Life at 6 Months

To recap; Andrew was born May 12, the same day as his mother 30 years earlier. The next day was Mother's Day; Masha's first and Andrew's as well. Those two days were a hat-trick of significant proportions. Andrew went home. He loved his new place. Parents adjusted. Slowly. Some days more slowly than others. Then we went to Canada to see the overseas relatives. Everyone was amazed at the sight of him. Andrew spent his days snoozing with Grandma, being gently passed between cousins aunts and uncles and spending his afternoon nap in daddy's arms under the shade of the maple tree. The Sault Area hospital needs a good fire but they managed to locate the the bacterial infection which Andrew contracted in the northland. We were all released in good health after 2 nights. Teeth started to make his gums swell in early September and now Andrew has cut his first 2 lower teeth. Masha and I have had about 24 hours of sleep in the last month but we are entering the second half of Andrew's first year with excited anticipation.

Most days Masha loves being a stay at home mom. She does manage a small business once in a while and she has ideas about getting back to work next year. We are fortunate that her mother is willing to help out and she is here at least 2 times per week. Her cousin, Masha, also comes and helps out once in while. Her family is equally smitten with Andrew.

I love my job but it takes up too much of my time. I love being at home with the boy, rolling around on the bed, going for walks, feeding him apple puree. It's just too much fun. I have a great group of kids this year and a great teaching partner from Owen Sound. Yes, Ontario. Small world. Very small in our school actually. We have enough folks for an Ontario curling squad or a Saskatchewan football team.

A few weeks ago I was in Berlin to see my very good and long time friend Bill who is on tour with a band from Toronto. It was a great show and a great time too.

We won't be back in Canada for Xmas. Family there will be dispersed between Collingwood and Florida. We are planning to spend a few days in Riga, Latvia over the holiday. I will be between my first two Masters degree courses so I will need much of the time off to study and prepare for the two week marathon in the new year.

We miss all of you and hope to see you soon. Kiev is wonderful in spring. Any takers?

That's the news from here.

Cheers

M n' M n' A.