THANKSGIVING

One of the traditions we would love to continue even if one day we don't live in the US anymore is Thanksgiving. Clearly, there are many problematic aspects surrounding this holiday reaching from past to present, from the suppression of Native Americans to Black Friday, but the actual celebration is definitely worth keeping: One weekend away from computers and cellphones (and this time also cameras!), surrounded by great food and lovely people and being grateful for how good our life is - that's what makes this time of the year so special. We are grateful for our families and friends and our lives in all our different contexts, for our jobs and our ability to travel and celebrate and do what we love. We are also really really grateful for Thanksgiving and the Cushing-Leubners who invited us to celebrate with them!
THANK YOU!

SAMU NEWS

Not so new: Samu is having a lot of fun at home, especially since he is eating by himself.

What is new and a gigantic relief is that he has also warmed up to the idea of daycare. After a week of transitioning that was sometimes hard for everyone involved, he seems to love it there! Now when we pick him up he is all smiley and cheerful. Here is what his teachers said on the last few daily notes:  

But for Samu, also home is school. These are all the words he can say (as of Nov 17), but the number keeps growing every day. Funny anecdote: We told him he couldn't have our coffee because it was "heiß" (hot). So now, whenever he can't have something he says "heiß" and starts to blow it. Even when it's a power outlet or a piece of jewelry ... ;-)

FOUR MORE YEARS

It's very sad to live in a country, where you can't vote. The best comfort: When your state votes exactly as you would have voted. Not only is Minnesota becoming more and more Democratic, the Minnesotans also turned down a constitutional ban on gay marriage and an amendment to exclude voters without photo ID from voting - thus standing up for all kinds of marginalized populations. Go Minnesota! We can't remember when we have ever been so satisfied politically. 

SAMU CAN READ! ;-)

FIRST TIMES

This week was the week of firsts. It was the first time one of us (Marko) saw Bill Clinton. He came to the U of M in support of Barack Obama. The perks of living in a swing state ... 

It was also the first time Samu put all the shapes into the right holes on his cube - a major achievement that he had been working on for months.

 And the first time he recognized ALL these letters. (!)

The first winter package arrived too, full of chocolate, coffee and reading material. Thank you, Ennser parents!!!

Finally, this weekend we had our first date alone together and outside of our house. It felt really special, and with our favorite babysitter Zach watching Samu, we were not worried at all and could enjoy our floating sushi and drinks.