Ilya’s working in China right now and then heading to Japan. In the meantime, Mateo remembers his papa and sends him love, Mateo-style:
1) We look at the globe everyday and see how Ilya flew from Los Angeles to Beijing. We also look at how Abue (my mom) flew from LA to Belize.
2) When we went to Chinatown this past weekend, the first thing Mateo said when he got out of the car was “papa?!” I had to explain Chinatown was different from China.
3) Three days ago, Mateo–who often protests Ilya putting him to sleep–said “papa silla manana” (tomorrow papa chair–his way of saying papa will put me to sleep after rocking with me in the chair). Two days ago, Mateo said “hoy papa silla” (today papa chair). Yesterday, Mateo didn’t mention papa silla–poor little one, maybe he’s given up. He’ll be overjoyed when papa returns!!
4) We try to skype with Ilya every day. Mateo mostly doesn’t pay attention, but he likes waving hello, goodbye and sticking out his tongue.
In not totally unrelated news, Mateo chose his own outfit this morning. (We were running late, so I didn’t protest.) His choice: his green pajama shirt, his bright purple daycare shirt (it looks blue in the picture, but it’s purple–it’s his new favorite shirt after they had spirit day and all the kids wore their shirts the same day), and his burgundy pants. Voila!
Mateo topped off his outfit with a bright orange jacket–and since it’s raining, he’ll no doubt be wearing his blue batman rainboots later. I did mention that Ilya’s in China, right?
growing baby 
oh no, I’m such a neglectful friend! I’m just now getting caught up on the blog. Mateo continues to be a bright boy and just so cute. I like his outfit; he looks like a teenager, very hip and cool! I also love getting caught up with all the pictures. Mateo has the social life that I dream about, full of intellectually stimulating excursions, drawing, and playing with friends. what a cool kid!
ps I love the comment about Chinatown not being China. tee hee
By: Courtney on February 20, 2011
at 9:28 am
It´s great to see Mateo in his chosen outfit, to read Linda´s posting on missing papa, and to see Courtney´s comment, all from my sister´s computer in San Salvador after visiting Belize. I´m catching up with the news and overjoyed to find a posting.
Ilya has been in my mind too as he works in two far away countries. I have talked about him, Linda, Mateo, baby Roan-on-his-way, and have shared pictures and videos from the blog to family here, we all gathered around the screen happy to see you beautiful, bright and charming.–Of course I´m just delighted!!!!! Did I say I enjoy sharing?
Thank you Courtney for posting and giving me the opportunity to reply, I couldn´t find the comment button. Warmest regards, Ana
By: Ana Greenberg on February 23, 2011
at 5:55 am