yeah, tomorrow River is 6 weeks old and I've spent a week and a half of it flat out with a stupid tropical mosquito spread fever. (Has made me reconsider what I think about the snow and ice of NY...) Well..... rainy season isn't over yet... so another month of living with the anti mozzy 'nets... :/<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785321146425723669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1056174839802093551.post-51820106954182516912012-09-09T18:54:00.000+07:002012-09-09T18:55:38.074+07:00Our birth story (the short version)<br />
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Wed. Aug. 22nd our little boy arrived, his name is River (named after the Mekong River..) </div>
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Although most of my expat friends thought I was crazy, I had a natural non-medicated birth in a Lao hospital. But Lao hospitals, perhaps because the lack the resources of the hospitals in the West are actually very accommodating to birthing mothers. I love my doctor :) My labor was 11 hours, most of it walking and standing, squatting letting gravity do it's thing. Meditations and visualizations helped more than I can say with working through the pain. Only during the actual delivery did I lay down. I also was able to have both my husband and my doula in the room with me and La was able to help "catch" River.</div>
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Since I was one of the first foreigners to have a baby at this hospital, soon afterward River was celebrity with the nurses and their cameras. :D I must admit, language was the biggest challenge. I'm not 100% sure I'd give birth in a hospital again where I can't freely communicate. (Being fluent in a language is one thing, but hospital speak is it's own language.)</div>
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After River was born we stayed in the hospital 1 night then came home to grandma and her postpartum care. (Hot herbal baths and Herbal teas.) Originally I was going to also observe the 2 week tradition of laying near the fire (literally) but for me personally, I wanted to be the one taking care of my baby at all times. Also, to be honest, I wasn't fond of the idea of sleeping in my outdoor Lao kitchen, the same place we found a cobra 2 months ago. :/ If I could have been indoors, then maybe. </div>
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This photo is making the traditional herbal bathwater. Mom's bath for at least 15 days with this. (no soap, no rinsing.) We also drink medicinal teas to help promote milk flow during that time. No cold drinks allowed. There are also food restrictions, but these vary according to province. Khamla bought be special free range chicken from the neighbors that I ate with ginger and sticky rice. I did however consume some "falang" (western food) during this time.. after all this girl needs a pizza now and then. ; ) </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785321146425723669noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1056174839802093551.post-90686736288616505242012-09-02T17:10:00.003+07:002012-09-02T17:13:10.692+07:00Meet River!If all has been quiet on the Frog and Moon front it's because Wednesday August 22nd our little man arrived after 11 hours of labor. (Wonderful natural childbirth in Lao hospital, but that's another post...when I have a little more time)<br />
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River<br />
3.2 kilos<br />
Current hobbies: Feeding, Sleeping, Pooping, repeat........ :)<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00835139571867145015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1056174839802093551.post-41029427519524669752012-08-16T15:08:00.000+07:002012-08-16T15:08:50.377+07:00Pre-Natal Herbal Medicine - Hmong StyleHmong herb vendors outside Talat Sao (Morning) Market, Vientiane. They set up everyday and are quiet popular with the locals. Actually most markets have one or two traditional medicinal vendors, however this area usually has around 8 or 9 set up.<br />
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Yesterday I had go pay some bills and couldn't resist looking. Ended up buying one for making birth easier, but only because I felt bad that La was taking so many photos. Since I've already got a huge supply of traditional Lao herbs from M, my mother-in-law, I picked the one I could plant. :-)<br />
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This woman had medicine to help birth easier, medicine for more milk and medicine to poop easier after childbirth... along with medicine women who want to conceive. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(And yes, I'm in the b/w polkadot dress... again.... at 39+ weeks it's one of the few comfortable things I can wear..)</span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00835139571867145015noreply@blogger.com0Morning Market, Vientiane, Laos17.962769 102.61442917.841932 102.4565005 18.083606000000003 102.7723575tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1056174839802093551.post-2164945039811098302012-08-13T18:03:00.000+07:002017-11-02T11:43:08.428+07:00Montessori Monday - LAOS! Giveaway for your Asia Continent Bags!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Back in July I started making Continent Baskets for our school. These baskets hold items relating to each continent, including maps, stamps, money, books, small treasures...all things to explore. I had a great time making them with our teachers, and hope in the coming school year to add to them. (I also hope to transition from paper covered baskets to fabric bags like the ones from <a href="http://countingcoconuts.blogspot.com/2010/11/our-continent-bags.html">Counting Coconuts</a>)<br />
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Recently, I had another Montessori teacher in an online forum I post in ask "Excuse my ignorance, but where is Laos?" It's not the first time I've been asked that. It's between Thailand and Vietnam. Depending on your map, it's purple or grey on the Montessori Asia puzzle.<br />
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Because I love this corner of the world so much and want others to know about it too..<br />
I'm offering a small <b>Montessori GIVEAWAY from Laos! </b> </div>
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There are 2 options.</div>
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1.) For those of you that would like a little small "something" from Laos to add to your Montessori ASIA continent bag / basket / box drop me a line at kellyinlaos (at) gmail with your mailing address and I'd be happy to send you a postcard. It'd be really nice if you wanted to do the same and send us one. (hint hint)<br />
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2.) If you are interested in doing something more exciting, I'd be happy to do a TRADE with you and send you a few small traditional Lao items in exchange for somethings from your country.<br />
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No expiration date on this one. :-)</div>
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With love from Laos!<br />
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For more MONTESSORI MONDAY links:<br />
<a href="http://livingmontessorinow.com/2012/08/13/montessori-monday-montessori-inspired-kindergarten-readiness-activities/" target="_blank">Living Montessori Now</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785321146425723669noreply@blogger.com7Vientiane, Laos17.962769 102.61442917.841932 102.4565005 18.083606000000003 102.7723575tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1056174839802093551.post-46695363103606118892012-08-12T12:49:00.000+07:002012-08-12T12:49:08.902+07:00Goodnight GrandpaI've been mentally processing this for the past few weeks. My maternal/paternal grandfathers passed years ago, and now my other "grandfather" has passed. This is the second time since I've been in Lao someone close to me has passed. Times like these the space between feels very very large. Ironic that I'm now living in his homeland, and he was living in mine.<br />
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Thank you for teaching me about Lao culture.<br />
Thank you for making me laugh with your antics. (Yes, of course, we can collect frogs from the local park..)<br />
Thank you for making me try snake soup.<br />
Thank you for trusting me to help you with your medicine and mail.<br />
Thank you for opening my eyes.<br />
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Sleep well.<br />
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Grandpa Khammanh</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00835139571867145015noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1056174839802093551.post-24642540267741091752012-08-06T11:36:00.000+07:002012-08-06T11:37:20.790+07:00Little PicassoMy nephew painting in his dad's studio. He painted the one above the one he's working on too. They live next to us and he was proud to show off his new creations.<br />
Wonder if little River will be doing the same in a few years?<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785321146425723669noreply@blogger.com0 Vientiane, Laos17.962769 102.61442917.841932 102.4565005 18.083606000000003 102.7723575tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1056174839802093551.post-11103657565062819342012-08-05T08:15:00.000+07:002012-08-05T08:16:45.417+07:00Creating Baby's Space - Montessori Style<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So, in a few short weeks I’m going to be a mom. Oddly enough, before I moved to Laos I never envisioned myself having children. I liked them. But they were for other people to have. Maybe living here it’s impossible not to feel the call of motherhood, as the culture loves children so much. Not to mention there are 3 routine questions you are asked by every stranger: How old are you? Are you married? Do you have children?<br />
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Now that I am finally on maternity leave, we have started setting up a space for River. All my Montessori training is coming out in River’s spaces. He won’t have his own room in this house as there just isn’t the space. (We are in the process of building a house.) There is an extra bedroom here but La uses it as his art studio, and we both agree it’s too important to confine oil paints, thinners, cutters, chemical smells and all other supplies that make a parent cringe in a safely locked no baby entry space. <br />
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We are doing co-sleeping, so I’m setting up that area for him. He won’t actually sleep in the same bed as us, but next to the bed on his own little mat. I’ve never personally been fond of cribs, as to me they look a bit like zoo cages, but in Laos, they are even more unheard of. There is no debate here about co-sleeping; it’s how every baby sleeps and you’d be called a bad parent by locals to try otherwise. He will also get his own mosquito net, which I have to buy this week. Yes, they make baby size models. <br />
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In the main area of the house, I’ve set up one bamboo shelf for his supplies that we need to use everyday. I was going to keep it in our bedroom, but with MIL coming to live, I need it to be accessible to all. There is also a soft woven fabric mat for the floor and I will buy another small bed mat this week. La’s friend at Vientiane frame shop is making us a big mirror Montessori style, for the wall. That way during tummy time he can explore his environment and himself. La is painting the story of the frog and moon also to be hung low on the wall to introduce River to artwork. I plan to make a simple mobile, hopefully have that finished also in the coming week. <br />
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There is just SOO much info on the web about Montessori parenting, but I have a few blogs that continue to be sources of inspiration:<br />
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<a href="http://www.howwemontessori.com/">http://www.howwemontessori.com</a>
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<a href="http://sewliberated.typepad.com/">Sew Liberated</a> - This is my all time favorite go to blog for Montessori / creative parenting. I've read her for years for teaching inspiration and now I see it as Mama inspiration. </div>
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One book I have found really helpful with regards Montessori and Infants is: </div>
Montessori from the Start: The Child at Home, from Birth to Age Three<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Montessori-Start-Child-Birth-Three/dp/0805211128">http://www.amazon.com/Montessori-Start-Child-Birth-Three/dp/0805211128</a> <br />
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Photos to come, I’ve got a lot of work to do first!! Ha, maternity leave. OK, I’m not teaching in a Montessori pre-school of 41 for the next 3 months, but it feels like I have an even bigger task with 1 soon to be newborn!</div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00835139571867145015noreply@blogger.com2Vientiane, Laos17.962769 102.61442917.841932 102.4565005 18.083606000000003 102.7723575tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1056174839802093551.post-41555578595117098972012-08-02T18:36:00.000+07:002012-08-02T18:46:37.859+07:00Lao Baby Names (Revisited)Well River is due in about 20 days and we are still working on a Lao name for him. Again.<br />
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I posted on a Baby website the following about finding a Lao name....<br />
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<i>"We're having a boy and are giving him an English first name (River.. think Mekong..not the actor) a Lao middle name and a Lao surname. My DH wants MuokSao as a Lao name (means morning mist) but I'm not 100% on that one. "Sao" means morning but if pronounced wrong means girl. <img border="0" src="http://community.babycenter.com/js/tinymce/plugins/smileys/img/smiley-surprised.gif" /> (Lao is a tonal language) So, I'm sure my American family won't say it right...</i>" actually.... most of the time I can't even say it right!<br />
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Most Lao names are given by monks at the temple. Well, some background on our family. Khamla is Tai Daeng. -Red Tai ( It's an ethnic group, not related to Thai. Oi, call him Kon Thai not Kon Lao and you R IN TROUBLE!) ; ) Tai Daeng live in Northern Lao, near the Vietnam border. (You know, that area the USA was busy bombing the daylights out of during the American War or Vietnam War. La's family lived in the caves, farmed at night.. River is going to have an interesting family history for sure. Anyway)) </div>
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More about Tai Daeng from <a href="http://www.gotlaos.com/taidaengredtai.html">http://www.gotlaos.com/taidaengredtai.html</a> :</div>
<i> According to Patricia Cheesman in her book Lao-Tai Textiles: The Textiles of Xam Nuea and Muang Phuan, “Tai Daeng translates as Red Tai but actually refers to their original homelands in the district of Muang Daeng in Vietnam [and] many arguments have been presented as to origin of the name: the Red River, the red funeral blouses or the red waistbands on the women’s tube skirts…The Tai Daeng are one of the largest Lao-Tai groups in the northeast of Laos, having migrated into Houa Phan province from Thanh Hoa province, Vietnam, in the 19th century and the currently make up about 70% of the population of the Tai groups in Houa Phan province.</i><br />
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Your thinking.... Kelly, "WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH LAO BABY NAMES?" Well, allot really. La's family isn't the temple going sort, there isn't even a temple in his hometown village. (Most Lao names are given by monks) La himself has never even actually given alms etc. It's not his culture..even though, yes, he is "Lao". His family is Phi which another whole blog post...(Not all Americans are the same right?) All his siblings have given their children small nature names: nok/bird nuu/mouse mhek/cloud mangon/dragon .. and unlike many Lao, these AREN'T their nicknames.. it's their full first name. Needless to say, we are keeping religious beliefs out of naming the wee one. </div>
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But both of us would like something a little more formal than officially calling our son Mapanoy (little wolf) or Muu noy (little pig) etc. As a nickname fine, but not an engraved on US passport kinda deal. </div>
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Ugh. So 20 days. (Because thank the USA for having these amazingly complicated "report birth abroad" forms I still need to fill out to make sure "luk sai pen kon american" (baby boy can be an American citizen) </div>
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Top 100 Tai Daeng or Lao baby names.... I haven't found a copy of that bestselling book yet. Anyone have one I can borrow? </div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00835139571867145015noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1056174839802093551.post-932558457864189242012-07-30T17:38:00.000+07:002012-07-30T17:38:27.227+07:00DIY Lao Style: Coconut Bubble WandsOne of the things I love about living here is how much I've learned. I've always liked making things versus buying things, but I'm always impressed with the things "every Lao country kid already knows".<br />
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Seriously, we made these at the Montessori school I work at and everyone thought it was great fun. However, when I was telling La about them later that evening, he was a little less than interested... "yeah...so..... next time I'll show you how to make paintbrushes"....... anyway, for those of us raised in a more ready-made consumer culture.. here's a fun afternoon project.<br />
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Gather some coconut fronds </div>
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(Any strong yet bendy plant material works, I was born in the Adirondacks, I'm thinking ferns would work? Let me know...)</div>
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Strip off the "spine" of the coconut frond. You'll want to use the end near the leaf tip, as it's more flexible.</div>
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Tie in a knot, depending on the size bubble you want to make. If you are not adding any corn syrup or veggie glycern to the bubble mix, keep the loops small or the bubbles break easily. (ie.. frustration). Clip off the excess coconut.</div>
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Bubble wands are ready for action!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00835139571867145015noreply@blogger.com0Vientiane, Laos17.962769 102.61442917.841932 102.4565005 18.083606000000003 102.7723575tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1056174839802093551.post-81381100864346446272012-07-26T21:47:00.001+07:002012-07-26T21:48:51.262+07:00Baby name reveal!Living with an artist, my world is always a little bit more colorful. Sometimes, good (I have more orginal oils decorating my walls than the MET) sometimes...well... let's just say I've tried both navy blue bath towels (you still see the white paint) and white towels ( you see..everything) ... and more than one articles of my clothes has been giving a "splash" of color.<br />
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However, cool things are coming home from work to find one's bathroom mirror painted with "K.La love Kelly and River" (La uses K.La as his signature because there are just too many Khamlas in this city...ignore the English, it's his 2nd language) I thought it was pretty cool so I took it outside to take some photos and reflect something more beautiful than my Lao style bathroom. ; ) Of course, I wonder what inspired painting the bathroom mirror.......... ?<br />
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<i>Tada. Yep, it's been decided... the wee one's English name will be River. </i></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00835139571867145015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1056174839802093551.post-35053505204757178512012-07-23T18:02:00.002+07:002012-07-24T17:28:56.110+07:00Oh my mangoes!Well, it's been long enough since I've posted. I'd thought I'd be writing up a storm during my pregnancy, but honestly I haven't been able to find enough (OK, make) enough time. I'm working up until August 4th with an August 22nd due date. Mind you, that work involves 30some little ones at the Montessori school I teach at here in Vientiane. :) So, by the end of the day, when I come home I usually find myself horizontal and asleep by 7:30. (Get sleep while I can!) <br />
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Today La and I joked about my mango intake (it's still Mango season) and we decided to do a little math. I know I eat a lot of mangoes (and make yummy icy mango shakes, minus all the sugar and condensed milk the shake shops here add ) but....... get this........ on average I (as in 1 person, eating for 2 but still 1 person..) consume 15 -20 KILOS of mangoes a week. For all you American folks who like me, still have trouble with conversions, that something like 33 POUNDS of mangoes a week! Should I worry my little wee boy is gonna come out orange? ^-^<br />
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In this photo the mangoes are 8,000 kip a kilo, but in reality most places you can by the "not beautiful" ones for about 3,000kip a kilo. ( 8,000kip = 1USD)<br />
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Are mangoes traded on the stock market?<br />
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But other than Mango shock, all is well here in Vientiane Mamma-to-be Land. I think we've gotten most everything on our to buy list. Life in Lao is much simpler, so we haven't acquired as much. Waiting to see what more to get after the wee one arrives. Grandma ('Em.. La's mom) is coming to live with us to help out for 2 months). Right now La is taking evening English classes (he's OK, but with someday going stateside, he wants to improve) so I have a little free Kelly time.. so hopefully, I'm get back in the blogorama routine.<br />
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Until.<br />
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<i>With love from Laos :)</i></div>
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<i>Kelly</i></div>
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<i>At 35 weeks pregnant </i></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00835139571867145015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1056174839802093551.post-70321691035400835042012-04-21T12:05:00.001+07:002012-04-21T12:07:35.103+07:00Medicinal Plant Garden at the Institute of Traditional Medicine, Vientiane<br />
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Photos from my recent visit to the Institute of Traditional
Medicine (Run by the Ministry of Health, Lao PDR)</div>
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Offerings at the Institute include: A small traditional
medicine clinic, herbal sauna, pharmacy and medicinal plant garden. </div>
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<i>(Note: I picked the worst month of the year to photograph
the garden, apologies. We are in the middle of our hot & dry season here in
Vientiane. I will try to do more photos during rainy season.)</i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bixa Tree</td></tr>
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<span id="goog_1880773212"></span><span id="goog_1880773213"></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00835139571867145015noreply@blogger.com0Vientiane, Laos17.962769 102.61442917.9023505 102.535465 18.023187500000002 102.693393