We survived the flight, adjusted half way to the time zone and comfortably settled in house and garden. Unfortunately, today’s forecast for a ‘Summer day’ is a bit far fetched (70°F and showers), but Mika is playing outside anyway.

Mi, Ni, and To are off to Germany for the month of August.

We’ll try to keep Su (and all of you) posted as good as possible. However, computer access will only be during regular waking hours and most of these posts have been written after midnight (aka mommy ‘me’ time). Wish us luck on the flight … and stay cool!

Here is Tobin pointing right back at … Karl?  No, he’s pointing at Daddy :)

Height: 29″ (73.7 cm)
Weight: 18 lbs (8.16 kg)

Two kids at the pediatrician can easily bring down the house. Good thing Mika likes to borrow my camera which kept her busy adding her perspective to this post.

Left: Brooklyn, July 29, 2008 … 89°F (31°C)
Right: Manhattan, August 11, 2005 … 95°F (35°C)

…Tobin has been quietly growing his first tooth since the 4th of July week. Just like his sister without much fuss, which we’re thankful for. His bottom teeth seem to come in at the same odd angle (almost diagonal), which straightened itself out in Mika’s case once the surrounding teeth lined up.

We celebrated Sung’s birthday with a two-family-trip to Dia:Beacon. The weather couldn’t have been better for a picnic on their premises: relatively low humidity and -temperatures, yet sunny. Relaxed and with full bellies, the kids had a blast inside the galleries as well.

Mika made Sung’s birthday extra special by writing an edible message on his cake. She did really well, considering the challenging surface (rolled-out fondant, which feels a bit like writing on Playdoh). Tobin didn’t appreciate the novelty and just tried to eat the candle.

It’s been a hard day’s night, and I’ve been working like a dog
It’s been a hard day’s night, I should be sleeping like a log
But when I get home to you I’ll find the things that you do
Will make me feel alright

Back-to-back play dates … tried to keep up with the big kids … total nap time all day: less than an hour … fell into a coma by 7:00 pm.

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Today was Mika’s last ballet class of the summer. It’s been short – only 6 weeks – but she definitely caught the ballet bug. This little group was mixed 3-5 years old, at varying stages of ballet exposure.

Tobin enjoyed the sit-in class as well: being the center of attention before and after, he kept himself busy watching all the little fairies dance by while playing with his favorite spoon and a hairbrush. Still, he tried to eat the camera as well, which resulted in some rather shakey videos.

Technically one day after his 9 month birthday, Mika decided to treat Tobin to an elaborate dinner. The number of courses (as well as the relentless yanking away of barely tasted dishes) reminded me a bit of a little (British) cult movie my German friends know all too well. Thankfully, no cats were harmed at this dinner.