Snow and Some Other Fun Stuff

Maliana ~

The last couple of weeks have brought snow. It's been nice to see and play in, although by now it's already melting away. The weather was rough enough to even knock out our power again in the middle of the night at one point. As I lay there, thinking I would get to sleep in a bit since there was no way I could get ready for work in the dark, it came back on. I was bummed. During that time, you had curled into me, abandoning your pillow to steal mine. It reminded me of when you were a baby and how much I miss those cuddly snuggles now. The night before you had even fallen asleep on my lap while in the kitchen. When I told you about it later, you apologized. I replied with, "No, I love when you do that. It reminds me of you as a baby. I miss it." You said, "Ok, I'll do it more then."...I hope so. I certainly hope so.

Daddy was nice enough the last couple of weeks to let me sleep in on the weekends since I have been having a difficult time battling depression. It's been no picnic, let me tell you, so I am very thankful that Daddy has been helping out and picking up the slack when I need him. He took you to Chinese class (where the teacher remarked to him what a smart kid you are) and then sledding briefly in our neighborhood. I joined you both a little bit later with the dogs and I'm glad I did because I got to enjoy a few runs down the hill with you. It helped bring me out of my funk just a little.

In preparation for a playdate the next day, you cleaned your rooms after sledding and we all enjoyed your dance moves as we listened to some music. You even taught me some of an impromptu dance routine you came up with and Daddy tried to teach you to moonwalk. It gave us all some much needed giggles. I tend to get caught up in my worries and fears of the future which gets in the way of enjoying today. It's a problem. I know. Watching your silliness made me realize what an amazing person you are. Really.

We had your friend, Morgan, over for a play-date that next day. You were so excited for the play-date from the moment you woke up that morning. You seemed to enjoy your time together and in fact, you exclaimed, "This is the best play-date ever!" at one point. We let you both play at home before taking you sledding. It was the first time Morgan had ever been sledding and so you got to show her the ropes. On one run, you went down together and wiped out with you face-planting in the snow. It got a little dramatic but you survived. We came home to warm up and have cocoa before taking Morgan home.

You also have a new favorite bedtime story, "The Book With No Pictures". The first time we read it, we laughed and laughed out loud. You made me read it two more times before finally going to sleep. Then the next night you made Daddy read it twice with the same silly reaction.

Daddy took you on a surprise trip to the Columbus Museum of Art to see their Lego exhibit and then on to Dirty Franks for a late lunch over the next weekend. You've been nursing a bit of a cold so you were a little bit under the weather, but had a good time nonetheless and always love surprises.

in front of a Lego version of downtown Columbus

you got to display your creation

We also celebrated Uncle Flint's birthday at his favorite, Red Lobster, the next day. Our server took a liking to you and even offered to pull a lobster out of the tank so you could pet it, which was so nice of him. You were brave enough to touch it briefly and then we took this picture where at the last minute, the lobster appeared to wave at the camera.

And finally, I have to mention the latest of your Mali-isms. As Daddy shaved, you asked him about his "goatique" (aka goatee). Ha. Also, you asked to bring our leftovers home from Red Lobster and requested a "go box" (aka to-go box). Very cute. And in having a small conversation with me about something that happened at school, you mentioned, "It's complicated. *sigh* You won't understand until you're in first grade." Ha.

Never a dull moment.

Love,
Mama