PSA's and Deep Thoughts

Maliana ~

Let's begin the week with a random public service announcement, shall we?

Mali's random tip of the day:
"This cuts grease. It cuts grease on ducks. Quack! Quack!"

new Dawn spokesperson

And another little insight or "Deep Thoughts with Maliana":
"If moths are nocturnal and active at night, then why do they like the light?"

That little quip above brought about a comment via social media regarding how smart you are and how you must be a critical thinker...made by a friend who is also a middle school science teacher. I have a feeling that you just might be giving your teachers a run for their money for the next 12+ years!

Mid-week you were excited to help me surprise Lao Lao with burritos. As we stood working on them side by side, you asked, "So, how was your day?" Such the little adult. When Lao Lao came home, you treated her like she'd just entered a restaurant and were giving her VIP treatment. It was so cute. Since she's been living here for a little while, you have been chatting her up and really enjoying your time together. 

On Thursday, I headed to book club while you went out to dinner with Memaw, Papaw, Daddy, and their lifelong family friend, Pat. You've met Pat before but it was really nice for all of you to see her again. She messaged me later and told me what a fun time they all had with you. 

you and Pat after dinner

The weekend was pretty busy. I was scrambling trying to plan and make arrangements for your Family Day party; therefore Daddy had "Mali Duty" all Saturday. While I was running around, you went to see Lalie play volleyball and had a great time cheering on her team. You even played a rousing game of "tag" with Jenny and Daddy, right on the court, in between games.

honorary team member (for a second)

Then that afternoon, you and Daddy headed out to Landen's birthday party where there was a special guest, Spider Man! You had a blast and the next day when Landen's daddy came to help Daddy with the deck, you excitedly wanted to know if Landen came too. 

That night you were pretty wiped out, so you stayed home and hung out with Lao Lao. Before bed, you even pulled out your speech sheets and worked on some of your speech sounds with her on the dark deck with only a flashlight. I guess that's the secret to getting you to practice your speech sounds...a flashlight. Leave it to Lao Lao to find a way to turn a mundane chore into fun. The next morning, you, Lao Lao and I headed out to Marc's together to pick up some stuff for your party and spent a few minutes at a playground on the way home. You were so squirrel-y at the store; talking, goofing, and laughing the whole time. And in spite of the extenuating circumstances being slightly less than ideal, we are all so glad to have Lao Lao here with us for a while and will actually be a bit bummed when she moves out and into her new place next month. You two are such good buddies. Since I never had a relationship with my grandparents from such a young age...it truly warms my heart to watch you.

surveying the park from the top of the jungle gym

We rounded out our weekend with a celebration of our wonderful neighbor (and your buddy), Lalie's 18th birthday over at Blendon Woods with a cookout with her family and a bunch of her friends. After dealing with so much thinking and strategizing over your upcoming Family Day party and our visitors' arrival, it was really nice to enjoy hanging out with this awesome group of friends and neighbors. You got to sit with the big kids at dinner, played on the playground with Audrey, got teased mercilessly by Mark (shocking, I know!) and even got to participate in the big kids' volleyball game (with the help of Lalie). We really hit the gold mine when it comes to neighbors. A great way to end one of our last weeks of August.

on our way to pick up Audrey for the cookout and you're
busy telling me to stop taking pictures and how you don't even
care if they are for you to show your kids someday
#littleturd

Mark and Jenny with their brand new
grown up kiddo

with the birthday girl

hangin' with the big kids

Audrey Ayi had fun playing with you...she's
essentially just a big kid too

and some more Lalie time...she's
so awesome with you

Love,
Mama

First Grade and Big Change

Maliana ~

Wow. I'm in shock. This week you began first grade. First grade! You can't be this old yet, can you? *sigh* I suppose you are...

So, the night before school started we went to the open house to check out your classroom and meet your teacher, Miss Stenger. When we walked in you were pretty shy and clingy, but she knew who you were and related to you so well that you started to relax. She even said that she remembered chatting with you last year while you waited in the bus line. Evidently, you are one "chatty Cathy" with the teachers at school, a comment we've heard on more than one occasion. Also, a week prior to the open house I had sent Miss Stenger an email. I introduced myself (and you) and gave her a little information about what kind of kid you are and the ups and downs of your summer, as well as offering to help her in any way I can, if needed. One of the things I had mentioned in my email was a little bit about how, because of your short hair and choice of clothing, you have been sometimes mistaken for a boy and it's been hard for you from time to time (depending on how the other kid is approaching his "observations"). Well, Miss Stenger sweetly shared a personal story about how she was also a tomboy as a kid and only loved to play sports. She told us that she too had short hair (a 'bowl cut' to be precise, which you thought sounded pretty funny) and about how her sister would mercilessly tease her growing up. Basically, she let us know that she "gets it"...she "gets" you. I was so relieved. Once again, the universe has placed you with a teacher that seems to be a wonderful fit. I am so hopeful that this will be a very good year for you.

getting a glimpse of your new classroom

the note from your goodie bag from Miss Stenger

school supply collection for this year...Transformers
and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

The night before school, I read you the special letter that I also shared with you last year about being grateful, kind and brave. I borrowed this letter from the blogger, Momastery, because I fell in love with the sentiment and her tradition of reading it to her kiddo the night before the first day of school. I hope to do the same for you. I actually keep our version of the letter up on the fridge year round; the message is just too good to put away for a whole 364 days. Every August we'll remind ourselves anew what it's all about...being kind, brave and grateful. We've got two years done so far, let's see if we can keep it up.

I also had fun leaving you little surprises for the next day, to remind you of how much you are loved while you're away at school all day.

a special card in your backpack and
my infamous banana message

The morning of your first day, you were so excited that you woke up an hour early! As we got you all ready for school, you requested a mohawk (just like we did for your last day of school). Given some of the issues we've had with kids this summer at daycare due to your short hair and choice of clothing, I wanted to make sure you had some good responses in case you got questioned about it. I advised that kids might ask you about your mohawk and if so, I asked how you would respond. You replied, "I'll just tell them I like mohawks!" Then I asked how you might respond if they asked you if you're a boy, to which you replied, "I'll just tell them I'm a girl who likes short hair and mohawks...or, I won't say anything because it just doesn't matter!" ...Well, alright! I guess you have yourself more than covered with some good responses to silly questions from other kids. Sometimes I am in awe of your wisdom which extends well beyond your young years. Carry on, my little warrior...carry on.

proud mom and dad

Once we actually got to school, you clammed up a bit and got shy and nervous. There were so many bigger kids and it was pretty chaotic. You even used my arm and hand as a make-shift silkie for comfort. Poor thing. Your teacher was very sweet and welcoming and you did see some kids you knew, but when it was time to march into school with your class and leave Daddy and me at the door, you broke down and cried big elephant tears. It broke my heart. Daddy and I ended up walking you all the way to your classroom amid empathetic looks and "aww"'s from other parents as we walked by. I couldn't look at any of them or I knew for sure that I would break down and start crying too. Once settled in your classroom seat, Daddy and I were able to sneak away all the while the teacher was reassuring us she would call if anything happened throughout the day. I really like and trust Miss Stenger. Even so, I said little prayers for you as I drove on to work. 

with Miss Stenger
(you can see the reluctancy on your face...
furrowed brow and closed eyes)

At pick up, you went straight in for a hug as soon as you emerged from the front doors of the school. I was chomping at the bit to hear all about your day, but you were just not ready to tell us much of anything yet, mentally drained from an entire day of new experiences. As we spent time at Taco Bell, and then later at Easton, you opened up a bit more about some stuff and your day sounded like it went ok. Jos had made you a friendship bracelet that she gave you before school started, so after school we went to Jeni's and then Claire's at Easton to get "best friends" necklaces that you both can wear. We dropped them off on the way home and you got to play with both Jos and Dylan. You ran around and laughed...any stress of the day was forgotten and I was relieved to see you back to your normal self. All in all, I think I was more nervous about your first day of school than you were. It's harder than I thought it would be to watch your child go through new and unknown experiences without you. Oh well. I guess it's something I will definitely need to get used to, huh? 

right after school with Jos...still giving me that hug

When I packed your lunch that night, I noticed that you had held onto your banana with my special note. You told me that you couldn't eat it because it was too cute. Sweetie. Glad you appreciated it. 

As for the second day of school , thankfully it went great! You woke up all excited and ready to go, pumped for a new adventure. As you got ready, Daddy found out that you were just overwhelmed the day before but were prepared to have a really good day that day. I wondered about you all day and then at daycare pick up, you ran and jumped into my arms and told me that your day was great...which was the same thing that Ms. Jessica told me that you announced to her as soon as you got on the bus after school. I was so relieved! Sometimes your adaptability to new experiences astounds me. 


Finally Friday arrived and you woke up with a fantastic attitude from the get-go. You put on your Converse and brand new hat, then marched out the door to go to speech with me. You were in the best mood and even Ms. Katie made the comment about how much energy you had. I was worried about getting you to school on time but we did fine and I was even able to walk you up to the door and wait for your teacher with you. When Miss Stenger came out, she told me about how helpful of a kid you've been in her classroom this week. What a wonderful report to round out your first week at school. Proud of you, Monkey!

speech with Ms. Katie

When I picked you up at daycare that afternoon...this happened as shared with me by Ms. Jessica:
Mali (to the bus driver while getting settled on the bus after school) : "You need to get a new bus with seats that lean back."
Driver : "Why's that?"
Mali : "Because I'm exhausted!" #firstgraderproblems #divaintraining 

So, while your first week of school was clearly exhausting, it was also amusing. Here's a few pictures from the book you made on your first day of school. Adorable!

I love the girl's punk rock hair

awesome self portrait on the left

excited to learn about math;
nervous about starting school

comparison of our hands

That night you and Daddy went over to hang out with Jos, Dylan, and Chase while Kristy and I enjoyed an evening out. You kids were still going strong when we got home around 11pm. It's so nice that our families have gotten to spend time together and that you kids get along so well. 


Saturday was a big day and we were very busy helping Lao Lao make some big changes in her life. However before it all started, you and I enjoyed the morning's peace and quiet with a little breakfast and some mancala on our new front deck. I love mornings...they just may be my favorite time of day.

Sunday we got to spend a lot of time hanging out and doing some projects around the house before the craziness of the week started. As I opened my eyes, I heard your squeals from the kitchen. Lao Lao had made us all cocoa pancakes and you were so excited to help her surprise us with coffee in bed. You ate a ton of these pancakes (and plenty more food throughout the day) ~ no doubt a growth spurt in the making! In the afternoon, Daddy went to play foot golf with Uncle Kevin and Joey but you decided to hang around at home with me. I gotta tell ya, it was really nice to have your company. Our conversations are evolving as you get older and I love the banter we share back and forth. Plus, it's utterly adorable to watch you take on chores to help me out. You feel so proud to be given bigger responsibilities. I love it!

working on scuffing up our new bistro table
so we can put some new paint on it

thankfully you actually like to use sand paper...
I don't ~ gives me the willies!

spraying off the dust...

working hard...until...

you found this puddle!

Uncle Flint stopped by that night and had dinner with us. I'm glad he did and it was good to see the two of you enjoying your time together. He loves to tease you and of course, you had to challenge him to a game of mancala before he headed home.

Have a great 2nd week of school, Monkey!
Love,
Mama

Taking Our Last Bites Out Of Summer

Maliana ~

So, this week had some very sweet moments for sure. Maybe it's because it's the last week before you start the first grade and it's becoming more and more evident every day that you are growing up. Or maybe it's just one of those really good and touching weeks in our family. Either way...here are a few of them:

First, I got this endearing text from your Daddy this week...
Fwd: I can't stop thinking about you and Mali this morning.  I love you both so much.  I have been blessed with so many things in my life.  You and Mali are the best things a person could ever ask for.  I am so lucky.  Thank you for coming into my life Theresa.  You have no idea how much I appreciate you and Mali.

And just the night before, you and I shared a moment in the kitchen where you had wanted me to scoop you up and hold you. So we just hugged each other in the middle of the kitchen while I rocked you back and forth and rubbed your back with your little head resting on my shoulder. I could have stood like that forever with you, trying to freeze time and space. It just felt like a moment was being made between us somehow. I loved every second.

You lovingly offered to help me spread mulch on another night...

And I also got this message from your teacher this week:

Special Message

Mali gave some really good examples of how to be a good friend today during our group discussion.

When I asked you what you shared with the class about how to be a good friend, you told me, "Talk about your feelings." I love that you are aware of the importance of staying in touch with your inner life and that of your friends.

So many precious moments. Love them all.

As for our adventures this week, I think I've mentioned it before but this summer has been unseasonably cool and fabulous for enjoying the outdoors. Lao Lao came over one night and you, Lao Lao, Audrey and I went for a walk/bike ride. As you can see...it was a truly gorgeous evening with time spent with some of my most cherished people.

Since this week held the last Friday before school starts, I took the day off work and enjoyed it at the zoo with you and Audrey Ayi. It was packed with people who must have had the same idea as us, but we got to beat back the crowds and check out the new Heart of Africa exhibit and feed the stingrays (a summer favorite). You crashed out on the way home and it gave Audrey and I a chance to drive around some country roads and talk about whatever was weighing on our minds. It was really nice. There's something I find so therapeutic about driving; combining that with talking to one of my best lifelong friends felt like perfection. There's nothing like being able to be completely honest and accepted just as you are by another person. I hope you can find friendships as fun, understanding, and supportive in your lifetime. However, recalling the tip you mentioned at school about how to be a good friend, I think you're well on your way because one of the most important steps on finding good friends is knowing how to be a good friend first.

you made everyone else at this exhibit chuckle by announcing:
"Ok, everyone. This is your captain. Buckle up!" 

petting the stingrays

face painting

a shark!

before the sparkles were added...evidently
having a shark on your face is serious business

Saturday morning we had another family snuggle-fest in bed before getting up. You were extra excited and in rare form because on that particular day you were headed to have a sleepover with your cousins at Memaw and Papaw's house. You must have asked me ninety million times when you were leaving to go over there and so I set the stove timer so you could do the countdown yourself and I was off the hook for having to answer that God forsaken question one more time. Well...this is what I came back into the kitchen to see about 2 minutes after that timer was set.

a little excited, are we?

The next morning, it was evident that you clearly had an amazing time at your sleepover because you were a giddy little chatterbox when we met you with Memaw and Papaw at Bob Evans. You saw us walk in and raced to us as fast as your little legs could carry you. It was an awesome hello after a night apart! Then as we ate lunch, Papaw and Memaw shared story after story of the silliness that all four of you girls cooked up together. Many of the stories involved you and Sammy, or "Thelma and Louise" ~ a nickname that you both earned during this sleepover. Don't worry...I'll get to that in a second. First, while riding to Easton with Papaw and Sammy, a toy blue-tooth device must have been in the car with you because you pulled it out and pretended to call Memaw and then call the police, telling on Papaw for "eating and driving". You told the imaginary police, "Yes, my papaw is eating and driving. (...) Mmm-hmm. (...) Oh, I know that's bad!" Evidently, after you got off the phone with the imaginary police, Papaw told you girls that if you got him in trouble and arrested by the police, then you wouldn't have any way to get home. Sam immediately piped up with, "Oh yes we would!" and then proceeded to tell him, "Mali and I can drive ourselves home. Right, Mali?!" to which you replied, "Yeah, I can steer and you can do the pedals!" Clearly all of this scheming cracked Papaw up and gave you both the official nickname of "Thelma and Louise". It also made us all realize that the two of you might need a little closer supervision in the years ahead. Lord, help us!

"Thelma and Louise" mug shot

I hope Memaw packed some detangler for Sam's hair!

you two have been sitting in these little ottomans since
you were practically babies...and you still fit today!

all of the cousins plus a couple of random neighbor kids and their dog

thanking Memaw and Papaw for hosting all of you
crazy girls the night before

After we got home, we did some work around the house, relaxed for a bit, enjoyed some watermelon, and then Daddy took you to go swimming at Uncle Joe and Aunt Tina's while I got some of our weekly shopping done. By the time you got home, you were pretty tuckered out. Squeezing every last drop out of summer is hard work!

mmm...watermelon!

Love,
Mama