Comment ce va?

Yes, it's true, I'm learning French. The UN offers language courses and since French is an official language of the UN, I thought it would be the best choice, and my manager agreed. The first day, I was in the class for at least 10 minutes before I heard a word of English from the teacher. One of the students finally raised her hand and let the teacher know she had no knowledge of French. The teacher reassured her that we were all beginners. The class is a bit accelerated, so I'm finding it a real challenge. I have class three days a week and there is always homework. I should also be studying vocabulary on a regular basis, but haven't found much time yet. A good French-English dictionary is on my shopping list.

The kids are doing well. Mzee is having a great week at school. They are learning all about cooking this week. Today they made homemade chicken nuggets after walking to the grocery store yesterday to purchase the "ingredients" - a new word in the preschool room. Tomorrow is Pajama Day and he is VERY excited about that. He got some new CARS slippers (one is Lightning McQueen and one is Mater) on sale after Christmas, so he gets to wear his pajamas and slippers and take his stuffed dog Snowy and a favorite bedtime story. And to top it all off the class is going to make waffles for breakfast - his absolute favorite breakfast food. They won't be as good as Grandma's waffles, I'm sure, but he'll still love them!

The week he started at his school we were discussing taking naps at school to which he asked, "Mommy, where do you take a nap at your work?" He was a little concerned when I told him I didn't get to take a nap at work.

His favorite game is Cootie now, but we can't get it out unless Milan is sleeping - too many small pieces. He loves to make Cootie bugs!

Milan is learning new words all the time! Daddy is no longer DaDa, he is now Daddy! And last night she learned "Hi!" Prior to that she would always say bye whether you were coming or going. She still says bye when I get out of the car, even if we are at home. She will often say "Ba Ba She" which is Baa Baa Black Sheep, "Ee O Ee O Moo" is Old MacDonald and Mzee is "Zay". One of her favorite activities now is helping to unload the dishwasher, which can occupy her for a long time!

I'm finally getting around to uploading a few pictures:

Milan on her new Winnie the Pooh Choo Choo Train!

Mzee playing his new guitar - he's really getting into it!

See, I can stand on my own - even if I'm getting too tall for this tent!

Mzee in Mommy's office "working" at the UN.

With Grandma and Grandpa in front of the UN Secretariat building.