Can you say Peace?

The girl's favorite book right now is one called "Can you say Peace?" The book teaches kids how to say Peace in several languages, and also teaches them that no matter where you come from, no matter where you live, children and their families want to feel safe. We all want to live in Peace. We have read it so many times that Sofia knows almost all of it by heart. Although, curiously enough, it seems the last words she learned where those in Spanish and French. Isabella also loves the book, and always wants to read it in Sofia's room before going to bed. She is also getting really good and saying the words. It is really cute.

iCarly

This evening we stopped by the grocery store after Sofia's tennis lesson. We had to go get Bella's medicine, and pick up couple things for dinner. As we were walking down one of the isles, we ran into a little girl and her mom. The little girl stopped cold and kept staring at Sofia, with a mesmerized look in her face. She was also saying something I just could not understand. So finally her mom told me: "She thinks your daughter is iCarly". That really made me laugh! It was the cutest thing I had heard all day. And I finally understood the look in the little girl's face. I don't know much about iCarly, but I do know is one of those Disney Channel shows, and the main girl has long dark hair. If Sofia had only been a little bit friendlier, and said "Hi", that probably would have made the little girl's day.

 If you don't know who iCarly is, here is a little taste: http://www.icarly.com/

The Zoo

Yesterday morning we went to the zoo. It was supposed to be a really hot day, so we got there early, right before 10:00 am. It had been a while since all four of us went there together, which is just wrong considering we are members and the kids love being there. So despite the heat, and the weather forecast that called for scattered thunderstorms, I was determined to get us there.

Lucky for us, it never really rained, so we had a pretty good visit for the couple hours we were there. One of our first stops was at the carousel. Since it was not too crowded yet, even Lionel and I got to ride as well. We also took the red train, which is Sofia's favorite spot right behind the carousel. Or is it the other around? I guess I'll have to check with her. We also learned a "fun fact" about polar bears when we had to use the family restroom for the girls.

In the afternoon Abuelitos stopped by for a really quick visit, and at Sofia's request, came with the two of us for her swim lesson so they could see all the progress she has made. Afterwards we came back home, gave the girls a bath, and had dinner. And right before bed time, we enjoyed a few moments hanging out together, relaxing just sitting on the couch. A good end to our busy day as we prepared for the week ahead.

First Class

Lately I've been wondering: What would it be like to be able to go wherever you want to, whenever you feel like it, without having to worry about the cost, or whether or not you'll be allowed to take time away from work? What would it be like to be a seriously wealthy unemployed person? Or, at the very least, one of those who only have to work a few months out of the year, yet make more than a lot of people will make in their lifetime?

Clearly the fact that I've been wondering about it means I am not one of them. But I am not trying to complain. I come from humble beginnings, so one could say I've come a long way.  I now live a comfortable, middle class suburban life, so I believe none of my family's needs go unmet. We have disposable income, and go on a one week vacation once a year. Yet, I think it would be great to have more free time, and be able to escape the routine, and the weather at hand. Too cold outside? Let's go to Hawaii. Too hot out there? Let's go skiing somewhere. No flights available? Who cares? Let's get a private jet.

Yes, being able to do whatever you want would certainly be fun. I am sure there are downsides to that as well, but I guess I'll never know for sure.

Vocabulary

Bella will be 20 months old tomorrow. She understands a lot of things in Spanish and English, and she is also starting to talk a lot more. Sadly I do not remember what all Sofia could say at this point, as we never wrote it down. But I do know she was definitely communicating very well by the time she turned two. And according to all the things I remember reading; she was right on track.

Here’s a sampling of all the things Bella can say by now. She probably knows a lot more words in English that I do not even know about. That happens with Sofia as well, since I really try not to speak English with them.

Mama
Papa
Daddy
NO!
Di (Si, Spanish for "yes")
Bibi (Fifi, Sofia’s nickname)
Nana (Banana)
Peace (Please)
Vaca (Spanish for “cow”)
Boy
Nacki (Snack, Snackie)
Abue (Spanish for “grandma” or “grandpa”)
Gabi (Aunt’s name)
Milk
Jugo (Spanish for “juice”)
Mine
Mio (Spanish for “mine”)
Bo (video)
Shoe
Book
Na night (Night, Night)
Doggie
Pick up
Agua (Spanish for “water”)
Gurt (Yogurt)
Mina (Vitamina, Spanish for “vitamin”)
Pupi (Spanish for “poop”)
Dango (Mango)
Cheeio (Cheerio)
Qui (Aqui, Spanish for "here")
Ma (Mas, Spanish for "more")
Mo (More)
Mano (Spanish for "hand")
Taco
Pick up
No (Nose)
All gone
Acabo (Se acabo, Spanish for "all gone")
Pout (Sprout, TV channel)
Tilla (Tortilla)
Kay (Okay)
Blankie (what we call her blanket)
Monkey
Pata (Pasta)
Pan (Spanish for "bread")

Sangre Azul

This week was princes and princesses week at daycare. And it culminates today with their “grand ball”. So much to my delight, I got to dress them up. I of course insisted on taking pictures before they went to school, as I knew they would get all dirty even before lunch time. Sofia loves dressing up, so she was very excited to wear her elegant red dress, her tiara, and her gloves. Bella did not really know any better, but I was happy she let me put her fluffy dress on. I hope they had a lot of fun. They may not be real royalty, but they for sure rule our world.

Mal humor

Today I had a very challenging afternoon. Isabella has so much energy that she is always a handful, but when she is not happy she is ten times worse. And this afternoon she was not very happy at all. I think it is because she only slept an hour at naptime, which the teachers warned me about.

Sofia had her tennis lesson after school. So after I picked the girls up we headed straight there. The lesson only lasts 30 minutes, but it always seems longer than that. Probably because I spend the entire time chasing after Isabella all over the place. But today was particularly bad, because on top of chasing her and having to bring her back to our court, I had to fight with her every single time. She just wanted to keep running, so she did whatever she could to prevent me from picking her up. And when I finally did, she started whining and throwing tantrums. In the meantime, poor Sofia was calling for us and started crying because she couldn't see where we were. After 30 long minutes the lesson was over, and by then I was somewhat sweaty and completely stressed.

On our way out we still had to stop by the front desk and pay. I couldn't hold on to Isabella while I paid, so I had to put her down. But then she started chasing after the other kids. At first she started running towards the main door, so I had to leave my stuff there and go get her. But I still couldn't hold on while I paid, so I had to put her down again. This time she started running in the opposite direction, which meant she could have tumbled down the steps. So again I had to leave my stuff there, and go after her. After a few more painful minutes I finally paid, and the three of us headed back to the car. Once the girls we all strapped in their car seats I felt some relief. Isabella may not have been all that happy in her car seat, but at least I knew she was ok.

We finally made it to the house, and helped Lionel prepare dinner. Isabella continued with her bad mood, which meant she barely ate. She also needed a bath, which was another struggle for us. And then, finally came bed time for the girls, and we all finally got some rest.