Happy Mid-Autumn Moon!

Happy Mid-Autumn Moon Maliana!

This week culminated in our attending a Mid-Autumn Moon celebration through COFCC on Saturday night. It was so much fun. You got all gussied up in your silk dress and we went to picnic at a local park (which had the best playground EVER!), where they had various crafts (your favorite being the glow in the dark moon pendant, which you walked around with, showing it off, like it was a backstage pass), singing and dancing with all of the other kids (which you dove right into and had a ball!), eating moon cakes (of course!), and then the evening finale which was a Chinese lantern parade where all the children and their parents marched around the park. We ran into a bunch of your friends from Rock My Bao Bao and you loved every minute of it. As I sat there watching you, I reflected on my own childhood. This particular celebration was described to us as a celebration of family, a family reunion of sorts, and the full moon as a symbol of the full family. As I watched you run from grandparent to grandparent, I was reminded of how I actually never knew my grandparents at your age. I don't know what it might feel like to have such a close, loving, and generally fun relationship with each and every one of your grandparents. But, whatever it must feel like (which appears to be wonderful judging from the look of pure happiness on your face), I am so happy to see you experience it, to be surrounded by so many people, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and other family members, and many, many friends, who adore you, and you them. As I said to Lao Lao tonight, you are the best thing that has ever happened to me.

And since Daddy had to miss the celebration due to being on call for work, you offered to go with him on his own private lantern parade once we got home, around our neighborhood...here you are just stepping out with him, clearly excited!

In the spirit of Autumn Moon, we also went to the local Asian market on Friday and bought a bunch of various foods to try, including our first moon cake mold!

 This weekend, both you and Abby went running with me since the weather was fabulous! Here is a picture of you, in one of your favorite Mickey Mouse sweatshirts, "running" the first quarter mile with me...you thought this was especially cool on this particular morning since I had a Mickey Mouse shirt on too.

As for the rest of the week...here it is in a nutshell.
On Monday, Miss Brandi said "We need 30 more kids like Mali" as we left for the day ~ oh, how they love you at school! You also had picture day at school and Daddy did a great job of putting your hair in pigtails ~ way to go Daddy! After school, you, Audrey, and I headed to the zoo and we FINALLY got to see the polar bears eating and swimming! It was so neat and you were in Heaven!

You went to the hospital with me after the zoo, to drop off a gift for one of Lao Lao's friends who had a baby. You brought a tear to my eye and a chuckle to my heart when you wanted to know where the airplane was, after all, we were visiting a new baby who had just arrived, duh?!? On the way home, after such a full day, you fell asleep in the car. I brought you in and sat down for dinner. You haven't been this sound asleep in a while, so I just ate with you on my lap...no matter how or when it happens, I can't resist the snuggle time.

On Tuesday, you and I headed into uptown Westerville and walked up and down the street, window shopping. Of course, we had to stop into Schneider's Bakery and get a cookie and milk. When we opened the door, you began hopping up and down and squealing and yelling, "Yayy!!!" Everyone waiting in line stopped, turned, and began laughing. It was hysterical. Then the guy in front of us said, "Yeah, this place'll do that to a grown adult too, especially at 1:30am!" I just love how expressive you are!! Once home, you went potty (which is so common now, you are darn near completely potty-trained!), and while I was in the kitchen, I heard a bunch of banging around from the bathroom, followed by an "Aww man!" I thought I'd better head in to inspect the "damage" but lo and behold, you were finishing dumping your own pee in the toilet from your potty chair ~ I couldn't believe it! You turned and signed/said "Help you!" and as I leaned over to thank you and give you a big hug, I nervously looked for a huge puddle, however there was none ~ you had done the job without spilling a drop! Way to go girl!! Needless to say, your hands (and arms) got an extra thorough scrubbing before leaving the bathroom...

Later Tuesday night, we headed over to the Metz's to take them dinner. In preparing the dinner, you helped me wash the asparagus and put the meatloaf together. I love being able to share these kinds of chores with you now. You have been really into wanting to help me do just about everything lately, and it is so adorable. I told you, "I like it when you help me cook, Mali" and you grinned and said softly, "Yeeahhh." Once we got everything done, we took it all over to the Metz's and you were thrilled to see them. You and Bei Bei got to know each other a little bit more and I can tell you are very interested in her, as well as very anxious for her to get this "walking thing" down as you kept telling her, "C'mon Niubei!" As we pulled out of their driveway, you yelled out the window, "Bye Bye Niubei! I love you!"

On Wednesday, for some reason, you decided to not take a nap at school and therefore had a complete meltdown on the way home. Well, I must be getting the hang of this whole "Mom" thing as I maintained my cool and stayed patient and understanding, which paid off after we were home. After much back and forth, you calmed down a bit and as I leaned over to kiss you as I got you a yogurt out of the refrigerator, all on your own, you said "I love you." I'm so glad you can have your fits, and through it all, still feel loved.

Some other neat things you are doing/saying now...reading your books to US now (well, most of the words anyway), saying "Zat?!" or "Happened?!" when you want to know "What's that?" or "What happened?", putting your silkie over your head and saying "Hey, Mali go?!?" and wanting us to act like we have no idea where you are, showing that you are learning how to be a true Browns fan by saying "Go Browns!" before every play and then saying "Allmmoosstt!" immediately after, and finally, waking up from naps (and sometimes in the morning) dry (you have really nailed this potty training thing quickly Mali!)

Actually, on Thursday you pooped on the potty for the first time AT SCHOOL! You had been holding out on that for some reason, and you finally decided it was time ~ we are so proud of you! This means that you will definitely be transitioning into the early pre-school class now! In fact, you had your first trial run in the early pre-school class for part of Thursday morning, and you did FABULOUS! When I picked you up, Miss Brandi said you came into the classroom and "ran the place", organizing a tea party of sorts with several of the kids at a round table in the play kitchen, then walked around with a phone, talking (or making plans, arranging another tea party, who knows!) I asked how the other kids took you, and she said they loved it and went along with whatever you wanted. Daddy and I were talking the other night, and came to the conclusion that we won't be surprised if you are a natural born leader! Time will tell, I suppose. No matter what, we'll love you, whatever you turn out to be!

Thursday night, you, Daddy, and I went to a pub to have dinner and a drink and say goodbye to an old dear friend of ours. You had another "poop first", (which I didn't realize all of these happened on the same day until right now as I write this blog), but you had your first poop on a public potty! You told me you had to go pee and when we got to the bathroom, you proceeded to tell me you wanted to take off your shirt, then pants, and shoes...then out of nowhere, you were pooping! No idea why you felt the need to disrobe in order to poop, but hey ~ whatever blows your hair back, kid! Any way you want to poop in a potty (vs your pants) is ok with me! Looking back, Thursday was a landmark potty day.

And finally, I believe I am witnessing more and more glimmers of your understanding the subtle nuances of social interaction and empathy...this week brought a couple spontaneous responses from you. As we bumped heads the other day, you said all on your own, "I'm sorry Mama". Then, I also told you the other day that I liked your shoes and you said, "Thank you Mama". Little things like this are big causes for celebration in my book...they're proof of cool little increments that you're growing up and turning into a really good person. I'm totally digging who you are becoming, every day.

Love,
Mama

Niubei is finally home! (and a bunch of other really cool stuff!)

Maliana ~

Well, the highlight of the week was welcoming your new friend, Niubei Grace, home from China. You were so excited, talking about her all day long on Thursday, and then patiently waiting for her with your sign and balloon at the airport. She is sooo adorable and you really enjoyed finally meeting her after sooo many months of talking about her and looking at her pictures.

After the airport, we took some groceries back to their house, and when we got there you could not stop squealing with excitement. We had to keep telling you to "ssshhh...use your inside voice". You were just so ecstatic that the Metz's are home. You were also able to get to know Bei Bei just a little bit too. You were so sweet with each other and, all on your own, you even helped to put her shoes back on her feet at one point, ever so gently (which really warmed my heart). I can already tell that you two are going to become fast friends. Bei Bei's facial expressions and some of her mannerisms reminded me so much of you when you were first home...and you both are so silly. We can already tell Niubei has a great sense of humor, just like you. We were joking that we can already tell that you and Niubei may very well be the two little girls that run off together and come back with a silly skit to perform for all of the adults. (I can't wait!)

Now, as for the other really cool stuff I mentioned in the title for this entry ...

So, earlier in the week, I picked you up from school and when you got in the car and saw the library books for you on the front seat, you gasped, and said loudly and incredulously, "Aaahhhhh...Library Books!?!?!?!" You were so excited and I love it!! A love of books is wonderful!!

On Tuesday, we went for a hike at Blacklick Metro Park and had a great time together. Unfortunately, you had a meltdown as we left, and almost all the way home, because you did not want to leave. When we arrived home, we had to do our latest measure in "terrible two attitude adjustment" and so you "took a break" in your room, getting all of your crying, anger, and frustration out, in privacy. It actually is working really well, with you putzing around for about 5-10 minutes, then emerging on your own and yelling "Mama! All done crying!" You came out and were back to yourself, before the tantrum. I am actually amazed at your maturity kiddo...I just love it when something like this works.

On Wednesday, we discovered a new nature area, Minerva Lake, with Audrey Ayi. We originally went over there to feed ducks, and realized the entire area is gorgeous! We'll definitely have to come back for more exploring later.

On Thursday, before the airport, we met Michelle and Mia at the mall and, after over a month, you finally got to play with Mia! As we left school that day, you were telling all of your teachers that you were going to go play with Mia now. It was so cute. You both had a ball together and it was so good to see both Michelle and Mia, out and about. They are doing great and you girls loved playing on the Tuttle Shuttle play area...needless to say, Thursday was a very very exciting day!!

On the way out of Tuttle, you were perusing the displays in the jewelry section and telling me "Look eyes Mama, No touch!" I had to laugh (as did another woman who was shopping)...I guess you really are listening to me when I tell you things. You also were pretty cute as you looked at all of the pretty bobbles and said "oooohhhhh wow...", making yet another fellow shopper giggle to herself and nudge her husband to watch you.

On Friday, you got to play with another new friend, Jack. He is the son of an old elementary school friend of mine, Pam. It was great to see them and you both ran your mama's ragged on the playground...you were so busy, it was hard to keep up with you both ~ it wore us all out!

Miley Cyrus has also been a big thing this week...jammin' to her "Party in the USA" multiple times a day. We have a whole routine of hand motions and you do every single one from the backseat of the car, while singing along. I wish I could get this on film, however if texting is now illegal while driving, I'd hate to think of how much they'd fine me if they caught me filming while driving!

Saturday morning brought your 2nd "Rock my Bao Bao class". Lao Lao came with us and had a great time. The other parents there are so nice and I have a feeling this class is going to be good for all of us!

You also surprised me with another first this week, "reading" (well, reciting) a book to me while we both went potty together. It was a book that Audrey Ayi bought you while visiting Pittsburgh's Warhol Museum. I couldn't believe you read the whole thing to me! I love that you love to read so much. It really makes me happy since reading is such a valuable tool and I have gotten so much enjoyment out of a good book in my own life. I love sharing that with you too!

Saturday afternoon we went to a cookout at Uncle Joe and Tina's house and I was so proud of you...you went potty four times while there and never had one accident. It was AWESOME! You played so well with the other kids there and I am constantly amazed at your friendliness and good nature with others. You are an exceptional person, Maliana.

Sunday we had Mamaw and Papaw over for dinner. You went to the store with me and helped me pick out the ingredients we needed, then once home, you helped me put the casserole together. We had another one of those moments that I wished I could freeze in time forever again. As you patiently stood by my side at the stove (boosted up by standing on a chair), watching me put the casserole together (and waiting for a place where you could help), you reached over and slowly began stroking my arm, up and down, for quite a while. When I said, "I love you"...you softly said back, "I love you too" in your sweet little voice. It was one of the kindest gestures from you, all on your own. In fact, you have been doing more and more of these sensitive and delicate, loving little gestures lately, and I absolutely adore them. I love that you feel loved enough to share that with others, giving back these tender little moments, because that is what you have learned to feel for yourself. It means so much. Like I said before, you are an exceptional person, Maliana...oh, so exceptional.

Love,
Mama

Gratitude

Maliana ~

We welcomed the Metz family home last night, Shawn, Jen, and little Niubei. You were so excited about seeing them, squealing and calling out Bei Bei’s name all day and evening. It was so emotional to watch them walk down that corridor together, reminding me of our same trip. I do not think I can adequately describe how wonderful it felt to be home with you, and it has just gotten better and better every day since we met you.

I dreamed about Niubei all night last night, and woke up with a tremendous sense of thankfulness. I felt thankful that the Metz’s are home and that Niubei appears to be one of the happiest and healthiest children, already bonding so well with her parents. In addition, I felt overwhelmed by my thankfulness for you. I lingered over you this morning, softly kissing your head and cheeks whispering, “I love you, forever and always”, before I went to work. Then, as I slowly walked to my car, I looked up at the moon and said another little prayer of gratitude for you. I am not sure how it all works or exactly why or how you were chosen to be our daughter, but I could not feel more blessed that you are. You are truly, the light of our lives, just the way you are.

Love,
Mama

Football season begins...

Well Maliana,

It is officially football season, so that means you will be wearing both navy and gold, as well as orange and brown proudly for the next few months (and given the outcome of both games this weekend, you will also learn to have a thick skin when it comes to our favorite teams!) Here is a photo of a few crazy Brown's fans during Sunday's game...


















I also thought it would be neat to show a comparison from last year to this year...all 4 of us, (Wai Gong, you, me, and Blaize) under the Browns inflatable in Wai Gong's yard - look how much bigger you are!






























This week started off well. On Tuesday, you and I headed over to Blendon Woods to take a hike. We stopped in the nature center and watched the naturalist feed some monarch butterflies and then learned all about the critters they had there. You even attempted to identify some of the nuts we found on the trail and I, of course, came home with a pocketful of them after introducing you to the concept of the "goodie pocket". When I was little, Lao Lao used to keep all of the cool stuff we'd find on our walks in one specific pocket in her coat, and so now, you are more than willing to keep that tradition alive too!




























On Thursday, we had a full day. Audrey came over after school and we all headed into Clintonville for some Denise's homemade ice cream. On the way there, you were telling us that you not only now fly airplanes for your job, but also "look at" helicopters too. I guess you are expanding your current career path, ha! Audrey and I always get a good chuckle out of asking you about this stuff.
Once home, we went to your first open house for school. It was really cute. Mamaw and Papaw went with us and then watched you for a bit while Daddy and I went out for a bite to eat. Your teachers are really great and say that you are doing exceptionally well. In fact, you probably will be moving up a class soon once you completely master this potty training thing. That is good news, but we sure will miss our Miss Amy (she is your absolute favorite!) And I think the feeling is mutual, because they told us they would really miss you too!


Showing off some artwork...


















(I know, I know, they spelled your name wrong. It's officially corrected now, but I guess the cubby still needs to be updated.)











Here we are with Miss Adrienne (left) and Miss Amy (right)










On Friday, it was Grandparent's Day Snack Day at school. Unfortunately, no grandparents of any other kid in your class showed up...except Lao Lao. It was a bit of a dud, but Lao Lao was glad she could come. And as you get older, I'm sure you'll appreciate this kind of thing more and more.













After school on Friday, I presented you with something I have been trying to find for you for a while...safety scissors!! You were so excited, however made me a little nervous when the first thing out of your mouth once opening them was, "Haircut?!?" I think these are going to be best used under CLOSE supervision!
















I'm not sure what is happening with this crazy face...I had just shown you the proper way to carry scissors (sharp point down) and this is what you did. It reminds me a little of Jack Nicholson from The Shining...should I be scared?!?

















On Saturday morning, you cracked me up immediately upon waking. You did your usual, wake up early and come to snuggle with me. However, my alarm was set so I could get up and go running, but when QFM 96 came on, with some good oldies rock including a pretty decent guitar riff...you shot straight up in bed and launched into one of the best air guitar solos I've ever seen. It was HYSTERICAL! What a great little improv you are! Ha ha!

We were headed to the Lithopolis Honey Festival later that day, but before leaving, we got to Skype with Bei Bei, Shawn, and Jen from China! It was so neat! You are so curious about Niubei and how she is coming home soon on an airplane (just like you did). Bei Bei seems very silly and reminds me so much of you. I simply cannot wait to see you two little ones in action together!

We finally made it to the Honey Fest (you and I meeting Lao Lao and Mamaw there). It was a lot of fun and you were such a trooper. You walked all over that place, your little legs must have been tired, and you never fussed much at all (and never had one single accident in your big girl underwear!) You were interested in the music, craft booths, tasted a bunch of different kinds of honey, and even made yourself a bumblebee hive hat! It was a lot of fun and totally pooped you out.










































































The last photo was actually taken by you. You told us to all get together and called for a "big hug" (your exact words) - I think you did an awesome job! I swear, we really, really have GOT to get you your own camera!

Love,
Mama

Happy Labor Day!!

Maliana ~

It's been another great week, although not without some additional challenges.

Monday morning as Daddy got ready for work, you watched the DVD I (with Lao Lao's help) put together for your first Gotcha/Family Day, a slide show of pictures from your referral photos all the way until your first anniversary with us, set to all sorts of your favorite songs. Anyway, Daddy said you watched it, sang along with the songs, and even did some of the hand motions that you and I have come up with. Daddy said it was pretty hysterical! You have also been watching this at other times throughout the week as well. I love that you are really enjoying it. That was the whole point! Lao Lao said she'll probably need to burn you another couple copies to prevent over-use, which is a really good idea.

As for the challenges this week, it's been a big adjustment for you and I both. I am working an extra hour every day at work, which means that you are now napping at school. You are having some trouble sleeping as much as you should, and with my working extra, we are both coming home a little crankier this week. By the end of the week, you were sleeping a little longer at school, which was great. I know this is just an adjustment period, but boy, was this week a bit tough. Hopefully next week will be better.

On Tuesday when I picked you up, your teachers actually suggested you start to wear your big girl underwear to school since you are doing so well. We went out and bought you some more pairs immediately after school. What a big step - I am so excited for you!

On Wednesday, the first day in big girl underwear, of course you had what I would call a "defiant pee" at home. You did great at school, but after me asking you to potty numerous times at home, you purposely peed all over the floor in the kitchen. Arrgghh! This coincided with your insistence on a M&M and when I wouldn't give you one (since you peed on the floor versus the potty), you had a tantrum. We ended up with you "taking a break" in your room for about 10 minutes to get all of the frustrations out and then rejoining me in the kitchen, as right as rain. Thank God we figured out how to get through those moments, which are becoming more frequent this week. I feel like a fish out of water, not knowing what is best for you when you get so upset. I get so excited with these little triumphs - all part of being a new mom I guess.

On a more upbeat note, here are a few highlights from this week...
Here you are washing your new car. You are so excited that we ALL have new cars now!

















I took you creekin' after we took Dilly bars to Daddy's office on Wednesday - you had soo much fun! You loved your new creekin' shoes and exploring with all of the ducks and critters in the creek!

















I couldn't get any pictures of you actually in the creek because I was too afraid of getting the camera wet, but take my word for it, you had a ball!!













Here you are, wrapping it up after creekin' - a little wiped out but looking cute as ever in your new dry outfit.

















On Thursday, we hung out at home and you and I caught our first butterfly! We put it in the bug jar that Wai Gong made for you and while you weren't too sure about getting too close to the jar (since it was flitting about inside like mad), you were very excited about photographing it from a distance.

On Friday, you took Lao Lao and rode your tricycle all the way around our block all by yourself for the first time ever! You are getting so good at riding your bike and only lost control a few times (below is one of those times, notice your face!)


















Saturday morning was a ton of fun for us all - your first Rock My Bao Bao class! It's a class for kids 3 and under (and their parents) through Central Ohio Families with Children from China, to help with the bonding process and learn about Chinese music, words, and culture through singing and movements. You jumped right in and loved it! It was also wonderful to see all kinds of families that looked like ours and everyone seems very nice. I can't wait for your next class!





















You wore your big girl undies to this class too, so suffice it to say we were a little nervous but you did great! Dry the whole time! You also were so excited about this new Snoopy shirt and loved the pockets in your jeans. In fact, you are currently insisting on carrying money in your pockets anytime your outfit has them...usually we give you two nickels (one for each pocket). You love your money!

Saturday night we went to dinner for Uncle Micah's birthday. You had fun running around the tables with your BFF Adrianna (Micah's niece). You two are hilarious together and I have never seen you hit it off with another kid so well. It probably has something to do with your being almost exactly the same age. It is awesome to see you being so darn silly, giggling the whole time at God only knows what! In fact, you two were so smitten, you were inseparable all the way up until Adrianna drove away!


















On Sunday, we all felt a little under the weather. We stayed home most of the day except for you taking us on a trike ride around the block. I tried to get some pictures but for the first time ever, you yelled at me "No pictures Mama!" It only took you 14 months to get completely sick of your mammarazzi! Before bed, you also turned around and told me "Rock on Mama" and gave me some little devil horns - ha! It was pretty funny. I never know what you are going to do next!

Given how sick we have all felt, we were thankful for a 3 day weekend and took advantage of Labor Day to relax and take it easy. This morning we ate peanut butter toast (a new favorite of yours) and watched the entire ET movie together. It's an oldie but a goodie - you loved it! I'll have to try to find one of those funky vintage ET dolls for you!

And let me just wrap this up by saying how absolutely, unbelievably, positively proud I am of you. You have worn big girl underwear and pottied, without accidents, for the last 3 DAYS IN A ROW!! I know that accidents and setbacks can happen at any time, but it's all part of the process and no matter what, I am proud of you. I keep telling Daddy how amazed I am. I have this huge sense of accomplishment for you - I can't believe how far you have come in such a short time. You are so smart and when you're ready for something, you just do it. You are just about the coolest kid I know.

Love,
Mama

The Oatmeal Incident

Maliana ~

Daddy told me this a few weeks ago and I would be remiss if I did not capture this story in your blog, even though it is of one of your more ornery moments, so here goes…

It was a typical morning with Daddy getting ready while you ate a bowl of oatmeal in the bedroom, watching the Disney channel. Daddy walked back in and happened to notice that your bowl of oatmeal was missing. He looked high and low, finally spotting it, upside down on the floor. Luckily it had landed on a plastic covered library book so it was an easy clean up. When he asked you what had happened, you would not answer. When he asked again if you had thrown your oatmeal on the floor (since you didn’t do your usual “uh oh!” when an accident happens), you proceeded to lean casually back and place your arms folded behind your head, staring straight at Daddy but still not saying anything. You held that pose for a while, and when Daddy realized that throwing your oatmeal was precisely what you had done, he began to scold you and put you in time out. All the while, you did not even budge from your relaxed position, kicked back with your arms behind your head. He left you there for a couple minutes and when he came back in, lo and behold, you were STILL in that same cocky little pose, staring right at Daddy. You held it while he reprimanded you and attempted to elicit an apology or some kind of recognition that what you had done was not appropriate. All he got was a big fat nothing, a defiant stare, right back at him. Then, when the standoff had to come to an end since it was time to get going to work and school, he asked if you wanted to “start over” as we usually ask once a time out is complete. You immediately snapped out of your defiant little pose and said, “Yeah!” with a big smile and a hug as if nothing had ever happened. You little stinker!

We always knew you were going to be a headstrong kid, and we adore you for it. Little did we know how soon it would happen or how spirited you were going to be! All I can say is that we all are going to be in for a wild ride together – and I am sure we will love every minute of it! Just think of all the great stories we will have to tell, right?

Love,
Mama