Here was a big one. See this picture? It looks like a girl sitting in her crib, right? Well, that's what's so cool! Up until now, any time I put her in her crib, even when I'm just running in for a shower & give her lots of toys to keep her happy, the minute she hit the mattress she would go into almost Pavlovian rocking. Crib = rocking. But today I put her in, gave her a book, and lo and behold - she sat up and looked at the pages! Not a single rock through my entire shower.I was so pleased.
This was another eventful moment. Up until today, Suzannah has had nothing to do with the doll I brought for her. In face, much of the time she's seemed afraid of it. But last night she started to show some interest, and today, she actually started to care for it! She adjusted the clothes and gave it a kiss and even brought diapers for it. Hooray!
Once the doll had been cared for, it was time to hit the books. First she used the First Thousand Words in Russian to brush up on her vocabulary.
Then, time to review the family photo album and practice saying everyone's names.
With her studies done, it was time to put on her shoes and head outside. We did our usual routes, but with a difference: today we were saying goodbye to the places we've visited so often over the last week. Wednesday is supposed to be much colder, and we will need to pack, so I don't think we'll get out again. Thus, today was our farewell to the city. It was strangely wistful for Mommy - but not enough to make me want to stay!
We already said bye to the kremlin yesterday. Today we bid farewell to the Peter the Great statue and to the flower boulevard. Then, of course, we had to wave paca to the swan pond - though that one wasn't too bad, considering there's another swan pond waiting for us back home.
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We ambled over to the playground, which was deserted. (Everything was quiet today, undoubtedly because of the holiday. It felt like walking around home on Christmas morning.)We had another amazing first while we were there. Remember last week, how she was so unfamiliar with the slide (and very wary about it after Mommy let her do a face plant?) Well, today she figured out how to climb the steps AND how to slide down with nothng more than Mommy's finger for support!
After 25 solid minutes of the slide, it was time to move on to some other activities, like watching the sweet little boy who came in wearing a military hat and then proceeded to stare straight ahead, bark out orders, and march in perfect regimental style!
When I finally dragged her away from the playground we had to make one last visit to the store.
No batteries, dagnabbit, so no new videos, sorry. But they did have Milka chocolate bars!
After a classic lunch (banana, bread, and instant oatmeal) and nap it was time for another step. When I picked her up from her nap, she reached down for her blanky. I've been settling her in with all week, but she hasn't seemed remotely interested until today. Another breakthrough!
We wandered down to the lobby for a lollipop. Much to my surprise, the desk clerk asked if I'd heard anything about the election. Yes, it's being closely followed even here in Astrakhan!
Mommy spent some time reading some emails this evening, which gave a little girl the chance to get into some box-sized mischief.
She sat like that for at LEAST 20 minutes. How she balanced that way is beyond me, but heY - it kept her happy!
Once I finally pried her out of the box, we spent some time talking about tomorrow's adventure. She likes the word Moscow. She spent the entire evening wandering the room and saying, "Moscow! Moscow! Moscow! over an over. Let's hope she stays that excited while we're on the plane.
Of course, no day is complete without some splashy fun in the tub.
This was actually her second tub. The first time, Mommy dared turn around to brush her teeth, then looked back and saw that the water was now yellow. Ooops!
We polished off the evening with a good old-fashioned tickle-fest, some dancing, and much anticipation.
Not sure how much I'll be able to post tomorrow, but I shall be sure to update whenever possible. We're supposed to have wifi in Moscow. The days will be busier, but I shall do my best.
And now I'm going to bed so I can wake up as the polls are closing in California and find out who won the election!!
2 comments:
Kris, that picture of Suzannah in the tub was priceless! And all those wonderful firsts! She's such a smart child. Can't wait to read about Moscow! Next, we're off to vote as soon as Laura gets home.
Kris:
What an amazing last-full-day-in-Astrakahn you had. The pix are awesome. Suzannah seems to be doing so very well!
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