February...the Ups Far Outweighed the Downs

Maliana ~

So, this month will be a bit different. Obviously, I'm running a tad behind lately. I have been battling my own brand of ups and downs which have had me simply not feeling like myself. Between the crappy weather, my back having been kinked for weeks, and concerns over my loved ones, it's been overwhelming and a chore just to get myself out of bed some mornings, and an even bigger task to keep things somewhat normal so that I don't burden your days with grown up stuff. That being said, I thought I'd just do a big "photo dump" for this blog post. It's a bit easier and about the best I can do with my struggles as of late. Looking forward, I am very hopeful that March will be better. Promise.

At the beginning of the month, we attended a Valentine box decorating party at the Cleft Lip and Palate Center that I, along with staff and other moms on the Parent Advisory Committee, helped plan. After the party, you, Daddy, and I ate lunch in Children's Hospital cafeteria and you announced, "I'm not scared anymore of getting my bone graft!" Much of that likely due to getting to come to the hospital for fun (non-scary) stuff like this. We got to tour the entire remodeled CLPC clinic and hear loads and loads of anecdotes illustrating how much the staff loves what they do and care for the kids. It's a great reminder of what we already know and a wonderful reassurance for us as current patients. Love Nationwide Children's Hospital!

After we finished there, Kristy (Jos's mom) called and asked if you would like to join them for an impromptu trip to COSI. Umm...heck yeah! You had a fantastic time and we are so thankful for their friendship. As you will see below...there is a picture of a text that Kristy and I exchanged showing just how fondly you think of them. So sweet.

And with no further ado...the "Photo Dump"!

discovered your cowboy boots...again

soaking this in...it rarely happens anymore so
when you fall asleep on me nowadays, I
don't dare move an inch...love this!

A post from Facebook...important message. I love listening to you.

exploring with Maddy on a warm day

we had Courtney over for a fire...she is now a Buckeye
(living here from San Diego) and we are so excited
to add her to our list of "framily"!

Juan hung out for a bit at our fire too

protecting yourself from the smoke...
(actually, pretty smart idea!)

you were digging Lao Lao's hat

adorably engrossed in Harry Potter 

I forgot to post this before...but this is the
bag with your secret tooth and a note that
you left for the Tooth Fairy...note that
you wrote here it was "speshler" (aww!)

note for the Tooth Fairy

Suzy loves her sibling...same situation every night

good friends rock

Valentine Party at Children’s with the
Cleft Lip and Palate Center 

trip to COSI with your bud, Jos and her family

awww

yee haw and giddy up!

a little motherly advice for my kiddo who is well on
their way to embracing themselves whole-heartedly

way cool kid

jumping on the bridge to check for trolls

lion dance for Chinese New Year

home of the Happy Buddha 

first library card!

spontaneous sledding trip before dark

my Valentines Day card from you 

I love it

cousins 

Courtney and Brandon
(B was visiting his sister from San Diego)

ready?

Joey

Sam

Alex

and...you got a little stuck

wipe out!

into the woods

about to go exploring with Sam

Papaw and his camera

Daddy

homework 

loving your new desk

pool time or snow time?

school's out so you went to a day camp
at the zoo (and loved it!)

making a volcano with Lao Lao 

hunting for a new couch

behind the scenes of our silly shot at White Castle
(what you requested for dinner after furniture shopping)

crave nation!

this desk is magical, you came in and sat
down to do homework without being asked!

gettin' yer hairs did

the streaks didn't stay long but they
definitely looked cool while they lasted

you and Maddy, deep in imagination land

picnic!

I never know what I'll get when
you have Daddy's phone

olives!

we helped welcome Delilah Ann (our littlest cousin by Blake and Allie)
into the world on Feb 20th as well...Aunt Lori would be over the moon!

and once home...Bentley was determined
not to be outdone by his new sister, Delilah

the rock in our neighborhood that you just
have to climb onto every time we pass it

Daddy and I had a nice Sunday morning chat with you
here and I just thought you looked so beautiful in the sunlight

And one more silly Mali-quote before I sign off...you crack me up.

So, even though I may be having some tough times (personally)...I am ever so grateful for your sweet, comedic relief. All you have to do is be yourself and I can't help but smile. You are such a gift.

Love,
Mama