Playground Weather Again!

Maliana ~
This week has brought lots of fun on various playgrounds...it's so nice to see the sunshine again and enjoy the coming spring! And while we have had lots of fun, we've also had a rough patch involving playgrounds too. We'll start with the rough, and end with the good.

Typically I get to school to pick you up just as playground time is starting. One day, since it was so beautiful, I decided to let you play (for nearly an extra hour!) as I talked to your teachers and watched you having fun. Unfortunately, when it was time to go you had a complete meltdown, with me having to get pretty tough and carrying you, kicking and screaming, from the school. I suppose it's good that you enjoy school so much that you sometimes aren't ready to go home when it's time, but on the other hand it makes it so hard on days like these. All got better shortly after getting home, thank goodness. It was probably a combination of having a lot of fun, and also being tired from all that playing, but regardless, it was rough.

The other instance involved your getting hit in the eye by another boy just before I got to school to pick you up. I opened the door to come outside to the playground, saw you, and knew something was wrong. You physically were fine, but I think it was a bit rough on your ego. I decided if any time called for a special "you and me" time, it was now. So I decided to take you into Westerville for some relaxed exploring in their old uptown section. The whole way there I wedged one arm into the backseat so I could hold your hand, and we talked about how getting hurt made you feel and also what to do next time anyone hurt you or your feelings, making sure you tell an adult like your teacher or Daddy and I. Then I made sure to let you know that it was not your fault, that sometimes people just do mean things, and that tomorrow was a new day and you would once again have lots of fun with your friends at school.

Once into Westerville, we headed to Schneider's bakery so you could pick out a yummy cookie and some chocolate milk, then we proceeded to window shop and found a great new candy store that we'd never noticed before. By the time we got back to the car, it was a good day again.

window shopping

a new candy store ~ score!!

I never know if what I tell you sinks in or not. However, I definitely wanted what I had to say about your getting hit on the playground sink in. Luckily, I got a confirmation just before we left uptown Westerville. You just wanted to hang out a bit in the car, and since we really had no particular place to be, I decided that hanging out would be just fine. I got some wipes out to clean the cookie and candy residue from your fingers, and you decided to take it back from me and clean me up too. As you gently wiped my hands and arms, you began repeating back to me, in a very sympathetic tone, that if any people hurt me out there, I needed to come and tell you, because you were my "mommy". You must have sat and empathized with me, and my pretend hurts, for at least 15 minutes. It was the sweetest gesture from you, and a sigh of relief for me that you took in and processed one of those harder life lessons about the cruelness in the world. As much as I want to protect you from any pain or sadness, I know that I can't. But I can arm you with the resiliency to rise above it and seek out the good in the world, in spite of any difficulties you are sure to encounter. And for that, I am grateful.

Now, onto the fun playground stuff! I've watched you play quite a bit at school on the playground with your friends, and I have to say, it's neat to see you keeping up with all of the kids, kids bigger than you and typically boys. You really get right in there and it's neat to see you having fun with your peers. One particular day after school, we went to another playground at Pointview Elementary School on the way home. They have a really great painting of the United States on their blacktop and so you quizzed me on the states, hopping from one to another, asking what each one was. Then you asked me where China was...to which I had to chuckle and say that it was way off this particular map, but maybe we could bring some chalk back and draw in China for them. After that, we headed over to their kindergarten playground, which is just the right size for you. We had a ball!

hey monkey! say cheese!

climbed up all by yourself ~ queen of the mountain!

this is what I see when you're going to catch me on the slide

At home, we have continued having a ton of fun in the evenings, taking family walks in the cool night air. I just love these times together...we laugh so much, my stomach hurts sometimes!

One sunny day after school, you asked me to take you on a bike ride with you on the back for the ride. It was a challenge to get the bike down after all winter in the garage, but you reassured me, "You can do it Mama, you BIG!" I finally got it out, but you decided against the ride after all, feeling how teetery the bike can be with you in the bike seat. You are getting so much bigger and it is definitely harder to balance us now. It's amazing how much difference a year makes since you used to love going for bike rides last year! Looks like we'll have to look into one of those bike trailers after all.

On Friday we met my friend Pam and her little boy Jack at Polaris, for some fun in their Jack Hanna play area. Unfortunately, we discovered they had taken down their tree house with the slide, but you both made the best of climbing on the animals there anyway.

riding the zebra

After running around for a while, you and I ventured into the bathroom to go potty before hitting the road. All I have to say is, those dang auto flush toilets!! They scare the piss out of you, literally!! Poor thing. I need to figure out a way to make sure they don't flush while you are sitting on them because half the time, you refuse to even use them, which makes it tricky when we're out and about. After you finally agreed to use the potty, we went to wash our hands and you proceeded to do your hair, (aka soak your head), in the sink. When we left, it looked like you'd just gotten done swimming. You are so silly!

Later Friday night, you, Daddy and I went out for dinner and then decided to get a spontaneous hair cut for you and I. This was your fourth hair cut and you did great...sitting up on the little booster in the big swivel chair and even bravely enduring the blow dryer. When she got done, you were so proud of yourself, and even perfected the art of the "hair flip and head toss" while showing off your new cut. It was so cute!
Once home, we put up your new 3 year pictures in frames...I must say they turned out so adorably! You were so excited to help put them up.

See? I couldn't pick just one to post here...so I had to put them all up. My little rock star ~ ADORABLE!
As we put the pictures up, we found some old pictures of you in the frames, tucked into the back each time we updated a milestone photo. As we all looked at your 18 month pictures, you noticed your cleft lip. This was the first time you really noticed and asked about it. It was a great opportunity to sit down together and talk about it honestly. We began by reassuring you of how beautiful Daddy and I think you were and are, how in LOVE with you we fell when we saw that little smile in China, and how when we brought you home and the doctors sewed your cleft lip together so that you could eat, drink, and speak more easily, how worried Daddy and I were about losing your precious smile that we had come to love more and more every day, but that we were pleasantly surprised to see that your smile was beautiful both before and after your surgery. As we talked with you about this, you took it all in, grinning at various times, appearing to embrace and accept our first of many stories and discussions about this part of your journey. And for this, I again am grateful.

the smile that melted our hearts from day one

Saturday brought a fun time at Rock my Bao Bao. You were rested enough that you got up and really participated, having fun and singing with a friend just before class. What is it about kids and microphones?!?

you and Leah at Bao Bao

After nap, you woke up and were so excited to see Lao Lao at our house for your play date. Daddy and I went out together and had already finished dinner, when you and Lao Lao were just leaving our house. You both had evidently been playing in your room and the playroom the whole time, having a ball and playing hide and seek with Abby. You LOVE hide and seek, even if you are hiding from a dog. Ha ha. You went out for dinner, but called me about halfway through so Lao Lao could ask me a question. I guess it was just too much to hear my voice while out because after that, all you wanted to do was come home, saying, "I want my mommy". You weren't upset, you just wanted to be home. I guess it's good that you like to be home. I can understand that. Sometimes, it just feels good to lounge around the house.

Saturday night you had Daddy and I laughing...you've been sighing and grumbling "Oh man!" lately, when asked to do something or if you have to wait for Daddy and I to do something for you. It's not really nasty, it just sounds like you are exasperated. It's exactly what a teenager sounds like...and here I thought we had at least another 10 years before hearing this! Ha ha.

Sunday we headed to your cousin Brianna's birthday party. It was really fun, and nice to see family again. Brianna turned one and they had it at the YMCA, with some fun gym playtime after we all ate, so you kids could burn off some energy before heading home. You had a ball, and were so proud of your fancy shoes and pretty dress, having been so excited to wear it since we picked it out the night before. And in spite of wearing such a pretty outfit, nothing was going to stop you from mixing it up during playtime. I love that about you ~ appreciative of the fancy stuff, but are far from being a girly girl. You're the perfect mix, exactly as you are!

showing off your new shoes before we left for the party

mmm, icing...

 

watching Brianna open your present



shooting hoops. fancy dress/shoes and all!



future soccer stud!

So, we've definitely had a great week and weekend, in spite of a few bumps and hurdles. No matter what, life with you is a good one.

Love,
Mama

A weekend at Inniswood...and some other fun stuff

Maliana ~

This week began with two different doctor’s visits, your three year old check up and a speech evaluation at Children’s. For your check up, I forgot to bring your urine sample, so you had to pee in a cup for the first time ever for the doc. You thought this was very cool and interesting. You are now a whopping 25 pounds and 34”, slowly but surely, you are growing! At the speech evaluation, you did great. You were a little hesitant when we got there, needing reassured that we wouldn’t have to stay again. Once into the appointment, you were very cooperative, although a little silly, with the therapist. They have decided to begin you in speech therapy for the time being, and then reassess you in about 3 to 6 months. You are progressing, but there are certain sounds that you aren’t quite making yet, mainly consonants at the beginning or ends of words, so they are going to see what they can do to help you along. A couple nights after the speech evaluation, you can imagine how surprised Daddy and I were when you asked for your moose book at bedtime, and finally added the “s” sound at the end. Granted, you sound a little like Lou Holtz (perfect in our Notre Dame-loving family), kind of slurring or lisping the “s” sound a bit, but we cheered and clapped and jumped up and down like there was no tomorrow, asking you to repeat it again and again. We were so excited!! Neither of us can wait until you start speech therapy, to see how they work with you on all of this, and then of course to see how you respond to it too. Daddy and I can’t wait to be able to understand 100% of your speech. We just know we’re missing vital bits of information, in all of your stories and observations everyday…it will be nice to not miss any more.

Surrounding these doctor’s appointments, I took some time off work, which was great. Any extra time with you is just peachy with me. We went out to eat at Noodles & Co prior to seeing Dr Dan for your check up, and you being the ever concerned kid told me, “Your belly growling, you need eat”. The next day, the morning of your speech evaluation, I took the entire day off work. After our 8am appointment, we left the hospital and lo and behold, guess what you wanted again...yep, noodles. So we found a Bob Evans that we conned into serving you spaghetti at 10am, and you were a happy camper. You and your noodles!

Once home, it was nice to have the whole rest of the day together. We napped together in the sunshine on the big bed in Abby’s room/your playroom, with you waking up shiny and happy. Thankfully, once awake and realizing we had so much time together still, we got the bright idea to go to the zoo since the weather was so mild. Aside from a few episodes of your growing defiance lately, (and boy are you a strong-willed little girl!), we had a really nice time checking out all of the animals. For a change of pace, you wanted to see the snakes first, and adored going through and peeking in every single glass enclosure. This was new for you, and I was happy to see you really getting into a new animal. You weren’t squeamish at all.

checking out another new animal, the flamingos!

This week also brought a nice date night for you and Daddy. You guys went to Red Robin for dinner, getting a free sundae when Daddy mentioned you recently had a birthday, and with you even being so brave as to sit with and shake the hand of the Red Robin mascot! That was a huge step for you, and when you got home you proudly told me, “I not even afraid!”

a milestone, ha ha.

Then, you wanted to show me the soccer shoes that Daddy had also bought you while out. (Well, ok, they’re actually basketball shoes, but Daddy couldn’t find any soccer shoes small enough for you, so for all intents and purposes these are officially “soccer” shoes as far as you’re concerned. Ha ha.) These are some nice kicks, and when you got to school the next morning, you were so excited to show your buddy Aray. Oh goodness, the fashion phase is already beginning.

You must have really liked our nap in Abby’s room/your playroom because this is what Daddy found the next morning when he woke up ~ you chatting away with Abby, all by yourselves, in her bed.

sisters, having an early morning discussion

You and I did some more cooking this week too, with one of the more fun recipes being our smiley face tater tot casserole. Spending time doing simple things like this with you is so much fun, and I think you enjoy it too because at one point you leaned over and gave me a big hug and then a kiss on my arm as we stood side by side, (you propped up on a chair of course), while we put the casserole together in front of the oven. Then a little later as I put your shoes on, you kept kissing your hand and then placing it on my lips, over and over and over again, looking at me with a big grin. Those little moments, the details of life, are so awesome. I wish I could bottle them and pull them out on a rough day, to help me remember what’s really important.

Anyway, this leads us up to the weekend, and what a weekend it was.

Friday night we went over to visit Memaw and Papaw since Memaw had foot surgery this week. She’s still feeling pretty rough, so we tried to brighten her day by taking her a “Get Well Soon” hat that you had made from a paper plate (with only a little of my help). You were so proud to give it to her, after working so hard painting and gluing crepe paper on it, that you would get offended whenever it would even slip a little bit off her head. It was cute, and I think our visit helped her feel a little bit better.

get well soon Memaw!

Saturday morning I had scheduled your three year old pictures…your “Rock Star” photo shoot as we’ve been referring to it. Before the shoot, I noticed that you had a big old green booger in your nose, and I kept trying to wipe it off, but you were adamant about not letting me. Finally, I got the bright idea to tell you, “You know, rock stars don’t have boogers”. At which point, you immediately leaned forward and could not get that booger wiped off your face fast enough. Ha ha. You are a trip! You did really great, having a blast getting all decked out in your special outfit and taking your guitar with us. You were silly and the photographer commented about how much energy you have (as you ran circles around the camera), but then you got a little shy, and decided not to show your “jammin’ face” at the shoot. The pictures turned out really cute anyway and I can’t wait to pick them up!

Later on Saturday afternoon, you, Forge, Lao Lao, and I all hit Easton and then Inniswood Park. It was a gorgeous, sunny, and mild afternoon (even if it was a bit windy), and we all had a blast. We stopped to get some Yagoot and then you conned Lao Lao into buying you a cookie from Cheryl’s cookies.

yummy Yagoot!!

You absolutely adore spending time with family, and were running and dancing and strutting all over Easton. It’s neat to sit back and watch peoples’ reactions to you, as you walk by, just doing your own thing. People can’t help but stop and smile at your little antics. It’s so cute.

A little later you spotted the kiosk where people can buy movie tickets, and you insisted you wanted to “take a picture inside” with Lao Lao. It took us a few minutes, but then I figured out that you thought this was one of those photo booths that they have at Easton, so we headed over to the actual photo booth and you and Lao Lao climbed in and had a great time snapping some really silly shots of the two of you. I was actually surprised that you remembered about the photo booth here. You were so proud of the pictures when you got out!

the caption on your photos was "best friends"

Upon leaving Easton, it was nearing dusk. We headed over to Inniswood and had just the perfect amount of daylight to do their Frog Talk Walk. You had an absolute blast walking on their wooden plank walkway, balancing on the rail like Uncle Forge, and running like crazy nearly the whole way. We were all exhausted but you just kept on going. Where do you get your energy?!? When we got to the pond, we quietly listened to the tons of “peeper frogs”, and it was a very pretty moment; exhilarating and chilly with the sun dipping down and peeking through the bare tree branches on the horizon, the water as still as glass, and the sounds of nature all around us. A great end to a great Saturday.

walking the "balance beam" (aka rim's edge of the walkway)

wanting to be just like Uncle Forge

just a tad happy

shhh...listen to the "peeper frogs"

The next morning, you, Daddy, and I woke up together, with Daddy getting a free day off work, and none of us with anywhere to be ~ a rare treat in our family. We headed to Gena’s for breakfast, then Hoover Dam to check out the water levels since we have had all of this rain lately. Since the geese wouldn’t let us play on the playground here, we headed back over to Inniswood so you could share the Frog Talk Walk with Daddy this time. We didn’t get to hear those “peeper frogs” again, but we did spot tons of squirrels, raccoon tracks, scat, the carcass of a frog (someone’s dinner the night before), a huge owl, and a red tail hawk. You are getting to such a great age, really enjoying learning about all sorts of things, and loving to be out in nature, exploring and soaking it all in. Daddy and I love getting out in the woods, so these times of uninhibited exploration and meandering outside as a family are so special.

encore of the "balance beam" performance

the owl we heard, then spotted

Daddy's shoulders, a favorite perch

I love this smile

family walk at Inniswood

On the way home, you were getting pretty slap happy, worn out from playing in the fresh air all day. Daddy and I started to be silly, singing “Old Suzanna” but using a bunch of goofy sounds and ending each chorus by turning to you and making a big fart noise. You were laughing so hard by the time we got home, you could hardly breathe, one of those laughs where no sound comes out, only air. It was priceless. I turned to Daddy and said, “This is the best medicine.” It’s been said that having a really good laugh each day is good for your health, so we are happy to oblige and indulge you. It’s good for us all.

Love,
Mama

Birthday Week!

Maliana ~

Going back a bit, the week of your birthday was a full one...it's been hard for me to sit and take a breath, let alone update this blog for you. Perhaps it was the pressure of trying to pull together a fun and memorable birthday celebration for you, or just the simple fact that you have entered your 3's a bit early...either way, girl, you have been a handful! (of course, I'm sure I have been too!) We've had to use a little "tough love" lately, but hopefully it will all pay off in the long run.

It hasn't all been a challenge though, not by a long shot. In preparation for your party, we went to Party City after school one day. You were so appreciative...giving me a great big hug upon hearing that this was where we were headed. I love that. Daddy and I took bets at what you would pick out of all those decorations...and we were both right, Spiderman! Seeing as how we were having football birthday cakes (per your request), it makes perfect sense, right? I mean, what goes better than Spiderman and football. Ha ha.

@ Party City with a Spiderman hat

Along with your party, we have also been preparing for the coming spring. We've been keeping a close eye on the budding crocuses in our front yard, with you getting so excited to check their progress each day when we get home from school. And one day we even had a "beach party", complete with a tropical drink (orange julius in a fancy glass with fresh fruit), pretend suntan lotion, and sunglasses.

Bring it Spring! We're ready!

Speaking of which, the weather IS getting nicer and so when Audrey Ayi came with me to pick you up at school the other day, you were just starting playground time and were excited to show off for us. Ms. Brandi told us that she swears you could be a cross country runner someday because you have more energy than any other kid in your class. You ran and ran and ran around the playground, then climbed up and down the jungle gym and slide the whole time we watched you. Ms Brandi just might be right!

Audrey Ayi gave you some really great art books for your birthday, and then after playing for a while, gave you a bath later. She came up with a crazy game, and somehow you both ended up with soaked heads.

what kind of game is this?!?

I snapped this shot of the two of you with your little towel-wrapped heads...too cute!

Daddy and I have also really enjoyed spending time with you in the evenings...playing hootie hoot and hide and seek. You crack us up with your excitement, squealing and saying "me and you, me and you, me and you...you find us!" whenever you want one of us to find you hiding.

You have been practicing yoga with Daddy too...really getting into it. It is so darn adorable!

stretch!

Then as you walked up the stairs ahead of Daddy one night, he said, "Boy Mali, your back is ripped!" to which you indignantly replied, "No Daddy, my back no ripped!" Ha. You're so literal. You insisted on taking a shower after yoga too, saying, "Touch me Mom, all sweaty. Need take a shower." Ha ha.

Another funny little tidbit of a conversation we've had this past week involved discussing pregnancy and having babies. I'm a firm believer in being completely honest with you, about nearly all things. So, when discussing babies and being pregnant, I asked you if you could guess how babies are born. Of course, you asked how, so I told you they came out through a Mommy's vagina. Well, you looked at me completely in disgust, saying, "That's yucky Mom! No vagina!" I then asked you that if that is not how you think babies come out, then how did they come out? To which you proceeded to reach up your shirt, and then quickly and in very flashy fashion, pretended to pull your baby out from under your shirt and shouted "Whhoopp!!" Then looked at me with an expression that can only be translated as "Duh Mom." I laughed so hard...deciding in that moment that this particular talk could wait until you were older. I'll just enjoy your theory of all that for now. Ha ha.

Anyway...this brings us up to the start of your big birthday weekend. Friday I took the day off work so I could work on one of your football cakes...and so I also got you up and all ready for school, dressing you in your fancy new "wild child" outfit, complete with patent leather heels. You felt so good in that outfit and it made you feel even better when all of your teachers at school gushed over how cute you were too. My first mission of the weekend accomplished = you started the day feeling really special!

wild child!!

Daddy and I both came to pick you up, and brought cupcakes to share with your class, along with all of your Spiderman cups, plates, and napkins. You were such a good helper, passing out plates to everyone, and so adorable as your class sung "Happy Birthday" to you, happily fidgeting in joyful bashfulness, soaking in the first of many special moments for your birthday.

Saturday morning, the day of your snow tubing party, started out with torrents of rain. Not the best weather for tubing. So we improvised and rented a larger lodge/cabin right next to Snowtrails Resort, in order to host everyone for your party. In spite of the snafu and change of plans, the party could not have gone any better. You had a wonderful time with every single one of your guests, and it was amazing to see all of the people who braved the cold and nasty weather to drive all the way to Mansfield to celebrate you.


you were SO excited to wear the birthday shirt I made for you - "Rockin' the BIG 3!" on the front and "Woo Hoo! I'm the Birthday Girl" on the back = AWESOME!

 You spent time with everyone at your party and did a great job of showing your appreciation for all of your gifts. You are such a phenomenal kid. I'm so proud of you.
Here are some shots from the festivities...

with Wai gong



keeping both eyes on the cakes while I snap a picture...p.s. I made the one that is actually shaped like a football

singing along with Happy Birthday; p.s. the clothesline of pictures behind you are shots of you over the last year

bouncing down the stairs with your cousin Sammy

getting ready to open presents

the gang of people who came to celebrate your special birthday

An extra little detail from your birthday celebration that I would be remiss not to mention...the ladybug. This little visitor was one of the first things I noticed upon arrival...perhaps she was a "gift" to help us get the day off to a good start? A sign of good luck anyway!

our good luck mascot for the weekend

We woke up on your actual birthday at the cabin, with you asking me "Where are we?!?" You started your third year with a dry diaper too ~ woo hoo! We enjoyed a leisurely morning, eating breakfast and playing with Uncle Forge and Lao Lao until parting ways for the day.

feeling like 'big stuff', eating your cinnamon rolls at the bar with Uncle Forge

breakfast with Lao Lao

You, Daddy, and I checked out the tubing hill on our way home from the cabin. The hill was so fast due to the rain turning to snow and ice overnight, that we decided it best not to try tubing after all. Instead, we had lunch at the ski lodge before heading home, with you looking like the tiniest and cutest snow bunny on the planet.

this could be an ad for Snowtrails Tubing Park!

family pic @ the bottom of the tubing hill

Interestingly enough, Hubey showed up at the ski lodge to have lunch with us. Evidently, driving her own car, according to you. Very funny stuff.

After getting home, we surprised you with your 1950's diner play set and very own mailbox as your last birthday presents from Daddy and I. You loved them!

got your apron on and everything - getting into the groove with your new diner

opening your birthday mail

And to cap off your birthday weekend...Imagination Movers just so happened to be premiering their concert tour on Disney channel on Sunday night, so you, Daddy and I all rocked out, (literally with guitars and all, upon your insistence), to the whole concert on TV. You were jumping up and down on the couch, jamming out with your guitar to every song. If this is any indication to how you are going to be at the actual concert when we really do see them on April 1st, it's going to be awesome! (I would have gotten pictures of this, but we were all too busy rockin' out to stop and get the camera ~ just one of those moments that you just can't push pause on but rather have to go with it).

So, basically, Happy Happy Birthday Maliana...we love you more than you can ever imagine ~ this birthday weekend could not have gone any better.

Love,
Mama

A Birthday Thank You

Dear Maliana Suirong's birthparents,

March 6th is late winter here in Ohio, typically cold and bleak. As we drove home today from a long weekend of birthday celebrations, through a barren landscape of grays and browns, I couldn't help but feel abundantly content, warm, and happy inside.

While I do realize that three years ago was quite probably a very traumatic time for you, this letter is to somehow let you know, across all the miles that separate us, things are ok. While I can't completely imagine how you may feel each year at this time, or truly grasp how difficult your decision must have been, I hope you can somehow sense that Mali is doing incredibly well where she is today.

I sincerely believe that you would be very proud of the child she is becoming. She is strong and graceful; a born leader yet empathic, sensitive, and kind to others; appreciative; considerate; intelligent; inquisitive; has a wonderful sense of humor; eyes that can melt your soul; and a smile that lights up any room. To name but a few of the amazing qualities that make up your daughter.

I have no idea if she has your eyes, your smile, or your laugh...but I do frequently look at her and wonder about you. From the bottom of my heart, I want to say thank you. Thank you for the gift of your daughter.

I promise to always do my best to support and encourage her to continue becoming the brilliant person, in every sense of the word, that she is destined to become. The weather may be dreary here this time of year, but never again will early March be anything but colorful and bright for me, because of your daughter, and the loving sacrifice you made for her 3 years ago.

Sincerely,
Theresa