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In summer, there’s more time for books—books I always take great care of, partly for my own enjoyment and partly because of Rú’s stories. With a literature-loving mom, it’s no surprise that Ruben has also become captivated by stories, which are sweetest when wrapped in fragrant bindings and resting on a shelf, waiting to warm our hands. It’s a joy to see how Rú’s room transforms into a new world during a good story—how a fascinating character, a foreign landscape, or a tangible mood can stir so much inside him. Books are magic, a reward for both of us at the end of a long day. Dated: Aug 8, 2016

Dated: Aug 4, 2016

When we woke up this morning, Rú and I felt something in the air that urged us to get going. The morning started with some well-deserved lounging, but then we began to think about where to head. Since my work and Rú’s afternoon nap limit our free time, we decided to just go as far as Szécsény. It seemed like a good idea to celebrate August—or just Tuesday—with a lunch that is always both uplifting and heartwarming: a shared meal with my son in a different town, on a restaurant terrace. It’s so… uhhh, it completely moves me. Before that, we visited a Franciscan monastery, which, to my great surprise,…

Friday is my usual day off when I don’t take on any significant work, and I get to spend the whole day with my little one (we’re huge fans of these “bracketed” days!!). This time, we filled it with a movie and ice cream, and just as we were about to head home, we heard a band tuning up on the small stage in the park. So we ended up sitting down for a Bekka and the Circus concert, which turned out to be way better than expected! Ruben was completely captivated by their music, which made me happy because I could relax too while he stayed still, but also…

I’m a lucky mom because I’ve never had trouble feeding vegetables and fruits—neither in baby food purées nor now. Especially when the vegetables are crisp and served with spiced butter, and the fruit is fresh, juicy, and washed (if I cut it into fun shapes, it’s an absolute hit (;). It’s hard to pick a single favorite, but when I think of peaches, I can’t imagine any form of them that we wouldn’t happily eat. Although I swear by raw fruit, whether for breakfast, as a dessert at lunch, or to jazz up dinner, with a little creativity the sky’s the limit in fruit gastronomy! We’re not aiming for a…

Above 30 degrees, there’s only one place for us — by the water. And if it’s the beach, then it has to be God (at least for us), especially if it’s within easy reach and kid-friendly — those are our two main criteria. I’ve decided to start teaching Rú how to swim this year, and surprisingly, he was very receptive to the basics! If his enthusiasm holds, I might even turn him into a little fish this year. (: I can’t wait to enjoy the beach with him without stomach cramps. I’m pretty scared myself, but so far, without floaties, all I see in every pool is danger. Still, we…

A few years ago, when I made my very first jam, I counted it as such a huge success that every time I think back on it, I’m flooded with euphoric nostalgia. Even now, I sometimes marvel at what I considered an achievement while juggling my ridiculously limited 24 hours as a mom, woman, instructor, and student day after day. ;DDD Because, let’s be honest, making jam isn’t rocket science—especially if a housewife sacrifices her good reputation and uses jam sugar mix ((: The biggest (and unfairly HUGE!!!) chunk of time goes into preparing the fruit—washing, hulling, chopping… Then it’s definitely an advantage to double-check before you start canning that…

Because of Mom’s birthday this year, we planned a weekend getaway on June 25th to Tihany — which just happened to coincide with the Tihany Lavender Festival weekend. What luck! Anyone who knows me knows I’m crazy about this plant, and considering the three-hour trip to Lake Balaton as totally doable (especially since Rú and I handled it smoothly — no air conditioning in my car, so we’re true survivors). After unpacking at the hotel, we immediately took over the beach, which belongs to Club Tihany. Even though the place was full, it never felt crowded, and the other guests were super friendly. The lady at the bar figured out…

Tomorrow we’re heading off for a lavender weekend getaway, so today I kept Rú home to enjoy a day just the two of us. After my morning private training session (our day started off amazingly well—my private student really nailed it today, and I love seeing my hard work come to life in such a determined learner!!), we took a stroll around the city. We visited our favorite spots, picked up some essentials (like peanut puffs and friends), and after a mid-morning snack, headed home for the big event of the day: homemade ravioli making! (((: Luckily, Rú is easy to entertain in the kitchen, and I was right to…

Over the past few months, I toyed with the idea that one day there would be a weekend not about branches of medical science or Rú, but about just me and Rú. Yet, I quickly pushed that thought away before I could weaken under the weight of my notes. I am happy to report that last Thursday (crowned with a psychology exam – which I passed with flying colors!!) I finally got through this year, and ahead of me lies a fragrant, warm, well-deserved summer! With a million plans and eager enthusiasm, we face the coming days with our golden-haired boy, to whom I can finally devote as much time…