To Italy and Back

I had the pleasure of traveling to Italy from March 15-25.  The purpose of the trip was to visit the schools and study in Reggio Emilia, with a weekend on either end of the trip spent in Venice and Florence.  I love Italy, with this being my fifth trip there and my second to Reggio Emilia.  While I was away Jacob's parents came, and my AMAZING mother-in-law helped to keep Jacob and Hersh happy in my absence.  I missed Jacob and Hersh greatly, but feel fortunate to have been able to get away and study intensely for a week with some amazing educators.  The level of intellectuality that I was surrounded by felt invigorating, and I feel privileged to have had this opportunity.  I have so much to think about and consider--what are my next steps professionally, and what early childhood experience do I want for Hersh to have.  Although there are sure to not be any quick answers, this trip has allowed me to begin thinking in a deeper way again, and thrust me into a place of self-evaluation, and reflection.

In other news, Hersh's 2nd birthday (and Pesach) are quickly approaching.  We are beginning to plan his party and are in disbelief that almost 2 years have passed since he entered our life.  We are constantly amazed at how truly wonderful he is.  He changes day to day, with his play developing and evolving.  Over the past few days he has been really interested in putting his animals to bed.  He asked me for a blanket and proceeded to "shush" his lion to sleep.  He is also becoming more interested in puzzles, matching games, and loves playing outside.  Hersh and I take a yoga class together, and he frequently wants to do yoga poses.  We are also in the early stages of potty training.  Each day with him is better then the last :)

This is the sweet punim I missed for 10 days.

Mercato Rialto, Venice

San Marco, Venice

Campari Orange

Loris Malaguzzi Centre, Reggio Emilia

Main Theatre, RE

Famous Lions, RE

 Allende Scuola, RE

 ReMida, RE

Arno River, Florence

Boboli Garden, Florence

Duomo, Florence

The Whole Megillah.

Fire Marshall Hersh took his Ima and Abba to a Purim celebration.

King Lewes was there.

Haman did WHAT?

The graggers were Kraft Dinner boxes.

After the megillah reading, we marched in a parade.

Some weirdo photobombed a perfectly nice picture of Jacob, Hersh, Nina, and Lewes.

 

A Jacob and a Lewes (and a Nina).

Ravicks, Lewises, and Aplebaums (minus Lowell).

Hamantaschen time!

Well, here we are--it's March and it's Purim.  How quickly the weeks fly by!  Last week our Hershel Bershel Bear was working through a nasty cold and ear infection, so we just kept it mellow around home.  We were lucky enough to have beautiful weather, which allowed for nice walks, trips to the playground, and a general feeling that spring is just around the corner.

Whenever Hersh is sick his appetite is nonexistent.  This is understandable, but what seems to happen is that when his appetite returns, he becomes a little bit pickier than he was before he got sick.  This in combination with the fact that he is now a toddler, has made for some interesting moments.  Jacob and I are focused on staying calm and consistent, and allowing Hersh to feel powerful when he needs to, and helping him identify his feelings when he gets upset.  Hersh also wore underwear for the first time yesterday!  He was very excited and all went well.  He wore the underwear for about 2 hours in the evening.  We are looking at potty training as a  process and hope to encourage Hersh to be successful.  He is so silly, creative, and fun!  Over the past week his favorite song/book has been "Teddy Bear's Picnic"; by next week it'll be something new!

This past Sunday, after a morning of yoga and swimming, we came home and made hamantaschen for Purim.  This is Hersh's second Purim and he was an amazing hamantaschen helper.  He rolled the dough, cut out the circles, and used his pinchers to make the triangles.  Needless to say, they are pretty delicious hamantaschen!

Reading "Teddy Bear's Picnic" in a box.

Very pleased with himself :)

Everyone wears goggles to make hamantaschen, right?

Rolling the dough.

Making the circles.