Anastasia is very proud of the things she's been leanring at school. She's now sight reading a lot of words, and her writing is getting better all the time. The other day, she asked if I would help her read Go Dog, Go. In the end, she didn't really need much help. Orlando was able to get a little of it on video.
She's very eager to read well enough to read herself the chapter books that she's currently enjoying at bedtime. It won't be long, that's for sure.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Monday, April 4, 2011
Meeting Moria
Last month, I drove up to New York City for a little mini family reunion. My beautiful niece Eliana and her wonderful husband Shachar were hosting an open house to give family and friends an opportunity to meet the newest addition to their family, baby Moria. Eliana is a beautiful mom to a beautiful baby.
For me, it was also a chance to get to see my sister Marla and her husband Mark. It's been almost 18 months since I've seen Marla and several years since Mark and I were in the same room together, so catching up a little with them was great. I managed to not take a good picture of Mark, but I got this great shot of my sis.
I didn't do a great job as photographer on this trip, failing to get a picture of me holding Moria, though she was in my arms for almost an hour. I did get this shot of her sleeping in my arms. You'll just have to trust me that it's the crook of my elbow she's in.
For me, it was also a chance to get to see my sister Marla and her husband Mark. It's been almost 18 months since I've seen Marla and several years since Mark and I were in the same room together, so catching up a little with them was great. I managed to not take a good picture of Mark, but I got this great shot of my sis.
I didn't do a great job as photographer on this trip, failing to get a picture of me holding Moria, though she was in my arms for almost an hour. I did get this shot of her sleeping in my arms. You'll just have to trust me that it's the crook of my elbow she's in.
Circus, Circus
It's been a banner couple months for entertainment for our little girl. Last month it was Disney Princesses on Ice, this month, Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Baily's Circus came to town. I haven't been to the circus since I was little, so I was very excited to get tickets. Sadly, Orlando had to work, so he missed out again.
We got there early enough for a bit of the pre-show on the floor, where we got up close to one of the elephants.
Anastasia was very excited, though I don't know if she really knew what to expect.
The show started with a grand parade of all the performers around the "big top".
Anastasia's excitement turned to complete awe as the show moved from the parade into the performances. First up were the tigers.
Then the contortionists.
The high wire act was great, but hard to get pictures of. They even did an uphill wire walk in a tower of three!
At intermission, it was time for cotton candy. The hat came with the candy, and Annie didn't seem to mind that it was too big for her.
The motorcycles were amazing. They got 7 of those things in that tiny globe, and had them moving in intersecting circles. We were all amazed.
Anastasia was getting very worn out and she asked to go home shortly after the motorcycles, so we didn't get to see the elephants come out and do their act. Still, Annie got a baby elephant souvenir, so it was like we were bringing them home with us.
Orlando was at home waiting, so Annie told him all about the amazing things she'd seen, and then went to bed with her elephant (dubbed Ariel) and a great big smile.
We got there early enough for a bit of the pre-show on the floor, where we got up close to one of the elephants.
Anastasia was very excited, though I don't know if she really knew what to expect.
The show started with a grand parade of all the performers around the "big top".
Anastasia's excitement turned to complete awe as the show moved from the parade into the performances. First up were the tigers.
Then the contortionists.
The high wire act was great, but hard to get pictures of. They even did an uphill wire walk in a tower of three!
At intermission, it was time for cotton candy. The hat came with the candy, and Annie didn't seem to mind that it was too big for her.
The motorcycles were amazing. They got 7 of those things in that tiny globe, and had them moving in intersecting circles. We were all amazed.
Anastasia was getting very worn out and she asked to go home shortly after the motorcycles, so we didn't get to see the elephants come out and do their act. Still, Annie got a baby elephant souvenir, so it was like we were bringing them home with us.
Orlando was at home waiting, so Annie told him all about the amazing things she'd seen, and then went to bed with her elephant (dubbed Ariel) and a great big smile.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
A Day at the Park
Murphy is big. And energetic. And playful. The combination of these three traits can be overwhelming when he's been cooped up too long. So, in an effort to help provide him with an outlet for some of his energy and playfulness, Anastasia and I have started taking him to a dog park on the other side of Capital Hill. Our friends Nathalie and Abby and her dogs Roxy and Boston are regulars there, and joined us on our first visit last week. There were the usual doggy introductions, followed by some serious playing.
Anastasia got into the action, too, teasing Roxy with a stick for a long time.
The fact that Murphy is three times the size of either Roxy or Boston did not stop him from pouncing on the two little dogs like they were his size.
The dogs weren't the only ones having fun. Abby taught Anastasia a time honored tradition of writing your name in dirt with a stick.
After all this playing, the dogs were thirsty, so when I poured some water into an old cup, they all dove in.
We spent a little over an hour there, and throughout the whole time, I don't think Murphy ever put his tongue in his mouth. He was so amazingly happy!
When we came home, Murphy was a much more relaxed animal. Still happy and occasionally playful, but chill and relaxed. Sunday was very much the same. Considering the outcome, I think we've found a new Saturday morning activity.
Photos courtesy of Nathalie Rothert
Anastasia got into the action, too, teasing Roxy with a stick for a long time.
The fact that Murphy is three times the size of either Roxy or Boston did not stop him from pouncing on the two little dogs like they were his size.
The dogs weren't the only ones having fun. Abby taught Anastasia a time honored tradition of writing your name in dirt with a stick.
After all this playing, the dogs were thirsty, so when I poured some water into an old cup, they all dove in.
We spent a little over an hour there, and throughout the whole time, I don't think Murphy ever put his tongue in his mouth. He was so amazingly happy!
When we came home, Murphy was a much more relaxed animal. Still happy and occasionally playful, but chill and relaxed. Sunday was very much the same. Considering the outcome, I think we've found a new Saturday morning activity.
Photos courtesy of Nathalie Rothert
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Student of the Month
My name is Anastasia Hitzig. I am 4 years old. I am the citizen of the month in Mrs A. Jackson's class. The people I live with are my daddy, my mommy and my grandma. The pets that live with us are Basil, Murphy and Chase (dogs). My favorite color is yellow. My favorite foods are spaghetti and macaroni and cheese. Some activities we enjoy doing together are playing Connect 4, puzzles and putting stickers on paper. My family has taught me that to be a good citizen, I should follow directions and always go to school. I feel I was chosen by my class for the citizenship award because I am focused.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Look Ma, No Cavities!
Anastasia was very excited for her 6 month check up with the family dentist, Dr. Silveus. This was her first time sitting in the dentist chair by herself. Up till now, she's always sat on Orlando's lap, which is not the most comfortable thing for either of them. This time, she took her big horse to sit in the chair with her, and she did great!
After the check up and cleaning were finished (with no cavities, of course), it was off to our favorite chinese restaurant to celebrate.
After the check up and cleaning were finished (with no cavities, of course), it was off to our favorite chinese restaurant to celebrate.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Daddy Daughter Day
We're lucky that Orlando's job offers some flexibility for his day off. He's often able to to schedule days off to coincide with days that Anastasia doesn't have school, but the rest of the world is working, like parent teacher conference or teacher professional development days. We've taken to referring to these as Daddy Daughter Days.
Orlando usually tries to plan an activity for the two of them. Something that will get them out of the house and give Orlando a chance to treat his little girl to a fancy lunch. A couple weeks ago, it started, as it usually does, with a ride on the Metro. She was pretty excited.
Anastasia had put in a request for a visit to the "car museum" which is really the Smithsonian Museum of American History. It didn't take her long to find a computer.
Then she posed for pictures with several historical vehicles. Anastasia took over the camera to take a picture of Daddy in front of his favorite mode of transportation.
Then she posed for a picture with a typical commuter.
After the full tour of cars (and trucks, trains and motorcycles), Daddy took his little girl across the Mall to the carousel.
The day's last stop was a visit to 701 Restaurant. Orlando's workplace for many years, this is a favorite destination for special lunches. On this particular day, Anastasia enjoyed a poached 1/2 lobster, and Orlando indulged in tuna tartare and a glass of wine. A happy end to Daddy Daughter Day.
Orlando usually tries to plan an activity for the two of them. Something that will get them out of the house and give Orlando a chance to treat his little girl to a fancy lunch. A couple weeks ago, it started, as it usually does, with a ride on the Metro. She was pretty excited.
Anastasia had put in a request for a visit to the "car museum" which is really the Smithsonian Museum of American History. It didn't take her long to find a computer.
Then she posed for pictures with several historical vehicles. Anastasia took over the camera to take a picture of Daddy in front of his favorite mode of transportation.
Then she posed for a picture with a typical commuter.
After the full tour of cars (and trucks, trains and motorcycles), Daddy took his little girl across the Mall to the carousel.
The day's last stop was a visit to 701 Restaurant. Orlando's workplace for many years, this is a favorite destination for special lunches. On this particular day, Anastasia enjoyed a poached 1/2 lobster, and Orlando indulged in tuna tartare and a glass of wine. A happy end to Daddy Daughter Day.
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