Ella is insatiable for affection. She can't get enough of being hugged, held, kissed. I spent a lot of Saturday resting because of a cold, and Ella crawled in bed to just snuggle...and stayed for 20 minutes, sucking on her burpie.
Right now, she loves the Corduroy books, and I read them multiple times a day. Near the end of "A Pocket for Corduroy" the little girl holds her bear tight. When she's sitting in my lap, Ella likes me to squeeze her tight in my arms ... and then nuzzle noses like Lisa does at the end.
After the first week of school...
After the first full day of school, Danya greeted me with, "Why do I have to go to school. I don't want to." Oh, no, what happened?
It turned out that he didn't enjoy the classes mostly because the kids are loud and don't listen to the teacher. So then the teacher yells at them. Not a great dynamic. I'm not too concerned, largely because we're not depending on Russian school for long-term academics. He is now sitting in the front row, which will help, I think.
As far as the social dynamics, it's not great, but not bad. When he tried to talk to a few kids the first day at snack time, two didn't answer, one told him to go away, and one answered a question. The boy he often lines up with is Sasha, who he sat next to the first day (see above). Sasha seems to be friendly and sweet.
Every day they have snack time, actually it's breakfast ... the selections have included porridge, cabbage, noodles... and at that time he talks with other kids. They haven't had recess, instead they have breaks in their wide hallway. One day they went outside to draw with sidewalk chalk, and worked in teams to draw houses. That is one the few times they have worked together.
The academic work is quite different than in the States. It is very teacher-directed and not play-oriented. He has a workbook for each subject. For writing, the focus is on tracing lines, shapes and pictures in his workbook, according to the teacher's instructions. In reading, they are learning the alphabet and a lot of vocabulary like the seasons and holidays. There are no letters in the reading book until the 34th page. And in math, there is a focus on shapes, grouping objects according to different criteria, and also on patterns. Patterns-that's the one similarity to what he experienced in American kindergarten.
The academic work is quite different than in the States. It is very teacher-directed and not play-oriented. He has a workbook for each subject. For writing, the focus is on tracing lines, shapes and pictures in his workbook, according to the teacher's instructions. In reading, they are learning the alphabet and a lot of vocabulary like the seasons and holidays. There are no letters in the reading book until the 34th page. And in math, there is a focus on shapes, grouping objects according to different criteria, and also on patterns. Patterns-that's the one similarity to what he experienced in American kindergarten.
First Day of (Russian) School!
The music summons all the kids to school. As we exited our building, we saw many parents and their children, all dressed in dark green blazers, and weighed down with new backpacks, and huge bouquets of flowers. Even on the ride down our elevator, we stopped on the 9th floor for another family with a first year student. We didn't have to ask, because they all have sashes pinned to their blazers; “First Year Pupil” they proclaim in blue or pink. They are surrounded by parents, grandparents and a few little siblings. Danya had his parents and ‘Auntie Lena’ who asked Danya for the privilege of attending.
For us, the first day of school in Russia was a very cross-cultural experience! It’s a true holiday. Danya received gifts from Lena, our babysitter (Alla), and his teacher, and even a card from the director of the school. The children line up outside of the school with their teachers, and then stand there... for a long time. Our photos show mostly the large bouquets of flowers that each student brings for his or her teacher. There are speeches by the school director, and the leader of our region of the city. The memory of the 65th anniversary of Victory in Europe was invoked. And across the country, the first day of school the year was dedicated to Alexander Nevsky, who is a military hero from the 13th centurey. The celebration is especially about the first and eleventh year students. A group of each recites poetry. A bunch of balloons are cut by the first grade teachers, to soar to the heights of knowledge—though a few got caught in the tree.
Then the 11th years take the 1st years by hand and lead them into the school. Parents are allowed to follow and we lined the classroom walls. The students entered one by one, to take their places at their desks. With the backpacks and flowers, it was no easy task.
Then the teacher, Irina Valentinovna, welcomes them. She read the rules in verse. One of the first rules was to sit up straight and cross your arms on the desk. All the kids sat up straight and put their arms on their desks—except Danya. Lena leaned over to whisper to him what to do. Then the teacher started telling riddles, for the kids to practice raising their hands, and standing up to give their answers. I understood about half of them; and started to wonder what we were thinking to send our child here?
But the teacher then started giving specific instructions—take out your pencil bag, get your blue pen, write your name in the yellow stripe on the picture of the train wagon on your desk. Danya did great, only stumbling when she asked them to write two other words that they knew. He only knows how to write his name in Russian! We whispered, “Write Tima and Ella”. And he wrote Tima with only one letter backward. It was encouraging to watch the other kids write letters and numbers. It’s obvious that Danya has practiced a lot more than many of them. And though he’s way behind on comprehension, his academic skills are more like a 2nd than 1st grader (no surprise, as we just started 2nd grade in ‘American homeschool’).
(I'm so glad we have a few years before our daughter starts school, to learn to do these braids and traditional bows.)
(I'm so glad we have a few years before our daughter starts school, to learn to do these braids and traditional bows.)Danya's favorite part of the day? Receiving gifts, and writing his name.
His least favorite? I don’t think he ever answered that question.
Tomorrow is school for real--Reading, Writing, Math and ‘Trud’… which means labor or work… I guess I’ll learn what it means in this context!
The part I’m most nervous about is interaction with other kids. Danya is worried they’ll make fun of him; I’m worried he’ll get beat up! So we’ll also learn tomorrow what kind of recess schedule, etc, he has. With four lessons in three hours, I’m not sure what kinds of breaks they get. Though we are paying 30 cents a day for some kind of snack… so we’ll have to see!
Tomorrow is school for real--Reading, Writing, Math and ‘Trud’… which means labor or work… I guess I’ll learn what it means in this context!
The part I’m most nervous about is interaction with other kids. Danya is worried they’ll make fun of him; I’m worried he’ll get beat up! So we’ll also learn tomorrow what kind of recess schedule, etc, he has. With four lessons in three hours, I’m not sure what kinds of breaks they get. Though we are paying 30 cents a day for some kind of snack… so we’ll have to see!
The teachers and administrators are so far very pleasant. When we passed in the stairwell, Lena watched the assistant principal greeting Eric and pouring out her congratulations and wishes for the year. I think she (Lena) was pleasantly surprised by the warmth of the interaction. Eric’s been working to get to know this woman and Danya’s teacher and it seems it’s really paying off. We also met the gym and music teachers and they were very friendly. Although the music teacher said her class was about ‘Listening to serious music and learning the composers.’ Hmmm.
There’s the report from the First of September. Happy Knowledge Day!
There’s the report from the First of September. Happy Knowledge Day!
Tima's first day of kindergarten
Tima was very excited for his first day of school!
We started off with reading--the letter 'F'-- and handwriting, and math. (Actually, we've been doing math for a week or so because Tima wore me down with his begging! His math book starts with 'Find the green square' type of questions, so it's been fun practice.) I was happy we finished everything in about an hour.
Ella fared well in 'roomtime' but only because Danya was in there. It will be harder once he starts Russian school tomorrow. She is scared of the 'neighbors' who are still occasionally remodeling. I know she would happily draw for awhile, but I'd really like to give Tima my full attention.
Bundy Family Photo
This summer we spent a delightful three days in Glenwood Springs. Here's one moment captured.
Ella's expressions
“Thank you momma, opening my lollipop.”
So many unsolicitated expressions of thanks. Warms my heart.
I worried it burn me.
Do two-year-olds usually talk about worrying?
I AM hungry.
She likes to emphasize this new grammar.
I AM do it.
She likes to emphasize, even incorrectly.
I do it MYSELF!
And she usually can, whether un/dressing or pushing the stroller.
Please you hold me…….your other hand here.
She’s very affectionate, and specific in her desires!
I need you, Momma.
Irresistible, but the effect decrease with use, especially at bedtime!
So many unsolicitated expressions of thanks. Warms my heart.
I worried it burn me.
Do two-year-olds usually talk about worrying?
I AM hungry.
She likes to emphasize this new grammar.
I AM do it.
She likes to emphasize, even incorrectly.
I do it MYSELF!
And she usually can, whether un/dressing or pushing the stroller.
Please you hold me…….your other hand here.
She’s very affectionate, and specific in her desires!
I need you, Momma.
Irresistible, but the effect decrease with use, especially at bedtime!
First Days Back
I’m enjoying a long morning with the kids still asleep. The ongoing jet-lag question, “Should I wake them?” All told, last night –the fifth- was the best yet. Each child woke only once, and briefly. Yesterday was the first day I didn’t take a nap, and I barely made it to 9:00. So I awoke at 6 this morning, very refreshed!
We have no internet yet, so I am trying to focus on what to do on the computer in order to download later. I must say, the Huddlestons are amazing! Every day, we go to their flat to get our email… and shower! That’s right, we were welcomed back to Russia with three weeks of no hot water. But our teammates have an electric water heater, so we can get hot showers there. Although we’ve realized how our years in Russia have taught us how to heat water on the stove pretty well. At this point, I’m also glad for our dishwasher, which heats it’s own water. That takes a little of the heating-water burden off of my shoulders.
We finally have everything unpacked, and today we get to pack again! We leave on Thursday for 10 days at two conferences just outside of St Pete. I’m really enjoying the fact that it’s close—we’ll ride there in a bus instead of a plane, which makes the trip so much easier… and it’s fun to be able to help those flying in with things like playpens and diapers!
The kids are adjusting well to being back in Russia. Danya has been a real trooper with the getting-ready-for-school tasks. After rising at 4am the first morning, he then spent half the day with Eric, going to the medical clinic, and then the tailor. Eric has truly been playing the hero. At the local clinic, the doctor advised him to take Danya to a private clinic instead of jumping through all the complicated hoops at the public one. So Eric made the calls, and scheduled an appointment for the next morning. Danya prayed beforehand that nothing would hurt, and Eric cringed, because he knew that was impossible. Danya had to have a blood test, and another very uncomfortable swab. But at this private clinic the doctor was kind, and he got a toy as a gift. The blood test was a painless finger prick, and the swab was replaced with a piece of scotch tape. We were all amazed, and very grateful! We still need to take in some body-function samples, but his medical certificate should be ready by the time we return from the conference.
After the clinic, Eric drug Danya to the tailor to measure for his uniform. He came home with black trousers, and a green blazer. The white shirt and vest are out of stock, but we should be able to pick them up before school starts. We'll need to buy his sports clothes, and some black shoes, but other than that, we're all set! I am so amazed, since I assumed I would start the medical and uniform processes this past Monday. I've be free to do some of the follow up things with the clinic, but won't be burdened with doing it all myself!
Tima has had the most emotional adjustment, complete with a lot of nighttime wailing, begging to sleep in our bed. I reintroduced his ‘burpie’ which he stopped using this summer. When he first saw it, it made him cry harder, I guess out of joy! But it seems to help him a little go to sleep! But, last night he didn't cry at all.
The first day, Tima commented at the playground, "That boy speaks Russian!" He really sounded surprised. When he saw the TV in our living room, he exclaimed, "This is where we watch Lazy Town!" (We haven't been able to find it, and don't know how to find a tv schedule.
Ella walks around and as she discovers things, says, "This pink ____ for me?"
Insert -boots, -backpack, -doll, -potty.
Since she wasn't aware of colors when we left, now it's incredible for her to find all these pink toys and clothes. She is in accessory heaven, with her cowboy boots, slippers, and the hats and scarves and mittens in her drawer. It was a mistake to not store her cold-weather clothes, as she's always begging to wear them outside.
Every time Ella goes to the bathroom, she asks, “We in Russia, Momma?” It’s possible she thinks that room is ‘Russia.’ (When he was 3, Tima thought that the church building we first stayed in was ‘Ukraine’.) But I think it’s the natural result of my telling her all summer that she had a pink potty in Russia.
Our former babysitter, Renata, has babysat each morning this week. She is staying with us since Eric left. The kids were so excited to see her, although Ella clung to me for the first 30 minutes. But when it was time for me to go, there were no tears! The kids love the playgrounds just outside our building, and throughout the neighborhood. I couldn’t convince them to cross the big road to the woods, but Renata took them wading in the pond there. We went to a bigger lake with the Huddlestons yesterday evening. It’s about 30 minutes walk away, with a big beach and a sign that says, No Swimming! We decided to follow the cultural rules (all the people in the water) instead of the written ones… IT was pretty dirty, so we took a bath at home.
I enjoyed walking in the woods the other day, and had a little cry. (I seem to express my grief only when walking surrounded by Colorado grasslands or Russian forests). I found raspberries and a tiny snail. The paths were full of people walking, cycling, and near the lake, sunbathing. I wish I could have photographed the two young men playing badminton, wearing jeans and no shirts. Classic.
We have no internet yet, so I am trying to focus on what to do on the computer in order to download later. I must say, the Huddlestons are amazing! Every day, we go to their flat to get our email… and shower! That’s right, we were welcomed back to Russia with three weeks of no hot water. But our teammates have an electric water heater, so we can get hot showers there. Although we’ve realized how our years in Russia have taught us how to heat water on the stove pretty well. At this point, I’m also glad for our dishwasher, which heats it’s own water. That takes a little of the heating-water burden off of my shoulders.
We finally have everything unpacked, and today we get to pack again! We leave on Thursday for 10 days at two conferences just outside of St Pete. I’m really enjoying the fact that it’s close—we’ll ride there in a bus instead of a plane, which makes the trip so much easier… and it’s fun to be able to help those flying in with things like playpens and diapers!
The kids are adjusting well to being back in Russia. Danya has been a real trooper with the getting-ready-for-school tasks. After rising at 4am the first morning, he then spent half the day with Eric, going to the medical clinic, and then the tailor. Eric has truly been playing the hero. At the local clinic, the doctor advised him to take Danya to a private clinic instead of jumping through all the complicated hoops at the public one. So Eric made the calls, and scheduled an appointment for the next morning. Danya prayed beforehand that nothing would hurt, and Eric cringed, because he knew that was impossible. Danya had to have a blood test, and another very uncomfortable swab. But at this private clinic the doctor was kind, and he got a toy as a gift. The blood test was a painless finger prick, and the swab was replaced with a piece of scotch tape. We were all amazed, and very grateful! We still need to take in some body-function samples, but his medical certificate should be ready by the time we return from the conference.
After the clinic, Eric drug Danya to the tailor to measure for his uniform. He came home with black trousers, and a green blazer. The white shirt and vest are out of stock, but we should be able to pick them up before school starts. We'll need to buy his sports clothes, and some black shoes, but other than that, we're all set! I am so amazed, since I assumed I would start the medical and uniform processes this past Monday. I've be free to do some of the follow up things with the clinic, but won't be burdened with doing it all myself!
Tima has had the most emotional adjustment, complete with a lot of nighttime wailing, begging to sleep in our bed. I reintroduced his ‘burpie’ which he stopped using this summer. When he first saw it, it made him cry harder, I guess out of joy! But it seems to help him a little go to sleep! But, last night he didn't cry at all.
The first day, Tima commented at the playground, "That boy speaks Russian!" He really sounded surprised. When he saw the TV in our living room, he exclaimed, "This is where we watch Lazy Town!" (We haven't been able to find it, and don't know how to find a tv schedule.
Ella walks around and as she discovers things, says, "This pink ____ for me?"
Insert -boots, -backpack, -doll, -potty.
Since she wasn't aware of colors when we left, now it's incredible for her to find all these pink toys and clothes. She is in accessory heaven, with her cowboy boots, slippers, and the hats and scarves and mittens in her drawer. It was a mistake to not store her cold-weather clothes, as she's always begging to wear them outside.
Every time Ella goes to the bathroom, she asks, “We in Russia, Momma?” It’s possible she thinks that room is ‘Russia.’ (When he was 3, Tima thought that the church building we first stayed in was ‘Ukraine’.) But I think it’s the natural result of my telling her all summer that she had a pink potty in Russia.
Our former babysitter, Renata, has babysat each morning this week. She is staying with us since Eric left. The kids were so excited to see her, although Ella clung to me for the first 30 minutes. But when it was time for me to go, there were no tears! The kids love the playgrounds just outside our building, and throughout the neighborhood. I couldn’t convince them to cross the big road to the woods, but Renata took them wading in the pond there. We went to a bigger lake with the Huddlestons yesterday evening. It’s about 30 minutes walk away, with a big beach and a sign that says, No Swimming! We decided to follow the cultural rules (all the people in the water) instead of the written ones… IT was pretty dirty, so we took a bath at home.
I enjoyed walking in the woods the other day, and had a little cry. (I seem to express my grief only when walking surrounded by Colorado grasslands or Russian forests). I found raspberries and a tiny snail. The paths were full of people walking, cycling, and near the lake, sunbathing. I wish I could have photographed the two young men playing badminton, wearing jeans and no shirts. Classic.
Favorite Memories of the Summer
When I look back on the summer, the highlight had to be our extended-family trip to Glenwood Springs. My parents generously brought my sister and her family, and us, for a weekend at the hot springs pool in the mountains. Though they had desires to do some hiking and other activities, the kids were so in love with the pool that we ended up going every day.
Adi relaxing with Dani.
Dave with Mae
Last Week
One last week in Colorado.
We're spending three days with my parents, then three with Eric's. And suddenly, the reality of our departure to Russia is hitting home. In happy and sad ways...
Listening to my sister tell about her garden, I'm so sad that we can't share in the harvest. I'm trying to soak up the sunshine, relish in the green grass, and capture the impossible beauty of the Colorado sky. When I watch my parents with my kids, I'm so sad that they won't see each other for over a year. Playing with my nieces, I am overwhelmed at the pain of separation. When we see them next, they'll probably be three!
But I've been also looking forward to unpacking for good. We've moved 8 times through this summer, and it's getting really old. And I'm looking forward to using the kids' toy shelves, bunk beds, and a even a real bed for Ella! She's been on a mattress on the floor almost everywhere we've stayed. Though I'll miss the huge American washers and dryers, there's something to the rhythm of doing our laundry at home.
The boys can't wait to get back to Russia. They just spent their allowance, and bought mostly Star Wars toys. And they are upset we won't be able to play with Nate and Nick for another week. I'm glad they're not upset about leaving, but am trying to help them appreciate the things we enjoy here alone.
We fly to St. Petersburg on August 5th, arriving the 6th. After a week at home, we will go just outside of the city for a few weeks of staff conferences and theological classes. So, I'm trying not to get too concerned with how that's going to feel!
We're spending three days with my parents, then three with Eric's. And suddenly, the reality of our departure to Russia is hitting home. In happy and sad ways...
Listening to my sister tell about her garden, I'm so sad that we can't share in the harvest. I'm trying to soak up the sunshine, relish in the green grass, and capture the impossible beauty of the Colorado sky. When I watch my parents with my kids, I'm so sad that they won't see each other for over a year. Playing with my nieces, I am overwhelmed at the pain of separation. When we see them next, they'll probably be three!
But I've been also looking forward to unpacking for good. We've moved 8 times through this summer, and it's getting really old. And I'm looking forward to using the kids' toy shelves, bunk beds, and a even a real bed for Ella! She's been on a mattress on the floor almost everywhere we've stayed. Though I'll miss the huge American washers and dryers, there's something to the rhythm of doing our laundry at home.
The boys can't wait to get back to Russia. They just spent their allowance, and bought mostly Star Wars toys. And they are upset we won't be able to play with Nate and Nick for another week. I'm glad they're not upset about leaving, but am trying to help them appreciate the things we enjoy here alone.
We fly to St. Petersburg on August 5th, arriving the 6th. After a week at home, we will go just outside of the city for a few weeks of staff conferences and theological classes. So, I'm trying not to get too concerned with how that's going to feel!
The Girly Girl
Ella has really developed her girliness in the last few months.
When we arrived in May, she didn't even know her colors. Now she tells me every day, "My fav-rit color pink.... I like pink... I like pu-pul, I like geen." We have tears every day she doesn't get to wear a dress. And among the growing number of dresses, she has her favorites--mostly the pink ones! In fact, she won't wear my favorite, which is a beautiful deep blue covered in tiny stars.
When she's in a dress, she tells me, "I look p'etty!" And sometimes she follows by saying, "Danya Tima not look petty." At times, she walks around singing, "I look pet-ty, I look petty."
Today, she was decked out in her pink-flowered swimsuit, pink polka-dot dress, and even pink hairbands. I must be honest, most of the pink items are purchased by Eric. I'm still learning to like the color. But my little girl is teaching me to embrace my feminity!
When we arrived in May, she didn't even know her colors. Now she tells me every day, "My fav-rit color pink.... I like pink... I like pu-pul, I like geen." We have tears every day she doesn't get to wear a dress. And among the growing number of dresses, she has her favorites--mostly the pink ones! In fact, she won't wear my favorite, which is a beautiful deep blue covered in tiny stars.
When she's in a dress, she tells me, "I look p'etty!" And sometimes she follows by saying, "Danya Tima not look petty." At times, she walks around singing, "I look pet-ty, I look petty."
Today, she was decked out in her pink-flowered swimsuit, pink polka-dot dress, and even pink hairbands. I must be honest, most of the pink items are purchased by Eric. I'm still learning to like the color. But my little girl is teaching me to embrace my feminity!
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