August update

Bean has now had a second haircut, and Mum has recouped the cost of the hair tools! Win, win. Mum has also gotten with the program and sprayed some (temporary) purple highlights in her hair. Bean may add some to his hair on Monday too he says.

We did a week of daily morning swim lessons this past week at an outdoor pool which we really enjoyed. It was no easy feat to book these lessons as registration kept opening and closing and changing by the week but eventually it worked out. There was just one other kid besides Bean in the class and each kid had a parent with them in the water. The instructor, a young girl who was fantastic, stood on the pool deck giving instructions, guidance and abundant positive reinforcement. Bean made some good progress and we both had fun although it took some effort to get ourselves there on the last morning. 

The record breaking heat continues and causes us both to hide indoors for most of the day unless we're heading out to the beach or for a drive with the AC blasting in the car. Apparently this type of weather is the norm in summers in Granada and I know that this would be completely unbearable for me.

Bean has completed two weeks of childcare now, at the same place he has gone for the past two years. It is a low ratio program this year as per the new regulations and Bean has been thrilled to be around other kids again. There is no other place I would feel comfortable sending him and getting back to his own routine has been wonderful for him. He gets himself dressed in the morning without me needing to prod him numerous times before acquiescing and he literally can't get going soon enough. He has even made a new friend who we had a play date with last weekend. All around positive, touch wood. It has also been the first break we have had from each other since early February when we left the Montessori school to travel and this has been lovely for me too, giving me an extra bucket or two of energy. Yet, it was just as nice having him back again for this week while we (he) had our swimming lessons. We do pretty well together.

Other big news is that I have contacted a realtor to start looking for a new house for us. We both love this house but we need more room especially as Bean grows. He needs his own room and the same goes for me. It would be nice to have a yard which we have never had although we are on a nice quiet street which Bean has enjoyed playing on with his friends from time to time. I'd like a kitchen where every inch of counter space isn't covered with things that can't fit into the cupboards. I mean we could manage another year if the right place doesn't materialize but I do feel its time to move if we can do it. There are no kids nearby that Bean can play with now since the neighbours aren't allowed to because of COVID. Will see what I can figure out.

My back porch garden is struggling to grow out there. The plants (tomato and pepper plants) are a good size but keep getting butchered by the squirrels. I put chicken wire around them BUT now there is a little wee chipmunk attacking the tomato plant. So annoying. He just fits right through the one inch spaces where the squirrels can't. I have never even seen chipmunks out there before so I didn't anticipate needing a smaller weave of wire and now I do. All a learning experience I suppose. 

I have updated the blog address and title since it isn't just about our winter in Spain anymore. https://doingitnowourlife.blogspot.com/