Prince Charming

Something strange is happening to the little one here. Surrounded by English speakers with nary a Hebrew speaker in sight (his father speaks to him in English, so I don't know if that counts), he is speaking more Hebrew than he ever did while we were in Israel. His English is also improving, as he is stringing more and more words together to make sentences, but we it's the Hebrew that we're noticing. When I mentioned it to my friend who's visiting from Norway with her children (we managed to coordinate our visits home for the first time ever - very, very cool!), she told me that she sees the same with her older child, a completely bilingual six year-old. Her daughter is speaking to her in Norwegian far more than she does when they are in Norway, which I find very interesting. With everyone else though, she speaks in English (though at one point she was trying to teach my son the Norwegian version of "The Wheels on the Bus", a current favorite).

The Hebrew speaking isn't too problematic. My parents are learning a few words here and there out of necessity, and whatever they don't understand, we translate. I'm doing my best to impart the "best" of American culture, and as I write this, my parents, my husband and my son are all sitting on the sofa, engrossed in a "Bob the Builder" video. He's also been getting healthy doses of Thomas the Tank Engine (the perennial favorite amongst all two year-olds), and has recently discovered the magic that is Elmo, currently known in our household as Melmo. He's gotten his first baseball glove, and knows that Friendly's has very good ice cream.
Of course, there have also been a number of moments when I've been grateful that there are certain words that he only knows in Hebrew. Earlier today, he was out on a walking trail with my husband, who is trying to get in shape for an upcoming hike out West with friends. Apparently, as they reached the end of the trail, they crossed paths with a rather attractive young woman. What does my charming, flirtatious two year-old say, with complete spontaneity (meaning no prompting from his father)? "Hi, cusit!" Of course, she had no idea what he was saying, and responded with a cheerful "Hi!". Husband was concerned that she would ask what the little one had said, but fortunately for him, that didn't happen. We've definitely got to break that habit before we get back to Israel though, or we're going to be in serious trouble.

I must say though, it's pretty fascinating to watch my son's language skills develop right before my eyes, and each day he surprises us with more and more. He sometimes mixes his languages, but I'm not terribly concerned, given the fact that he's only two. It's actually rather endearing, if not confusing to those in the vicinity. He's also a lot more chatty here, speaking with anyone and everyone, flirting his way about town and charming the pants off of anyone who crosses his path (even me!).

Tomorrow, we're going to turn things up a notch, as we get in the car and head for NYC for a few fun-filled days with friends. It should be interesting to see how our boy holds his own in the Big Apple. Hopefully, the weather will hold out for us, but so far, it's not looking too promising. Keep your eyes peeled for a full report sometime next week...