Weekend happenings

Hi Everyone-

So we had our first official outing this weekend! The kids are no longer contagious- YAY!! Ana still has a couple spots but they are on their way out and the doc says that because they have already come and done their thing we are good. So, to celebrate, we went to the park! The picture above was taken as we were heading out the door. Sasha is so funny, he smiles all of the time- expect at picture time. Ana is more of a ham, she loves having her pic taken and will smile and goof any time!

It was a sunny Saturday morning here in Seattle- this past week has been super HOT (in the 90's) so we loaded up ye old minivan with kids, diaper bag, snacks, sunscreen etc -amazing what you need to go to the park these days -- and off we went to the park a couple of miles from our house. It was super fun- Ana and Sasha played on the slide for an hour, up and down, up and down - they had a blast. It was also good for them to see other little kids I think. But some little park kids are mean! Poor Sasha got pushed by a little girl who was trying to cut in line at the slide and he fell down one step and on his bottom. Well, he was just fine- brushed himself off and sort of looked at her like "hey, we are in line here lady" but man, her dad was HORRIFIED. I guess around here people worry that you might sue if their kid pushes your kid? At least that is what he was worried about. Yikes, my kid was fine, his kid was fine, make her say sorry and off to the races- does that make me a bad mom? I just dont think it is good to get all worked up about a small "incident" (if it can even be called that) like this- if he isnt bleeding or broken or crying why make a big deal out of it? Oh well, maybe I am too old school, who knows.

It is odd- someone we know very well asked if "our kids are bullies because of their 'rough' beginning" - apart from being a dumb, and somewhat insensitive question, it made me think. Our kids are better at sharing than any kids I know. We have a lot of 3 and 2 year olds in our circle of friends, all good kids, but I can tell you that my babies are better at sharing! They are very kind with each other and if, for example, we are playing bubbles, one is very good at blowing bubbles and then reloading and handing to the other for her/his turn. Truly cute to watch. They also are good about giving spontaneous hugs and kisses to each other, and to us. Cutest thing ever was them holding hands while asleep our first night in Moscow. They were so tired and so scared and I was so happy they had each other. Makes me all teary now when I think about it- dumb, I know but it must be those new mommy hormones or something....

Anyway, back to the weekend- the park was fun but pretty stimulating and so we took it easy at home for the rest of the day. On Sunday Great-Grandma Carol, Great Aunt Gwen, Great Uncle Bob and their daughter Hannah (so cousin?) all came over to meet the kids and play with them. Because it is so hot we had a good time outside, playing in our "pool", blowing bubbles and playing ball. The kids really warmed up to Hannah and Gwen so that was cool. And they were so tired, because of their very very little sleep Saturday night and Ana's refusal to nap Sunday, and subsequent massive meltdown, that both were asleep before 9pm. Now this is a miracle in our house. It is true that Sasha woke up several times in the night and poor Aaron went in and laid down with him (not comfortable for A. as Sasha is currently sleeping on the floor on a mattreass due to his propensity to fall out of bed and his fear of his bed- long story, for a different day) for an hour at 3am but still we did get some sleep! This is a good thing for sure. Now, how can we make that happen everynight?

A good weekend had by all. Off to work for me now.

SKB