Dear Nuno,
These past few weeks have not been great for you. I think all the changes in the past few months have taken a toll on your little soul. First of all, you started at new school, in a new city this September. Then we went away for a month in January. It was wonderful being home in Connecticut as well as in Colorado with family and friends, but coming back to your new class after a month away was a bit rough. (Yes, we had you bumped up a year in November because you’re so good in math). I think also returning to a new apartment without daddy here was also another challenge for all of us. We love him and he makes us all feel safer.
It is times like this that daddy and I feel horrible. Part of us wishes that we had stayed in one place. That you were still playing with Jack, Freya, Reid & Oscar. But alas this is our life. And before those 4 there were the Bussmanns. And after them there was Charlie, Max, Quinn, and on and on…Â Moving from place to place and having to make new friends can be work. But it also has been a great opportunity to meet some wonderful people. Friends for life.
I hope when we look back you will be happy about our adventure. That you will be happy that you speak better Portuguese than dad and that sometimes you have to correct mommy too. Mate, we are so proud of you. You are in segundo ano in a Portuguese school and doing beautifully.
I took the picture above minutes after you became a reading monster. You have always loved pouring through your picture books, but here you have asked me to ‘just finish the chapter.” Something I hear just about every night from the other reading monster in our house. This means that your English is still coming along too. Mommy couldn’t be more pleased.
At this moment I am praying that things fall into place the way you would want them to. But I know for that to happen that you need to know, as I do, how truly wonderful you are. You are, and always will be my favorite boy.
I love you,
Mommy
Beautiful stuff.
Thank you Chester…
You & the Taylors have made Vovo very proud that you have an interest in our HOMELAND, our village, and our house! The house needed life & you are providing it! The rest of us are more than a little jealous of this fabulous experience that you are all sharing. Sometimes, we question these types of experiences, but in the end, I know that you will all value it. What an education you are all getting! It was a dream of mine to live abroad while Kyle was in school. You are living my dream! I am so happy for you guys. Evan will be fine. He is almost a local!
Don’t doubt for a second Maria that daddy coming here is a great reason for us to stay. Fingers crossed he gets back here soon and can help Nuno plant his veggie garden. I think both of them will find comfort in the activity. Right now I am just negotiating getting some of my preferred veggies onto that plot of land:)