Niubei is finally home! (and a bunch of other really cool stuff!)

Maliana ~

Well, the highlight of the week was welcoming your new friend, Niubei Grace, home from China. You were so excited, talking about her all day long on Thursday, and then patiently waiting for her with your sign and balloon at the airport. She is sooo adorable and you really enjoyed finally meeting her after sooo many months of talking about her and looking at her pictures.

After the airport, we took some groceries back to their house, and when we got there you could not stop squealing with excitement. We had to keep telling you to "ssshhh...use your inside voice". You were just so ecstatic that the Metz's are home. You were also able to get to know Bei Bei just a little bit too. You were so sweet with each other and, all on your own, you even helped to put her shoes back on her feet at one point, ever so gently (which really warmed my heart). I can already tell that you two are going to become fast friends. Bei Bei's facial expressions and some of her mannerisms reminded me so much of you when you were first home...and you both are so silly. We can already tell Niubei has a great sense of humor, just like you. We were joking that we can already tell that you and Niubei may very well be the two little girls that run off together and come back with a silly skit to perform for all of the adults. (I can't wait!)

Now, as for the other really cool stuff I mentioned in the title for this entry ...

So, earlier in the week, I picked you up from school and when you got in the car and saw the library books for you on the front seat, you gasped, and said loudly and incredulously, "Aaahhhhh...Library Books!?!?!?!" You were so excited and I love it!! A love of books is wonderful!!

On Tuesday, we went for a hike at Blacklick Metro Park and had a great time together. Unfortunately, you had a meltdown as we left, and almost all the way home, because you did not want to leave. When we arrived home, we had to do our latest measure in "terrible two attitude adjustment" and so you "took a break" in your room, getting all of your crying, anger, and frustration out, in privacy. It actually is working really well, with you putzing around for about 5-10 minutes, then emerging on your own and yelling "Mama! All done crying!" You came out and were back to yourself, before the tantrum. I am actually amazed at your maturity kiddo...I just love it when something like this works.

On Wednesday, we discovered a new nature area, Minerva Lake, with Audrey Ayi. We originally went over there to feed ducks, and realized the entire area is gorgeous! We'll definitely have to come back for more exploring later.

On Thursday, before the airport, we met Michelle and Mia at the mall and, after over a month, you finally got to play with Mia! As we left school that day, you were telling all of your teachers that you were going to go play with Mia now. It was so cute. You both had a ball together and it was so good to see both Michelle and Mia, out and about. They are doing great and you girls loved playing on the Tuttle Shuttle play area...needless to say, Thursday was a very very exciting day!!

On the way out of Tuttle, you were perusing the displays in the jewelry section and telling me "Look eyes Mama, No touch!" I had to laugh (as did another woman who was shopping)...I guess you really are listening to me when I tell you things. You also were pretty cute as you looked at all of the pretty bobbles and said "oooohhhhh wow...", making yet another fellow shopper giggle to herself and nudge her husband to watch you.

On Friday, you got to play with another new friend, Jack. He is the son of an old elementary school friend of mine, Pam. It was great to see them and you both ran your mama's ragged on the playground...you were so busy, it was hard to keep up with you both ~ it wore us all out!

Miley Cyrus has also been a big thing this week...jammin' to her "Party in the USA" multiple times a day. We have a whole routine of hand motions and you do every single one from the backseat of the car, while singing along. I wish I could get this on film, however if texting is now illegal while driving, I'd hate to think of how much they'd fine me if they caught me filming while driving!

Saturday morning brought your 2nd "Rock my Bao Bao class". Lao Lao came with us and had a great time. The other parents there are so nice and I have a feeling this class is going to be good for all of us!

You also surprised me with another first this week, "reading" (well, reciting) a book to me while we both went potty together. It was a book that Audrey Ayi bought you while visiting Pittsburgh's Warhol Museum. I couldn't believe you read the whole thing to me! I love that you love to read so much. It really makes me happy since reading is such a valuable tool and I have gotten so much enjoyment out of a good book in my own life. I love sharing that with you too!

Saturday afternoon we went to a cookout at Uncle Joe and Tina's house and I was so proud of you...you went potty four times while there and never had one accident. It was AWESOME! You played so well with the other kids there and I am constantly amazed at your friendliness and good nature with others. You are an exceptional person, Maliana.

Sunday we had Mamaw and Papaw over for dinner. You went to the store with me and helped me pick out the ingredients we needed, then once home, you helped me put the casserole together. We had another one of those moments that I wished I could freeze in time forever again. As you patiently stood by my side at the stove (boosted up by standing on a chair), watching me put the casserole together (and waiting for a place where you could help), you reached over and slowly began stroking my arm, up and down, for quite a while. When I said, "I love you"...you softly said back, "I love you too" in your sweet little voice. It was one of the kindest gestures from you, all on your own. In fact, you have been doing more and more of these sensitive and delicate, loving little gestures lately, and I absolutely adore them. I love that you feel loved enough to share that with others, giving back these tender little moments, because that is what you have learned to feel for yourself. It means so much. Like I said before, you are an exceptional person, Maliana...oh, so exceptional.

Love,
Mama