Kid update redux

OK, I am getting into the swing of things in Paris, and am keeping myself busy with really critical tasks like walking around (most importantly), hanging out with Chris, stopping for spontaneous coffees with other parents at the kids' school, volunteering in Loki's class, and sweating at my beloved gym. The rest of the time, I am parenting, and justify my otherwise leisurely lifestyle by the fact that the parenting piece is still pretty demanding. Soothing meltdowns, ministering to scooter injuries, consulting with therapists and coordinating playdates keeps me on my toes most of the week, so having 31 hours to fill in the City of Lights is not proving to be a problem for me....

I am therefore still blogging, but perhaps with a little less zeal than during month one of our adventure here. But since I am writing less, I'll try to keep things focused on the basics, and I know my most dedicated readers out there (those of you who share last names with us, and most specifically those of you with cute granparental diminutives - you know who you are!) really want to keep abreast of how the kinder are doing. SO, here's the latest on the precious pumpkins...

Loki

Lost a tooth - like a symbol of his own willingness to give this whole Paris thing one more fair shake....

Got a tutor - LOVES it, all the more I think because it was his decision. gaining confidence in French

Continues to make new friends - he has a great group of kids in his class, and plenty of people interested in him (some a little TOO interested, like the girl who kissed him today!)

Still complains about swimming - the water is cold, and did I mention they have to wear speedos?

Still trying to blame me for all bad things that happen to him ("Every time YOU watch me doing tricks on my scooter, I fall!", and my favorite, "Why did you put my snack at the BOTTOM of my backpack where I couldn't see it!?"), and I am still trying to not let the blame turn into guilt so I can just love him through those moments.

In short, he is a thriving, beautiful, interesting 8 year old, finding his way.

Jonah

Made this collage of fall leaves for his precious preschool teacher.

Made me buy a $3 passion fruit because our couch here has a jungle theme (and it's pink - truly funny) and he is obsessed with eating tropical fruit.

Notices now when Maya and Loki have playdates and he doesn't - I guess I should have anticipated a time when equal treatment would be necessary, but I think I was in denial...

Told me today he thought the word for "yellow" in French was "mi" because he had music and the teacher pointed to a note (which must have been yellow) and taught them to sing "mi". An over-extension, but definitely showing some language acquisition skills at work!!

Jonah keeps us all grounded.

Maya

Went on a guided tour of the Louvre's Italian Renaissance collection with her 4th grade class today. Chris chaperoned (and translated).

Is struggling a bit with the limitations of having only 4 other girls in her class, but is starting to connect with the 5th graders now, too...

Adores her tutor and is making ridiculous progress in French. Ah, youth!

Brushes her hair now, without being asked, and wears lipstick (pale pink, but still!) to school. She is really growing up...

Maya is a powerhouse, she never ceases to amaze me.