At the Playseum
One of the many things I am loving about being in the U.S. is the sheer vastness of things to do with children.
One of the many things I am loving about being in the U.S. is the sheer vastness of things to do with children.
"Stones," my son explained thoughtfully to me,"like rocks, live outside."
This is the playgroup we attend every Tuesday.
We start out with free play.
Buchela communicates well.
He mostly uses Amharic and English but he also throws some Chinese in for good measure.
He gestures wildly.
Recently, he adopted a new communication approach. Strategy, if you will.
My kids have been kind to me.
I am glad to be here for this unprecedented, historic event in U.S. history.
I am glad I was able to participate.

I went to get a social security card for my little one. I had her passport and her medical insurance card. Being a cautious gal, I called ahead to ask about the requirements and was told what I had was enough.
We met with Baba.
Buchela played with his cousin.
Dinbit met her grand parents.
We had a great time at the fall festival.
We voted.
It was a really nice break.
Buchela really loved visiting his other grandparent's home.
Every day when we get off the elevator and walk to our "adis bet" (new home), Buchela asks if "Amaye" is going to be there.
When I unlock the door to the apartment, he runs in calling "Amaye!" "Amaye!" and looks around.
If he doesn't find her, for a brief moment, he gets upset.
Every. Single. Day.
Continue Reading "Portrait of a Sweet Relationship: My Mother, My Son"
When I first went to a playground here in the US, I was promptly reminded that Buchela has never been on a swing.
We just don't have them where we live in China.
We have found our rhythm here in the US.
I have now something scheduled for Buchela everyday and we are all falling into routine accordingly.
We go to play grounds, the nature museum, library story times and mocha mommy and center for children playgroups.
I hunt down events.
Here, we are at the Nature Museum around the corner from where we live. It is small but enough to entertain Buchela for a while.
Watching turtles.
I am quickly reminded that one of the many things I love about being in the United States is the park system.
Last weekend, we went to the Dora Kelly park with Buchela's Auntie and Uncle.
I am in the US with both Dinbit and Buchela.
Making the journey, almost two days, alone with the two kids was brutal even if they both behaved generously.
Buchela had his own bag and he carried it around dutifully even if it was, I felt, too heavy.
Another new experience for Buchela during Christmas.
Sledding and playing in the snow with Daddy!