Turkey

       

We've been back home for two days now. Sort of. My body is here, but the rest of me is still in Turkey, sipping tea and listening to the calls to prayer. More soon.

Clouds at the beach / sun at the park

   
I've said it before: I'm not a beach person. I've been thinking recently that maybe I should change the tense on that statement: I wasn't a beach person. I still hate the heat and the sun, but there's something primally good about sand, wind and water. I have found myself, in recent weeks, plotting beach Saturdays for this summer. We're going on vacation soon, and it will involve some beach time.

I would ask myself "why this change of heart, why this sudden appreciation of sand and wind and blah blah blah..." but the answer is just so obvious:
 

I love helping him discover all these simple, natural things. What a kick to watch him sift sand through his fingers. There is nothing cuter than holding him back from running headlong into the water, then standing back as he points at the waves. "Da!"

This was our "dry run" today - a trip to Coney Island. It was cloudy and cool by the water, so we kept our jackets on and enjoyed having the beach practically to ourselves.

In the afternoon the clouds cleared, and by early evening it was absolutely perfect outside. Sunny and cool. We had leftovers in the fridge and a strong desire to be outside, so we grabbed the necessities for a picnic. Dinner out in Prospect Park, another highly anticipated summer activity! Potato salad, radishes on bread, kefir, and the chance to run around in the grass.

Our crocodile pull toy came along for the fun. And when the crocodile got old, there was a ball to practice throwing. A perfect evening. Made me look forward to summer.

A conversation not too long ago

(Anything pop out at you in this photo?)

O: When we have a second baby, that one can be yours.

A: Huh?

O: Nils will be mine. You can have the other baby.

A: Huh?

O: I get Nils.

A: Okay, I don't even know where to start with that.

O: And when he's 16, we'll bike from Germany to China. All the way across Eurasia.

A: That sounds really cool, but it might be a bit too much for me.

O: You're not invited.

A: Wha??

O: You can stay home with the other one. This will be a trip for Nils and I.

A: Wait a second...

O: And then once he's old enough, he and I will start our robot-making business.

A: Oh good lord, don't rope him into that. What makes you think he'll even want to be an engineer?

O: Please, it's so obvious. You've seen how he plays with his stacking cups and gears.

A: Suuure. Can you see me rolling my eyes?

O: You're just jealous because he's not going to be a librarian.

A: Still rolling my eyes. (Turns away to hide smile)

(Do you notice it now?)