What have I been doing since we returned home from Guatemala? Like a lot of parents around the country, filling out forms for back to school. And very little else! That’s not entirely true. I’ve also been trying to get myself back into the swing of preparing for the launch of my book, Mamalita: An Adoption Memoir. (OH YES, THAT!!) November 1 will be here before I know it, and there’s still a lot to do. I’ve been working with someone on a book trailer—similar to a preview for a movie, but for a book—and I’m happy to say we’re close to agreeing on a final script. Most of the time, writing is solitary, so it’s been a new experience to collaborate with someone else for a change. I like it.
Mateo is now riding a two-wheeler. Sad to say, this milestone occurred while I was in Guatemala with only Olivia. Tim said the progression was easy. Mateo asked Tim to take off the training wheels, and Tim did. The next thing Tim knew, Mateo was zipping across the playground, his two little legs a blur. This past weekend, Mateo and I spent the better part of Saturday and Sunday afternoons riding together. Anyone who knows how much I love to bike will understand how pleased I am to share this activity with my son. Already I’m envisioning the two of us doing RAGBRAI, a seven-day pedal across the flatlands of Iowa. We’ll have to settle for a few loops around the neighborhood first.
Both kids love their new teachers at their new schools and are beginning to make new friends. As of this writing, Olivia has abandoned violin. At her new school, we ran into the music teacher and he mentioned a percussion group that meets weekly. Percussion. Doesn’t that mean drums? Haven’t yet made up my mind about that one. In the meantime, I’ve enrolled Olivia in ballet. As some of you know, my mother, Olivia’s grandmother, is a former Radio City Music Hall Rockette. She owned a dance studio while I was growing up, where I and many girls in our neighborhood took lessons.
Naturally–or as my mother would say, “Natch”–Mom and I are beyond thrilled to see Olivia in a tutu. I’ve told Mom that she and I better curb our enthusiasm, lest we become the twin “Stage Mothers to End All Stage Mothers.” For me, I confess, that could happen. I’m doing my best to stay cool, at least until recital time.
ShareThisTags: adoptive families, heritage trips to Guatemala, Mamalita: An Adoption Memoir, RAGBRAI
I’m sorry summer is coming to an end, but I’m excited about the launch of your book. I hate November as a rule, but now I have something to look forward to!
Feel the same about summer ending. Too fast! Sorry you hate November; some months are like that for some people. Wish I could help. Come to California and eat turkey with us! The invitation is always open.
Aww, a two-wheeler for Mateo! That’s HUGE, a gigantic leap in life. You guys will have so much fun with that one! And I knew you would be excited to see Olivia in her tutu. Sounds like a great year is in the makes!
Sveta, gigantic leaps daily, it sometimes feels like. A great year ahead. So glad you and your family are part of it.
i loved it when our daughter alicia took dance and was so sad to see it drop off for sports. enjoy the festive dance mood while it lasts though jessica
funny, cynthia, because it was the opposite with us! we’ve already tried and rejected soccer. hoping dance sticks.
I can relate to so very well–Emi just started kindergarten last week as well! Such a big milestone, as she transitions from “early childhood” to “school days!”
I realize you are extremely busy, but I am hoping that you wouldn’t mind reading through a short article. I will talk to Tim about it tomorrow but I think that you would have good insights to share. I hope this is OK.
Looking forward to seeing you in November. Jenny
Jenny, of course! Not sure I can add much to the combined brilliance of you and Tim, but I’ll try… Congrats to Emi. Big girl!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read through and provide your comments and thoughts. I consider you a superb communicator and writer, so it meant a lot to me that you took the time to do this. Jenny
A fascinating subject, which I better understand because of your clear writing, Jenny. Thanks for the opportunity! Jessica