Same / Different

Living in a foreign country means lots of things are, well, foreign. I'm slowly amassing a collection of photos of things that are different (because I find them amusing) but in the meantime, here's just one: Yogurt in a bag.

Oh, and I should mention that the yogurt here is thinner and you can pour it, which means it's best served over muesli (granola). We keep the bag that's currently open in the fridge in a mug, convenient for pouring. I thought it might weird me out, but I actually really love the thinner consistency and enjoy it either plain or on muesli. 

Something that is the same: peanut butter! Well, mostly. It's a little more expensive and ever-so-slightly less fatty and smooth than its American counterpart, but the main person that eats it in our house (Nikolai) doesn't care about the texture and we don't care too much about the price (especially since he's returned to eating lunch regularly now, and we've regained a meal at which we don't have to struggle to get him to eat something). 

Something that's different: Nikolai comes home from school everyday and makes his own peanut butter (and honey/jam) sandwich. 

It is startling how much he has grown up just in the last few months, and more especially the month since he's been going to preschool every day. He seems older and more mature all of the sudden, with fewer emotional outbursts and more thoughtfulness. It's bizarre and wonderful. I can't blame all of this change on preschool, but I think it has been an excellent place for him to be. I think he has always wanted/needed a place where he could play with friends, learn about things, and have opportunities to be creative. He comes home from school every day raving about what a good time he had, and he's already learned so much (including counting to ten in Russian!). I think he also really likes having something that is just his, the way his dad and I have our own work and studies. 

Anyways, it's been a really excellent experience already and I'm glad every day for such a great place to send him.