An Amphibous Child

Max will not let the fact that he is the only non-German speaking child in his kindergarten hold him back  No, no he would figure a way around the language barrier.   When Paul dropped Max off at kindergarten yesterday, Max hopped into the classroom, and immediately transformed into a little amphibian.  "Rib-bit, rib-bit!" ia apparently an internationally recognized greeting amongst children ages three to six.  Followed by a few more croaks and zaps of the tongue, Max was soon the center of attention, provoking a few more amphibious lurkers to come out of hiding, as well making other giggle.  Apparently our little comedian has built a following at his kindergarten, because today when he arrived at school, his little fans swarmed him anxious to hear his newest animal impersonation.

 

It is amazing to think that I was ever worried about my child being intimidated by the language.  He is truly his father's child and would be able to make friends with a lamp post.

Picadillo is Cooking in My Kitchen

New favorite recipe is a traditional Cuban or Brazillian dish, Picadillo.  We can at least safely say it is Latin American.  I did not make many changes to this recipe, I  halved the hotter spices like chili and the paprika, thinking my kids might eat it if it wasn't too spicy.  I was wrong.  I also added rice and beans to the mix so that the rice would cook in the juices of the Picadillo. Mmm, mmm, mmm, muy muy delicioso!

New Directions

Ask any stay-at-home mother of small children what she wants more than anything, and she will probably respond with some time to herself. Well, this Saturday, I am going to Paris for a writers retreat. For nine days, I will be alone without children or husband. I will submerse myself in the art and culture of the city, and I will focus on my writing.

When I return from Paris, I will be making some changes in my life, some subtle and some more drastic. These changes will be reflected in this blog. Raising Expats will be getting a makeover. It will have a new look and a new focus.

See you then.

Identity Crisis

Living and raising a family in a foreign country has challenged me in new and unexpected ways. I am no longer in my comfort zone, where I am content with the status quo. I never realized how much I defined myself by the people around me. Now in this new context, I am free to re-define myself, and that is both terrifying and exhilarating.

When I graduated from high school, I wanted to be someone extraordinary. I wanted to be a journalist traveling the world telling its stories. I never saw myself as a house wife and mother. I love my family, but I don't love the example I am setting for my children.  My children need to learn that they are free to define themselves in anyway they want to, and I want to be an example to them.

Productive Procrastination

Tonight before Max went to bed, he insisted on picking up all the stuffed toys off the floor.  This was 100% procrastination on his part, but who am I to complain?   I’m just relieved that they are up off the floor. 

After two attempts yesterday to put the stuffed toys on their shelves, only to have them knocked down almost immediately by Maggie and then Max, I surrendered to a play area with a plush floor.   So tonight, when Max was picking up the toys to avoid going to bed, I didn’t fight with him.  He stuffed and crammed them into all the available spots in the toy bins.  If they didn’t fit into the bins, he stuffed them on top of the books, and when there was no more room there, he piled them up on the toy kitchen.  Of course this means that he completely overlooked the four empty shelves where the stuffed animals normally sit. 

At one point this would have freaked me out.  Every toy has its proper space, and I’ve spent many hours sorting out the toys and separating the blocks into their appropriate bins.  I would dive under the furniture; pull up the couch cushions and search the corners until every last block, ball and car were accounted for.    Now, I’m just grateful for any help in trying to conquer the toys that have taken over our lives. 

It is definitely tempting to let him delay his bed time this way every night, even if a few toys end up in the kitchen sink.