One Month Ferragosto with Babula

It seems that we’re always a bit late in learning what’s actually happening in the Italian life right around us. Case in point, in late June we started to wonder about daycare in August as it didn’t seem they accepted our payment. Maybe we already paid and forgot?! Maybe it’s a shortened schedule. Or maybe, daycare, like the rest of Italy, is absolutely closed for the entire month!

Thankfully, Dalia has a good amount of flexibility at work and was able to secure the month off but four full weeks with our dynamic toddler is asking a lot of any individual. So we thought it’s the best possible time to invite and have Dalia’s mom stay with us for a few weeks. She also had some time available away from work and it seemed like a scheduling match made in heaven.

As my mom had come to visit us last Christmas, she had spent some time with us in Rome and with Aleksander after our departure from Canada. On the other hand, Dalia’s mom, babulya Lilia hadn’t seen our little guy in almost a year and a half. Even though we both try to keep our families’ informed of Aleksander’s development in photos, videos and calls, there’s just no replacing the real thing.

So as I mostly spent the sweltering days of August in the office, mom, daughter and grandson explored Rome, made crafts, put together puzzles sang at the piano, baked and had a fun time. Aleksander mastered Do Re Mi Fa So La Si Do at 21 months. It was great to see the growing bond between grandma and Aleksander. Dalia was also going through a significant transition in her weaning journey and having her mom nearby was exactly what the doctor ordered!

This visit, being Lilia’s first time in Europe, gave her plenty of things to google and learn about. One of our weak spots is leaning into the history of Rome and Dalia’s mom could always be counted on to share knowledge and facts about where we’ve been living for almost two years now. Her zeal for history and learning was eternally refreshing and inspiring. Dalia keeps many of these tidbits in her back pocket and shares them with our other guests.

Dalia’s mom left at the end of August with an Italian tan and many memories that we will all cherish. We look forward to creating more memories with babulya, whether it’s again in Rome or somewhere. Alla prossima, Nonna babulya Lilia!