Summer update

The city is full of energy... I cant help but remember the old New Yorker's cartoon as I am sitting here on a quiet Saturday morning in a kid-less NYC apartment (the cartoon portrayed two men sitting on the couch and staring into the window onto the bustling street).  The kids are away in grand-parent camp, in MI, so I have some extra time to ... Well, let's see - today, I will do some laundry, go pick up the paint to finish painting over the chipped walls, run to the store to get some storage containers, things like that.  But to be honest, I actually will enjoy this - as much as I miss my wonderful kids, I don't mind mindlessly wondering about the city, doing things as I please at my own schedule.  Plus, I get to write this post and get my not-so-creative juices running.
It's been more than a year since my last post, many things have been said and done, and the kids have really grown.  Sophisms have been phasing out - Sophia is really growing up, and what she says now is usually either full of meaning or inter-laced with dark humor.  No more ha-ha funny phrases, what she says now makes you actually think.  Emil, on the other hand, is starting to come through with some stuff.  I do have some stuff reserved, so I will post what I can remember here, but this is a call to all to please supply funny things my kids have said - I can't remember it all, and I haven't been writing them down.


Рассказывают (дети) стихотворение: "Когда Ленин был маленький...".
А кто такой Ленин?
София:  писатель?
Леня:  сказочник

Играем в слова
-Дом
-Морж
-Жопа (София)


-Кто это на картинке нарисован?
-Ерундук


Едем в машине в Мичиган.  Долгая дорога.
Эмиль:  "Когда мы приедем?"
Я:  "Не скоро, через 8 часов"
София:  "Jesus!!"

Проезжая кладбище, Эмиль:  "Ой, смотри - шахматы"!


Папа:  "И всегда предсказуемый конец"

На балете "Корсар".  Выходит Сеид паша.  Эмиль: "О! Дед мороз пришел!"

София:  "Дедушка Липе не верит ни в Бога, ни в GPS".


Эмиль требует:  "Дай еще селедки!"

Я: "Хватит тебе"
Эмиль:  "Почему, там же Омега-3?"


"София, смотри, это не ботинки - это санки!"

Back by popular demand.

Hello, everyone

It has been more than a year since I last wrote. I could list a few reasons for the silence, but my lack of creativity probably prevailed all of those.
I will try to keep this up - but definitely nudge me if I am not keeping honest to my promises. Kids are getting older, and Emil is becoming an artist of the word as well - so it would be a shame to not keep track of his Emilisms.

All of you are probably well aware of what the kids have been up to. Both are in school, Sophia is finishing up Kindergarten, and Emil is ending his first year at Pushkin pre-school :-) But I couldn't even begin to summarize the events of this year, so I'll just stick to this past weekend.

The highlight of the weekend was a trip to Governor's island. The kids took their scooters to the island, but when there - we decided to rent bikes and rode around the island - Emil while sitting in a baby seat on Sasha's bike, and Sophia tandem pedaling with me (that was really cool!!). Sophia kept demanding that I stop pedaling and insisting that she could do it by herself, so we'll see if this persistance carries on as we try to teach her to ride a two-wheel bicycle. She's pretty good on her scooter now, so perhaps it'll be a breeze?
Emil opened up a beach season by dipping in the ocean when we were in CT this Sunday. Running into the water butt-naked (we left his swimming trunks on the bench, thinking he isn't going to be brave enough to walk into the water), he was somewhat hesitant at first, but he certainly liked being praised for his bravery. Sophia didn't even entertain the idea of going into the water, but that's nothing new.
I am posting a few citations here, but keep checking back for further updates. Also, check the picassa web - I added a few pictures there

Новые цитаты детей:
София: Поэма Пушкина "Бедный всадник"
Эмиль: "Варенье (творение) Петра"

Long overdue

All:
My sincere apologies for taking so long to update you. I have recently (well, a month ago or so) started a new post, but given that I never finished it.....

I am not going to do a long update, but will post the one I started before, with a summary of the most recent Sophisms that we've recorded. Thanks for your continuous support and requests to keep this fresh. Keep them going and you may just get me to write :-)

-Written around November...
For quite some time now, I've been trying to find excuses for not keeping this site up to date. With Sophia in school now, and Emil not standing still for one second, it's hard to find the time. By the time the two of them are in bed - I am simply fried and can't even think cohesively, let alone write....
With kids away in MI this week, I can no longer use the excuse of being too busy. I just got home from MI, and decided to guilt myself into giving you at least a little bit of an update.

Sophia is doing great in the new school. She goes there three times a week, and her English has really improved. She is not shy around the other kids that don't speak Russian anymore, and really lets her personality be known. She likes the school, the only disadvantage that she sees is that they have "quiet time" (they get to lie down for 30 mins, I really wish I got that at work). When she just started, she had a difficult time adjusting, but now that a few months went by, she seems to be happy going there...
Her skills in Russian are really improving, too. They've been reading a lot in Pushkin (her Russian school, she still goes there twice a week), and we've been keeping up with it as well. She is reading really well by now, I'm really impressed by what she can do. We're starting to work on telling time, too, and it seems to be getting a good reception.

Emil is getting to be quite a man. He's a very determined little boy - he gets what he wants. Usually, what he wants is food - be it his own, Sophia's, or anyone else's. He doesn't let a bagel, snitzel or a sausage pass him - he goes for it, and he gets it. He still isn't really speaking (!), but that doesn't mean that he can't tell us what he wants. He has acquired quite a useful vocabulary:"Дай, туда" are his operative words. He knows a few other words, too, but those are not used quite as often.

Sophisms:
Я иду на рыбаловку

-София, знаешь, как делать желе?
-Да. Налить кипячащую воду и постоять

-София, ты не ешь ничего зеленого (имея в виду овощи)
-Ну как, вот же, зеленое на миске нарисовано

-Брызь для тела (одеколон)

-Песня "нагила галка"

-Плавающий сыр

-У меня есть дубленка.. из дуба

-А ты кто по микроскопу? (имеет в виду гороскоп)

Овец и Овечка

-Галя, тебя кто родил?
-Мама
-Моя мама?!!!!

-А в Израиле живут мои ... (задумалась) правнуки?
ovetz & ovetchka

-София, не вытирай руки о кресло
-Ничего, я их уже облизала

Back to school

Yet another milestone for Sophia - she has started her new school, Kid's Corner, last Friday. This is her Pre-K year, she'll get the basics to help her start the real school next year. This year, Sophia has quite a busy schedule - she will be going to Kid's Corner three times a week, and continuing at Pushkin twice a week. We haven't figured out the logistics of all of this yet, but we will with time, I'm sure. In the meantime, I am posting some pictures from Sophia's first day (on Picasa). My girl looks all grown up :-)

Sophisms of the week:
Натерщатый сыр

Заснули днем. Просыпаемся, София хочет вставать.
-Мама, вставай
-Хорошо, сейчас
-Всавай скорее, почему ты лежишь с закрытыми глазами
-Я думаю, как буду всавать
-Так вставай и думай стоя

New Sophisms

The summer is almost over :-). As we are closing the summer vacation season, we are trying to pack in as much fun as we can. Last week, we went to a rennaisance festival in Tuxedo, NY, where Sophia's friend Isaak and she partook in the middle-age-like festivities, such as face painting, wining for parents to buy them various “must have” toys, etc. Sophia did get an axe and a shield, claiming that Emil would love it once he gets a little older. More on the axe a little later.
In the meantime, here are a few Sophisms for your enjoyment


Before I forget them, I wanted to share some Sophisms with you:
-Bыступает русская народная крассавица
-Песня "ярышня сова" - "я решу сама"

Back to New York

Just wanted to post a quick update and let everyone know that he kids are back in New York. We missed them a lot, and I'm really excited to have them back in the apartment - it was quite lonely here without them. Emilka is walking well, he's toddling back and forth from one room to another, but he's not yet able to get away from us quickly. He does climb the couch very fast, though, so we really do have to look out to make sure he doesn't do anything dangerous. Sophia is helping, she assumes the role of the older sister with full dedication.
We are almost done going through our Italy pictures, and they should be uploaded soon. Will let you know when they're up.

Home, sweet home

We have arrived back from Italy, and were so happy to see Emilka, all grown and WALKING!! The little guy started walking when we were away, exactly on his 14 month's birthday. He's not yet running, but has definitely been more steady on his feet in the last few days.
I took both kids to MI on Sunday, and they'll stay there with Grandma Lena and Grandpa Lenya for the next two weeks. We'll miss them terribly (I already do), but they will definitely have a great time, and get some fresh air while they're at it. They've already been living quite a life - went to the pool (twice), ate some sushi, the works. How fun!

Wanted to share with you Sophia's determinations that she expressed while we were in Italy. She is definitely determined to find herself a husband. There are a few criteria that she will use for a selection, and here they are:
во-первых, он должен хотеть на мне жениться
во-вторых, надо, чтобы он не нашел еще себе жену
а еще, надо, чтобы он был роста как мой папа (выше можно, а ниже нет)

Under the Tuscan Sun

I haven’t written in a few weeks, only to save the post for the time when we’d be here in Italy. We have arrived to Pisa yesterday in the afternoon, after a short flight which turned out to be a breeze – Sophia soon after we took off, and didn’t wake up until it was time to land. Once we landed, we rented a car and set out to begin our travels. Since we were already in Pisa, and Sophia didn’t seem to mind, we decided to go to the center and see the Leaning Tower (Sophia said that we should go see it before it falls). After that, we got back to the car and drove to Greve in Chianti, to the place where we are staying for the next 7 days.
Villa Vignamaggio, where we are staying, is a beautiful estate that was built in 1800’s. The grounds are stunning, and so is the Villa itself. Our suite is quite simple, but we have a view of the gardens, which are very pretty. We didn’t do much after we came yesterday - just swam in the pool and enjoyed the landscape. We went to have dinner “in the town” in the evening, and Sophia excitedly ate pasta.
We are in San Giminiano now, sitting on a piazza and resting. Already had two of the greatest Italian things – gelato and pizza (in that order). Sophia is having a great time, and we are as well, though we miss Emilka very much. Once we find a connection to the internet, we’ll post this blog, for now, I’ll just keep recording.
Here are a few of Sophisms from the last few weeks.
-Posmotri na moi mozgi
-Ya xochy kol’co I bril’yantiki
-U nashej zybnoj pasti takoj chudesnij zapax – luchshe rozy.
-Partizanskaya bashnya
Ya ochen’ interesuyus’ konfetami

Eventful week

Hello This week was an eventful one, especially for Sophia. This past Saturday, Sasha, Sophia and I went to see Giselle at the Lincoln Center. We had seats in the Grand Tier Box, which was a very nice place to be with Sophia, since we almost had the box to ourselves. The first Act was a little trying - the story was developing, and there appeared to be too many characters that were not wearing "tu-tus", which seemed to present a problem for Sophia. In fact, when she saw Albrecht wearing a sword at his hip, she demanded to leave immediately. Sasha spent the whole first act in the hallways of the theater, which, while beautiful no doubt, wasn't exactly what he had in mind. Bribed by a box of sour patch candy ("леденцы") in the intermission, though, Sophia has decided to be more amendable and allowed herself to be persuaded to watch the rest of the performance. We were actually quite impressed with her patience and interest, Sophia indeed was very well behaved. So, overall, I'd say that this ballet experience was a success. Today we had another special event - it was the "graduation" ceremony for Sophia's class. We had a picnic in the park, and the kids showed off some of the interesting songs and dances that they learned while in school this year. I managed to record a few minutes of this performance with my camera, and I'll download it to the blog for your viewing pleasure. I have pictures, too, which I'll upload to the site, so check back in a few days for those. We had a great time, and every kid even got a diploma (почетная грамота) for their accomplishments this year. The are significant, I have to admin, as Sophia is now able to read and can even write her name. Emilka also has accomplishments - he's almost walking (not quite, but makes a few steps already), and while he doesn't say much, he definitely has an opinion about most things. He and Sophia play really well, it's a lot of fun to watch them together. Sasha was taking pictures this weekend - I'll upload them too when he has a chance to sort them.

Another week

I'm trying to keep myself honest to at least the weekly comments. Not much of a creative writer I am nowadays, which is sort of sad, given that the two kids really do inspire.
Sophia's school year is almost over, the "graduation" picnic will take place June 18I signed her up for another two weeks of summer camp, after which it's Vacation time!!! We have just decided to go to Italy for a vacation, and we're very very excited for that.
Emil finally grew two more teeth, and is learning to stand by himself and, I think, even trying to walk a little. I think it'll be a few more weeks before he starts walking, but once he does - watch out!

Sophisms of the week:
Какие ты знаешь слова с буквой "ы"?
-Такси-ы

Мама, а где находится Санкт-Будерброд?

Just talking

Hello
Just figured I'd give you an update on the last few weeks. Sasha's parents and Anya were here in New York this week, and Sasha was on vacation, so there was partying almost every day. We've celebrated Emil's first birthday (Happy Birthday, Emil!!) - thank you to our family and friends who have celebrated with us. We had a great time, and Emil has enjoyed himself as well. Of course, when it came time to blow the birthday candle - Sophia was right there to offer her services. I think we may have a picture of that, I'll look and post it if I find it.
Sophia and Emil certainly got a lot of attention from everyone. Sophia now seems very mature, and as great as that is - there aren't as many Sophisms anymore. I guess we'll need to wait for the Emilisms now, but it may be a while. He's not really saying much yet, aside from occasional mama and papa... He says "мя" whenever he sees a ball (or an onion, which, apparently, can be used as a ball in the absence of such), but other than that - there aren't many words that he is willing to waste his breath on. It'll come, I guess.
I think there are quite a few pictures since the last time I posted, so I will update the Picassa web. Can't promise that it will be today, but I'll get to it.
Write to us - we miss you all.

Mt. Reineer

Dima may have signed up to summit Mt. Reineer, but Emil is not far behind. A few weeks ago, he's decided that it's not worth waiting to start standing or walking - he'll try to top that and start climbing, instead. Much to his convenience, Sophia has a tandem bed, and there is a stair that she uses to get into the bed. After just a few tries, Emil has mastered the stair and now effortlessly climbs up. When I get home tonight (I'm at work), I'll attach a short video of that ascend. It really is quite fascinating to watch him - and definetely reminds me of Dima's exercises when he was topping the piano. What will this boy do next?
Sophia has figured out how to use my cell phone, so if you get a phone call from her - do not be surprised. She really takes over my cell when I get home, so please - try to be available.

Hello New York

On Saturday, we have returned from our wonderful vacation in Riviera Maya, Mexico. We had a great time - the Grand Velas Resort proved to be all we had expected, and we truly were able to relax and enjoy the weather, the food and the beatiful surroundings. Sophia and Emil were excellent travelers - they really truly enjoyed being on a real vacation. We couldn't get Sophia out of the water - it seemed that she had grown gills. Emil loved the water, too, he laughed histerically when we dragged him across the pool or the ocean. We had a gorgeous room with a private terrace that overlooked the ocean, so we could sit there and enjoy the evenings even after the kids were asleep. Sasha and I even managed to get out in the evening twice - we hired the babysitter to stay with the kids after they had gone to sleep, and went out to dinner.
But now we are back to school/work, and everyone, except Emil, is settling in to the daily routine. Hopefully, the sun will come to New York soon, too, and we'll be able to enjoy the good weather here.

Take a look at our pictures in the album on the left

Family plan

It seems that we need a family plan for our telephone usage, or, at the very least, we need to get Sophia her own phone line. I got a phone call today, and Sophia's friend from school has asked to please speak with Sophia. A little puzzled, I handed the phone to Sophia, and for the next 25-30 minutes was listening to the chatter, screaching and giggles as Sophia and her friend Adelle were conducting a conversation. It started with the exclamations of how they are happy to hear from each other and exchanges of the niceties. Then, they proceeded with screaming in each other's (and mine) ear, singing commonly liked songs, such as "По долинам и по взгорьям", and the like, and ended with inviting of each other over for a playdate. Sophia even gave directions, she, apparently, lives in New York on the 5th floor. So, Adelle, go ahead and come over. We'll certainly be happy to see you here on the 5th floor.
Emil has been conducting himself in an adult manner as well. His favourite passing of the time nowadays is on the toilet, with the feet dangling in the air, unrolling the roll of the toilet paper for the 10th time. He and Sophia occasionally engage in the screaming / yelling contests, and one screams (not cries, but screams) louder than the other. They find it hillarious. I wonder if our hotel neighbours in Mexico will find it as funny. Speaking of the hotel, we are leaving for our vacation on Sunday, and I had just extended it for one day, so now we're going to be in Mexico for 6 nights. Aaah, six nights of sun. Can't wait.
Emil and Sophia heard great news today - they became cousins. Sasha's cousin, Inna, had a baby girl Zara this afternoon. We're very excited for the Livits family, and wish them Mazl Tov.

On the go

No, I haven't abandoned the idea of blogging, but I certainly have given up on all hopes that I will be able to sitt still for more than 3 minutes at a time in the next few years. Emil has certainly gotten bigger, smarter, and definitely - definitely faster. Not only is he a very speedy crawler, managing to get from point A to point B faster than I can foresee his next move (which, quite possibly, has to do with the slow-down of my mental abilities), but he has also started pulling up and cruising, while holding on to what he believes to be immobile objects. Imagine his (and our) surprise a few days ago, when he grabbed on to Sophia's doll stroller and started walking forward, only to realize that the stroller is moving forward, too. He ended up walking for a few meters, holding on to the stroller as if it is a walker. We ran for the camera, but, unfortunatelly, were too late, so you'll have to use your imagination on this one. He babbles a ton, displaying his satisfaction and dissatisfaction with the equally persistant "ga-ga" and such sounds. He wasn't too shy yesterday when we went to the Metropolitan Museum yesterday, loudly announcing his amusement with the exhibitions.
Sophia has been doing well, too, showing significant progress in her reading skills. She also continues to express her opinions on what we should and should not be doing with Emil, what foods to feed him and what to avoid, what activities are more challenging for him, and such. She goes around the park announcing to all strangers that she encounters that she has a brother - Emil - and he is 10 months old. Her English has actually gotten quite good, at least the instructional use of it (such as take this, give me that, etc.).
Another exciting thing happened this weekend - we have received the kids' passports. Sophia is quite proud of them, and keeps wanting to share these news with everyone she meets. Isn't it funny how even the littlest citizens have their own passports?
I also wanted to share a very exciting even in Sasha's life - he has purchased another piece of art - a levered espresso machine. He found it on Craig's list in MI, and didn't rest until his whole family took part in the evacuation scheeme of the Olympia (that's the machine's name). We are now anxiously anticipating its, or should I say "her" arrival. Welcome home!