Maliana ~
Daddy told me this a few weeks ago and I would be remiss if I did not capture this story in your blog, even though it is of one of your more ornery moments, so here goes…
It was a typical morning with Daddy getting ready while you ate a bowl of oatmeal in the bedroom, watching the Disney channel. Daddy walked back in and happened to notice that your bowl of oatmeal was missing. He looked high and low, finally spotting it, upside down on the floor. Luckily it had landed on a plastic covered library book so it was an easy clean up. When he asked you what had happened, you would not answer. When he asked again if you had thrown your oatmeal on the floor (since you didn’t do your usual “uh oh!” when an accident happens), you proceeded to lean casually back and place your arms folded behind your head, staring straight at Daddy but still not saying anything. You held that pose for a while, and when Daddy realized that throwing your oatmeal was precisely what you had done, he began to scold you and put you in time out. All the while, you did not even budge from your relaxed position, kicked back with your arms behind your head. He left you there for a couple minutes and when he came back in, lo and behold, you were STILL in that same cocky little pose, staring right at Daddy. You held it while he reprimanded you and attempted to elicit an apology or some kind of recognition that what you had done was not appropriate. All he got was a big fat nothing, a defiant stare, right back at him. Then, when the standoff had to come to an end since it was time to get going to work and school, he asked if you wanted to “start over” as we usually ask once a time out is complete. You immediately snapped out of your defiant little pose and said, “Yeah!” with a big smile and a hug as if nothing had ever happened. You little stinker!
We always knew you were going to be a headstrong kid, and we adore you for it. Little did we know how soon it would happen or how spirited you were going to be! All I can say is that we all are going to be in for a wild ride together – and I am sure we will love every minute of it! Just think of all the great stories we will have to tell, right?
Love,
Mama
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Sunday, August 29, 2010
The nights are getting cooler, the days are getting crisper ~ autumn is coming!
Maliana ~
The seasons are about to change and I am getting so excited to share another autumn with you!
We came back from our morning run with Abby yesterday and you insisted on walking the last quarter mile on your own. I thought you looked so stinkin' cute in your little overalls I just had to take a picture...
This week also brought the delivery of a new favorite toy of yours, your new Handy Manny Repair Toolbench. It is super cute and you LOVE it! Particularly liking what you call your "screwy-driver", carrying it around in your pockets all night long on Tuesday.
This toolbench came with everything - including a plumber's butt!! Just like Daddy!!
Of course, you also enjoyed the box of styrofoam peanuts about as much as the toolbench!
Wednesday brought a trip to the zoo with Audrey Ayi and then Uncle Flint was able to hang out with us a bit too once his shift ended. On the way there, you informed Audrey and I that you go to work and your job is to "look at airplanes". Very cute. Audrey Ayi said that she would love for you to think of her the next time you're hiring.
We had fun at the zoo. Each time we take you, you are more and more curious about the animals.
We still haven't gotten to see the polar bears swimming yet, but we enjoyed a nice "polar treat" over by their section...no trip to the zoo is complete without some yummy ice cream!
One more note about Wednesday that is kind of interesting...we had eaten chinese for dinner the night before and had given you the fortune cookie. The word on the back was "niu" meaning ox, but we had pointed out that "niu" was the same as in your soon-to-be friend, Niubei's name (Jen and Shawn's baby). You insisted on carrying this fortune around all night, tucking it in your diaper (in the absence of having pockets that night) and then sleeping with it. This is the email I got from Daddy Wednesday morning when I had asked him how your morning went...
"Really good. She was imitating me fixing my hair. She had a death grip on her fortune when she woke up. She carried it every where this morning. Right before we left, I talked her in to keeping it at home so she wouldn’t lose it at school. She finally let me take it so I put in on the ledge by the steps. When I locked the door I turned around and she was just standing on the porch with a sad face. I asked if she was said that she had to leave her fortune at home. She said yeah. I asked if she wanted to take it to school she said “No! Home! Safe!” I picked her up to walk to the car and I noticed she had tears running down her eyes. It was so cute. She was fine once we got in the car."
Wow ~ you are so sweet...the only thing we can think of is that you somehow are excited and feel connected in some way to Niubei already. Strange, but possibly true? I guess we can't really know for sure until you can tell us more, but it's very interesting.
This past week you have been doing great on your potty, especially at school. Actually, particularly at school, even wanting me to let you go potty in another classroom’s bathroom on our way out on Friday. Keep up the good work kid!
We went into Westerville after school on Friday and stopped at Once Upon a Child (which you promptly stated was “Maliana’s store” upon seeing the sign), and then your first visit to Great Harvest Bread Company. They give huge hunks of bread for samples and so we got a carton of chocolate milk and just sat outside, munching on a piece of their apple cinnamon bread. Your Lao Lao used to come here all the time when she worked in Westerville, so of course I had to text her a picture of you…
We headed back to Westerville for 4th Fridays tonight. When we finished dressing you and said you looked very pretty, you looked at yourself in the mirror and turned around saying “Very Nice”, just like the character Borat from the movie. It was perfect timing and used so appropriately, Daddy and I cracked up. We had a ball once we got to 4th Fridays, meeting your buds Cassidy and Carter there. It was a beautiful night and by the end of the evening, you were very silly and the biggest social butterfly at Dairy Queen. We ran into one of your teachers, saw Mark, Jenny, Roman, and Natalia too, as well as Lao Lao. You were in heaven with so many people you adore in one place! We even stopped by Uncle Flint’s apartment on the way home, a great way to top off the evening.
You even surprised us on the way home, recognizing the street where we turn off to go to your school, saying “Maliana’s school” and pointing to it, even in the dark, without being able to see very much at all. How in the world do you know these things?
This morning, Sunday, I woke up to a nice long Eskimo (or “nosey” as we call them) kiss. Just one of those quiet moments in the morning, laying in bed, and you lean over and do something so sweet ~ a terrific way to wake up!
Of course, poor thing, the sweet moments definitely went out the window for you a little later in the morning. Daddy told me that you were downstairs playing with him and evidently he must have had gas because he let one rip. Unfortunately for you, right at that moment you decided to run over onto his lap, quickly raring your head back and sticking your tongue out like you tasted something really bad and saying, “Eww, Daddy, yucky!!” Poor kid…sorry you had to take one for the team on that one!
Roman and Natalia came to play with you and go to the park this morning so I could get some grocery shopping done, wearing you out nicely so you also took a great nap. Once awake, we all got ready to go to Shawn and Jen’s house for a visit and some ice cream and for the first time ever, you tried to kick Daddy and I out of your room, saying “Maliana’s room.” Ordinarily I would be offended, but you weren’t really malicious about it and I just thought it was really neat to see you claiming your own space and room, after spending so much time without much to call your own back in China most likely. It made me feel good to see you confident in having a place to call your own.
We went to Shawn and Jen’s tonight as they are leaving for China in just 3 short days to bring Niubei home! You kept looking at pictures of her and saying “Maliana, Niubei”. It was really cute to see you so excited. We are definitely looking forward to the future when you girls can play together ~ what fun lies ahead for us all! By the time we left tonight, you were so tired. You had become what we call “drunk Mali”. You aren’t the kind of kid who has fits and meltdowns when you get tired, you just get EXTREMELY slaphappy. It is quite hilarious! You stayed awake the whole way home, singing songs with me and then of course, whenever Daddy and I tried to talk, you decided to get much more loud and boisterous, copying particular points of our conversation, just so you could join in. It is also pretty darn comical!
You couldn’t get enough of looking at pictures of Niubei.
I also think we are going to have to seriously consider adopting a cat soon…you LOVE their kitty Sierra (as you can see from the photo.)
Love,
Mama
The seasons are about to change and I am getting so excited to share another autumn with you!
We came back from our morning run with Abby yesterday and you insisted on walking the last quarter mile on your own. I thought you looked so stinkin' cute in your little overalls I just had to take a picture...
This week also brought the delivery of a new favorite toy of yours, your new Handy Manny Repair Toolbench. It is super cute and you LOVE it! Particularly liking what you call your "screwy-driver", carrying it around in your pockets all night long on Tuesday.
This toolbench came with everything - including a plumber's butt!! Just like Daddy!!
Of course, you also enjoyed the box of styrofoam peanuts about as much as the toolbench!
Wednesday brought a trip to the zoo with Audrey Ayi and then Uncle Flint was able to hang out with us a bit too once his shift ended. On the way there, you informed Audrey and I that you go to work and your job is to "look at airplanes". Very cute. Audrey Ayi said that she would love for you to think of her the next time you're hiring.
We had fun at the zoo. Each time we take you, you are more and more curious about the animals.
We still haven't gotten to see the polar bears swimming yet, but we enjoyed a nice "polar treat" over by their section...no trip to the zoo is complete without some yummy ice cream!
One more note about Wednesday that is kind of interesting...we had eaten chinese for dinner the night before and had given you the fortune cookie. The word on the back was "niu" meaning ox, but we had pointed out that "niu" was the same as in your soon-to-be friend, Niubei's name (Jen and Shawn's baby). You insisted on carrying this fortune around all night, tucking it in your diaper (in the absence of having pockets that night) and then sleeping with it. This is the email I got from Daddy Wednesday morning when I had asked him how your morning went...
"Really good. She was imitating me fixing my hair. She had a death grip on her fortune when she woke up. She carried it every where this morning. Right before we left, I talked her in to keeping it at home so she wouldn’t lose it at school. She finally let me take it so I put in on the ledge by the steps. When I locked the door I turned around and she was just standing on the porch with a sad face. I asked if she was said that she had to leave her fortune at home. She said yeah. I asked if she wanted to take it to school she said “No! Home! Safe!” I picked her up to walk to the car and I noticed she had tears running down her eyes. It was so cute. She was fine once we got in the car."
Wow ~ you are so sweet...the only thing we can think of is that you somehow are excited and feel connected in some way to Niubei already. Strange, but possibly true? I guess we can't really know for sure until you can tell us more, but it's very interesting.
This past week you have been doing great on your potty, especially at school. Actually, particularly at school, even wanting me to let you go potty in another classroom’s bathroom on our way out on Friday. Keep up the good work kid!
We went into Westerville after school on Friday and stopped at Once Upon a Child (which you promptly stated was “Maliana’s store” upon seeing the sign), and then your first visit to Great Harvest Bread Company. They give huge hunks of bread for samples and so we got a carton of chocolate milk and just sat outside, munching on a piece of their apple cinnamon bread. Your Lao Lao used to come here all the time when she worked in Westerville, so of course I had to text her a picture of you…
We headed back to Westerville for 4th Fridays tonight. When we finished dressing you and said you looked very pretty, you looked at yourself in the mirror and turned around saying “Very Nice”, just like the character Borat from the movie. It was perfect timing and used so appropriately, Daddy and I cracked up. We had a ball once we got to 4th Fridays, meeting your buds Cassidy and Carter there. It was a beautiful night and by the end of the evening, you were very silly and the biggest social butterfly at Dairy Queen. We ran into one of your teachers, saw Mark, Jenny, Roman, and Natalia too, as well as Lao Lao. You were in heaven with so many people you adore in one place! We even stopped by Uncle Flint’s apartment on the way home, a great way to top off the evening.
You even surprised us on the way home, recognizing the street where we turn off to go to your school, saying “Maliana’s school” and pointing to it, even in the dark, without being able to see very much at all. How in the world do you know these things?
This morning, Sunday, I woke up to a nice long Eskimo (or “nosey” as we call them) kiss. Just one of those quiet moments in the morning, laying in bed, and you lean over and do something so sweet ~ a terrific way to wake up!
Of course, poor thing, the sweet moments definitely went out the window for you a little later in the morning. Daddy told me that you were downstairs playing with him and evidently he must have had gas because he let one rip. Unfortunately for you, right at that moment you decided to run over onto his lap, quickly raring your head back and sticking your tongue out like you tasted something really bad and saying, “Eww, Daddy, yucky!!” Poor kid…sorry you had to take one for the team on that one!
Roman and Natalia came to play with you and go to the park this morning so I could get some grocery shopping done, wearing you out nicely so you also took a great nap. Once awake, we all got ready to go to Shawn and Jen’s house for a visit and some ice cream and for the first time ever, you tried to kick Daddy and I out of your room, saying “Maliana’s room.” Ordinarily I would be offended, but you weren’t really malicious about it and I just thought it was really neat to see you claiming your own space and room, after spending so much time without much to call your own back in China most likely. It made me feel good to see you confident in having a place to call your own.
We went to Shawn and Jen’s tonight as they are leaving for China in just 3 short days to bring Niubei home! You kept looking at pictures of her and saying “Maliana, Niubei”. It was really cute to see you so excited. We are definitely looking forward to the future when you girls can play together ~ what fun lies ahead for us all! By the time we left tonight, you were so tired. You had become what we call “drunk Mali”. You aren’t the kind of kid who has fits and meltdowns when you get tired, you just get EXTREMELY slaphappy. It is quite hilarious! You stayed awake the whole way home, singing songs with me and then of course, whenever Daddy and I tried to talk, you decided to get much more loud and boisterous, copying particular points of our conversation, just so you could join in. It is also pretty darn comical!
You couldn’t get enough of looking at pictures of Niubei.
I also think we are going to have to seriously consider adopting a cat soon…you LOVE their kitty Sierra (as you can see from the photo.)
Love,
Mama
Sunday, August 22, 2010
The "Trifecta of Grandparents" Weekend :)
Maliana ~
Well, this has definitely been a week of ups and downs. You are really exerting your independence and your feisty-ness is getting in full swing lately. It’s all part of the process and in spite of the whining, obstinence, defiance, and overall stubborn-ness, you remain completely and utterly adorable and tons of fun.
Monday morning, when I emailed Daddy to see how you did that morning, I got a response back that read:
Mali did awesome. She was in a real good mood this morning. I was sitting on the bed putting on my shoes and I thought she was still sleeping when all of a sudden she jumped on my back and yelled “HI!!” She then crawled in to my lap and gave me a big kiss on the lips and then looked at me and “M&M?” You were right! LOL! Then she took off her diaper and peed in her potty. 3 M&M’s for Breakfast!!
To give a little back-story, you had popped up at bedtime the night before and asked to pee in your potty. Since you had brushed your teeth already, I told you that we could set aside your M&M and then you could ask Daddy for it in the morning. I told Daddy that I bet it would be the first thing out of your mouth. Ha ha!
Other little moments that I want to freeze in time are constantly happening as well, with one of my favorites of this week being naptime on Monday when you ever so sweetly were leaning over me, holding my face in your hands, and talking softly to me. The heck if I knew what you were saying, but it was so cute.
Here are a few more cute moments from your week...
Having fun with some of your stuffed animals..."Hey, has anyone seen Mali?"
Playing with Lao Lao @ Strawberry Farms Park
Saturday was the official trifecta of grandparents’ day! In one day, you got to see all of them! I told Daddy later that I was so glad that we live so close to everyone…it’s wonderful to be able to visit with everyone without a lot of effort. It’s always a ton of fun and so important to spend time with family - You sure do love every single one of your grandparents too…it’s awesome!
We started the day with breakfast at Cracker Barrel with Mamaw and Papaw.
Then you surprised Daddy and me by thoroughly cooperating with your second haircut of all time, a real big girl hair cut too! They didn’t have any openings at Cookie Cutters so we took you to a more formal salon and you did fabulous.
When we pulled up, you began cheering "Yay, haircut!"
You held so still the whole time!
Even letting her blow your hair dry!
You were so proud of yourself (and so were we!!)
We then headed to Harlem Township’s Bicentennial Festival to see Lao Lao and Grandpa Rick. It was a lot of fun.
You especially liked the John Deere tractor!
And in spite of it pouring rain, you had fun playing with the umbrella and hanging out under the Boy Scout tent.
Here you are checking out Grandpa Rick's tent.
Gearing up for football season with Gma Lisa
You also got to try your very first “Puppy Pounder” (the non-alcoholic version of Wai Gong’s famous concoction “The Dawg Pounder”). Woo Woo Woo! Go Browns!
Here you are covering your ears as he blends it all up.
Then taking one of your first sips.
And finally, the smile of approval!
Sunday brought Daddy's Alumni soccer game. It was so hot, but fun to watch Daddy play with some of his alumni and also show you around St Charles. You were very interested in that part, seeing Daddy's school.
Here you are getting ready to watch the game. All decked out with your ND soccer shirt.
And finally, rehydrating on the field.
Finally, on Sunday night just before bed, you were playing with the DVD player on the computer and so your Gotcha Day DVD started playing. Well, you began watching it and were more into it than you have been so far. It was so cute to watch you sing along with the songs (we play them in the car quite a bit) and you just kept chuckling or outright laughing to yourself at the pictures. It was neat for us all to see it again, and Daddy and I both agreed it is amazing to see how far you’ve come and how much you’ve done in just one short year.
Love,
Mama
Well, this has definitely been a week of ups and downs. You are really exerting your independence and your feisty-ness is getting in full swing lately. It’s all part of the process and in spite of the whining, obstinence, defiance, and overall stubborn-ness, you remain completely and utterly adorable and tons of fun.
Monday morning, when I emailed Daddy to see how you did that morning, I got a response back that read:
Mali did awesome. She was in a real good mood this morning. I was sitting on the bed putting on my shoes and I thought she was still sleeping when all of a sudden she jumped on my back and yelled “HI!!” She then crawled in to my lap and gave me a big kiss on the lips and then looked at me and “M&M?” You were right! LOL! Then she took off her diaper and peed in her potty. 3 M&M’s for Breakfast!!
To give a little back-story, you had popped up at bedtime the night before and asked to pee in your potty. Since you had brushed your teeth already, I told you that we could set aside your M&M and then you could ask Daddy for it in the morning. I told Daddy that I bet it would be the first thing out of your mouth. Ha ha!
Other little moments that I want to freeze in time are constantly happening as well, with one of my favorites of this week being naptime on Monday when you ever so sweetly were leaning over me, holding my face in your hands, and talking softly to me. The heck if I knew what you were saying, but it was so cute.
Here are a few more cute moments from your week...
Having fun with some of your stuffed animals..."Hey, has anyone seen Mali?"
Giving Abby a drink from your water cup as we walked back from the park - what a good big sister you are!
Playing with Lao Lao @ Strawberry Farms Park
On Tuesday, you had a big first – pedaling your tricycle!! You began by rocking back and forth, then pushing off to get yourself going, and then all of a sudden you pedaled your bike all on your own! I was so surprised! I have only worked with you on this sporadically, so if you aren’t practicing at school, then it must just be from watching Daddy and me when we are going on bike rides with you in your little seat on the back of the bike. As I have said before, you pay attention to everything. Anyway, way to go baby! I can’t believe you can ride your trike now!
Unfortunately, Thursday knocked me on my butt. We must have caught that same bug you had because Daddy was home sick all day and then when I got home, he was able to get up to take care of you so that I could collapse in bed. You kept wanting me to get up, but I told you that my belly hurt and so you finally let me sleep. Daddy took you over to Mamaw and Papaw’s tonight and you had pizza. When you got home, I was finally feeling a bit better and was up around the house. As you walked in the door, the first thing you asked me was, “Mama, belly hurt?” I swear kid, you not only have some wonderful self awareness, but also are so concerned about others’ needs outside of your own. It amazes me every day. I hope you can hang onto this throughout life because it is such a valuable quality and ability.
On Friday, I cleaned the bathrooms during your nap and when you woke up, you saw the sink and asked, “Mama, new sink?”…hmmm…maybe I should clean the bathrooms more often? Ha ha!
We had a bonfire with friends on Friday and you insisted on wearing your ladybug costume that I had bought you last year. You have been more and more into dressing up in costumes lately. It’s super cute.
Saturday was the official trifecta of grandparents’ day! In one day, you got to see all of them! I told Daddy later that I was so glad that we live so close to everyone…it’s wonderful to be able to visit with everyone without a lot of effort. It’s always a ton of fun and so important to spend time with family - You sure do love every single one of your grandparents too…it’s awesome!
We started the day with breakfast at Cracker Barrel with Mamaw and Papaw.
You decided you wanted to challenge Daddy to some checkers on the porch of Cracker Barrel.
(I’m not sure who won.)
Then you surprised Daddy and me by thoroughly cooperating with your second haircut of all time, a real big girl hair cut too! They didn’t have any openings at Cookie Cutters so we took you to a more formal salon and you did fabulous.
When we pulled up, you began cheering "Yay, haircut!"
You held so still the whole time!
Even letting her blow your hair dry!
You were so proud of yourself (and so were we!!)
We then headed to Harlem Township’s Bicentennial Festival to see Lao Lao and Grandpa Rick. It was a lot of fun.
You especially liked the John Deere tractor!
And in spite of it pouring rain, you had fun playing with the umbrella and hanging out under the Boy Scout tent.
Here you are checking out Grandpa Rick's tent.
After the festival, we headed to Wai Gong and Gma Lisa’s for more grandparent shenanigans.
Gearing up for football season with Gma Lisa
You also got to try your very first “Puppy Pounder” (the non-alcoholic version of Wai Gong’s famous concoction “The Dawg Pounder”). Woo Woo Woo! Go Browns!
Here you are covering your ears as he blends it all up.
Then taking one of your first sips.
And finally, the smile of approval!
Sunday brought Daddy's Alumni soccer game. It was so hot, but fun to watch Daddy play with some of his alumni and also show you around St Charles. You were very interested in that part, seeing Daddy's school.
Here you are getting ready to watch the game. All decked out with your ND soccer shirt.
Stealing the ball at halftime. Look at that determination! You were doing so well at halftime; the refs were even cheering you on!
You're a natural!
You're a natural!
And finally, rehydrating on the field.
It was sooooo hot!
On Sunday, the entire time we were at home anyway, you spent the day in your big girl underwear and let me just say that this was the first day that you have not had any accidents! You even pooped twice in the potty! You did great!! You are definitely getting the hang of this potty training thing.
Finally, on Sunday night just before bed, you were playing with the DVD player on the computer and so your Gotcha Day DVD started playing. Well, you began watching it and were more into it than you have been so far. It was so cute to watch you sing along with the songs (we play them in the car quite a bit) and you just kept chuckling or outright laughing to yourself at the pictures. It was neat for us all to see it again, and Daddy and I both agreed it is amazing to see how far you’ve come and how much you’ve done in just one short year.
We have been so blessed by you.
Love,
Mama
Monday, August 16, 2010
Sometimes you just need a weekend with no big demands...
Maliana ~
Well, it’s Monday morning and it was so hard to pull myself out of bed, where I was cozily snuggled up next to you. This weekend was nice because we had no major demands on our time, we watched a couple movies with you, and just spent time as family, but I still felt in a funk yesterday. Not sure why, but I couldn’t shake it, until we went to the park with you. We went to a park in Westerville and I climbed around with you for a while. You are getting so much better, climbing up and down all over the jungle gyms, so fearless and so much more coordinated. It made me smile to see how much progress you have made, not only since last summer, but just in the last 3-4 months! It’s funny how something as simple as watching your kid try things they have never tried before, and rejoicing in your adventurous spirit, can completely turn your mood around. I think I’ve said this before, but I’ll say it again, you are amazing Mali.
A week ago today, Daddy took the day off after a long weekend on call, so we all spent a nice family day together. We played on a new really cool playground in Westerville, took a long bike ride, went out to dinner together, and generally had an awesome time. We changed you into your monkey suit @ the playground since you got completely soaked there, and it was apropos for your gymnastics on Daddy at dinner. I think you forgot you weren’t at the playground anymore and when I got up and came back to the table, this is what I saw…
You loved wearing your monkey suit so much, you insisted on it at bedtime, to which I caved in and let you wear it, praying you wouldn’t roll over on the squeaker and wake yourself up!
You also melted Daddy’s heart by giving him 3 kisses on the lips @ bedtime. I think he’ll shave off his “fuzzy” (his goatee, as you call it), more often.
Audrey Ayi came over on Thursday to spend some time with us. You surprised us both by now calling her “Aud-ey” instead of “Awwa” as you have since you came home. You also strung together a pretty good phrase of “Audrey, more cheese please.” Wow! Overnight, all of a sudden, you are able to say all kinds of new things. It’s so cool! You also surprised the teachers at school by pointing out each of their cars to them. You blew Amy and Marie away! I can’t believe you noticed that either. You pay attention to everything!
Thursday evening brought an exciting event as we headed to the airport to welcome our friends home from China. They brought their little girl, Mia, home!! It was really exciting and brought back so many fond memories for us, bringing you home just a little over a year ago. We made a sign for her and held it up as they walked down the hallway. You looked so cute holding it…
It will be so fun to get to know Mia and watch you girls grow up together.
On Friday, Dad told me you insisted on re-wearing the glittery red, white, and blue outfit we had put you in for the airport on Thursday night. This was the first time you have expressed wanting to choose your own clothes for school. It was so cute.
We also spent Friday evening at the Shelton’s house for some homemade ice cream. Yummy! You played with your buddies Carter and Cassidy and you three were so adorable together.
I think I have my hands full though as you seem to be one of those kids who will do anything for a laugh. It was so funny to watch you do various silly things to try to make Carter and Cassidy giggle. When I pointed that out, Daddy said, “Gee, I wonder where she gets that?” (Daddy is the same way!) I just love watching you interact with others and enjoy yourself. You’re such a little ham.
Unfortunately, the evening ended a bit abruptly. Daddy and I were enjoying ourselves, talking to Bryan, Jenny, and Jennifer, while you slept on the couch with me, and Cassidy slept on Jenny’s lap (Carter was in bed). All of a sudden, you opened your eyes and puked all over the couch (and a little on me). I was so stunned, I wasn’t sure what to do at first. You seemed to be ok after a while, and by the next morning, you seemed back to normal (thank God), but it’s always scary when your kid gets sick. (Hopefully their poor couch was better by morning too!)
On Saturday, you went over to play at the neighbor’s house while Daddy and I went grocery shopping. Great Saturday night date, right? Well, we actually did enjoy it, even getting stuck in the slowest line on the planet, since we knew you were having a ball back home with Roman, Natalia, and Jenny. You absolutely love those guys! In fact, we joke that we think you believe that their house in just an extension of yours.
This weekend you also have really been enjoying playing with a grill that I got you from Once Upon a Child the other day. Who knew you’d fall in love with this toy – I think it’s the best $6.50 I have ever spent!
Here’s to another great week with you!
Love,
Mama
Well, it’s Monday morning and it was so hard to pull myself out of bed, where I was cozily snuggled up next to you. This weekend was nice because we had no major demands on our time, we watched a couple movies with you, and just spent time as family, but I still felt in a funk yesterday. Not sure why, but I couldn’t shake it, until we went to the park with you. We went to a park in Westerville and I climbed around with you for a while. You are getting so much better, climbing up and down all over the jungle gyms, so fearless and so much more coordinated. It made me smile to see how much progress you have made, not only since last summer, but just in the last 3-4 months! It’s funny how something as simple as watching your kid try things they have never tried before, and rejoicing in your adventurous spirit, can completely turn your mood around. I think I’ve said this before, but I’ll say it again, you are amazing Mali.
A week ago today, Daddy took the day off after a long weekend on call, so we all spent a nice family day together. We played on a new really cool playground in Westerville, took a long bike ride, went out to dinner together, and generally had an awesome time. We changed you into your monkey suit @ the playground since you got completely soaked there, and it was apropos for your gymnastics on Daddy at dinner. I think you forgot you weren’t at the playground anymore and when I got up and came back to the table, this is what I saw…
You loved wearing your monkey suit so much, you insisted on it at bedtime, to which I caved in and let you wear it, praying you wouldn’t roll over on the squeaker and wake yourself up!
You also melted Daddy’s heart by giving him 3 kisses on the lips @ bedtime. I think he’ll shave off his “fuzzy” (his goatee, as you call it), more often.
Audrey Ayi came over on Thursday to spend some time with us. You surprised us both by now calling her “Aud-ey” instead of “Awwa” as you have since you came home. You also strung together a pretty good phrase of “Audrey, more cheese please.” Wow! Overnight, all of a sudden, you are able to say all kinds of new things. It’s so cool! You also surprised the teachers at school by pointing out each of their cars to them. You blew Amy and Marie away! I can’t believe you noticed that either. You pay attention to everything!
Thursday evening brought an exciting event as we headed to the airport to welcome our friends home from China. They brought their little girl, Mia, home!! It was really exciting and brought back so many fond memories for us, bringing you home just a little over a year ago. We made a sign for her and held it up as they walked down the hallway. You looked so cute holding it…
It will be so fun to get to know Mia and watch you girls grow up together.
On Friday, Dad told me you insisted on re-wearing the glittery red, white, and blue outfit we had put you in for the airport on Thursday night. This was the first time you have expressed wanting to choose your own clothes for school. It was so cute.
We also spent Friday evening at the Shelton’s house for some homemade ice cream. Yummy! You played with your buddies Carter and Cassidy and you three were so adorable together.
I think I have my hands full though as you seem to be one of those kids who will do anything for a laugh. It was so funny to watch you do various silly things to try to make Carter and Cassidy giggle. When I pointed that out, Daddy said, “Gee, I wonder where she gets that?” (Daddy is the same way!) I just love watching you interact with others and enjoy yourself. You’re such a little ham.
Unfortunately, the evening ended a bit abruptly. Daddy and I were enjoying ourselves, talking to Bryan, Jenny, and Jennifer, while you slept on the couch with me, and Cassidy slept on Jenny’s lap (Carter was in bed). All of a sudden, you opened your eyes and puked all over the couch (and a little on me). I was so stunned, I wasn’t sure what to do at first. You seemed to be ok after a while, and by the next morning, you seemed back to normal (thank God), but it’s always scary when your kid gets sick. (Hopefully their poor couch was better by morning too!)
On Saturday, you went over to play at the neighbor’s house while Daddy and I went grocery shopping. Great Saturday night date, right? Well, we actually did enjoy it, even getting stuck in the slowest line on the planet, since we knew you were having a ball back home with Roman, Natalia, and Jenny. You absolutely love those guys! In fact, we joke that we think you believe that their house in just an extension of yours.
This weekend you also have really been enjoying playing with a grill that I got you from Once Upon a Child the other day. Who knew you’d fall in love with this toy – I think it’s the best $6.50 I have ever spent!
Here’s to another great week with you!
Love,
Mama
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Wrapped the weekend up with a day @ the fair!
Maliana ~ Here is your week, in a nutshell.
August 2nd, 2010 ~
Here is a text from your Wai Gong – the day after you went home from spending the night.
Dear Mali,
Me and all my backyard buddies miss you very much! We all eagerly await your return and can't wait to hear you laugh and see you make all of those goofy faces. My mighty limb will be ready to swing you and leaves will protect you from the sun!
We luh lu!
Mr. Ash Tree
and Wai Gong & Co.
Tuesday was a doozy. Oh boy – what is going on? I picked you up at daycare and you were soooo cranky, fighting me every step of the way. I even had to give you a time out once at the car for hitting and kicking when I picked you up to carry you to the car! Wow, you are stubborn! But, I also had to stifle a laugh as you mimicked me later, after time out, holding my chin and making me look at you, saying “Look at me” (just like I do to you when I want to make eye contact to make sure you are listening). You are such the little big shot.
Once home, I realized that this particular day you were extremely tired (sleeping 3 hours for nap!), but also you have been more obstinent upon leaving school lately anyway. Dawdling, goofing around, insisting on walking out on your own, stopping to wash your hands before we leave, etc, etc…it’s driving me crazy since it takes nearly 10 min to leave school. I suppose it’s part of your developmental stuff (increased independence and all), but geesh! I also know your favorite teacher, Miss Amy, has not been there the last few days, so perhaps that is the problem too. You have not been pottying for any other teachers either. You must really like Miss Amy.
Aside from not pottying for any other teachers, at home you are a bit overzealous on your quest for M&M’s! You will go potty a few drops, then get your M&M, then about 5 minutes later head back for a few more drops and another M&M. Way to work the system, kid – you’re no fool! Tuesday brought one of your first really purposeful poops on the potty which resulted in the coveted two M&M reward. Below is a photo of your triumph – two thumbs up!
Sorry for the graphic nature of the photo - no one necessarily wants to see poo, but hey, this is a BIG deal!!
Singing along with John Denver in the car is another joy of yours this week. You really do know the chorus for Country Roads. I’ve got to try to get this on film, it’s so dang cute!
Well, on Wednesday the box was not checked for “kept hands and feet to myself” on your progress report at school, so I asked the teacher and Miss Adrienne said you are starting to swipe at other kids. Although, I am not so sure you understand what you are doing because when they told you that it was not nice and asked if you would like that kid to do that to you, you emphatically said “yes!” with a big grin. We’ll have to keep working on this one. I guess you have to take the good with the bad when it comes to things you are learning at school. However, this must not be hurting your relationships with other kids since upon leaving school today, things got kind of crazy. Not only did the kids want to give you a hug today (as usual), but they literally jumped off their cots and swarmed you! It was like you were the latest celebrity. I had to pick you up and out of their reach as some of the kids even started fighting with each other to get to you! It was surreal. I know you’re lovable and all but, what is up with that?
Lao Lao came to pick you up tonight after work and you went for ice cream and to the playground. You had a ball and came home in such a good mood, all silly and full of giggles. You definitely love life!
This afternoon I also surprised you with your big girl bed that Daddy had put together late last night. Your reaction could not have been more priceless and thankfully I got a little video of it. You wouldn’t sleep in it for naptime, insisting on sleeping in our bed and wanting “hugs” (aka to snuggle with me). Who am I to argue, right? But you did go to sleep there at bedtime, until about 2am anyway! Pretty good for a first night, I’d say! Although, I definitely had my own selfish misgivings about you sleeping on your own. I went into your room and kissed you goodnight (again) before I went to our bedroom, but it felt so weird. You seemed so tiny in there. I know it’s all part of growing up, but I missed you not being asleep next to me when I climbed into bed. Oh well. I suppose this is one of many firsts that will be hard for me as you grow into the beautiful young woman you are destined to be…I guess I’d better get used to it.
On Thursday night, Mamaw and Papaw stayed with you for a couple hours while Dad and I went out to grab a much needed beer. You had fun and when we got back, Papaw said you were a "ball o' fire"! Yep, you sure are a busy little lady!
On Friday morning, we had a talk with you about keeping your hands and feet to yourself at school, both at home and then Daddy did again right before dropping you off. When I picked you up, you had done just that all morning at school. I was very pleasantly surprised with that and so very proud of you for listening, and taking to heart, what we had asked of you!
On Saturday morning, I took you running with Abby. I love my morning runs, however they look much different than they used to - you were in the stroller eating your yogurt and cheerios for breakfast, as Abby ran alongside us, and about half the run, I was talking to Lao Lao on the cell's speaker phone! I'm getting pretty good at mult-tasking these days. You seem to enjoy these runs as well, every time I put on my running shoes, asking if I am going running and wanting to come too. We got out your butterfly net once home and walked up and down the street looking for bugs. You and your bugs! Thanks to Wai Gong, you do a great impression of a locust too.
We took you with us a little later to talk to some people at a seminar for EAC about adoption and to tell our story. It is really important to both Daddy and I to give back and help other people who are interested in adopting, since our experience has been so absolutely wonderful with you. I can't imagine you not being a part of our family.
Then tonight, I watched a video about an organization (ICC - International Concern for Children China) that helps many children (including those with disabiliites) of China to either stay in their birth families, or if that is not possible, have a better quality of life in general, participating within their communities, etc. It was extremely touching and really put things in perspective again with the situation in China. I ended up in tears as I thought about the difficult decision it had to have been for your birth parents to give you up in the hopes of a better life. I often think about how they are missing all of the amazing things that you do every day. They don't know how smart you are, how funny you are, how kind, friendly, and loving you are...the list could go on and on. It really makes me want to be able to take you back to China someday (of course, only if you would want to as well) and visit the village where you were born, where you were found (in front of a hospital), and perhaps even put up posters in an attempt to locate any members of your birth family. I know this is a sensitive area for many people who were adopted, so of course we would never do this without your permission and complete willingness, however I just want you to know that Daddy and I are more than willing and would love to be able to go on this journey with you, should you ever feel the need to learn more about your heritage, your beginnings, your birth family, and any other aspects of your past that we can try to piece together with you. Once I was done watching the video, you came over to me as I sat there crying. You gave me a hug, then said, "Happy?" Of course, I said that yes, I was sad but that your hug cheered me up and helped me feel better, and that you can always make me happy. Then Daddy and I started singing "You are My Sunshine" to you, however you countered with "Sunshine on my Shoulders", complete with the arm motions that I do for you in the car (I didn't even know you were paying attention) - it was the most adorable thing! You kept singing it for us and then every time you would give me a hug, you'd say "Happy?" I was laughing in a few short minutes. You are amazing! Yes, you definitely help me feel happy!
So, after all the emotion of last night from watching that video and thinking about you and how you came into this world, we took it somewhat easy, relaxed and had some fun today. On Sunday, Lao Lao and I decided to take you to the Ohio State Fair, your first trip ever. It was a blast! You did really well, with your favorite thing, by far, being the petting zoo. You zipped all over that place, from animal to animal, feeding them carrots and asking for more and more quarters to keep getting more feed out of the little vending machines. You were a riot! I love that you are such an animal lover, just like Daddy and I, and really everyone in our family actually.
You also rode your first carousel with me. You weren’t so sure about the carousel horses though, so we sat on one of the benches, but you enjoyed it all the same. We pretended to give the carousel horses carrots (just like Wai Gong and Lao Lao used to do with me) and you loved it! Then Lao Lao took you on another ride called Monkey Mahem. Very appropriate name for you, I thought! You had fun with that too and did really well. However, when we tried you on the actual pony rides, you weren’t having that at all. We tried twice, the first time you wouldn’t even sit on the pony, but the second time you did, however as soon as the pony even changed positions of his feet and moved a bit, you were outta there! I guess we’ll try it next year.
We watched the pig races too and I was surprised by how much you got into cheering for the pigs. Who knew you were a racing fan? You just kept yelling “Yay piggy!!” and clapping like crazy. Then Lao Lao and I took you over to the Department of Natural Resources section and Lao Lao had Smokey the Bear say hi to you by name. It’s this huge, and I mean huge, mechanical statue of Smokey that talks to all the kids and waves. When he said, “Hi Maliana”, you brought your sunglasses down on your nose and looked at him as if to say, “Smokey Bear say what?!?” It was hysterical! In fact, all day long, you had Lao Lao and I cracking up at all of your various antics. We also ran across a bluegrass band and you of course had to jump up and begin dancing which was adorable. You are such a fun little kid!
Here you are with a little bluegrass air guitar! You go girl!
You fell fast asleep on the way home and slept for 2 ½ hours! Even after downing a nice sugary Icee right before the leaving the fair, you were pretty exhausted after such a long day. It was a really great way to spend the last day of the weekend.
Love,
Mama
August 2nd, 2010 ~
Here is a text from your Wai Gong – the day after you went home from spending the night.
Dear Mali,
Me and all my backyard buddies miss you very much! We all eagerly await your return and can't wait to hear you laugh and see you make all of those goofy faces. My mighty limb will be ready to swing you and leaves will protect you from the sun!
We luh lu!
Mr. Ash Tree
and Wai Gong & Co.
Tuesday was a doozy. Oh boy – what is going on? I picked you up at daycare and you were soooo cranky, fighting me every step of the way. I even had to give you a time out once at the car for hitting and kicking when I picked you up to carry you to the car! Wow, you are stubborn! But, I also had to stifle a laugh as you mimicked me later, after time out, holding my chin and making me look at you, saying “Look at me” (just like I do to you when I want to make eye contact to make sure you are listening). You are such the little big shot.
Once home, I realized that this particular day you were extremely tired (sleeping 3 hours for nap!), but also you have been more obstinent upon leaving school lately anyway. Dawdling, goofing around, insisting on walking out on your own, stopping to wash your hands before we leave, etc, etc…it’s driving me crazy since it takes nearly 10 min to leave school. I suppose it’s part of your developmental stuff (increased independence and all), but geesh! I also know your favorite teacher, Miss Amy, has not been there the last few days, so perhaps that is the problem too. You have not been pottying for any other teachers either. You must really like Miss Amy.
Aside from not pottying for any other teachers, at home you are a bit overzealous on your quest for M&M’s! You will go potty a few drops, then get your M&M, then about 5 minutes later head back for a few more drops and another M&M. Way to work the system, kid – you’re no fool! Tuesday brought one of your first really purposeful poops on the potty which resulted in the coveted two M&M reward. Below is a photo of your triumph – two thumbs up!
Sorry for the graphic nature of the photo - no one necessarily wants to see poo, but hey, this is a BIG deal!!
Singing along with John Denver in the car is another joy of yours this week. You really do know the chorus for Country Roads. I’ve got to try to get this on film, it’s so dang cute!
Well, on Wednesday the box was not checked for “kept hands and feet to myself” on your progress report at school, so I asked the teacher and Miss Adrienne said you are starting to swipe at other kids. Although, I am not so sure you understand what you are doing because when they told you that it was not nice and asked if you would like that kid to do that to you, you emphatically said “yes!” with a big grin. We’ll have to keep working on this one. I guess you have to take the good with the bad when it comes to things you are learning at school. However, this must not be hurting your relationships with other kids since upon leaving school today, things got kind of crazy. Not only did the kids want to give you a hug today (as usual), but they literally jumped off their cots and swarmed you! It was like you were the latest celebrity. I had to pick you up and out of their reach as some of the kids even started fighting with each other to get to you! It was surreal. I know you’re lovable and all but, what is up with that?
Lao Lao came to pick you up tonight after work and you went for ice cream and to the playground. You had a ball and came home in such a good mood, all silly and full of giggles. You definitely love life!
This afternoon I also surprised you with your big girl bed that Daddy had put together late last night. Your reaction could not have been more priceless and thankfully I got a little video of it. You wouldn’t sleep in it for naptime, insisting on sleeping in our bed and wanting “hugs” (aka to snuggle with me). Who am I to argue, right? But you did go to sleep there at bedtime, until about 2am anyway! Pretty good for a first night, I’d say! Although, I definitely had my own selfish misgivings about you sleeping on your own. I went into your room and kissed you goodnight (again) before I went to our bedroom, but it felt so weird. You seemed so tiny in there. I know it’s all part of growing up, but I missed you not being asleep next to me when I climbed into bed. Oh well. I suppose this is one of many firsts that will be hard for me as you grow into the beautiful young woman you are destined to be…I guess I’d better get used to it.
On Thursday night, Mamaw and Papaw stayed with you for a couple hours while Dad and I went out to grab a much needed beer. You had fun and when we got back, Papaw said you were a "ball o' fire"! Yep, you sure are a busy little lady!
On Friday morning, we had a talk with you about keeping your hands and feet to yourself at school, both at home and then Daddy did again right before dropping you off. When I picked you up, you had done just that all morning at school. I was very pleasantly surprised with that and so very proud of you for listening, and taking to heart, what we had asked of you!
On Saturday morning, I took you running with Abby. I love my morning runs, however they look much different than they used to - you were in the stroller eating your yogurt and cheerios for breakfast, as Abby ran alongside us, and about half the run, I was talking to Lao Lao on the cell's speaker phone! I'm getting pretty good at mult-tasking these days. You seem to enjoy these runs as well, every time I put on my running shoes, asking if I am going running and wanting to come too. We got out your butterfly net once home and walked up and down the street looking for bugs. You and your bugs! Thanks to Wai Gong, you do a great impression of a locust too.
We took you with us a little later to talk to some people at a seminar for EAC about adoption and to tell our story. It is really important to both Daddy and I to give back and help other people who are interested in adopting, since our experience has been so absolutely wonderful with you. I can't imagine you not being a part of our family.
Then tonight, I watched a video about an organization (ICC - International Concern for Children China) that helps many children (including those with disabiliites) of China to either stay in their birth families, or if that is not possible, have a better quality of life in general, participating within their communities, etc. It was extremely touching and really put things in perspective again with the situation in China. I ended up in tears as I thought about the difficult decision it had to have been for your birth parents to give you up in the hopes of a better life. I often think about how they are missing all of the amazing things that you do every day. They don't know how smart you are, how funny you are, how kind, friendly, and loving you are...the list could go on and on. It really makes me want to be able to take you back to China someday (of course, only if you would want to as well) and visit the village where you were born, where you were found (in front of a hospital), and perhaps even put up posters in an attempt to locate any members of your birth family. I know this is a sensitive area for many people who were adopted, so of course we would never do this without your permission and complete willingness, however I just want you to know that Daddy and I are more than willing and would love to be able to go on this journey with you, should you ever feel the need to learn more about your heritage, your beginnings, your birth family, and any other aspects of your past that we can try to piece together with you. Once I was done watching the video, you came over to me as I sat there crying. You gave me a hug, then said, "Happy?" Of course, I said that yes, I was sad but that your hug cheered me up and helped me feel better, and that you can always make me happy. Then Daddy and I started singing "You are My Sunshine" to you, however you countered with "Sunshine on my Shoulders", complete with the arm motions that I do for you in the car (I didn't even know you were paying attention) - it was the most adorable thing! You kept singing it for us and then every time you would give me a hug, you'd say "Happy?" I was laughing in a few short minutes. You are amazing! Yes, you definitely help me feel happy!
So, after all the emotion of last night from watching that video and thinking about you and how you came into this world, we took it somewhat easy, relaxed and had some fun today. On Sunday, Lao Lao and I decided to take you to the Ohio State Fair, your first trip ever. It was a blast! You did really well, with your favorite thing, by far, being the petting zoo. You zipped all over that place, from animal to animal, feeding them carrots and asking for more and more quarters to keep getting more feed out of the little vending machines. You were a riot! I love that you are such an animal lover, just like Daddy and I, and really everyone in our family actually.
You also rode your first carousel with me. You weren’t so sure about the carousel horses though, so we sat on one of the benches, but you enjoyed it all the same. We pretended to give the carousel horses carrots (just like Wai Gong and Lao Lao used to do with me) and you loved it! Then Lao Lao took you on another ride called Monkey Mahem. Very appropriate name for you, I thought! You had fun with that too and did really well. However, when we tried you on the actual pony rides, you weren’t having that at all. We tried twice, the first time you wouldn’t even sit on the pony, but the second time you did, however as soon as the pony even changed positions of his feet and moved a bit, you were outta there! I guess we’ll try it next year.
We watched the pig races too and I was surprised by how much you got into cheering for the pigs. Who knew you were a racing fan? You just kept yelling “Yay piggy!!” and clapping like crazy. Then Lao Lao and I took you over to the Department of Natural Resources section and Lao Lao had Smokey the Bear say hi to you by name. It’s this huge, and I mean huge, mechanical statue of Smokey that talks to all the kids and waves. When he said, “Hi Maliana”, you brought your sunglasses down on your nose and looked at him as if to say, “Smokey Bear say what?!?” It was hysterical! In fact, all day long, you had Lao Lao and I cracking up at all of your various antics. We also ran across a bluegrass band and you of course had to jump up and begin dancing which was adorable. You are such a fun little kid!
Here you are with a little bluegrass air guitar! You go girl!
You fell fast asleep on the way home and slept for 2 ½ hours! Even after downing a nice sugary Icee right before the leaving the fair, you were pretty exhausted after such a long day. It was a really great way to spend the last day of the weekend.
Love,
Mama
Sunday, August 1, 2010
First Sleepover (& some other fun stuff!)
Maliana ~
You have had some week! I'll start with the end and work my way back this time (forgive me if I jump around a bit). This morning, you came home from your first sleepover away from home! You stayed with Wai Gong, Gma Lisa, and Uncle Blaize and had a ball! When we picked you up, Wai Gong said to me, "She is so freakin' cool!" (Um, yeah, I know, hee hee). You had pizza, went on a nature walk around the pond behind their house, played on their trampoline, Uncle Blaize read you a bed-time story, then you all laid down on blankets in front of their fireplace and slept all night, then up in the morning for heart-shaped pancakes, and more playing. Daddy and I came to get you about noon and you did super! Only one time, right at bed-time when they turned out the lights, did you ask for "Mama?" and when Gma Lisa explained that we would be back in the morning, you were totally fine. I'm so proud of you, you are such a big girl! When we came to pick you up, you were so tired that you fell asleep within about 5 minutes of being in the car. However, not before we passed a completely different La Petite Academy (a franchise of your school) and you recognized the sign and asked "Maliana's school?". Wow - pretty good in my opinion! Anyway, I hope you enjoy the following pictures of your latest adventure (your first sleepover)!
This afternoon, after a much needed two hour nap, you, Daddy, and I, along with Shawn and Jen, took the dogs to Hoover for a walk and a swim (for the dogs anyway). But not before you and Jen took a moment to get sassy! LOL I just love this photo!
Saturday morning was great for you and Dad - you had a breakfast date! Daddy took you with him to get his hair cut, then you both went to Don Scott Airfield to watch the planes, and had breakfast at McDonald's. I love that you guys got to spend some serious quality Daddy/daughter time together. You both came home beaming!
You just keep loving school more and more with each day, wanting to give your teachers hugs before you leave, and now giving pretty much every kid from your classroom to the front door hugs too. Many of the kids know you by name and even stand up on their knees on their cots with their arms outstretched, waiting for their hug from you. It is so cute and pretty hilarious!
You also warmed my heart this week too on a simple trip to Lowe's to get a new faucet...here's why. When I was a little girl, I used to love going to the hardware store with my dad (your Wai Gong), to get any number of things. To this day, one of my favorite scents is the smell of a hardware store. So, when you got excited running up and down the aisles, even wanting to help carry out our new faucet, it brought me a little smile. Like mother, like daughter, I guess.
I surprisingly found out that you love John Denver too, nearly as much as I do! I was giving you a bath on Wednesday night and began singing "Country Roads" to you. Well, you loved it so much, that I went and dug out the CD and started playing it for you. You then wanted me to keep replaying "Country Roads" as well as "Sunshine on my Shoulders", over and over again. It was adorable! You even began picking up on some of the lyrics and singing along (e.g. each word at the end of a line like "road" "home" "place" "belong" "mama" "happy" "lovely", etc). I love that you are so musical at only two!
Naptime one day was especially sweet when you pulled my hand over across your belly (which you have become fond of doing lately) and cuddled with me...then when you thought I was asleep, you got up and leaned over to kiss my forehead ever so sweetly. OMG - talk about melting my heart! It was another one of those moments I'd like to freeze in time.
And finally, on Friday night we decided to try out the big girl underwear for real, as well as bust out the m & m's for potty training. Basically, it is sort of an experiment as I'm not so sure how consistent I can be yet with the training. Anyway, you are definitely motivated by chocolate - let me tell you! Within two minutes of telling you how it was going to "go down" - you had hopped on your potty and had a good tinkle, excitedly yelling for an m & m! We haven't had you in your underwear the entire weekend, but when we did have you in them, you didn't have even one accident! Perhaps next weekend we'll stay home and really put this whole potty thing to the test. You are definitely smart enough to do this, we'll just have to see if there is enough muscle control and awareness to follow through with it too.
Here is a picture of you in your "big girl" Ni Hao Kai Lan underwear - with Daddy bravely letting you sit on his shoulders (I guess we were pretty confident in "no accidents", weren't we?)
It's so exciting, way to go sweetie!
Love,
Mama
You have had some week! I'll start with the end and work my way back this time (forgive me if I jump around a bit). This morning, you came home from your first sleepover away from home! You stayed with Wai Gong, Gma Lisa, and Uncle Blaize and had a ball! When we picked you up, Wai Gong said to me, "She is so freakin' cool!" (Um, yeah, I know, hee hee). You had pizza, went on a nature walk around the pond behind their house, played on their trampoline, Uncle Blaize read you a bed-time story, then you all laid down on blankets in front of their fireplace and slept all night, then up in the morning for heart-shaped pancakes, and more playing. Daddy and I came to get you about noon and you did super! Only one time, right at bed-time when they turned out the lights, did you ask for "Mama?" and when Gma Lisa explained that we would be back in the morning, you were totally fine. I'm so proud of you, you are such a big girl! When we came to pick you up, you were so tired that you fell asleep within about 5 minutes of being in the car. However, not before we passed a completely different La Petite Academy (a franchise of your school) and you recognized the sign and asked "Maliana's school?". Wow - pretty good in my opinion! Anyway, I hope you enjoy the following pictures of your latest adventure (your first sleepover)!
This afternoon, after a much needed two hour nap, you, Daddy, and I, along with Shawn and Jen, took the dogs to Hoover for a walk and a swim (for the dogs anyway). But not before you and Jen took a moment to get sassy! LOL I just love this photo!
Saturday morning was great for you and Dad - you had a breakfast date! Daddy took you with him to get his hair cut, then you both went to Don Scott Airfield to watch the planes, and had breakfast at McDonald's. I love that you guys got to spend some serious quality Daddy/daughter time together. You both came home beaming!
You just keep loving school more and more with each day, wanting to give your teachers hugs before you leave, and now giving pretty much every kid from your classroom to the front door hugs too. Many of the kids know you by name and even stand up on their knees on their cots with their arms outstretched, waiting for their hug from you. It is so cute and pretty hilarious!
You also warmed my heart this week too on a simple trip to Lowe's to get a new faucet...here's why. When I was a little girl, I used to love going to the hardware store with my dad (your Wai Gong), to get any number of things. To this day, one of my favorite scents is the smell of a hardware store. So, when you got excited running up and down the aisles, even wanting to help carry out our new faucet, it brought me a little smile. Like mother, like daughter, I guess.
I surprisingly found out that you love John Denver too, nearly as much as I do! I was giving you a bath on Wednesday night and began singing "Country Roads" to you. Well, you loved it so much, that I went and dug out the CD and started playing it for you. You then wanted me to keep replaying "Country Roads" as well as "Sunshine on my Shoulders", over and over again. It was adorable! You even began picking up on some of the lyrics and singing along (e.g. each word at the end of a line like "road" "home" "place" "belong" "mama" "happy" "lovely", etc). I love that you are so musical at only two!
Naptime one day was especially sweet when you pulled my hand over across your belly (which you have become fond of doing lately) and cuddled with me...then when you thought I was asleep, you got up and leaned over to kiss my forehead ever so sweetly. OMG - talk about melting my heart! It was another one of those moments I'd like to freeze in time.
And finally, on Friday night we decided to try out the big girl underwear for real, as well as bust out the m & m's for potty training. Basically, it is sort of an experiment as I'm not so sure how consistent I can be yet with the training. Anyway, you are definitely motivated by chocolate - let me tell you! Within two minutes of telling you how it was going to "go down" - you had hopped on your potty and had a good tinkle, excitedly yelling for an m & m! We haven't had you in your underwear the entire weekend, but when we did have you in them, you didn't have even one accident! Perhaps next weekend we'll stay home and really put this whole potty thing to the test. You are definitely smart enough to do this, we'll just have to see if there is enough muscle control and awareness to follow through with it too.
Here is a picture of you in your "big girl" Ni Hao Kai Lan underwear - with Daddy bravely letting you sit on his shoulders (I guess we were pretty confident in "no accidents", weren't we?)
It's so exciting, way to go sweetie!
Love,
Mama
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