Hubey from Hawaii...

Maliana ~

Fun, fun week and weekend...just tonight you shed some more light on your imaginary friend. "Hubey" used to be a fairly ornery boy cow, but just recently Hubey has been making many more appearances in the family and now we have learned that SHE is a girl (you graphically notified us of this by saying she has a butt AND a vagina ~ well, OK then...at least you know the proper terms!) and that you brought her home from Hawaii. She came to the grocery store with us on Saturday morning, and if she hasn't been other places with us, she has been a big topic of conversation. Unfortunately, we all keep stepping on her and she keeps getting stuck on our shoes, (in spite of her being 3 years old and just slightly shorter than you). Ha ha. It's fascinating to me to see your imagination at work, and neat because I too had an imaginary playmate of sorts as a child, except mine was a baby gorilla.

So, the beginning of the week was a little bumpy. You have been pretty hard on Daddy lately, in full-on "Mommy mode", wanting me to do EVERYTHING for you. It's been pretty tough for Daddy not to feel rejected, but Tuesday afternoon you asked, "Where's Daddy?" and when I told you he was still at work, you said, "I miss him." Seriously made his day. Then we came up with 'Mali and Daddy time' in the evenings now, where Daddy watches you for about an hour and a half, while I go to the gym to work out. Then I come home and put you to bed. It's nice, because as I am getting ready for the gym, we all play silly games throughout the house, like hide and seek and hootie hoot, with you squealing and laughing the whole time. While I was gone one night, Daddy taught you the "step wiggle" dance to James Brown music. You guys were doing laundry and as you went up the stairs, you stepped up, stopped, and wiggled to the beat. It is hysterical! Then when I come home after my workout, it's nice to relax and have that cuddle/playtime with you.

Daddy helped you hide in this bag and scare me when I came home from the gym

playing 'Dr Tea Party'

It's working very well to improve you and Daddy's relationship too as you have grown a ton closer to Daddy over the week, even offering up big hugs and kisses by the end of the week when he dropped you off at school or kisses on his cheek as he gets you dressed in the morning. Another way you start Daddy's day with a big old smile on his face as he drives to work.

Tuesday you and I made a new recipe, spinach and cheese quiche. You LOVED it! Then on Saturday, you helped me make crescent rolls and a lasagna, particularly liking to sneak bites of the cheese filling or the sauce when I wasn't looking. You are getting to be quite the little chef, and I love having a helper in the kitchen. And I showed you the trick of putting Tupperware away in our horribly booby-trapped cupboard...you jammed some containers in and quickly slammed the door shut, shouting, "Mom! I did it!" Quite an accomplishment in this house. Ha ha.

putting in the noodles

spreading on the cheese and spinach filling

busted! sneaking a bite

all done and so proud!

Not sure if this is just coincidental or not with all of the cooking, but you have also been a little more willing to try different foods too this week. I just love nurturing your enjoyment of food and cooking, highlighting eating healthy and of course, exercise. Speaking of which, Miss Jessica told me that you were doing yoga at school one day, right before I picked you up. She was cracking up at that. You have been watching Daddy and I like a hawk, with Daddy working out and doing his P90X and my going to the gym. Making sure you are active and see exercise as fun is so important to us, it's cool to watch you get into it. And you are so thoughtful as I head off to the gym in the evenings, making sure I have my ear buds and walking me to the front door yelling, "Be careful! Don't fall!" You are so sweet. You also told us today that you want to try karate this spring or summer, after looking at the various activities at the community center with me. That should be lots of fun and I can't wait to get you signed up. I'll learn a lot too as I have never done any martial arts at all.

You got to see a lot of Memaw and Papaw this week, with them coming to watch you on Thursday night and then you going over to play with your cousins at their house on Friday night. Daddy and I got to go out on a date on Friday (very much needed for us!) and you were so excited to see Joey, Alex, and Sammy. You sang the whole way there on Friday, and my God, you know practically all the words to the songs we play in the car, ("Hey Soul Sister", "Baby", "Party in the USA", etc). Daddy and I were amazed, and taken aback when you insisted that you sing them by yourself, and even scolded us for talking too loud in the front seat, saying "Mommy! You're talking! I can't hear!" You also informed us that "Justin Bieber my buddy" ~ oh boy! Anyway, once there I was feeling a little bit guilty for going out two nights in a row this week, but as I stood there at Memaw and Papaw's house on Friday, you were settling in with your cousins for dinner and looked up at me and in all sincerity said, "Go eat, Mom." Well, I guess there's no need for guilt, huh? Ha ha.

no need to worry about me!

Saturday night was really fun! We had the Neuhausels over, Fred, Michelle, and Mia. You were shy at first but then warmed right up, and by the end of the night you and Mia were BFF's! You put make up on each other, ran around with a stroller and shopping cart, pottied together and cracked each other up as you made fart noises in the bathroom, cuddled in your Mickey Mouse sleeping bag, danced, and of course, used the Daddy's for horsey rides. Fred made the comment that you both reminded him of two little old ladies with your crazy make up, shopping carts, and helping each other put on your boots and coats. Too funny! My only regret is that my camera flash crashed right at the end of the night, so I didn't get to capture the adorable "faces smooshed together, tightly squeezing around each others' necks" hugs that you and Mia gave each other while saying your goodbyes. It was absolutely priceless! At least we all have that etched in our memories though. You girls are awesome!

pre-make over

applying Mia's makeup

lipstick for Mali

hold still Mia!

look how pretty (and proud of ourselves) we are!

snuggled in the sleeping bag

ready for Hollywood

Mia made cupcakes for dessert!

I think they hit the spot!

monkeys in a cage

Daddy horsey rides are the best!

Sunday morning, our toilet broke, so you and Daddy went to the store to get a part while I went running. You were so excited to be Daddy's little helper, and equally excited to surprise me with a working toilet when I came back from running, saying "Close your eyes" and leading me into the bathroom.


We went to Bei Bei's dedication at church this morning, and you girls looked so cute together. You brought your big purse with a bag of trail mix in it, and Bei Bei enjoyed carrying it around the lobby. We don't put you in dresses or tights that often, and while you look adorable in them, we are also reminded you are quite the tomboy. I wish I had gotten the camera out to capture how you were sitting at the reception afterwards, legs up and in a squat, elbows resting on your knees, dress pulled way up and tights all showing every which way. You will definitely be a candidate to wear some sort of shorts under your dresses for quite a while. Ha.

two cuties!

They had a stage in the reception room after the dedication, and you got up there as we walked out, and actually sung quite a bit of your songs, like "Baby" and also "Just the Way You Are". You had minimal intimidation, so perhaps you'll be some sort of entertainer? Who knows. But in my opinion, you definitely have that X-factor.


After church, we all were tired and took a HUGE family nap. Longer than we expected but we all felt so refreshed afterwards. We took a late night trip to Walmart to stock up on essentials for the coming week, and it was a million times more enjoyable trip as a family than either of us going alone. And you did your routine 'check yourself out in the security camera' thing on the way out. You just love to be on TV! See? Like I said, you could be in entertainment someday, who knows?

Love,
Mama

Hip Hip Hooray for a long weekend (and no hospital!)

Maliana ~

Just wrapping up another long weekend. Thankfully, you stayed healthy and keep getting stronger every day. So happy to have you back to your old, silly, spunky self.

Boy was this week hard to jump back into...between worrying about you, getting squished into and kicked all night long in bed by a restless little girl, and trying to get caught up on sleep, my work days were filled with many yawns and burning eyeballs from fatigue.

On Wednesday while I headed back to work, Daddy stayed home with you and made sure you were fever free for school on Thursday. You guys hit Gena's for breakfast, story-time at the library, and then the toy store where you conned Daddy into a remote control fire truck. It was a good morning. Once I got home, we all ate dinner together and I was surprised to hear you singing Justin Bieber's song "Baby". I asked, and you confirmed that yep, that's what you were singing. Where the heck did you learn that?! Too funny. Daddy and I took you to the playground in this recent mild weather, to keep you moving and strengthen your lungs, and you did pretty good all in all. You are getting so much more coordinated anymore. I stopped and asked you if you were getting bigger or if it was just me, and you responded, "Just you." Daddy and I both laughed at that response. That night at bedtime, I lay there and you insisted on reading to me, telling me that you were "mama". You got through the entire "Now I Eat My ABC's" book, completely on your own. To say I was impressed is an understatement. You're not even three yet!!!

Your first day back at school went well, even though you were pretty tired. You perked up after seeing the Valentine's Day box they had saved for you, enjoying looking at all the valentines from your friends. Getting to a piece of licorice, you said, "L is for licorice"...just like in your book. Pretty good babe. I kept things low key but a little active and we headed over to $5 and Below to let you make your first purchase with your Valentine's Day money. Of all the things in the store, you insisted on getting a new pair of ear buds. They actually fit your ears and were a wise purchase since the ear buds you currently use are beginning to fizzle out. You're so smart. Of course, you did also insist on wearing them the rest of the night, with and without music. I guess they are functional, but you've also claimed them as a fashion statement too. Ha ha.

Friday was an awesome & sun-filled day. I took you and Abby for our first run of the year, without snow! It felt great! We stopped at the playground during my run and had a wonderful game of "imaginary restaurant"...I just love your emerging world of make believe. It is so fun to be a part of your games and to lose myself in the magic of childhood again. You also got spooked by the trees, creaking in the wind, insisting there were monsters. Another sign of your growing imagination.

finally some sunshine to soak up

When we got home, Daddy decided he wanted to take you on a date and so you went to Pei Wei, $5 and Below, and then the Soccer Barn to kick the ball around with each other. You surprised the clerks by knowing who Justin Bieber was on a poster in the store, and then surprised me later at home with a whoopee cushion. You giggled so hard when I plopped down on it! Then giggled more as you repeatedly plopped yourself down on it.

Saturday morning we went to Rock my Bao Bao and you did great! It was probably your most interactive class yet and we got to really work on some new Chinese words. Miss Lily is really nice and I'm so happy to see you feeling better. Lots of your classmates' parents asked about your rough week, knowing that you had been sick through our connections and posting on Facebook. Their concern was touching. Very sweet people. We came home after class and you were very interested in our new laptop, so I gave in and let you play around on it. You actually typed several names of our family members, with me telling you which letters to type. You are actually learning the keyboard, along with practicing your alphabet. Pretty amazing. Like I said above, you're not even three yet!!!

Saturday night we went to watch Uncle Blaize's gymnastics meet. As we got you ready, you did what you have been doing a lot lately, making a mountain out of a molehill by disagreeing or not cooperating with what we need you to do. When I asked you in mock exasperation, "Why must you make everything bigger than it has to be?", you ever so sweetly replied, "Sorry Mom", with a huge grin. Little stinker. Once at the meet, we cheered wildly for Blaize and he did great, winning several gold medals! You had some of the other spectators giggling as they watched you walk around, talking on the cell phone, and generally acting like you were 3 going on 13. You and I hit the concession area and I was pleasantly surprised to see you try, and like, thinly sliced celery sticks and ranch dressing. I just love it when you decide you like healthy snacks! Then, after the meet you had a blast running, jumping, and tumbling on the big, bouncy and cushy floor mats.

mmm, celery sticks!!

yay Uncle Blaize!!

Sunday morning, you woke up alone in bed. I had gotten up early to work out, and Daddy had gotten up to take a work call. I heard you whimpering after a while and when I came in, your reaction was priceless. You are so used to me having already gone to work in the morning, that when you saw me, you said, "Mommy, hey!! You're here?!?" and then gave me a huge hug. Gotta love that! Later as we lounged, you and I played another imagination game, with you leading the way. We kept getting on and off an airplane, going to China, and taking our suitcases and the photo album of our trip to China for you. You had been flipping through the pictures again. I'm glad you are getting use out of it, and it is keeping your wheels turning. Very interesting game.

Lao Lao came over Sunday afternoon and we headed up to Delaware's Ohio Wesleyan University to go to a China Week Gala event to watch some performance artists with the Chinese cultural clubs at Ohio State and Ohio University sing, play instruments, and dance their native art forms. It was a really great performance and you seemed to be into it. Afterwards, they gave everyone hung-bao as they left and you liked trying the various candies, particularly enjoying these little buttered corn flavored gummy candy. Once some of the performers found out that you liked that candy, about 4 of them swarmed you and gave you handful upon handful of it. It was really sweet. On the way back to the car, we asked you what you liked the best in the performance, and all on your own, you did an imitation of which dance you liked the best, the Chinese Sani Folk Dance performance. We hadn't even realized you had been paying such close attention. It was pretty neat to have confirmation that you did in fact, enjoy yourself and were taking it in.

watching the fan dance

corn candy!

Often I feel like I am so lacking when it comes to properly exposing you to and embracing your birth culture. I feel like there is so much more that I should know and should be doing for you. However, after the performance I had an epiphany. I realized that there is no way I can automatically know everything, and there is no way I will do everything perfectly. But, each time we attend something like this, I go away with another little snippet of information. And each of these snippets are eventually going to add up to a whole lot of information and experiences for you, and all of us. So, I'll just try to relax a bit from now on, and go with the flow, learning right alongside you.

After we got home from this performance, we headed over to Jo Ann Fabric with Lao Lao and you and I checked out the football cake pans for your birthday. I have already ordered a cake and cupcakes (football, upon your request, which you have been talking for the last SIX months ever since seeing a football cake at Baskin Robbins), but they weren't quite what I had in mind. When we strolled up to the football cake mold, your face lit up, and regardless of my own fears and trepidation in making my first homemade birthday cake, I knew I would have to at least attempt it. There's no way I can deny that smile of yours. You reassured me by telling me that, even if it looked silly, you'd still like my cake. Hee hee. Thanks hon.

After arriving back at our house, you unwound a bit, playing around the house while I cooked dinner. You were pretending to be exercising and asked me if I wanted to "heat up" with you (and then started jumping back and forth in front of me)...it took me a while until I figured out that you were asking if I wanted to "warm up" with you. I giggled at that one. Pretty good connection there kiddo.

Finally, at bedtime...as you cuddled into me...I heard you whisper "I love you". This is exactly what I say to you, whispering it in your ear at various times throughout the day and night. It's so neat to hear that love, reflected back, confirming that you "get it", and that you want to send it right back to me. Awesome.

Monday was a very rainy President's Day, but we didn't have to go to school or work AND I'm happy to say that we did have one dry thing ~ your diaper when you woke up ~ woo hoo!! You were excited that Lao Lao and Uncle Forge were coming over this morning and were a huge help, putting on your clothes and socks all by yourself, letting Abby out to pee on your own...then carrying the clock (which had been on the wall) around after I showed you what time Lao Lao was supposed to arrive. You are so interested in learning all you can about the world around you, and being as helpful as possible too...it's pretty neat. It was Community Day at the zoo (free admission) so you, Lao Lao, Uncle Forge, and I braved the rain and cold to see the animals. We only really made it to the gorillas, bonobos, and polar bears...but that was plenty for all of us. Despite the rain and cold, we had fun!


we also got to see Uncle Flint and his friends during lunch!

look, fish!

this is your, "I just saw a polar bear!" face

We had your follow up doctor's appointment this afternoon too and I'm happy to report that he gave you the all clear...your lungs sound fabulous and you are good to go! Yay! All in all, it was a really good day!

Love,
Mama

Valentine's at Children's...

Maliana ~ Right off the bat, let me just apologize if this message to you is a bit scattered...I'm still a bit rattled from the past week.

And, now let me just say...my poor baby...

waiting in the ER

Unfortunately this year, we had to for-go all of the continuing Chinese New Year parties and Valentine's celebrations. Instead, we "got to" spend Valentine's Day at Children's Hospital with you. Boy...what a whirlwind last few days. It all started on Thursday this past week when you came home from school and began to feel a little warm and act a bit lethargic. By Saturday morning, you'd been developing a fever that was bad enough for us to take you in to see your doctor, who said you had walking pneumonia, the flu, and a slight earache. By Sunday night, we found ourselves in Children's Hospital emergency room due to your having developed a nasty cough that thankfully tipped us off to your having full blown pneumonia which led to a hospital admission late Sunday night! To say we were stunned to find ourselves where we did is an understatement. We felt so awful for you, and couldn't believe it all had developed so rapidly. This has been some scary stuff kid. It's been quite traumatic for you, having to endure a chest x-ray, breathing treatment, being used as a pincushion with multiple attempts at starting your IV at 3am on Sunday night/Monday morning, and of course, the countless sleep interruptions to get your vitals while staying in the hospital. It has been a very trying time for us all, (mostly you), and we are glad to finally be home.

Of course, along with all of the trials of our hospital stay, there were positives as well. There were several visitors for you over the course of your stay, and the nurses that worked with you were very impressed with how tough and well-behaved you were, how cooperative you could be, and also one nurse in particular was dazzled with how you knew to cover your mouth when coughing without even being told. Many of the hospital staff, from the nurses to the gentleman from transport, all remarked on how sweet and adorable you were. Sick and all. So, regardless of how awful you felt, you still manage to have a positive impact on those around you. And let me just tell you too that you are much tougher than I would have been at your age, (even tougher than me at my current age now!) I still think you're tougher than I could ever be. In fact, while Daddy ran home to get some stuff for us on Monday, you and I sat and talked about your hospital stay, and you and I even looked at and talked about your IV and how it all worked. As tough as it's been, it was nice to spend this time with you. I was amazed at how matter-of-factly you could do certain very difficult things (like dealing with all of your IV tubes as you tried to navigate the hospital bed to find comfortable positions for two solid days), and also how quickly you could get accustomed to other quite significant annoyances (such as being aggravated and traumatized every few hours as you were awakened from a sound sleep to see a strange nurse standing over you and a blood pressure cuff squeezing the crap out of your leg).

Don't get me wrong, other things remained difficult though too. The breathing treatment in the ER was our first taste of how heartbreaking this stay was going to be as we had to hold a mask on your face while they misted oxygen in your nose for 5 minutes. Five minutes doesn't sound like much but becomes extremely long when your child is looking into your eyes and pleading with you, "Please Mommy! No hold me down Mommy!" It was gut-wrenching and I didn't know if I could make it through or not. We did..but it was tough. The next test was after admission and during the whole "starting your IV process" when they could not find your tiny veins. The first attempt you were on your own with the nurses, with us assuming it would be best if we waited outside the room for the procedure to be done. But when 15-20 minutes later and they still couldn't get it in, they brought you back out to us. Upon which time you tearfully wanted us to stay with you. So, while they attempted a 2nd time (unsuccessfully), all I could do was to be there by your tear-streaked face, look into your eyes, stroke and kiss your head, and tell you it would be ok and all be over soon, while you once again pleaded with me, "All done, go home, I'm scared Mommy!" I absolutely hated not being able to do any more to help you. Finally, after sleeping from 4am to about 8am, they brought you back down and the IV specialist team got your IV in. Arriving back in our room, you slept soundly on my chest, for a very long time for the rest of Monday morning, Valentine's Day. What a way to start the week, huh?

The rest of Monday was tough, with your fever spiking back up to nearly 104, causing us to stay another night. After a tough day, we all were a little stir crazy in the room by bed-time, so late at night after all the visitors had left, the three of us took a walk through the sleepy hospital. We piled you into your wagon, complete with blankets, pillows, IV pole and Disney face mask. It was nice to be out and looking at new scenery, even if it was just the inside of the hospital.

all snug in your wagon

wagon walk at night

checking out the fish tank in our floor lobby

Your sad little mantra during the whole stay was, "All done, go home". The nurses just had to look at you and this is what you said, while pitifully whimpering and trying to get as far away from them as possible. I felt so awful for you. Tuesday morning brought a little bit more hunger and you ate some Froot Loops (finally) for breakfast, and slowly but surely throughout the day you began to eat and drink more. With a little food in your belly, you began to perk up and by afternoon they were talking about discharge with us. We packed up and while it took a while to fill your prescriptions at the hospital pharmacy, Daddy decided to race you around the waiting room and lobby in the transport wagon, until we could finally get your medicine, hop in the car, and drive home. Upon looking outside, you said, "Where's the snow?" It all had melted in the two days since we had been in the hospital. I thought that was pretty perceptive for such a young thing.

Going back and leading up to the ultimate hospital visit, we had no idea what was coming our way. I did come home from work early on Friday, so that I could relieve Daddy and you could stay home from school with each of us. I guess I should have known something was out of the ordinary when you laid on me for a good 5 hours watching a bunch of different shows on Disney, including Monsters, Inc. Cute movie, with Boo reminding me of you on multiple occasions, with her little ponytails and garbled speech. You turned to me after the movie and said, "You came home stay with me?" and when I said yes, you wrapped your little arms around me and said, "Thank you Mommy!" You seemed sick, but still had that little spark of yourself in there. Hindsight is making me second guess everything now. I wish I would have taken you to the doctor that day, but I didn't. I thought your fever would eventually break, but it never completely did. I hope I didn't do anything to cause these complications for you. Logically, I know I probably didn't, but still. I wonder and worry...a mother's perpetual dilemma.

Going farther back into the past week, there were even less signs that you would be so sick by week's end. Upon picking you up at school on Tuesday, I found you snuggling with a buddy, Amoray, reading some books together. Ms Brandi told me you even were laying with your head on his lap at one point. My little cuddle bug. Then that night you decided you wanted to take a shower, all by yourself! And proceeded to sing Hannah Montana in the shower, at the top of your lungs. I have a great video of this ~ it is too cute. Once again, I really wish I knew how to upload videos here again. For some reason, it just won't work for me. Maybe one day. Even later still on Tuesday night, you, Dad, and I all boogied ridiculously to our James Brown CD, since you have recently fallen in love with "Get Up Offa That Thing" courtesy of your current favorite movie, Robots. Good times!

Wednesday you and Dad had a remarkable little breakthrough in the realm of "before school battles". Evidently, you have given Daddy a really hard time lately when it comes to turning off Disney when it's time to get dressed in the morning. Well, he explained to you what his expectations were the other morning, and lo and behold if you didn't stick to the agreement and even asked Dad to turn off Disney for you on Wednesday before school. He couldn't believe it and was so pleasantly surprised ~ smart kid!

That night, you and I made peanut butter pine cone bird feeders. You completed one of them, while I did the rest. I think you enjoyed licking the left over peanut butter more than actually making the feeders. But you definitely enjoyed watching Daddy hang them in the tree out front. And while I can't say that we have seen any individual birds eating the seed, by the end of the week, the feeders have been nearly stripped clean of seed and peanut butter, so someone is getting a treat!

sneaking a lick

rolling the peanut butter covered pine cones in bird seed

finished product, ready to hang!

Monday, ironically we had already gone to see Dr Dan for what turned out to be eczema on your back and belly. You were so funny on the way there too, telling me, "I talk to Dr Dan, my Dr, not yours". Then insisting on discussing and showing Dr Dan, all on your own, what was wrong. You cooperated so thoroughly with letting him inspect your skin and ears. My little "grown up". He was very impressed and treated you as a little adult too. It was really cute to watch. He also had his guitar with him again, an extra bonus. What a great and perfect doctor for you!

And finally, going all the way back to last Sunday, Superbowl Sunday. I have a few updates. On a funny note, I guess you were rooting for the Steelers because when the Packers made a touchdown, you cried out, "Oh man!!" several times, all on your own. It was quite hilarious.

On a more serious note from Sunday afternoon as well ~ I realized the difficult feelings and questions are possibly beginning to form, judging from your reaction to a photo album I put together for you about our trip to China for your adoption. What happened was that you found an album I had set aside with some keepsakes and asked to look at it. Of course I said yes, so you began going through all the pictures, insisting I sit with you while you did so. Eventually, you got to the pictures of our first few moments with you, during the hand off with the director of the orphanage where you grew up the first 16 months of your life. You decided that you did not particularly like to see the photos where you were crying, and began referring to yourself as "that baby", even though I was explaining that that was you. You also kept pointing out that I was crying in many of the pictures, and pointed out a picture of you and I in bed, with you sleeping on my chest and me kissing the top of your head. You looked at this photo in particular, kissed your hand, and then placed it on this picture. No matter how many times, or how many different ways I asked you what you were thinking, I wasn't able to get many details on what was happening internally with you yet. I tried my best to explain what was happening in each of the photos and then wondered if I am doing enough, or even if I am doing too much. I hope that you can come up with your own story for these, when the time is right, and that I am not filling your mind with too many details from my perspective, and not allowing you to have your own. I guess we'll play it by ear, and go day by day. Basically, we'll do our best and just have to see.

Anyway, jumping back ahead to the present, as I mentioned before, we are finally home and all settled in. Since we have been home, we've finished returning texts, emails, and phone calls to all the people concerned about you. One of whom being Great Grandma. Ggma was so scared when she heard that you were in the hospital, and when I called her before bed on Tuesday, she was very relieved to hear that you were feeling much better now.

Before bed that first night home, you were a bit cranky. Daddy and I thought you might have nightmares again, similar to what you went through last time you had to stay overnight in a hospital. So, I had a long talk with you about your feelings about being in the hospital, how scary it must have been at times, and how frustrating it might have been at other times. We talked about the different things that happened and why, and also how you are home now and it was just Daddy, Abby, and I with you now. No more nurses, doctors, or anyone else coming in to bug you in the middle of the night. You didn't say much, but you sure took in all that I was saying. Thankfully, you slept very soundly that night. Hopefully, no nightmares this time.

So, as exhausting as this past week has been, particularly the last few days...we feel refreshingly blessed that you are ultimately ok and that we live in this time in history and in the place that we do. So grateful to have such a wonderful facility as Children's Hospital, practically in our backyard. Thankful for all the talented doctors and nurses that helped mend you back together. Thankful for the love and support of family and friends who keep us afloat with their encouragement. And thankful for such a tough yet sensitive, perceptive, intuitive, intelligent, compassionate, and good-spirited little girl, who amazes us with her strength and love every day. (By the way, I could go on and on with adjectives describing you, but I'd be here forever...those were just the ones on the tip of my tongue tonight.)

So, goodnight Mali. Here's hoping you continue to regain your strength more and more each day...and looking forward to a "hospital-free" weekend, next weekend.

Love,
Mama

Gung Hay Fat Choy!! (oh yeah, and it's Superbowl Sunday too)

Maliana ~

Well, today is Superbowl Sunday, Steelers vs Packers...since neither of these teams are the Browns, we couldn't care less! We're going to Wai Gong's in a little bit, so it's a nice excuse to get together with family anyway. And this year, 2011, is the beginning of the Chinese year of the Rabbit (my sign)! Pretty cool.

At the moment, you are sleeping with Daddy and I thought I'd take the opportunity to sneak downstairs and catch up on the blog to tell you all about this week. Here goes. On Monday, you made up a new word at bed-time, "nana-hubey", and for some reason whenever I would say it, you would crack up hysterically! I mean, SERIOUS HYSTERICS! I even got out of bed with you and took you downstairs to show Daddy your reaction. We got a great video of you doing this, and I'm so glad we did. You were laughing so hard at one point, that you couldn't even breathe! It was awesome...I just wish I knew what the heck nana-hubey meant!

Lately you have taken to falling asleep, spooned into me, and wedging your little (freezing cold) feet into my thighs. It is pretty cute, at least it is cute once I finally get used to the feel of your icy toes! You recited your first book to me the other night too...I only helped with the first two words on each page and you recited the rest of "Llama Llama Mad at Mama" to me. It was pretty amazing to witness. I know we have read this book to you a lot, but wow! And of course, you also have made a habit of perfecting your stall tactics too. You have so many tricks up your sleeve, it's incredible. Two of my favorites though have got to be your trying to talk to me in the dark, whispering to me and taking my face in your hands, and also asking me to sing with you. The other night, we must have sung 6 or 7 different songs together. We make a pretty good duet too! If it wasn't for you really needing your sleep for school in the morning, I'd let you do this all night if you wanted to. And finally, another night-time 'big deal', on Monday anyway, was your waking me up at 12:30am to go pee. You are still wearing diapers at night because you don't always wake up to potty from a sound sleep, but each time you wake up like this it's a great sign! You're definitely working on it!

On Tuesday, Daddy watched you as I went to the gym. He took you out to go shop while I worked out and then you came back to pick me up. Evidently you were very insistent about coming in to see me exercise, and when I turned around to get off the treadmill, there you both were! I got to go to the gym a few more times this week, and Daddy has also been working out a lot at home too. So, the rest of the week, you have been acting like you were working out; running, doing yoga (or 'yoda' as you call it), and even at one point standing directly in front of me and pretending to use the drawstring at the bottom of my sweatshirt to do pretend shoulder pulls. It's pretty funny. I do also have to note an example of what a sweet kid you are too. As you and Daddy walked back into the gym on Tuesday, it was very icy in the parking lot. Daddy was being very careful as he carried you and, noticing this, you leaned over, grabbed his arm and said, "It's ok Daddy, I got you". Always the caring little person...

And speaking of your doing 'yoda' this week, we had the movie "Couples Retreat" on the other night and something surprising happened. There is a very funny, if very humorously uncomfortable, yoga scene in that movie and when it came on, you began laughing hysterically at it. Daddy and I couldn't believe that you saw the humor in it too. Either you have a very advanced sense of humor, or Daddy and I have the sense of humor of a 3 year old. Could go either way...ha ha! A day or two later, you also were out with Daddy after school and out of nowhere, you walked up to him and leaned in saying, "Boom Boom". When he asked you what you said, you told him "Peacock Chest!" and pounded on your chest. He (and I when he told me) laughed hysterically. We couldn't believe it. (as a side note to anyone reading this blog, if you have seen the movie, you will completely understand what this means, and now, just picture that from a 3 year old!)

Wednesday was Chinese New Year's Eve and so Daddy and I took you to dinner at Billy Lee's for a celebration. It was a nice quiet dinner (a bigger celebration will happen in about a week through COFCC), and while I was going to dress you in one of your beautiful outfits from China, you insisted on wearing your surfer shirt. Anyone who is a parent can attest to the fact that with an almost 3 year old, you pick your battles wisely. So, surfer shirt it was. On Thursday, Chinese New Year's Day, I let you open your gifts. Among all of your loot, you especially loved the Asian baby doll and proceeded to immediately give her a bath, not even ten minutes after receiving her. I also gave you your red envelopes (or hung-bao) with money (6 golden $1 coins) that we immediately put into your piggy bank (which is getting quite full and heavy anymore). At bedtime, you took both of your baby dolls (naming your new Asian baby doll "Maggie") and read to them all by yourself before going to sleep. I came in to tuck you in and you had the babies laying next to you on the pillow and the book open, "reading". It was such a cute sight to walk in on, and reassuring that we are modeling and encouraging a love of reading for you.

Happy New Year's Eve!

with your hung-bao

happy with your loot

CNY hat, chocolate, and your new baby "Maggie"

When Daddy dropped you off at school this week, he got to meet one of your new teachers. She pulled him aside and just kept telling him how much she liked you, what a sweet and smart kid you are. Among other things, she told him that you are the only one in your class that is able to put on and zip up your coat all by yourself! No wonder they all gathered around and rejoiced so much when you put your coat on last week! I think I've said this before in other entries in this blog, but while I know that Daddy and I adore you, it's nice to hear other people that you interact with on a daily basis get as much enjoyment out of you too. You are a phenomenal kid.

On Friday, I got off work early and you, Daddy, and I headed down to the hospital because Wai Gong was having surgery on his heart. Everything turned out ok, and you did wonderfully waiting in the waiting room with us all. We all headed back to his room once his procedure was done, and he wanted to give you a big kiss as he lay there in bed. Sometimes you can be a little defiant when someone wants a kiss, but this time you willingly leaned in and gave him, not one, but about 3 or four kisses. You really are intuitive and sensitive to others. It was very sweet. You also went down to the gift shop with me while we waited, to look for a gift for him. All on your own, you picked out a glass marble that read "Protected by Angels" on it. It was the only one of its kind, a little beat up, and the wording a little hard to read, and it was clear when all the other marbles were very brightly colored. You insisted on buying this one for him, and I couldn't help but wonder about a parallel. You have been such an angel to all of us, it was fitting that you chose this marble with this message for Wai Gong on that day.

kisses...the best medicine

On Saturday, I went to the gym early, but feeling a little guilty for missing my Saturday morning wake up time with you, I brought you home McDonald's pancakes for breakfast. (That "mommy guilt" is a tricky one). We went to Rock my Bao Bao class later that morning and sung some CNY songs, then Miss Lily gave everyone hung-bao as parting gifts after class. You especially loved the necklace with the Chinese symbol for wealth!

hung-bao from Miss Lily

peek-a-boo with Miss Lily

playing on the microphone after Rock my Bao Bao...look at that stage presence!

After that, you had a kind of lazy day at home with us until we headed over to Joe and Tina's house for a gathering of friends. It was nice to see them all again, and you had a blast playing with their kids, Sam and Erin. Then our friends Mike and Julie were there with their 3 girls too, Natalie, Paige, and Katie. You were by far the youngest, but you held your own and loved it. You all played a Wii dance game, then dressed up as princesses and danced and ran around the house, had a tea party together, and then made Valentine crafts. We ended up staying until nearly midnight (I had no idea it was so late!) You are such a trooper and quite the night owl. You fell asleep almost before we made it off their street.

the princesses

running, running, running!

you girls put so much effort into putting together a splendid tea party for Shawn and I...look how proud you are!

working hard on Valentines

And finally, I have been putting you to bed every night this week since Daddy has been working nights temporarily. Since you still sleep in our bed, and insist on cuddling with me until you fall asleep (at which point I try to sneak back downstairs for a bit), it has given me a lot of opportunity to reflect on you and this whole journey we have been on since July 2009. I lay there, snuggled into you, waiting for you to drift off to sleep the other night. I could smell your particular scent, (we all have one), as your hair kept tickling my nose that was buried on the top of your head. I thought back to the first day we spent together and how I would softly kiss the top of your head over and over as I walked around the hotel room with you to get you to go to sleep during those first few moments and days together. It seemed those kisses and that walking was the only thing that would soothe you on those long nights. I remember thinking that I didn't recognize your "scent" back then...I kept trying to get used to it but it was nothing familiar to me (yet). And I imagine you felt the same way about me. I looked funny, smelled funny, sounded funny, etc etc etc...however just look at us nearly two years later. I know I can't speak for you, but I can definitely speak for myself when I quote a song I heard recently. "Home, let me come home, Home is wherever I'm with you, Oh home, yes I am home, Home is when I'm alone with you". Two years later and I can barely remember when I didn't know you. You are as familiar to me as my own body. I do recognize that we both had lives of our own before we knew each other, with their ups and downs, joys and heartbreaks. But I feel so fortunate now, that our lives intertwined the way that they did. And I'm glad that no matter how big you get, no matter how old you are, or where you end up in the world once you spread your wings someday, that I will always know your "scent", and feel a connection to you that I never dreamed possible just two short years ago.

I love you, forever and always.
Mama

COSI, Friends, and Dinosaurs!

COSI on Friday, friends over on Saturday, and a birthday party today (Sunday). What a great and busy weekend, Maliana!

Just got back from the coolest birthday party - looking for dinosaur fossils in a cave! It was a ton of fun and you were so excited to go "look for dinosaurs"...we made our own fossils first and then took a short hike to a little cave, climbed inside, and explored with flashlights. You were so brave and since the ceiling was so low, you went ahead and did a little bit on your own. Such a big girl! You wore your dinosaur explorer shirt and vest, which you felt pretty fancy in, and I have a feeling you'll insist on wearing to school tomorrow. The party was for Collin, one of our friends who was also adopted, but from Guatemala. The whole party was full of families of all kinds, adoptive and biological, and it was so neat to see all of those faces together, having fun and loving life. Many of them are in a playgroup together, which Heather (Collin's mommy) invited us to as well, and as we drove home tonight, I made myself a promise to try to get more involved with these kinds of groups for you. I realize how valuable it could be, seeing all of these kids really enjoying each other. On the way home I could tell you had fun at the party because you were such a "chatty Kathy", talking up a storm about all sorts of things, one of them being taking an airplane to Mexico. Mexico? Really? You crack me up with what comes out of your little head lately. Speaking of which, this morning you also began talking to someone named "Hubey" in the bathroom...come to find out, it appears to be a fairly ornery imaginary cow of yours...you're pretty funny kid.

showing off your "dino explorer" patch on your vest

making your fossil

stopping to look for fossils on the outside of the caves

hiking to the cave

taking your little flashlight and checking things out inside the cave

this is cool!

Last night, our friends (the Sheltons) came over and you got to play with Carter and Cassidy. We all ate a bunch of yummy desserts and made hats for the upcoming Chinese New Year, then you kids watched movies downstairs, all cuddled on the couch together. It was so nice to have them over again and we definitely have to make it a habit to get together more often.

being silly with your buddies

making Chinese New Year hats

cuddling

finishing up your Chinese New Year hat

Earlier in the day, you surprised me by digging out your map of China and pointing to Xuwen in southern China, saying "Mali born here". I couldn't believe you remembered this. I haven't shown you or talked about this with you for at least a month or more. Your memory is a steel trap! And I love that these kinds of facts are so important to you already.

I laid down with you for a nap, and while I had many other things to do before we had company, you fell asleep on my chest and I decided to just stay there, snuggled together with you, soaking in every moment of this special opportunity that I know won't last forever. It was one of those times I was glad that I recognized where my priorities lie, and decided to take advantage of this seemingly common, every day moment that could have passed me by, but at least this time, I didn't let it. Feeling your warm little body, laying there contentedly on my chest, was true peace, real life. Thanks for giving me this gift today honey.

my Heaven

After the nap, you and Daddy went to the store together and had been listening to Bruno Mars, "Just the Way You Are", and evidently began singing it together at the top of your lungs throughout the store. Daddy came home, relating this story, and it tickles me every time you and he have these moments together. He also told me that you asked for the song again, and when he asked you what song, you said, "Bruno Mars, Daddy!" Ha ha. Like I said, steel trap! When you got home, you were so excited to surprise me with the cake you had bought for that night, dragging me upstairs saying, "Close your eyes Mommy" and then only letting me open them when we were right in front of the cake. Then, for the next 20 minutes, you kept surprising me with random things around the house. You really enjoyed the thrill of surprising someone else with something they might like, it was too cute!

On Friday, I found out it was Family Night at COSI, so Lao Lao, Uncle Forge, you and I all headed downtown for some science fun! Before they got to our house, you insisted on waiting outside for them, so we both shoveled some snow on the driveway while we waited. You may be small, but you're one strong little booger!

strong as an ox

On the way to COSI, we stopped at Katzinger's Deli and had some yummy sandwiches and their famous pickles! Mmmmm.

We brought your jammies, since we would be out so late, to put on you before leaving the museum in case you fell asleep on the way home. Once at COSI, as we paid our admission, you started to take off your shirt and asking me for your jammies. Evidently you thought we were going to change into your jammies as soon as we got there. How observant you are, I didn't even realize you had heard me talk about bringing your jammies! We hit some of the exhibits and you insisted on doing a fitness challenge after watching some older kids do it. I was pretty impressed that you were actually able to do sit ups and push ups! It was so cute. We hit KidSpace and found the water section, which you had a blast with. I can't believe we hadn't seen that part before! Towards the end of the night, we stopped to get Dippin Dots and you decided to take off your shirt and eat it topless, right in the middle of the lobby. I have no idea why. I figured it didn't hurt anything, so I just went with it. After ice cream, you made Lao Lao chase you in circles while trying to put your coat on, giggling hysterically. Then on the way home, you babbled endlessly, laughing, dancing, and singing non-stop the whole way home, mostly "Party in the USA", but also yelling, "Ni Hao!" and "Xie Xie!" randomly as well. It was such a fun night!

sit ups!

push ups!

yay water! (and Mommy says, "yay raincoats!")

hula hooping with Lao Lao in the Progress section

As for the rest of the week, here's the scoop.

Thursday as we ran errands I played "Lullaby" by the Dixie Chicks and when it came on, you said "That's my song!" and sang along with it. I couldn't believe you knew as many words as you did! Daddy and I had a date night and Memaw and Papaw came over to play with you while we were out.  When Memaw and Papaw came over, you had fun doctoring Memaw with your Dr Kit, ate dinner with them, and had fun playing throughout the night. However, evidently you were adamant about not going to bed until we got home, and Papaw said that about every 15 minutes you were asking where we were. Daddy had picked out a soccer ball (just your size) while we were out and since you were still up when we got home, he gave it to you. You loved it! Even slept with it that night! It was quite a funny sight when I came to bed later. The next morning, you said "Thank you Daddy" again, for your soccer ball. You are such a sweet, thankful little thing!

doctoring Memaw

it's always a little scary when your doctor stops to read the instructions in the middle of your exam

helping Papaw cut the bread for dinner

fast asleep with your new love, the soccer ball

On Wednesday, I took you next door so that I could go run while Natalia watched you for a bit. I love how when I bring you in, you are welcomed so warmly by all of them (Jenny, Natalia, and Roman), and how Romie just whisks you away as soon as we set foot in the door. After I ran, we came home and you painted your wooden dinosaur model. So serious in your focus ~ You were really into it! Then later, your sensitive side came out after I stubbed my toe and was busy saying all kinds of four letter words that no two year old's ears should hear. In spite of my "less than stellar mom moment", you proceeded to crawl between my legs, rub, and kiss my stubbed toe, saying, "It'll be ok, Mommy. Feel better?" Daddy kept trying to tell you to leave me alone, but you wouldn't listen. You were on a mission to help me. Man, you are one in a million. I just hope none of those four letter words come back to haunt me in the future. Ha ha.

On Tuesday bedtime, I got to see firsthand how you recite your books now, actually "reading" 2-3 pages of your "Llama Llama Mad at Mama" book. It was so cool to see. Then, my favorite part was after we had turned out the lights and were settling in, when I felt your tiny little hands searching for my face in the dark, and then once you found me, you leaned over and gave me a salty little "fish kiss" (salty from what I am sure was a slightly runny nose). But, salty or not, it touched my heart. It's funny the kinds of things you embrace once you're a parent. Actually welcoming all kinds of things that, at one point in my life would have been gross but, now are a treasure.

And finally, Monday began the week well. You were in a great mood, reciting a bunch of your Llama Llama books in the car on the way to school. I was early when I got to school to pick you up and so I got to see some of your fancy jumps and tumbles during your tumbling class. You were so proud to show off a little bit, and I thought it was so awesome too when a bunch of kids (and your teacher) surrounded you and rejoiced like crazy when you got your own zipper zipped on your coat before we left. It was so cute! I love that you have that kind of support at school! We headed to McDonald's after school and took our time eating some yummy McFlurries and just hanging out and having fun together. You held your hand up and told me it was your phone, pretending to scroll through pictures and show me each one on your palm. Too cute. Then a bit later, you gave me a big spontaneous kiss. Gotta love those!

Anyway, last week began on a good note, and ended on a superb note! I can only hope this coming week follows suit.

Love,
Mama