The Molars Are Here

Yep. Finally, after much anticipation, two molars have emerged and two more are on their way. Gusi's mouth and fingers are now officially inseparable. This means he will soon be able to not only bite but also grind his food. Already he is using the little stubs that have emerged quite well.

I find it hard to believe sometimes that he's growing up so fast. My child not only has teeth, but he has molars! He walks, talks, signs, laughs, twirls and is almost, almost, almost ready to jump by himself. He gets into everything; there is no quiet unless he is sleeping. It's just amazing. I feel like just when I get used to him doing something or getting into a routine, BOOM he learns something new and the routine has to be adjusted. He keeps me on my toes all the time. One example is his new found ability to climb. He has practiced climbing at his gym class, but now he has figured out that he can do it anywhere--sofas, ottomans, gliders, chairs. I need eyes in the back of my head and new running shoes because he is not only stealthy but quick.

I also can't help but wonder how he will be when we get to Dakar. He's a very social and happy little boy right now. He gives kisses to everyone (including the postman) and they all think he's absolutely adorable. (Which of course he is.) How will life in Africa change him? We all change when we move. We adapt to our new surroundings. How will he adapt? I think about things like sleeping under a mosquito net, or not being allowed to drink the water directly from the hose (like he does now on hot days after watering the plants), or even having to wear sunscreen and insecticide every single day. I suppose the only thing is to set a good example for him and take it all in stride.

Stop to Smell the Flowers

Gusi is learning a lot these days. He's started climbing onto chairs, sofas and just about anything he can find. He's also started comprehending a lot more vocabulary and occasionally tries to imitate words on his own. Today, however, he was the one teaching.

I've been feeling a bit anxious lately because we have a big move coming up later this summer. Gusi, PapaGus and I will all be moving to Senegal in West Africa. PapaGus accepted a job there and we will probably be posted there for four years. I'm totally thrilled but I'm also stressing about life in an unknown country. We're giving up a lot of what we know and trading it in for adventure. I keep telling myself that we'll be fine but then I find out things like disposable diapers will be expensive and hard to find as will soy milk. The process of getting there and getting adjusted is what has me tense. I'm sure we'll find substitutes for music class and soy milk; we'll find a good tailor who can make PapaGus some nice bou-bous and Gusi some cute kente cloth outfits; I'll be able to take up tennis; we'll all be fluent in French by the time we leave and Gusi will probably also learn Wolof; and we'll get to travel around Africa. Sounds exciting, right? The problem is that I'm in overdrive trying to figure out the logistics of getting us there (though we will have lots of help from PapaGus's job).

Today Gusi and I went out for a walk after we got back from the supermarket. He wanted to go see the neighbors' dogs (which weren't out) but we ended up taking a walk around the neighborhood instead. The weather was cool and the flowers were in bloom. He would sniff every flower bush we passed. Every bush, every bunch, every time. He stopped to smell the flowers and even the non-flowering plants; it seemed his favorite was a gardenia bush as he kept returning to it during our walk.

After the walk and the search for other dogs we decided to return home. Walking back home, I promised myself that if Gusi can make me stop to enjoy the simple pleasures in life then I am one very lucky woman. The move to Senegal may be stressful, but with Gusi I am sure that he will keep me focused on what counts the most: being together as a family.

Expanding the Vocabulary

Gusi is now clearly saying pan and agua. And no, we are not just giving him bread and water. I think that they're easy, short-syllable words that he can repeat. He also said pie (foot) yesterday but it took me poking his foot a few times to get it out of him. Apart from that is the ever popular más (more) which he both says and signs (in case I'm not looking) and *por favor* (please) which he signs all the time now. I'm trying to work on the sign for *gracias* (thank you) but it's not working at the moment. He's even signing *more please* when he really likes something.

This is the time that we really, really have to watch what we're saying as it is no longer falling on deaf ears.