We're creekin', we're dashin', we're Fu groupin'

Maliana ~

Whew. Another nutty week. We still have our house guests and it appears that we will have them indefinitely. We’re all crossing our fingers that things significantly turn around for them, but until then, we’re making the best of it. It’s been interesting to adjust to what plays out like sibling rivalry, particularly between you and the 5 ½ year old. Growing up as essentially an only child myself, I have had no idea how to handle the bickering or other issues (e.g. sharing, or more accurately NOT sharing, etc) that have come up, but like I said, we’re all doing our best day by day. I do have to say that I am proud of you because what I have noticed in this little experiment is that you are the kind of person who can let things roll right off your back, not holding a grudge at all, a trait that I wish I had more often.

Anyway, along with the challenges, there have been many fun times too. Including the silliness you and Lorelei displayed after finding the fart machine (a key ring size contraption that makes fart noises when you push the button)…oh boy was there some serious giggling and strange dancing around while hiking up legs that afternoon. Not to go back to mentioning the struggles, but this one ends on a very cute note. One day in particular, you got hurt a few times, bumping your head not once, but twice. The second time was a rough one, and while you were ok, I sat with you and cuddled you a little extra. I tried to explain my panicky reaction, empathizing with you by telling you that when you get hurt it scares me and breaks my heart…to which you replied, “It breaks my heart too…(then pointing across the room continuing), my heart broke over there.” It was hard to keep a straight face after that ever so sweet, sincere, and slightly strange reply.

We did celebrate our 2nd Family Day this week. With all of the chaos, it was hard to really take it in, but we are already planning a big party for you at the end of the month, renting a beautiful cabin lodge in Hocking Hills and throwing a Family Day party with as many family members as we can cram in there. It should be fun. However, this week it was just you, Daddy, and I that celebrated by going out to dinner at BD Mongolian Barbecue and then over to Easton. We were going to play in the fountains that night, but they had shut them off because of a concert they were setting up, but you settled for getting Cheryl’s cookies and watching the train set on Easton Square. Daddy had to work starting at 6pm anyway, so while this celebration was a bit abbreviated, it was no less special.

Of course, we had to get the obligatory photo booth shot too…you love these things!

What with all of the chaos of the week, it had taken a toll on me so I ended up getting sick on Thursday. I actually had to stay home all day from work in bed, which helped immensely. Anyway, you thought you were big stuff to get to tuck me in, and head off to your own “work” that day, getting a huge kick out of mothering Mama. So precious.

My being out of commission for a bit, gave you time to spend with Daddy, and you helped him fix the car.

I felt better in about 24 hours, so was up and running again. Audrey came over a few times this week to spend as much time as she could before she heads to Germany next week for her study abroad program for the next 2 months. One night, Audrey, you and I took the dogs for a walk…with you insisting on taking your water gun too.

right in the bootie!

blowing a dandelion while holding a water gun ~ multi-tasking summer fun

We’re definitely going to miss Audrey Ayi…2 months is a long time. You had the usual difficulties saying goodbye, we all did. But, we will Skype with her as much as we can and are really excited for her new adventure!

Wrapping up your week at school ended on such a great note. When I picked you up on Friday, I witnessed something so sweet. Remember how I had mentioned what a cool personality you have, well…your friends at school swarmed you that afternoon before we left, each one wanting to hug you goodbye, one after the other. It was the most amazing thing. You also left with a new toy, a gift from another classmate, out of the clear blue. I have no idea what went on that day, but you were Little Miss Popular. It was heartwarming to say the least, which reminds me of something Lao Lao told me later that night. She was doing the usual grandparent bragging to the OBGYN who has been treating our family for the last 35+ years. After hearing all about you and your charisma and magnetic personality from Lao Lao, describing you as a sort of “Pied Piper” of kids (and adults), he made this observation. “Isn’t it interesting how a child who was born to circumstances that seemed so difficult, with so many challenges to overcome, that God could make up for it and gift her with such an amazingly huge and wonderful personality?” I got tears in my eyes when I heard that perspective. Yeah, it is pretty amazing indeed.

So that brings us to the weekend. Friday night, Lao Lao came over and we all discovered a cool little thing called Music in the Park in Gahanna. We headed to a local park, listened to a great live band in the gazebo, ate a picnic dinner, played on the playground, and briefly went creekin’ before we left. It was a nice, laid back, and relaxing evening. (And we are definitely bringing Daddy back here, when he doesn’t have to work like he did tonight).

new part of the jungle gym you conquered

check out the guns!

c'mon! let's go creekin'!

holding hands while we wade through the water

We immediately went to bed after getting home because we had to get up early for the Dash for Donation on Saturday morning. You ran in the kids’ Mascot Dash, and we walked the 5K, to raise money for organ donation, in honor of your Uncle Dustin. The whole event was completely worth getting up and out the door by 6:45am…a great cause and wonderful way to once again talk about your Uncle Dustin with you. Boy, would he have LOVED you.

proudly displaying your medal

Team Dustin 2011

Then we jumped in the car and headed over to the Bunny Park in Dublin to meet the Fu Social Group for their monthly play date, (which we are going to try much harder to keep in the future). It was so much fun, truly wonderful for you to have a blast in the fountains, splashing around, giggling, and doing silly little dances everywhere, and so great for me to be able to connect a little more with the other parents of children from China. Great group of people!

singing like the little rock star you are, on your makeshift stage

triple bunnies at the top of the hill, hence, the Bunny Park

As we drove home, you conked out pretty quickly. As I looked at you in the rear view mirror, happily snoozing in your fresh clothes, wet bathing suit drying as it hangs on the headrest beside you, I had that contented feeling you get when you just know that your kid had a great time and you know that as a parent “ya done good”.

After such a crazy Saturday, I felt the need for a calmer Sunday. Daddy has been on call all weekend, hence not being able to come with us on our outings (boo!) So we hung out at home on Sunday, playing with the girls before they left to go to Joe and Tina’s house, staying there (and getting a little more space) while Joe and Tina are at the beach this week, and then just piddling around the house the rest of the day. In spite of the hot weather, I felt the need to go running to help de-stress from the week. As usual, you wanted to come too, so we loaded up the mini cooler with ice and popsicles, and then hit the trail. It was a great run, in spite of sweating my bootie off. The popsicles were a huge hit, and you even serenaded me with “Sunshine on my Shoulders” (in honor of the sun beating down on us I suppose). After sharing our house with others this week, I welcome this time with just Mali and Mama. I think it’s just what we needed.

Love,
Mama