"I Don't Like Brown People"

Several months ago, Munch and I were shopping in our local warehouse market when a senior African-American woman pushed her cart slowly past us in the dairy aisle. I was diligently searching for nonfat Greek style yogurt and didn't realize that Munch had been eyeing the elderly shopper. Munch tapped my hand as I was pushing her in the shopping cart and loudly proclaimed that she didn't like brown people. If a 44 year old haggard mom could soil her pants, that would have been the moment to do it. I was mor-ti-fied. My head involuntarily turns to look at the elderly lady who, I imagine, very graciously pretended not to have heard my daughter's innocent but very insensitive comment. For the next few minutes, my daughter and I engage in a frantic dialogue about the right and wrong way to like or dislike somebody. Fast forward to yesterday. The ugly comment rears its head again. This time Munch is watching a Disney program which happens to feature a young African-American actress. Mortified again and mystified also, I reiterate to her what we had discussed before. Why would my child say such a hateful thing? She certainly didn't learn that from Hubs or me. Where is it coming from? Then it dawns on me that this may have a school origin. Upon further probing, Munch shares with me that a very naughty male classmate once teased her about how brown her skin was. My heart broke into a million pieces. Sure, I've been on the receiving end of racist, insensitive remarks almost all of my life. But was I ready for my four year old daughter to possibly have to endure such negative behavior from others? Apparently not. And so I mentally pull myself together. What do I say (other than you should punch that boy in the nose when the teacher is not looking)? What expression should I have on my face?

So J said you have brown skin, huh? So what did you tell him when he said that to you?

I say he hurt my feelings and he not nice!

That's good! You told him how his comments made you feel. What did he say after that?

He not say anything. He look at me and he run around. He run away.

Well, he must have gotten the hint! You know, I notice that you have several brown friends like M. Do you like M?

Yes, her very nice. Her play with me at my house.

Must be pretty cool to have brown skin and to have brown friends, don't you think?

Yes, Mommy.

Besides, maybe J was just jealous of the super tan that you have from swimming so much.

He very jealous, Mommy!

First Day of VPK

Munch was super excited at home on her first day of vpk yesterday.

But once we got to the classroom, Munch wasn't keen on Mommy leaving her.

Ms. Stephanie to the rescue! She got Munch involved in an activity as I slowly eased my way out of the classroom.

All better with the help of Ms. Stephanie. Munch warmed up to her teachers and classmates and had a wonderful first day in vpk.

Pee-nada and Am-min-nals

That's Gi-ism for pinata and animals---two things that Munch requested for her 4th birthday celebration. And so our backyard became a barnyard complete with chickens, ducks, goats, sheep, rabbits, piglets and even a miniature horse. The cute critters were a big hit with the junior set along with the dismembering of the horsey pinata. After all the goodies came showering down and were eagerly collected by Gi and her cohorts, the poor, dangling papier mache steed got no rest. The stick kept swinging and the fun continued. Once the barnyard went bye-bye, it was time for a cool down period in the pool. Throughout the entire morning and early part of the afternoon, Munch had great fun with her friends. Hubs and I couldn't be more thankful to have another great year with Gi and grateful for all of our friends and their children and our family. Thank you all for coming out to celebrate with us!

Introducing the New DLR Family

Mama Kristen with Baby Amelie

proud papa David

the gang with their newest mei mei

After almost a five year wait, our friends, Kristen and David, are finally a family of three. Our core group of adoption friends welcomed the family back last night at PBIA. And let's just say little Miss Amelie is even more adorable in person...scumptious pink cheeks, bright big eyes and chubby little turkey legs. Munch and her buddies, Brea and Alex, acting as junior ambassadors fluttered around and posed with their newest "mei mei." We'd like to send our congrats again to the DLR family---they've just boarded the fastest and most exciting rollercoaster. Enjoy the ride!