Grump grump grump. Normally I love this time of year. It is warm, the flowers are blooming, Ukrainians are finally smiling and summer is fast approaching. However this year I am not feeling it so much. This is a uniquely ex-pat complaint but right now it feels like every one of my friends is leaving this summer. Yes, there is a bigger exodus this year than most thanks to the political situation here, and with most families moving on after being in a place 3-4 years, many of the families who arrived with us here are packing up. Yet we remain. Sigh. I know our time will come when we are filling out packing lists and arranging for flights for our pets but for now we have no idea when we will leave or where we will go. I am getting antsy and eager to start a new adventure and hearing about everyone else's plans does make the jealous monster rear its ugly head. Where are my friends heading in the next few months? The list is so varied: Saudi Arabia, Korea, Dominican Republic, Belgium, Zambia, Rome, China, San Francisco, India.
I am sorry about the whining and also to the many dear friends who are staying here along with us. I am not forgetting you- just goodbyes are hard for me and with so many this year my head is spinning.
Anyway, I do have two blissful months in Italy to look forward to so I really should not be feeling too sorry for myself. Hard to believe we will celebrate Maria's 1st birthday during that time! WoW!
And, so, as always, some glimpses of our lives over the last few weeks.....
Maria's favorite food? Spinach tortelli!
Here is a video of Maria "mastering" cup drinking.
How to make Maria laugh hysterically? Have Gio undress in front of her....
Or play peek-a-boo in the tub with her!
Best way to wake Gio these days? Stick his sister in bed with him. They both love it!
And, as always, some shots of Maria eating!
First time with a brussel sprout (my favorite food!)
and the verdict is....
Fabulous! Yes, she is definitely MY daughter!
Video of Gio dancing to some Russian folk music....
Sandbox time at Shevchenko Park!
Just like her brother, Maria is very attached to her "Big Tom" stuffed dog. Luckily Gio had quite a few and very generously gave her one.
Yesterday Enzo visited Gio's class.
They are studying animals right now and each family was invited to bring in a pet if they wished.
Enzo was very patient with all of the kid-love!
And spent the remainder of the day passed out near the A/C vent!
20 minutes with preschoolers is quite enough for our lazy beast!
