Strolling on different wheels

Now that P is going to preschool everyday, I have the mornings to myself. So, given that I have the time now, I've decided to explore the city on different wheels. With my new red bike. 

I've been doing some other interesting things with and without the kids, but I haven't had the time to come here often (as you've probably realized). I'll try to catch up this week.

Have a great week!

Simpler sometimes is better

The other day, P and I went to this tiny, little park, close to our apartment. There is no playground for the kids to play. Just a sandbox. Well, lately, this is one of P's and F's favorite places to play. 

I was sitting on a bench reading (yes! reading! I have time to read again!) and from time to time watching P who was either chasing some pigeons or looking at the boats passing by. This all reminded me that sometimes we try so hard to entertain our kids, when all it takes to make them happy is some space to run around and little pebbles to throw in the water.

I'm not saying anything new here. But sometimes we forget that children can have fun doing things that we take for granted as adults. For instance, a trip to the supermarket, a ride on the bus/subway or just a walk around the block can do the trick. If you haven't already, try it for a change, you'll see how much fun the kids will have.

Let's try to keep it simple!

P.S 1: Also, being bored sometimes is also fine.

P.S 2: Here in the U.S., the supermarket chain Whole Foods has a new kind of cart with a seat in front of it, for a toddlers to sit in. It's a great idea, because the children can really participate in the whole shopping experience, by looking at everything (picture below).

Sorry about the blurry face.
P was actually having lots of fun and had a big smile on his face. 

The Weekender - "a play date with Mommy"

GROSSE PLÄNE from Irmgard Walthert on Vimeo.

F had a busy week. First full week since classes started again. Several play dates and some new after school trial classes. So he was quite tired when he arrived from school today. On the other hand, P had just woken up from his nap and he wanted to go the park.

F telling P he doesn't want to go to the park: "P, I'm too tired to go the park. I just want to have a play date with Mommy".

And so we played all afternoon (I'm now exhausted from my play date).

Have a nice weekend.

Back to the routine

Here and there are some new signs of Autumn to remind us that our long and busy Summer is almost a distant and pleasant memory. 

F started Kindergarten last week. Although it is in the same school he's been going for the last year and a half, I somehow felt a door had been shut and a new phase was starting. He left home with a big smile stamped on his face, his new tie around his tiny neck ("Just like Daddy" he kept saying) and his huge backpack on his back. When we arrived in front of the classroom he suddenly felt shy, held my hand a little tighter and clearly retained his tears. I did the same. 

This week was also P's first day of Preschool. Some tears rolled down. But he's slowly adapting. My little baby is not a baby anymore. No more diapers, no more bottles and (almost) no more pacifier. He's also part of a group now and becoming aware of it. He's slowly letting my hand go, gaining his independence, but always looking back for me.