Monday, March 24, 2008

Conservation of vegetables

From George
We sometimes have problems getting Gwenchik to eat the vegetables we give her for lunch at day care. One evening at dinner, Gwenchik asked for more homemade sauerkraut.
Gwen: I like sauerkraut so much!
George: But you don't eat it when we give it to you for lunch at day care.
Gwen: That is because if I eat it during the day, then I won't have enough to eat at home.

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Party circuit

From George
Friday, while driving back from her great grandfather birthday party...
Gwen: Poor me. Don't you feel bad on my behalf?
George: Why?
Gwen: I went to one birthday party tonight, I have Kolya's tomorrow and than Nica's on Sunday! So many parties, so many cakes -- it is hard.

Monday, March 10, 2008

First ride on the T

The wonder, the pure joy of riding the T for the first time!!! Gwenchik was really looking forward to the first T ride and asked all sort of questions, like what is the difference between a train and a tram; why the trains run on rails; if we are really underground, how can we breathe and why there are lamps everywhere; what happens if the train misses the rails?

And than she was triumphantly standing in the middle of the moving car, spreading her legs and arms trying to keep her balance and smiling her 100 Watts smile... and the entire train was smiling by the end of out trip at her pure delight.

Sunday, March 9, 2008

Grandpa moon connection

Our grandparents are coming to visit, and Gwenchik is starting to plan as to what fun things she'll be doing with them. Last year they spent some time on the Cape, where she learned how to swim with her grandfather.
Gwen: Mom, now that I can dive in the swimming pool, do you think I would be able to do the same on the Cape?
Me: Of course.
Gwen: Yes, but it is really shallow there. We really need my grandpa, as he knows all about the moon sucking in the water to get nice sand beaches with crabs.Than he will know when the moon lets the water out.

Saturday, March 8, 2008

The joy of reading

We have had a pretty eventful day today: class in the morning, than modern ballet, than a wonderful party... so we are driving home, and Gwenchik is exhausted.
Gwen: Mom, I am really tired today, as it was really busy.
Me: And you did really well. I am very proud that you managed to enjoy the day without any hysterics.
Gwen: So to continue to be great, how about I finish reading this story while we are driving and than I get to watch a cartoon of my choice? Of course, tomorrow, and only while the guests are out, as I am really tired today.
Me: That's a deal! But the whole story? (pretty long poem by Pushkin)
Gwen: You know, I am actually starting to enjoy reading, it just takes so long to get to the end... we need to get me new books, so that I do not know the end. This way, all I would do is read! And than you will be able to sleep in the mornings!

..........

Ah, music to my ears. The joy of reading, remembering the rules about watching cartoons -- so all these minor struggles are not for nothing :)

Sunday, March 2, 2008

Mother January

From George
We gave Gwenchik a cat calendar.
A few minutes later, we hear her saying to herself:
"Once upon a time there was a Mommy cat, named January, and she had a daughter cat, February..."