Alyosha likes:
1. Blueberries. (Crazy about blueberries) He takes my hand and point with it to the fridge (open), lots of noise to point out the blueberries (done), runs to the sofa and waits for a little cup of blueberries to land right in front of him. For Alyosha this is as close to womb heaven as it gets.
2. Yo gabba gabba! show. We are now officially big fans. Thank you our trustworthy Californian friends for introducing it to us. We now only hang out on youtube and click through everything resembling the show.
3. Saying: нееееее. (no) Over the past few weeks Alyosha has successfully learned to say no, which has now completely overtaken the keen 'да' (yes) that stuck around for a few months prior to the new favourite word. Alyosha has strong opinions on what he wants and doesn't want. No easy game, it's the real deal.
4. Cuddling. One of the sweetest times spent together.
5. Mama's hair. Whenever trouble comes your way- grab her hair and all will be well. That seems to be the current motto.
6. Identifying the chicken, the car and the goose (sometimes duck, mistaken for goose) with very loud accompanying noises. (ko ko ko, bi biiiip, ga ga ga)
7. Singing songs together. I know this is no biggie, but to me, at this precise moment its a huge milestone, so its in here. Where it should be. Row the boat seems to be the favourite.
8. THE IPAD. It should be number one together with blueberries. Nanny technology at its best. Alyosha can easily navigate himself through different games, browse the internet (with no apparent purpose), write some emails and generally occupy himself for a good amount of time. Genious.
9. Drawing. This is slowly developing as big brother is really getting involved with all kinds of drawing skills at the moment. Crayons seem to be the most effective of tools, but usually end up in the mouth. Eaten. And then spat out.
10. Running. Rather fast walking. Still not a runner, but has lots of fun in attempt.
11. Talking. Has lots to tell. He is clearly communicating, asking, telling, demanding, through intonation and yet its all kinds of noises that we still cant fathom. Remarkable!
12. Dancing. Really enjoys music. Has little dance offs. Not too much... but enough to make us laugh together.
13. Clementines are also a big hit.
14. Playing with cars. Perhaps another cliche but Kolya was totally not into it at Alyosha's age. He makes the noises, and gets down onto floor to crawl around with the car. So much effort!
Alyosha dislikes:
1. Cheese. Totally refuses it on its own.
2. Putting on his outerwear- jackets, hats, shoes, the silly stuff. There is some kind of a block going on.
3. Big brother putting him onto places, like sofas. Alyosha weighs around 13 kilos and yet Kolya is very persistent, so its an awkward scene to watch.
Kolya likes:
1. Ninja turtles. I sense a new obsession slowly evolving. Forget superheros- 90's supermutants, here we come!
2. Drawing. This is becoming something quite special. Drawing, painting, doodling. Kolya is starting to tell stories with his drawings- and they are pretty abstract in some cases, but he knows exactly what is where.
3. Writing. He is practicing all the time. Incredible. So proud.
4. Reading. Getting there. Can read small words. Knows lots and lots of phonetics. The system really works. Loves to practice when he is not too tired.
5. Swimming! We started a new class. Turns out Kolya is a fish. He is in his element once in the water. Minus the chlorine and we are onto a winner.
6. Looking after little brother. All that carrying usually means caring for little brother. Sit up on the sofa so you can see! (For now, Alyosha merely takes it as a threat to his liberties)
7. Man United. I have to put it here, as the love for the club is growing much too fast. Mama, do you love Man United? M: Erm, I guess, they're ok. K: Me too, I LOVE them! They are the best. (Did you hear me son? Its sweet really.)
8. Insists rather than plain likes, that I call him 'brother' (братик) instead of 'Kolya' when addressing Alyosha in regards to his older brother. I really must pay more attention.
9. Making masks. This is becoming a little hobby of ours. We spend a good deal of detail on the preparation: We choose an animal. Kolya paints the background. Then we choose the shape of the animal head. I cut it out and draw out some detail. Kolya adds the final fine touches. As he is becoming more precise in what he is drawing, his lines are in line with what subtle details I have added. The whiskers, or hairs- Kolya draws in darker thicker lines, I like that. Make your mark, baby!
Kolya dislikes:
1. Although this is not entirely true, as I have seem video footage to prove me wrong, but Kolya seems to be not so keen on dancing. Perhaps its self consciousness which is the core of his embarrassment. Its rather sweet but I hope he will one day join in dancing with us.
2. Meat. He has been slowly going off meat, chicken included. I wonder if he is turning himself into a vegetarian. Is that possible?
