Hello 2011

Trying to do a little catching up around here. Time flew by! Our little boy has grown and changed a lot. He is still fascinated with traffic signs, but now he also loves railroad crossings (you often see him watching you tube videos and pretending to be a railroad crossing; sometimes he "needs" more arms so he grabs mine for some extra gates). More recently he has become really interested in clocks, and has found a way to google youtube videos of clocks! Fascinating, at least to him!

School is going really well. The decision to postpone public kindergarten was a good one, as Petru has made huge strides emotionally. He is more independent - dresses himself most morning while I cringe (but keep my mouth shut) seeing that his pants are backwards. He only wears fleece pants (soft pants) as he calls them, and apparently this is a trend in his class. We have been taking him for family swims once or twice a week and he has become more comfortable in the water. He continues to enjoy spending time drawing and makes intricate pictures, multidimensional now. His favorite thing is to "copy" him, and this often happens at school, when he makes a picture and other kids copy it.

School is wonderful. They lean things I have never learned in school. They learned about the impressionists, Van Gogh, Kandinsky, Michelangelo, and made their own paintings following each era/painter's trend. Petru has learned to play chess, and he is quite good. He is now able to play games without cheating, and can tolerate losing games. He can read a bit, and his math is quite impressive. We do not interfere or promote any of this. My view has always been that these things are eventually learned by all, and I am in no rush. Same with extracuricular activities - I am staying away from overscheduling, and love Petru's ability to free play, to make up stories with his Thomas trains (still a favorite - now his old bedroom is a train room), or traffic lights and railroad crossing.

Petru has learned a lot about friendships this year. It was interesting, and hard to watch sometimes. For a while, he kept getting possessive of a kid or another, and could not tolerate if that particular kid also played with other kids ("friends", how they call them at school). He and I can talk quite well, which I love, and I think our conversations helped him become more secure and tolerant. He is still quite bossy and somehow kids put up with that, as he is quite popular. I think he gets away with stuff because he is very funny, and has a certain way with words and phrases that brings laughter and joy. we've had a lot of playdates this year, mainly with 3 boys, 2 from school, S and E. When they are around, I have to stop myself from interfering bc I keep feeling that Petru is too bossy; however, I think it is important for kids to figure things our, and negotiate on their own (within reason, of course) without adult interference. I had several conversations with Petru about his bossiness, and he is getting better. I think part of it is impulsivity, and this will get better with time. It already is.

Petru made huge strides with his motor skills. He continues to be cautious, but much less than before. He has a great sense of direction, he is a backseat driver and he'll call you on it if you speed. I've worked hard to clean up my language as he started using some words that, hm, hm I was using. Not v nice, particularly when he used them at school.

Petru took drumming this winter, and enjoyed it a lot. We will likely start keyboard or guitar in the fall. In the summer he will do T-ball. Chris got a tandem bike and I hope this will help Petru become more confident on his 2 wheeler.

Petru continues to love book and stories. He is a very inquisitive kid, analytical and perceptive. The conversations I can have with him are quite intense and sophisticated. Of course, I love that.

So what have we been up to:

# Mom visited In January and it was lovely. I was spoiled getting picked up from work daily, and not having to rush around to go get Petru from school. We ate well, lots of amazing Romanian dishes. Mostly, it was nice to see Petru and mom together, and the joy that he brings to her life. Oh, and Petru got a ton of toys (per usual) when she was here. When I threaten I will take something away, he often responds "Buni will get me another one".

# We took a trip to North Carolina for Christmas, which was a lot of fun. Petru had a blast with the cousins, and everyone enjoyed a little time off.

# Chris continues his job at Bracket afterschool, which worked out nicely this year, giving us a tuition discount, and allowing Chris to take care of the household stuff. My work was busy, as I moved more seriously into grant writing. Oh, and I also became Assistant Professor at Harvard Med School, something I must be proud off given the intensity and length of the process. And yes, this does not mean more money:) I have been running a lot, doing really well with that, and also prepping for triathlon season. Petru has been joining me for races, and even went on the podium with me at a recent half marathon.

More later. For now, some pictures. I am realizing now how bad they are...

Here is Petru setting up the table...for 25 cents!
Here is me, all dressed up to go to a concert. And no, I do not typically wear dresses. On your right, you can see a few of the many traffic signs that are decorating our walls.



Petru using the foam roller, just like mom and dad.
More signs
During one of the few moments when he sits to watch TV. He likes Bali, Peep and Curious George. He has never seen any other channel but pbs, and I will keep it like this for as long as I can.
Yes, that is my triathlon bike on the R. A thing of beauty.