Mid-Winter Happenings....

Yes, Ukraine is descending into chaos right now.  There is fighting in the streets, Molotov cocktails being hurled at police, protestors by the 1000s camping out in Independence Square, firebombs exploding throughout the night.....  But this post is not about the war raging around us.  Instead, I am just posting some fun photos of our "little" Maria.  She is about to turn 6 months old.  Hard to believe!  We are having such fun with her these days.  She is madly in love with her brother and bursts into hysterical laughter whenever he gets near.  She is fascinated by Enzo and endures lots and lots of full face licks.  She is taking regular naps now (yippee!) and sleeping quite well through the night with only one or two quick feeds needed (must keep those delicious thigh, wrist, neck and belly folds plump!).

In the seat of neglect (Exersaucer).  

Paolo is quite convinced she is left-handed.

I just wish her hair would do this forever.

Favorite fingers again.
(In the south of Italy this is a very bad hand gesture-something about your spouse betraying you!)

At least in the north of Italy it means to ward off bad luck (like knocking wood in the US). 

Morning wake up- she is always eager for me to start her mobile.

Bath time!

Those yummy thigh folds (found a feather in one last week!)

Hanging out in a cozy sweater hand-made by my dear friend Jenny.

Waiting for the morning school bus.  It is really really cold here in Kyiv.  You wimps in DC complaining about your weather??  Here in Kyiv the high on Thursday will be 3F and the low -11F.  At least Enzo is happy.

First hairdo.

Currently Maria is losing her hair.  What is growing in is red and blonde.  Will she look like Gio soon?

Okay, I could not help myself.  Here is one photo of Kyiv during all of these protests.  This is a view from near Gio's school of the smoke from the fires in the center (where we live!).

Some videos:  1st two are of Maria laughing at Gio's dancing (he is off camera)

We began solids with Maria this week.  We are doing something called "Baby-led Weaning" which basically means not giving any purees but having her gnaw on food she can grasp in her hand.  It is messy fun!

That is all for now.  Hope all of you are finding something to smile about every day (even if you are living in a country teetering on the brink of disaster).

xo,  Clara