Homecoming, Graduation, and a Baby

Maliana ~

Just like my last post, I will lead this one off with the big news. Daddy is home!!! We were so happy that he got to come home on Sunday. The day before Memorial Day was perfect timing because we were all home together for a full day to make sure he was all settled in before my work week began.

In preparation for him to come home, you kept asking questions and here was one of them:

Me: "Yep, that's right. Daddy can't lift heavy stuff for a while."
You: "So...he can't lift your purse. Right, Mom?"

During some of our alone time at home together, we had various discussions. You shared that when you grow up, you want two tattoos: a heart on your foot and a tattoo of a family somewhere else. Well, okay then! You also showed me a couple of pictures you drew at school, during your last few art classes.

you with your M costume

a W made into a lion

The day Daddy was discharged, we sat in his hospital room with Memaw and Papaw (as well as Aunt Connie and Uncle Pat) for a few hours waiting. Running out of things to talk about, Memaw asked you if you played poker. You replied, "No. I play Pokemon!" He he. Touche!

one last stroll before discharge

riding out in style

That first morning that Daddy was home was so nice. We took it as a lazy morning, letting Daddy sleep in until almost noon and just lounging around together. It was a simple pleasure but just having all of us back under one roof again made me feel so warm inside, at peace with the world.

catching up on 'daddy snuggles'

and here is your Memorial Day drawing...a picture you drew upon
waking up and it includes a Marine with a gun, a Navy boat, and
an Airforce plane, it reads "We love you"

I took you to Barnes and Noble later that day to pick up some books for summer reading to keep you in gear for second grade. You chose a 'Junie B. Jones' book and 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory'. When you got home, you decided that you wanted to read some with Dad. I don't know what it is, but in the last few months this whole reading thing has really clicked for you. It's almost like magic. I love it!

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end and I had to go back to work on Tuesday. When I called home later in the morning to check in with everyone, Daddy told me that you had woken up early and got yourself all ready for daycare on your own, telling him, "I wanted to let you sleep, Daddy." It was incredibly thoughtful and definitely did not go unnoticed. You are a very sweet kid.

Audrey snuck this one when we were out for ice cream...
I just love your eyes

The next couple days of the week you decided you'd rather stay home with Daddy instead of going to daycare. Thursday was your day o' fun together and you went to California Pizza Kitchen for lunch, to visit Daddy's friends at his work, and then he surprised you with two rounds of putt-putt. You were happy as a clam when I got home from work. In spite of the circumstances that led to Daddy staying home this week, I'm glad you guys are taking advantage of the time together!

cool dudes

hole in one. whaaat?!

This weekend we all got to spend some time together. You also finally got to meet Aunt Lindsey's little baby, Caleb when we went to their house for dinner on Saturday. It was nice to spend time with them again (which we don't do nearly enough!) and while you were a bit nervous about holding Caleb (he's only 3 months old), once you did, you couldn't get enough and were excited to hold him and even got to feed him a bottle too! It was so cute and definitely ramped up your talk about wanting a baby sister. You're working that angle for all it's worth right now...I just wish it was that simple. *sigh*

7 years vs 3 months old = same size noggins

Sunday brought Natalia's graduation party. Daddy and I have known Lalie since she was 5 years old so it's amazing to now see her graduating and all grown up. Such an exciting time for her! We are very proud of the kind and beautiful (inside and out) young woman she has become.

As for the rest of our week, you began attending the summer camp with the Y and we stayed busy preparing for our beach trip coming at the end of the week. Luckily, you started on the right foot with your camp and so far, enjoy it. It sounds a lot like the "Fun Center" program that I used to attend as a child (where I met Audrey Ayi, well over 30 years ago!) and had some of the best summers of my life. Speaking of Audrey, she graciously agreed to help us out and keep you entertained this week while we finished planning and packing. On one particular night, she took you to Easton for shopping and ice cream. I think the best part was that she was still wearing her security uniform and of course you wanted to join in the fun as well.

and voila ~ this was the result!
a suit and tie kind of night!

How cute are the two of you?! I'm sure everyone at Easton wondered exactly what kind of business meeting the two of you had just wrapped up. Ha ha. What a great auntie!!

And now...we are beach or bust!! See you later, Cbus!!
Peace out!!

Love,
Mama