2 Birthdays, a Dance Class, and a Couple of Goofballs

Maliana ~

The week began with a very tired bedtime on Monday, which usually equals a lot of drama. It was no exception on this night. However, you felt better when I gathered you onto my chest and lay there in bed with you. And regardless of what else I wanted to accomplish after your bedtime, I just stayed there with you, soaking in the moments, recognizing that you wouldn't always be this small or might not always be this willing to accept my comfort. For several moments, my world just stopped and I was able to savor the way your little head smelled or how your breathing slowed as you drifted into slumber, the sound of you sucking on your tongue and the intermittent wiggles as you fell deeper and deeper into sleep. That stuff...that's the good stuff.

Tuesday was a little more upbeat though as it was Daddy's birthday! Since it was a weekday, it wasn't exactly party central for poor Daddy. But we did surprise him after work with balloons, flowers, and a cake which made him smile after a long day at work.

You've continued to perfect your shoe-tying abilities and by Thursday of this week, you showed your teacher how you can tie both of your shoes when I came to pick you up...Ms. Beth was very impressed! And excited because now it's one less kid she has to chase down to re-tie shoes during the day. Ha ha.

You also made a beautiful picture for me on Friday at school. When I commented on it and how lovely the colors were, you said, "Mom, that's for you! Because you like pretty things!" Here it is, isn't it grand?

there's a person in there, if you look closely,
which you said was me

Saturday we got up and headed to our second Chinese dance class. You were still hesitant but participated a bit more than last time about which I was very glad.

both of you and Mia were ambivalent but at
least you're not on our laps this time!

participating, even if from a distance

edging closer to the class

helping Mia out with her shoestrings

now helping another new friend out
with her shoestrings too

adn then even more customers for help
with their shoestrings

it's no surprise then that you found tying your friends' shoelaces
more interesting than Chinese dance class since nearly every
day for the last two weeks, this has been what your
report from your teacher has said

After class we went to Panera with Mia and Michelle. Mia is so sweet and you girls are so silly. Hamming it up towards the end of our visit, as you can see.

Drove home, had some brief quiet time, and then we were off again to Erin's birthday party at Magic Mountain! You were so tired since you hadn't had a proper nap, but by the time you all were let loose to play in the crazy play areas there, you got a second wind and went nuts like all the other kids.

so smitten with your dance leotard that
you wanted to wear it to the party...
with red cowboy boots of course!

hanging off the back of the firetruck
with your buddy Bert

you LOVED playing firefighter

you kept hysterically going back to this mirror and
having a very spirited discussion with yourself

this one just makes me laugh

 

Happy Birthday E!

And finally Sunday was just a gloriously lazy day. Headed to Uncle Joe and Aunt Tina's to meet their new puppy Alice (who is ADORABLE and so well behaved), and then went home to do nothing but relax. It was awesome and much needed. Now hopefully we have re-energized ourselves enough for the week ahead.

Love,
Mama