Perhaps it is a little nosy of me, but I'm just wondering how your trip went, as far as having any impact on the oldest child's speech. My daughter is four, and thus far she readily complies with speaking our minority language (although her father and surrounding society speak only English). I do think the two weeks in Poland could have made a tremendous difference for you. We speak Latvian and for the last three years we have been a part of a small "school/play" group. It is a grass-roots effort made up of 5-6 mothers serious about raising bilingual/bi-cultural children in the U.S. In fact, we drive the hour there and another hour back (weekly to monthly) just to be a part of this, but it IS necessary. We also try to participate in as many Latvian events as possible, so that she feels that A. she is a part of a group/culture and B. so she realizes that it is something not done only secretly in our own home. Even four days at a song festival impacted both our languages, because it was four days of uninterrupted Lv. chatter with people outside our usual, and small linguistic circle. I also began a regular Lv. cooking evening with the few and elderly ladies in our immediate community, again for purely selfish reasons: to have this added monthly occasion for us to interact, but it somewhat backfired, with a lot of work on my part and lot of English speaking, as everyone is trying to be like American TV cooking show hosts. Most importantly, don't give up. Especially now that you have the second little one. Keep positive, but keep the chatter, chatter and positive prods. It will be more difficult if they grow accustomed to speaking to each other in English... perhaps there are some resources or people in your area to help you with this endeavor. Also, even if you bring them with you when you interact with people in Polish, this too will help as they will observe you and hopefully imitate you. Good luck, stay strong. Do remember that our children are their own, but I know you don't need a lecture from me. P.S. You and my daughter are name sisters.
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