Symphony in the Park

Every year in June, the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra has the coolest concerts ever - out in the open. People set up a tarp on the lawn very early in the morning, so that when they come at 6-7pm for the concert, they have 'good seats'. This year Niya was the early riser and space-saver. Only that she put it in the exact middle of the lawn and we had to do a lot of off-roading with the stroller - through people's blankets, chairs, feet and trays - to get to our 'seats'. We enjoyed the performance of the Youth Symphony from 6:30 to 8, but just before the real Symphony started playing, they announced that rain was moving into the area. We packed and left and sat for a while in slow traffic with Valentin crying his lungs out in the back and Martin plugging his ears with fingers not to listen to him. As soon as we got home and put them both to sleep, the skies opened and torrents of rain poured down...

Summer Camp

Yesterday was Martin's first day at summer camp. I had had nightmares about this day for two weeks. Martin, however, took it very bravely and only cried for a couple of mintes when his grandma dropped him off. When she picked him in 3 hours he was absolutely fine. He had eaten all his lunch and had a very good day.
Today he did not even cry when Penka dropped him off. Again, I am the one that cannot handle the separation! Mariela's comment: 'Este se te va de la casa pronto!' :)

Nursing Cover

I finally put my new sewing machine into use. Cost of fabric for a nursing cover - $4.50. To buy a new one - $25-$30. Already seeing the benefits of it.

Double Stroller

We finally got the stroller we need. My favorite feature - containing both kids in the same place... well, for at least half an hour.

Lollipops

This is Martin's 3rd Charlotte Symphony Lollipops concert (and first real lollipop). As always, he stayed mezmerized and intently watching the stage for the whole hour.
When The Princess and the Frog piece was being performed by the dancers, Martin's jaw dropped when the big guy dressed as a green frog appeared on the stage. Isra told him: 'Mira, rana verde!' (referring to part of Martin's favorite book 'Oso Pardo'). Martin looked at me pointing to the stage and said: 'Mama, rana verde baila!'

Chocolate

I love it when Martin says 'Kosholad' (=Shokolad). And I love it how he always asks for it seeing me drink my coffee without it. Chocolate, though, is reserved for the days I drink coffee with Isra. On other days, I grab Martin and sqeeze him with hugs, kisses and tickles and tell him that he is my 'kosholad'.

Reading

Yesterday, at 21 months and 2 weeks, Martin could successfully read a few flash cards with words like: Martin, Simon, baba (Grandma), diado (Grandpa), vujcho (uncle), nos (nose), ushi (ears), ochi (eyes). These were the flashcards my mom was showing him when he was about 10-12 months old while she was thinking we were starting him late. I have to admit that I was very sceptical about this activity - well, until yesterday when I heard him read the cards and later I made him read them again to make sure he was not cheating... You go, my boy!!!
Also, about a month ago, Martin could recognize the following letters: M - Martin's letter, D - Mommy's letter (Deyana) , I - tati's letter (Israel), S - diado's letter (Strahil), P - baba's letter (Penka), V - Valentin's letter, E - Eze's letter, N - Niya's letter, O - he would say 'Oh', U - he would say 'U', W, X, Z, A, B. This was with the help of an alphabet puzzle that Isra bought him. In no time he learned to solve the puzzle although it looked difficult for his age being the letters had drawings underneath that you can match them to (instead of the letters again)...