We're going to the zoo, zoo, zoo...

After living in New York for almost 17 years (eek!) I finally went to the Bronx Zoo. Sorin and I took a trip there with Elaine and Aidan and some other friends, and it was so much fun! It was an adventure from the start, with a ride in their Jeep (always cool for the car-less New York toddler--and he didn't get sick!). We went on the monorail, the Skyfari (a gondola), and the bug carousel. Although we only saw a small fraction of the zoo, it was very impressive and Sorin really enjoyed himself. We will definitely have to make a return trip!

Happy Indepence Day

Unfortunately the 4th of July felt more like the 4th of April, but we celebrated by barbecuing with friends anyways. Aidan and his Mom, Ben and his parents (and new baby brother), and Jacob and his parents joined us for hamburgers, hot dogs, watermelon, and margaritas. It was casual and fun, and the three toddlers seemed to enjoy each other (minus some terratorialism:).

Happy Canada Day

I couldn't let July 1 go by without acknowledging Canada Day:). Sorin patrioticly wore red and white. While we didn't explicity celebrate, we did do a lot of playing (as usual). There are two families of ducks on campus, and Sorin loves to watch the ducklings swim. Here he and Thadeous are, er, investigating the water. We also spent some time in the playground, where Sorin found the perfect climber (aka a bike rack).

I play Eric!

Sorin's teacher and primary caregiver at the Rockefeller Child and Family Center is Eric, and Sorin (and we!) absolutely adores him. Eric has been with Sorin since he started at the CFC as an infant. He actually wasn't Sorin's primary caregiver at the time, but Sorin made it very clear that only Eric would do. I was so happy when Eric moved with Sorin from the infant to the toddler room, although I have a feeling we won't be so lucky next year. Eric's was one of the first names Sorin said ("Ara"), and when I ask Sorin what he did that day in the Yellow Room he always replies, "I play Eric!" Each child gets a note about their day, and Eric's are usually spot on. Some excerpts:

"Sorin is our A#1 bug spotter. Sometimes, tiny ants circle our crumbs near the garbage. Sorin is on the lookout. Seeing them he settls and watches, alerting us to their presence."

"Sorin has been belting out songs--not just singing. He projects those lyrics right to the rafters."

"Sorin's joy with speech increases as the words and sentences flow forth. It's like he had all this communciation stored up and now is sharing it. He says something and then builds on it. 'A ball...a blue ball! I throw it.' He narrates his actions with enthusiasm keeping us all well informed of what he's up to."

"Sorin picked just about every song at circle time. As soon as one was finished he called out another."

"I was surrounded by kids wanting afternoon sunscreen when I heard a familiar, cheerful voice. 'Hi Eric.' He eased his way to the fron of the ointment seeking little crowd to wrap his arms around my neck from behind for an affectionate hug."

We feel very lucky to have had Eric in our lives!