Italy and then Back in Kyiv...

We have been back in Kyiv now for over 2 weeks.  Yes, the situation here remains very tense but for now we have settled back into our normal lives.  Gio is back in school and Maria continues to embrace solid foods with glee.  Here are some shots, mostly of Maria eating (will she hate me when she is older for all of these??)....

Still in Italy here.  Bananas are a particular favorite.

Maria's hair defies logic. 

Green beans and pasta cooked in olive oil

Maria slathered in said olive oil!

The morning of her 7-month birthday.  Gio is less enthusiastic about the milestone.

The weather in Italy was perfect.  Gio and I introduced Maria to her first swing. 

This is what big brothers are for!

Time to go back to Kyiv...the drive to the airport was a sleepy one.

Hairstylin' by Mama!

Plastic avocado, anyone?

Here is a video of Gio entertaining Maria with a party blower....

Salt and Pepper taking a much-deserved rest (Gio keeps them very busy when he gets home from school!)

Pepper LOVES it when I serve salmon for dinner!

Sushi!

A morning snuggle

Sometimes Gio passes out after a long day at school.  Maria gets impatient for her beloved brother to wake up and play!

After many years of wondering I finally discovered what a bidet is for....cat napping!

Maria began teething this month.  Gumming on cold strawberries and cucumbers seems to be helping a bit...

Clearly has inherited her papa's love for strawberries....

...and her mama's hair styling talents! 

A new day....a new fruit.  Raspberries!!

Yum!!

Maria is not the only one getting bigger in our family.  Look at giant Gio!

These pants, size 8, barely fit him!

Some Monday morning shots....

That's it for now.  We leave in a few weeks for Spring Break in Italy.  We will be there April 19-May 3.  We hope you are enjoying the beginning of Spring wherever you happen to be.

Hugs, Clara