Knock Knock...Hi Boo!

Maliana ~

So, this week began with the Mid Autumn holiday, to celebrate the autumn harvest. We will attend a bigger celebration in a couple weeks with the local COFCC group however; Audrey and I took you to dinner that night at a local Chinese restaurant. Since keeping you up until midnight would result in a very cranky three year old, we settled for stepping outside at bedtime to observe the full moon. Then the next day we were able to make it over to the market to get some lotus seed moon cakes, which you liked much better this year than last. Yum!

While Audrey spent time with us, we had some crazy fun. We played an AWESOME game of hide and seek; one that caused Audrey and I to laugh until we nearly peed our pants! We also tried to teach you how to tell a ‘Knock Knock’ joke, and it went something like this…

Me: “Knock Knock”
You: “Who’s here?”
Me: “Boo”
You: “Hi Boo! Why you cryin’?”

So, we tried again…
Me: “Knock Knock”
You: “Who’s here?”
Me: “Boo”
You: “Hi Boo! Come in! Here’s your coffee!”

Ha Ha! So much for that!

Anyway, as for soccer this week…it’s been mixed. You went to a soccer game with Daddy where all the COSA kids could go on the field with the players during a break. Unfortunately, Daddy’s phone was acting up so he couldn’t get any pictures, but you loved it! He is planning on taking you again this next week too…it’s good Daddy/Daughter bonding time. On Sunday, you had your second soccer practice (first ever with the coach). Daddy was golfing, so Abby came along and stood in for him. You enjoyed doing the drills, but when it came time to scrimmage, you got a bit overwhelmed with all the aggression. You stopped and hung out with me after a while, refusing to go back on the field no matter how much I coaxed. Poor kid. You had a hard time even wanting to go back out and finish more drills after the scrimmages. You weren’t the only kid reacting this way either. Lao Lao and I took you out for some frozen yogurt afterwards and were chatting about it. We both agreed that it probably does seem at odds with all that we have taught you until now about taking turns, sharing, not kicking your friends, etc, etc, etc. When I relayed this to Daddy, he said it was only your second time trying this out so we’ll just have to see if you actually do enjoy it. Time will tell. No big deal either way. Whatever you do, enjoying yourself is the most important thing of all.

one of your first drills, hopping over your ball

learning to do a throw in

the obligatory "look, it's an airplane!" moment in the middle of practice

you were such a great listener the whole time

team cheer

one of the only times you really got in there and got a toe on the ball...looks like a great start!

It’s really cooled off this week. So much so, that one day I had the sudden urge to make chili. After school, I picked you up and we set up shop in the kitchen chopping and seasoning. You helped me open all the cans (you LOVE the electric can opener) and poured the ingredients in the big pot for me. I even whipped up some banana smoothies in our fancy glasses and we enjoyed cocktails while we cooked. It’s so much fun to have a little helper around the house now…and you get such a kick out of learning and doing whatever you can to pitch in.

cocktails and chili, (which you seasoned yourself!)

And speaking of you growing by leaps and bounds before my eyes…this week marked the first time that I asked you what you did at school and you actually recapped your entire afternoon for me! I was speechless! Normally, you either come back with some nonsense words (I think just to mess with me), or look at me blankly because you are so exhausted from your day. It was so cute to listen to you describe what you did with your teachers and friends. Then, another day we decided to paint a treasure box that you picked out at Michael’s craft store. I was surprised to see you painting with such focus and meticulousness…each brush stroke painstakingly placed with care. It was amazing! It’s interesting to watch your child master all sorts of things…seemingly overnight. One day they are this haphazard child, and the next day you look at them and wonder who this big kid is before you.

budding artiste

We went to Memaw and Papaw’s one night for pizza. You introduced them to Manna, your new imaginary friend (although, Hubey is still here too). They thought that was pretty funny. It’s getting pretty crowded in our little family lately. We also went through an old box of mementos from Daddy’s childhood and early adult years. You especially liked his old radio/headphones from when he was a pilot.

clear for take-off ~ over!

Later that same night, I saw a moment between you and Daddy. As we tucked you into bed that night, Daddy sat there staring at you…then whispered softly, “I don’t know what I’d do without you.” You seem to have that effect on all of us.

We spent time with some new friends this week, as you came along with me to a meeting for the Cleft Lip and Palate Support Group and got to play with some of the other mom’s kids. You were a bit shy at first, but by the end of the visit, you were running and laughing with them like old friends. We then went to Joe and Tina’s house and you got to meet Sam and Erin’s brand new baby turtle, freshly hatched from his egg. It was so tiny, his shell not even completely hard yet, but you got the biggest kick out of it.

Saturday was our first Chinese class with a bunch of the families from COFCC. We are trying something a little different this year. Using a curriculum from one of the adoption agencies, several of us families are getting together on our own to learn about Chinese culture. We learned several words, made two crafts, and then got to go outside to play in the perfect autumn day. It was nice to see all of these families again. By the end of the class (around 2pm or so), you were melting down fairly rapidly. You weren’t the only one. As we high-tailed it down the sidewalk to the car, another of your friends was throwing a fit from the front porch. Perhaps next year, when more of you will have outgrown nap time, there will be fewer meltdowns? Let’s hope so.

using our hong (red) paint

how many kids can we fit in one play set?

After class, you, Daddy, and I headed to Chipotle for lunch. As we walked out of the bathroom, you heard a song you liked playing overhead, so you grabbed my hands, looked up at me and said, “Mommy, let’s dance!” So we danced all the way back to our table, in the middle of the crowded restaurant. I just love that you’re that kind of kid!

you wore your ND cheer leading outfit on Saturday, and they WON!
perhaps this should be your official Saturday uniform, at least during football season?

And speaking of bathrooms…here’s another funny exchange with you this week.

~Upon being followed to the bathroom at home, repeatedly~
Me: “Why can’t I go to the bathroom in peace?”
You: “Because, you’re Mommy!”
~Ahh, I see. Silly question~

Saturday afternoon and evening Lao Lao came over to play. We headed out for a walk, ended up at the playground, and had a very interesting and imaginative time. We bundled you up and took you farther down the trail, where you fell asleep while Lao Lao and I walked through the woods. It was such a nice evening and there’s nothing like sleeping outside in the fresh air.

Oh Lao Lao!

you're so silly!

Once home, Daddy and I curled up with you on the couch and watched ‘Despicable Me’. We haven’t had a movie night at home in a while, and those are always nice.

You slept great and woke up happy on Sunday morning. As soon as you opened your eyes, you rolled over and said, “Mommy, let’s go on a date to get donuts in our jammies!” (How can I say no to that?)

matching slippers and everything!

Daddy went golfing with Aunt Lindsey, so you and I headed out for a great day together. I can’t remember how exactly the conversation came up, but Daddy was golfing for Donate for Life (the organization that encourages organ donation) so you and I had a good talk about Uncle Dustin, his organ donation, Heaven, helping other people, and how Dustin is not here with us anymore but that he lives in our memories and our hearts. I have no idea how much you could understand, but you kept asking questions so I just kept answering. I was surprised with how much you wanted to know, and how serious and attentively you were listening. Our conversation continued as we drove to Alum Creek Park (the Choo Choo Train Park). Finally, once there, we bounded down onto the playground and our serious talk was trumped by visions of jungle gyms and sunshine. I do wonder how much of our conversation sunk in though.

As for our time on the playground, it was exhilarating to not have any particular place to be and just enjoy each moment with you. Allowing you to burn off the sugary donuts from breakfast and exhaust yourself climbing, sliding, and running. You inspected a pine tree’s needles and informed me that “It will make you sticky”…I’m assuming from the sap. When I asked who taught you that, you said, “Wai Gong”. (I figured as much, thinking about all the times he has taken you out into his backyard, conversing quietly with you as you stroll around looking at everything. Thanks Wai Gong.) As we climbed back into the car to head home, you paused and asked me, “Mom, do you know I love you?” (*gulp*; cue the lump in my throat). It’s pretty awesome to hear your kids parrot things back to you, especially the good stuff.

all aboard! (conductor Mali)

nothing beats having the jungle gym all to yourself!

jammies and a little bedhead doesn't stop you!

Sunday evening, we arrived home from soccer about the same time Daddy got home from golfing. He was outside with the neighbors and you immediately leaped out of the car and began playing with the Szwabinsky’s, hamming it up like mad with Natalia and Jenny.

There’s nothing like good neighbors!

Love,
Mama