Sasha is growing incredibly fast. She amazes us every day with new things and her desire for independence. This intense longing to do things "by self!" and her not being able to do some of those things without our help results in a frustrating clash for all of us and is one reason why her age has gotten labeled the "terrible twos". It's such a negative term for such a rich time of intense learning in their lives. But, although it's really hard at times, James and I do our very best to understand what she's going through and we're all pulling through!
She's doing an incredible job being patient for us (and with us). She's adjusting very well, so far, to the new things in her life now that she's becoming a "big girl" (as she calls herself).
She gave up her adored "chupetita" (pacifier) without a fight. She dresses herself and is learning to tie her shoes (key word: LEARNING). And tonight, for the first time, we're attempting to let her sleep in her very own bed, which we got her really excited about and went out together to choose. She started swimming lessons last semester and was put in the pre-level 1, of course. By the time the semester was over, her instructor said she was ready for Level 1. A few days ago we went to sign her up for this and found out the minimum age for this group is 4 years old! So, we're very curious to see what happens. She has her first class on Sunday.
She continues to work on her Montessori activities and I'm still always looking for new things for her to do.
James is doing well. He had a list of projects he wanted to finish while school was out and he has completed them all. He has one more week before school starts and he's really excited about the classes he'll be taking: Partial differential equations,
Isotope Geochemistry and Groundwater Hydrology. He continues to bring so much positive energy and love into our marriage and family. I'm so grateful for him.
I'm doing pretty well. I miss my father deeply...still can't believe he's not here anymore. I also can't help but feel concerned for my mother (despite her attempts to reassure me). But this experience has also been supremely spiritual. I feel very close to him and guided by him. He is the first person who was so close to me to pass away and it's made me realize the reality of death. A quote keeps running through my mind:
"Wert thou to consider this world, and realize how fleeting are the things that pertain unto it, thou wouldst choose to tread no path except the path of service..."
My mother will be here in about 9 days! We're really looking forward to being with her.

In other news:
We're moving to Houston! James got hired for an internship over the summer. So, we'll move out there for three months and then return to Boston to finish school.



Here's Sasha playing with sand, pouring and scooping:






Asking me to let her take a picture:



Self portrait:



One important Montessori goal is for the child to achieve a high level of concentration. I don't know if online activities count, but here she's highly concentrated on painting a picture:



She loves putting on these head bands:



And running:



In her new bed! Right now it's a little crowded but we're getting rid of some stuff:



Special time with daddy:



Special time with mommy:



Just being cute:







A short video of her dancing and then making herself dizzy: