First week back and nothing like jumping right back into life @ home!

Maliana ~

This week, as mentioned before, we jumped right back into the routine. It's been a tough adjustment, but we're making it.

On Wednesday when you woke up, you insisted on wearing your "Made in China" shirt again, dirt and all. When I told Lao Lao that I was sure that you'd smell "interesting" after school today, she said it reminded her of me and all of my clothing "obsessions" when I was little too. That night, you also had your first middle of the night pee, waking me up @ 2am and telling me you had to pee! It's definitely progress so way to go girl!

When Daddy woke up on Thursday morning, he found both you and Abby asleep (you on the loveseat and Abby on the couch) in the living room. No idea why (or when) you both went out there (since you were both asleep in bed when I left at a quarter til 6am), but I thought it was really sweet that Abby didn't let you sleep out there alone. She loves her little sister!

Thursday night, you, Lao Lao, Uncles Flint and Forge, and I all went to the Columbus Zoo for their Wildlights preview night. It was really pretty and you were soooo crazy! You ran and ran, laughing and being silly with all of us all night. I don't know how you were still standing by the time we got home since you only had a 45 minute nap @ school today, but you were still raring to go even at 10pm. It was the first Christmas lights we've seen this season and I am starting to feel more in the Christmas spirit. You are going to be so much fun this year!

checking out Santa Claus...you actually did go up with me and get your picture taken (on my lap), but you have yet to venture up all by yourself. of course, we still have a month until Christmas (who knows!)

On Friday, you, Lao Lao, and I went to the parade and Christmas tree lighting at Easton. It was super pretty and when they lit the tree, they lit all of the shop lights too and even lit off fireworks. None of us were expecting the fireworks and it freaked you out a bit, but I think you still really enjoyed it.

That night when we got home, you insisted on reading your Human Body book to Daddy and I. It's a pretty detailed book that Uncle Flint got for you, all about all of the parts of the human body, inside and out. I love when you say human body too because you pronounce it like "yewma bobby". It is super cute! In fact, skipping ahead to Saturday night, we had Memaw and Papaw over for dinner and to look at the Hawaii pictures. During dinner, you had to go potty and proceeded to sit on the potty and read this particular book to yourself, saying "yewma bobby" every time you'd turn a page. I snuck in to take a video of you doing this and we all had a good chuckle at how cute you are. Unfortunately, I can't get it to upload to this blog, but trust me, it's adorable!

On Saturday morning, you and I went to a dental check up, your first ever! You wouldn't let them do much, but you did pretty well overall, especially considering how many people (even adults) are afraid of the dentist. You sat on my lap during some of my cleaning and were very interested in what they were doing to my mouth. While you wouldn't let the hygienist get near your mouth at all, you did cooperate better with the dentist. After she counted your teeth, we showed her how we brush your teeth and she said we were doing a great job and to keep it up. Yay Mali!

Mommy's done, now it's Mali's turn!

the hygienist tried so hard, but no way ~ you weren't having any part of it!



doing better with the dentist who is attempting to count your teeth



smile pretty!

On Sunday morning, you and I cleaned your room and went through your toys to pick some out to give away to other less fortunate kids. I explained how some kids don't have any toys at all and it would make them very happy if you could share yours with them. After some explaining, you got into it and willingly helped me fill an entire lawn trash bag with toys. I am so proud of you. When we explained what we were doing to Daddy, I asked you how the kids would feel after they got your old toys and you said "happy!" with a big smile. That makes me happy to know that you are truly getting into the spirit of giving already this year.

Love,
Mama

Aloha, Mahalo, Shaka!!!

Maui, Hawaii ~ What can I say? I think this was the absolute best vacation I have ever had, making it even better because I spent it with you and Daddy, our first family vacation! We met Lindsey and Micah at the airport in the morning, and while they flew on another airplane, we all spent one glorious fun-filled week together.

You were so excited to ride on the airplane. Buckling yourself, and Winnie the Pooh, into your seat and telling him, “It’s like a ride, up and down, ok?” (just like what I kept telling you). You initially freaked out at take-off, however by the third leg of the trip, you were a pro. You love your new pink headphones for the plane. You kept singing along, bobbing your head to the music. You even put them around your neck at one point and said, “Look Mama, Doctor!” pretending to have a stethoscope around your neck. Every time we’d get on a plane too, you’d be so anxious to go that you’d be saying “Go go go airplane!!” Every time we’d fly, people would get off the plane and compliment us on two things. One, how cute you were, and two, how well behaved you were on the plane. You did surprisingly well, even for such an arduous journey as traveling all the way to Hawaii. You are our amazing little traveler, which fits you perfectly into our family, as we love to get out and see the world as much as we are able!

all buckled in with winnie

thumbs up for our last leg to maui

Thank you to jet lag, you started the trip off with a bang at 4am and 2:30am the first two mornings in Hawaii, which wasn’t so bad because Ka’anapali Beach was gorgeous and such fun to explore. The first morning you asked me, “Music?” and then proceeded to turn on the alarm clock radio and we all danced our butts off to Poison by Bell Biv Devoe, (not a bad way to start a vacation I suppose!) That first morning we all ate breakfast at 6:30am at the hotel, and immediately headed down to check out the beach. Still in your clothes, you jumped into the ocean and then the sand, completely corn-dogging yourself. Then your pants got so weighted down by the water, eventually you lost them. It was hysterical! All week long, you were such a beach, ocean, and pool freak ~ I have never seen a kid more in love with water fun than you! I have said this before, and I’ll say it again, no matter where you are, you embrace life like no other and that is just one of the many things I love that about you. That first morning in Maui also marked the day you turned 32 months old, which also coincidentally was the first day that you have officially spent more time in our family than you had in the orphanage, since we met you at exactly 16 months old. Pretty cool milestone to celebrate in a tropical paradise together, if you ask me. The rest of the day, we all relaxed together at the beach. At one point, you Daddy and I all lay down on our towels and looked up at the sky and we taught you how to see different shapes in the clouds. Watching the various faces, animals, and shapes float by made for a neat family moment.

corn dog

sunbathing with daddy

This week, you have really grown close to Aunt Lindsey and now UNCLE Micah (they got engaged in the moonlight on the beach and we got to see it all!!) Not only have you had a ball with them (and vice versa), calling them "Linley" and "Micmah", even copying every little thing they do, but I think I have had just as much fun watching you deeply enjoy two more members of your ever expanding family. Micah was particularly funny on a couple occasions, using Lindsey's Droid to listen to music with you and then walking around, dancing with and singing to you. It was really sweet. Daddy and I sat watching you, numerous times on the trip, marveling at how well you adapt to your surroundings. Throughout this trip you have also fallen more deeply in love with the swimming pool, using your noodle and floaties like a pro ~ your swim teacher would be so proud!!

i think your smiles say it all

During the middle of the week, you and I took off into Lahaina while Daddy, Micah, and Lindsey all went zip lining up in the mountains. While they had their adventure, we had one of our own. We shopped in a bunch of the stores, right in downtown Lahaina, buying two different matching Hawaiian outfits for you, Daddy, and I to wear in some pretty pictures later this week. Then, we stopped for ice cream and ate it in a park in the middle of town where these huge banyan trees had their vines hanging down all over the place. It was a truly beautiful, "Mommy and Daughter" day in Hawaii. While we ate our ice cream, you and I both noticed what I can only guess was a homeless man, quietly reading a book on a bench very close to ours. Something in that moment tugged at my heart. Maybe it was feeling so blessed to be sitting there in that slice of paradise with you or maybe it was the aloha spirit, but as I watched you noticing him too, I realized I had a wonderful teaching moment in my hands. We finished our ice cream and got up, slowly walking over to him, and asking if he would allow us to treat him to an ice cream cone as we had just finished ours and they were quite good. He looked up at us with surprise and uncertainty at first, but eventually said that that would be very nice. He decided he wanted strawberry and so we marched back over to the ice cream shack together and got him a double scoop. We took it back over and gave it to him, wishing him a good day as he looked into our eyes and said "thank you" in one of the most sincerest of ways. As we walked away, I could tell you were wondering exactly what we had just done. So I took that moment to explain to you that that particular man may not have a home to sleep in at night, and just might spend the night sleeping outside. I told you that we were lucky to have a home, to take vacations, and be able to do something as seemingly simple as buy ourselves an ice cream cone when we wanted one. I finally told you that it is nice to share with others when we can, especially when we notice that they may not have as much as we do. I know that that ice cream cone was but a tiny drop in the bucket in comparison to what that man actually needed, however that was what we had to give on that particular day. I have no idea how much of that lesson sunk in for you, but hopefully it will be one of the first of many such lessons in your future. Any opportunity to teach random kindness is an opportunity worth taking in my opinion.

ice cream under the banyan trees

After our wonderful girls' Lahaina day, we went to a magic show that night. Lao Lao had bought Daddy and I (and all of us) front row seats to dinner and a show and it was AWESOME! There was Hawaiian dancing and the music was good but pretty loud, (you plugged your ears for a lot of the show and had a slightly glazed over look from the fatigue of jet lag), but overall really enjoyed it, and even made it through all 3 hours of it! Daddy and Lindsey actually got pulled into the act at different points, and at the very end, the magician made a point to come out and especially present just you with a huge chain of balloon doggies in front of the whole audience. I don't remember much of that, other than the gasps of  "awww" from the crowd when the spotlight hit you. It was all very sweet and you loved it. Afterwards, we walked back to the hotel room and the resort's Hawaiian band was playing John Lennon's Imagine. You and I stopped and slow danced to the rest of that beautiful song. You were so tired, you just laid your head on my shoulder. It was just one more of those "moments" with you that I wish I could freeze in time forever.

with the magician and all of your balloon doggies after the show

slow dancing with my favorite person in the world

I love all of the relaxed little things you have been doing on this trip too. You have never been more silly or laughed more continuously as you have while in Hawaii. I love it. For instance, you got up one morning and walked onto the balcony, saying “Morning Sunshine!” When I asked you the time one day, you said it was “1-2-3-4-5 minutes”, and you also are very interested in scuba divers with all of their gear, but you mistakenly think we are saying “drivers” so whenever you talk about them, you mimic driving a car. Hee hee. I really love how great you are now saying aloha, mahalo, and shaka ~ especially shaka as you do the “hang loose” sign with your hand, and in a kind of deeper and breathy voice you say “Shaaakkaaa!!” It is pretty funny. You also have been very sweet, noticing a boo-boo on my finger one day and after giving me a big hug, you went and got your silkie, which you proceeded to gently rub over my injury, no doubt trying to make me feel better. What a kid.

One day, we walked down the beach not far from our hotel. There is wonderful snorkeling there and while the adults took turns with the snorkel gear, you and I hung out in the water and actually got to swim with some sea turtles! It was so cool! They would swim right up to shore almost and we’d take the moss or seaweed off the rocks and they’d even let us feed them by hand. They were huge! You got the biggest kick out of it and were splashing and trying to swim to them like mad. When one swam right up to you, you giggled and said “Hiiii!!!” You are such a natural in water, a true water-baby!

Later that afternoon, we all hiked through some rain forest, trying to find a waterfall. No luck with that, but we saw some gorgeous landscape.

it was super windy that day

One morning, you got up and headed off to breakfast with Daddy (Lindsey and Micah) while I went for a run. You had a great time at Betty’s Café, a beautiful little restaurant right on the beach in Lahaina. Then later, we all took a ride on the Sugar Cane Train. It was loud, and just like at the magic show, you plugged your ears at first, but then somehow managed to fall asleep on the ride to Pu’ukulii. You did like it though and at our first stop, we all ate Hawaiian shaved ice and tried fresh pineapple from the farmers’ market there. It was delicious and we all got nice and juicy!

The last night there, we went to a traditional Hawaiian luau and it was fabulous. The night before, and then this night, we all wore our two different matching outfits. It was fun to get some cute pictures of us as a family, however you are such a stinker lately about cooperating with the camera! I have to get sneakier and sneakier about it. I guess your mamarazzi has finally worn out her welcome, but I’m still hoping it’s just a phase in your assertion of independence. Anyway, we ended up sitting next to a family at the luau where they had adopted from Korea many years ago, and their daughter is actually getting ready to adopt from Korea herself right now. They are just waiting to bring their grand-daughter home right now. Then the people on the other side, who had just gotten married that day, also were foster parents. We all got to talking briefly and it was really cool. We all agreed that whether it’s fostering or adoption, it’s been an amazing experience for us as parents. You ended up falling asleep, (jet lag is kicking your butt too), but we all had fun. The parts of the luau that you did see, you liked, and you ate a ton of food. And I’m glad that you got to at least see the fire-twirling finale, which only slightly freaked you out.

i just love matching our outfits ~ i hope you never outgrow liking it too!

an absolute angel

family kiss!

heading to the luau

up on stage, trying out our "hula hips"

being silly with daddy

i love our family

We were all a bit sad when it was time to depart Maui. The morning we left, our hotel had a special kukui nut lei ceremony that they do for all their guests. It gained its origins just after 9/11, when many guests travelling on United and American airlines were stranded there for nearly a month. At the ceremony, they hand out these kukui nut leis to each guest. They kiss you on the cheek as they put it around your neck, and talk about how it is a symbol of an aloha to the world. It is meant to somehow symbolize an everlasting connection of one soul to another, particularly as a remembrance in the instance of 9/11 to honor those fallen and as an offering to anyone who has lost a loved one. I, of course, cried. They told us that if we should come back to Hawaii, particularly to their hotel, they will restring the lei and add one special white cream color kukui nut, each time you return. Then they sang us all a song in Hawaiian about how we are all beloved. It was very special. I have never felt a place touch my soul like Hawaii. I really hope to all come back someday, I truly do.

mama, why are you crying?

We spent the day in Lahaina, before departing on our planes at nearly 10pm at night. You were so excited to ride the airplane again, saying “Woo hoo!” upon arriving at the airport. We all took turns, throughout the week, remarking on how awesome you have done, how proud we all are of you, and how much absolute fun we have had with you. We have all grown closer together this week and there are not two better people than Aunt “Linley” and Uncle “Micmah” with whom we could have shared our vacation. I honestly have never had a better time on vacation than I have on this one.

last night in hawaii, dinner @ the pupu lounge on our way to the airport

helping with the luggage cart @ the airport

You slept the entire first leg of the flight home (5 hours), and upon waking up, you asked if the plane was “broken” when we told you that we had to change airplanes. I guess that would make sense. The rest of the legs you only slept sporadically, however after every flight at least one (usually more) person would come up to us and tell us how well you did, what an angel you were on the flight, or what a pleasure it was to fly with you. You were so well behaved and seemed to enjoy yourself so thoroughly, and I think people got a kick out of seeing your silly antics too. You were pretty silly and loved getting drinks from the flight attendants off the drink cart ~ thinking you were “big stuff”.

Once (FINALLY) home, I put on our new IZ CD while I unpacked and you danced a naked hula boogie, which was hysterical! Then, for some reason, you got it in your head that you wanted to “go jogging” outside, choosing your red ‘Made in China’ t-shirt, pink embroidered jeans, and of course your running shoes. Then you went outside, and actually ran back and forth for a while on the sidewalk. Not sure what that was about, but you even insisted on sleeping in this outfit. We ended the night by your giving us what we are now calling “fish kisses”, consisting of making our puckered fish faces and then pressing our lips together for a long while, while we act like fish and, of course, kiss. It’s super sweet and one of the bigger kisses that either Daddy or I have gotten lately. I LOVE IT! What a great way to go to bed!

On Monday, after relaxing on Sunday, we decided it to be best to take you to school to try to get you back on your normal schedule as quickly as possible. Once we dropped you off, Daddy and I had breakfast. We reminisced about vacation, how it was so awesomely perfect. We also pondered that you must be somehow magical. This entire trip, your charisma has been working overtime and you just seem to have this special little spark, a magnetic quality about you that just draws people in and makes them fall in love with you, just by being you. Not only did you help to make this vacation spectacular for all involved, but you have also been such a remarkable addition to our family in general. Family members that never before had been able to, easily, come together have come together around you. I’m not quite sure what it is or how to define it, but all I know is that you have been a blessing, through and through. I just hope we can all be as much of a positive influence in your life, as you have been on ours already, in just the short time we’ve known you.

I love you, my “little magical naked hula girl”.

Mama

Hawaii Bound Baby!

Maliana ~

This will be a brief wrap up of this week so far, because...tomorrow we are flying to Maui for our first real family vacation!!!

In a nutshell, this week has included a deepened love of yours for "your friendly neighborhood Spiderman". Ha ha! The movies have been on all week and you have been glued to the TV anytime he pops his masked blue and red head onto the screen...I think you have some sort of crush, kiddo.

I also noticed this week that you had won a prize for your school's funny face contest the other week, and actually have your picture on a poster in their lobby. I wasn't surprised, you're my silly girl!

On Tuesday, I tried to sneak out of bed at 3am to get some medicine in the kitchen. However, you had heard me and a couple minutes later, I heard your soft little footsteps padding out into the kitchen after me, still rubbing your little eyes and gripping your silkie, you asked, "What happened Mommy?" When I told you I was sick and just needed some medicine, you asked, "Big hug?" and then proceeded to throw your little arms around my legs...stepping back to ask again, "Happy?" (your way of asking if I felt better). It was so sweet. But needless to say, we were both exhausted the rest of the day because it took you quite a while to get back to sleep and by then, it was my turn to get up and go to work at 5am. You did help me vote after school though, and then Daddy took you to Red Robin for dinner so that I could have a break and get some packing done. You both had a lot of fun on your "date".

You also have been doing really good at brushing your own teeth now. You pay such close attention when we've shown you how to brush all of your teeth, you nearly do it perfectly. We are so impressed with you (and it's so nice to not have any tears with that anymore!) You even get your "secret tooth" scrubbed too...(FYI this is the tooth that is erupting right in your cleft that is a bit hidden, so we've grown accustomed to calling it your "secret tooth" to make it sound special and fun :)

Wednesday, I took you to Giant Eagle for a bite to eat in their cafe after school. We had a blast, even at something so simple. Mainly because you were very animatedly telling me all sorts of stories over our meal...I couldn't catch a lot of them, but some of the topics included "going up and down", showing me how you do the splits, babies, airplanes, and much, much more. The best part to each story was the end when you would throw your head back and laugh to yourself...obviously some very humorous stuff! I just can't wait until I can understand all of your speech. You are such a hoot! After lunch we went to their bakery where you picked out a cookie and then took it, along with some money I gave you, to a cashier, put the cookie up on the belt, and then gave the cashier the money when she rung us up. You did this all on your own and were VERY proud of yourself! You strutted out of that store with your little bag like you were the best thing since sliced bread. I loved watching you (as did numerous other people that I caught smiling at you too :) In the evening, we took Lao Lao out for Indian food for her birthday. You made her a card and waited in our living room window for her, excited to wish her a happy birthday. Once again, you loved the Indian food...and I'm just so happy to have one more person to eat that cuisine with me!

Today, I think, will be a whirlwind of activity getting everything squared away for takeoff tomorrow. Aunt Lindsey and Uncle Micah will meet us there in Maui. They are both so excited to be coming along and Aunt Lindsey said she is looking forward to some good bonding time with you! It still only barely feels like we'll actually be going on this vacation. I don't think it will feel real until we're actually on the plane. Hopefully all goes smoothly. I'm a little nervous about your ears on the flight since I have a horrible time with the air pressure myself. Anyway, I'm sure we'll have a wonderful time, together as a family, on those beautiful beaches!!
~ Aloha Baby ~

Love,
Mama

We're back on track...Happy Halloween!!

Maliana ~

Hi sweetie! After a rather bumpy last week, this week has been much, much better for all of us ~ thank goodness! We are all on the upswing after some great, honest conversations between Daddy and I. That is one thing about your dad and I, our relationship may not be perfect (no one's is), but we have that communication thing nailed, which is half the battle in most cases. We are doing good and thankfully, in spite of having to go to school an hour earlier now, you are also doing well and looking forward to, and happy to be at, school this week. We are all doing better and I am so grateful.

Monday started with my getting to see you do some of your tumbling at school and it was so cute. You were thrilled to see me come a little early and be able to show off your hi-yah kicks, log rolls, and somersaults to me. When you realized that you were going to be able to show off a little, you did this hilarious leap into the air and landed right on your butt, laughing! It looked like it could have been a little painful, but you were absolutely unfazed. I took you out to the car later and I have to mention that you have also been buckling yourself in your car seat lately. Pretty impressive for 2 1/2 years old! Then tonight, you, Daddy, and I carved our pumpkins and you were so excited to light them. You squealed in delight as they came to life as jack-o-lanterns.

sorting the seeds

pumpkin guts



ewww...gross!



checking out the lit jack-o-lanterns

happy with our creations :)

Tuesday, a huge rainbow stretched across our neighborhood, looking spectacular against the sunset's golden puffs of clouds. We were actually able to see both sides of the arc and it was amazing. Of course, I always think of you when I see rainbows since that day that we got our first approval for adopting you from China. There was a double rainbow across the skies of Columbus. Needless to say, rainbows now have a special place in my heart because of you.

Wednesday, I was really exhausted. However, somehow you must have sensed that because you couldn't have been any more helpful. All on your own, you "helped" me get my clothes changed, (directing me on what I needed to put on next, etc) so we could go to the park. You even got my running shoes out of the closet and untied them for me so I could put them on easier. What a kid! We went to the local park and you had a ball running all over the place, climbing, sliding, and swinging on the monkey bars. Then, Lao Lao came over after work and we went for a walk on the running trail behind our house. I thought you were going to be tired after all that running at the park, however you insisted on getting out of your stroller and running some more. Lao Lao had to really work to keep up with you! You are getting so much more coordinated, the bigger you get. We are both so surprised with all that you can do anymore.

c'mon Lao Lao, hurry up!

Thursday was a good day. From the moment I picked you up from school, you had me laughing. As you ate chips in your car seat (fingers and mouth completely orange from the dust), you admonished me after I put some more chips for you on the front of your car seat, saying "No Mama! Dirty!", and brushing the crumbs off with your cheesy fingers, (only slightly ironic, right?) Then, you proceeded to tell me, once home, that your legs were broken and I needed to carry you up the stairs. (What!?!) I guess you are paying attention when we kid you about that, asking "Are your legs broken?", whenever you (usually in a dramatic fashion) try to get us to do something for you that we know you can do on your own. There isn't much that gets by you kiddo.

Thursday night was your first trick or treat in our neighborhood. You wore your rooster costume again (it still fit this year), and were so cute. You were excited to put it on very early, and here is a picture of you after I told you that you still had to wait 2 more hours before we could actually trick or treat. Love the expression!

Lao Lao, Memaw, and Papaw came over and went trick or treating with us. You did really well but were so tired. You lasted about 45 minutes, and then we all hung out at the bonfire in Mark and Jen's driveway, roasting marshmallows, talking, and snuggling. You livened up a little bit, and sure do love Lalie, spending quite a bit of time on her lap.

yes, even Abby dressed up, as a frog...judging by her expression, she is hoping she doesn't run into any of her friends :)

Memaw and Papaw

happily hanging with your Lao Lao

your buddy, Lalie

Friday, was a rough day for a bit, but it got better. I left work an hour early after getting a call that you hit your head on the lunch cart at school and had quite the goose egg right in the middle of your forehead. Evidently, you came tearing out of the bathroom after going potty, and ran full steam into the lunch cart. They felt really bad about it, but you were actually fine after the swelling went down. I got to take a nap with you at home, which was a really nice change for both of us. That is one thing that I do miss sometimes since you are staying later at school, our naps together. Once you woke up, we headed to Lao Lao's work where a lot of people were dressed up in their costumes, and of course people came out of the woodwork to bring you candy. You made out quite nicely.

@ Lao Lao's office

Saturday morning we were supposed to have your Rock my Bao Bao class, but for some reason it was cancelled, although I didn't realize that. Luckily, there was one other mother who didn't know either and showed up for class as well. Instead of wasting the trip, we decided to let you girls play at the playground behind the church and you and Charis (who is about 10 months younger than you) had so much fun! It worked out really well and they actually live really close to us. Hopefully, we can have more play dates in the future. It all happened for a reason - now you have a new friend!

I have been feeling a bit under the weather lately, my throat and head really hurting at certain times this week. On Saturday, you were acutely aware of it, since my voice was so hoarse it was nearly non-existent, and kept asking if I needed big hugs, giving me kisses, and tickling my arms or legs, then asking if I was "happy" (a.k.a. your way of asking if I feel better). It was so sweet. You are such a gentle and caring little person. I love it. Your kindness and helpfulness truly melts my heart.

Saturday night we went to dinner for Jenn Metz's birthday at an Indian restaurant. You tried quite a bit of the food, and really LOVED the coconut chicken. I love that you are so adventurous at trying new things...now if we can just convince your daddy to like Indian food too, we will be set! You also had me laughing today, and at dinner, as you are currently doing what I can only describe as telling jokes now. You will say something, like you are telling a story, and then at the end, gesture with your hands, throw your head back, and laugh at yourself. It is so cute and funny. I can pick out certain words but usually the entire joke escapes me. I would really love to know what your jokes are, but for now, just watching you enjoy yourself and all of your silly antics is plenty for me. Like I told you earlier this week, you make my heart smile.

And finally, today was Halloween! We had a mostly relaxing day at home. You woke up so sweetly, cuddling with me in the morning as soon as you opened your eyes, then continuing with our routine of climbing up onto my chest and me tickling your back, arms, and legs until we both are awake enough to get up and out of bed. Audrey came over to play with us for a couple hours before we headed over to Wai Gong and Memaw Lisa's house for their neighborhood's trick or treat. You wanted to be a dinosaur tonight, and got many compliments on your costume. The best being that one particular couple (who we noticed noticing you from across the street) said, "Hands down, that is absolutely the cutest costume all night". Very sweet.

Audrey Ayi and a cute little dinosaur

Memaw Lisa took you across the street to check out the decorations...you were NOT so sure about this guy

scaring Wai Gong with your dinosaur RAWR!

After only about a half hour, you asked to go home (it was pretty cold tonight). So we headed back to Wai Gong's and I think you may have had even more fun hanging out on the porch and passing out candy to all of the other kids. You cracked us up, acting as the "sidewalk police", yelling, "Move Daddy!! More people!", anytime Daddy (or anyone) would block the walkway up to their porch. You were hilarious kid! I loved it.

getting some extra candy from Wai Gong



having fun giving candy to all of the other kids

What a great day to wrap up a fantastic week. I think I am finally, truly realizing how people feel when they say that they wish they could keep their kids at a certain age forever, basically freeze them in time just as they are now. As we were driving home tonight I was reflecting on you, and telling (or perhaps lamenting to) Daddy that each year you are just going to keep getting bigger and bigger, and while it makes me happy, it also makes me sad because you are just so much fun, exactly as you are now. Part of me, (the selfish part), wishes I could just keep you exactly this size, at exactly this stage, forever. You are such a phenomenal kid and such a blast to be around right at this moment in time...I just don't want you to grow up. I know, I know. That's not fair. And I suspect I'll be saying the same thing about you next year (or even next month for that matter), so everything is fine and just as it should be. I guess my point is that I finally feel like part of that "parent club" that I've heard so much about. I think I just might know (on a visceral level) what everyone means when I've heard them say about their own kids that they just never want them to grow up. As sad as it can be, to think of you growing up and eventually leaving home, it's all still really cool to think of all the possibilities too. I hope to be lucky enough to share in all of the ups and downs, joys and sorrows, challenges and triumphs that is and will be your life. All of it is pretty cool, pretty cool indeed.

Love,
Mama