Knock Knock...Hi Boo!

Maliana ~

So, this week began with the Mid Autumn holiday, to celebrate the autumn harvest. We will attend a bigger celebration in a couple weeks with the local COFCC group however; Audrey and I took you to dinner that night at a local Chinese restaurant. Since keeping you up until midnight would result in a very cranky three year old, we settled for stepping outside at bedtime to observe the full moon. Then the next day we were able to make it over to the market to get some lotus seed moon cakes, which you liked much better this year than last. Yum!

While Audrey spent time with us, we had some crazy fun. We played an AWESOME game of hide and seek; one that caused Audrey and I to laugh until we nearly peed our pants! We also tried to teach you how to tell a ‘Knock Knock’ joke, and it went something like this…

Me: “Knock Knock”
You: “Who’s here?”
Me: “Boo”
You: “Hi Boo! Why you cryin’?”

So, we tried again…
Me: “Knock Knock”
You: “Who’s here?”
Me: “Boo”
You: “Hi Boo! Come in! Here’s your coffee!”

Ha Ha! So much for that!

Anyway, as for soccer this week…it’s been mixed. You went to a soccer game with Daddy where all the COSA kids could go on the field with the players during a break. Unfortunately, Daddy’s phone was acting up so he couldn’t get any pictures, but you loved it! He is planning on taking you again this next week too…it’s good Daddy/Daughter bonding time. On Sunday, you had your second soccer practice (first ever with the coach). Daddy was golfing, so Abby came along and stood in for him. You enjoyed doing the drills, but when it came time to scrimmage, you got a bit overwhelmed with all the aggression. You stopped and hung out with me after a while, refusing to go back on the field no matter how much I coaxed. Poor kid. You had a hard time even wanting to go back out and finish more drills after the scrimmages. You weren’t the only kid reacting this way either. Lao Lao and I took you out for some frozen yogurt afterwards and were chatting about it. We both agreed that it probably does seem at odds with all that we have taught you until now about taking turns, sharing, not kicking your friends, etc, etc, etc. When I relayed this to Daddy, he said it was only your second time trying this out so we’ll just have to see if you actually do enjoy it. Time will tell. No big deal either way. Whatever you do, enjoying yourself is the most important thing of all.

one of your first drills, hopping over your ball

learning to do a throw in

the obligatory "look, it's an airplane!" moment in the middle of practice

you were such a great listener the whole time

team cheer

one of the only times you really got in there and got a toe on the ball...looks like a great start!

It’s really cooled off this week. So much so, that one day I had the sudden urge to make chili. After school, I picked you up and we set up shop in the kitchen chopping and seasoning. You helped me open all the cans (you LOVE the electric can opener) and poured the ingredients in the big pot for me. I even whipped up some banana smoothies in our fancy glasses and we enjoyed cocktails while we cooked. It’s so much fun to have a little helper around the house now…and you get such a kick out of learning and doing whatever you can to pitch in.

cocktails and chili, (which you seasoned yourself!)

And speaking of you growing by leaps and bounds before my eyes…this week marked the first time that I asked you what you did at school and you actually recapped your entire afternoon for me! I was speechless! Normally, you either come back with some nonsense words (I think just to mess with me), or look at me blankly because you are so exhausted from your day. It was so cute to listen to you describe what you did with your teachers and friends. Then, another day we decided to paint a treasure box that you picked out at Michael’s craft store. I was surprised to see you painting with such focus and meticulousness…each brush stroke painstakingly placed with care. It was amazing! It’s interesting to watch your child master all sorts of things…seemingly overnight. One day they are this haphazard child, and the next day you look at them and wonder who this big kid is before you.

budding artiste

We went to Memaw and Papaw’s one night for pizza. You introduced them to Manna, your new imaginary friend (although, Hubey is still here too). They thought that was pretty funny. It’s getting pretty crowded in our little family lately. We also went through an old box of mementos from Daddy’s childhood and early adult years. You especially liked his old radio/headphones from when he was a pilot.

clear for take-off ~ over!

Later that same night, I saw a moment between you and Daddy. As we tucked you into bed that night, Daddy sat there staring at you…then whispered softly, “I don’t know what I’d do without you.” You seem to have that effect on all of us.

We spent time with some new friends this week, as you came along with me to a meeting for the Cleft Lip and Palate Support Group and got to play with some of the other mom’s kids. You were a bit shy at first, but by the end of the visit, you were running and laughing with them like old friends. We then went to Joe and Tina’s house and you got to meet Sam and Erin’s brand new baby turtle, freshly hatched from his egg. It was so tiny, his shell not even completely hard yet, but you got the biggest kick out of it.

Saturday was our first Chinese class with a bunch of the families from COFCC. We are trying something a little different this year. Using a curriculum from one of the adoption agencies, several of us families are getting together on our own to learn about Chinese culture. We learned several words, made two crafts, and then got to go outside to play in the perfect autumn day. It was nice to see all of these families again. By the end of the class (around 2pm or so), you were melting down fairly rapidly. You weren’t the only one. As we high-tailed it down the sidewalk to the car, another of your friends was throwing a fit from the front porch. Perhaps next year, when more of you will have outgrown nap time, there will be fewer meltdowns? Let’s hope so.

using our hong (red) paint

how many kids can we fit in one play set?

After class, you, Daddy, and I headed to Chipotle for lunch. As we walked out of the bathroom, you heard a song you liked playing overhead, so you grabbed my hands, looked up at me and said, “Mommy, let’s dance!” So we danced all the way back to our table, in the middle of the crowded restaurant. I just love that you’re that kind of kid!

you wore your ND cheer leading outfit on Saturday, and they WON!
perhaps this should be your official Saturday uniform, at least during football season?

And speaking of bathrooms…here’s another funny exchange with you this week.

~Upon being followed to the bathroom at home, repeatedly~
Me: “Why can’t I go to the bathroom in peace?”
You: “Because, you’re Mommy!”
~Ahh, I see. Silly question~

Saturday afternoon and evening Lao Lao came over to play. We headed out for a walk, ended up at the playground, and had a very interesting and imaginative time. We bundled you up and took you farther down the trail, where you fell asleep while Lao Lao and I walked through the woods. It was such a nice evening and there’s nothing like sleeping outside in the fresh air.

Oh Lao Lao!

you're so silly!

Once home, Daddy and I curled up with you on the couch and watched ‘Despicable Me’. We haven’t had a movie night at home in a while, and those are always nice.

You slept great and woke up happy on Sunday morning. As soon as you opened your eyes, you rolled over and said, “Mommy, let’s go on a date to get donuts in our jammies!” (How can I say no to that?)

matching slippers and everything!

Daddy went golfing with Aunt Lindsey, so you and I headed out for a great day together. I can’t remember how exactly the conversation came up, but Daddy was golfing for Donate for Life (the organization that encourages organ donation) so you and I had a good talk about Uncle Dustin, his organ donation, Heaven, helping other people, and how Dustin is not here with us anymore but that he lives in our memories and our hearts. I have no idea how much you could understand, but you kept asking questions so I just kept answering. I was surprised with how much you wanted to know, and how serious and attentively you were listening. Our conversation continued as we drove to Alum Creek Park (the Choo Choo Train Park). Finally, once there, we bounded down onto the playground and our serious talk was trumped by visions of jungle gyms and sunshine. I do wonder how much of our conversation sunk in though.

As for our time on the playground, it was exhilarating to not have any particular place to be and just enjoy each moment with you. Allowing you to burn off the sugary donuts from breakfast and exhaust yourself climbing, sliding, and running. You inspected a pine tree’s needles and informed me that “It will make you sticky”…I’m assuming from the sap. When I asked who taught you that, you said, “Wai Gong”. (I figured as much, thinking about all the times he has taken you out into his backyard, conversing quietly with you as you stroll around looking at everything. Thanks Wai Gong.) As we climbed back into the car to head home, you paused and asked me, “Mom, do you know I love you?” (*gulp*; cue the lump in my throat). It’s pretty awesome to hear your kids parrot things back to you, especially the good stuff.

all aboard! (conductor Mali)

nothing beats having the jungle gym all to yourself!

jammies and a little bedhead doesn't stop you!

Sunday evening, we arrived home from soccer about the same time Daddy got home from golfing. He was outside with the neighbors and you immediately leaped out of the car and began playing with the Szwabinsky’s, hamming it up like mad with Natalia and Jenny.

There’s nothing like good neighbors!

Love,
Mama

Apple Picking, Football, and Soccer = Feeling Like Fall!!

Maliana ~

Soccer season has officially begun for you now. Anticipating your first practice, I took you on a bike ride to the soccer fields where you will be playing so you could get the lay of the land. On our way home, we stopped at a playground. After romping around a while, you asked me for a piece of candy I had in our backpack, stating “I need some energy.” (I didn’t even know you knew that word).

ready for the bike ride!

Sunday afternoon we all went to your first practice. Unfortunately, your coach was a no-show (chickened out due to weather), but most of the kids showed up since the coach cancelled so late by email. Luckily, Daddy stepped in and ran you all through some drills. You did great. We almost made it through practice without silkie, almost. Once when we thought you were running to the sideline to get some water, it turned out to be a “silkie break” instead. A couple sucks on the silk, and you were good to go. Ha ha.

all suited up for practice

let's go!

mad skillz

hydration

happy girl

what we thought was a water break...turned out to be a "silkie break"

stud

"playin' with the boys"

thanks for coming out to watch the little squirt's first practice!

After the game, Lao Lao came with you, Daddy, and me to Red Robin for a celebratory dinner. Just before leaving, you were goofing around and accidentally caused Lao Lao to throw ice water on her pants…all throughout her crotch. We all cracked up. Fortunately, it wasn’t too cold of a breeze when she left, but there were definitely plenty of stares. 

celebration dinner

The rest of the weekend was filled with more fun too. We kicked it off with apple picking at Lynd’s Fruit Farm with Mia and Jack. I was shocked to watch you eat three honeycrisp apples while in the orchard. You all had a blast running races through the trees, and then you and Jack had more fun riding the barrel train and in the playhouses. Before leaving, you and I went to the farmstand and picked up an apple fritter and fresh squeezed lemonade to munch on for the ride home. You asked me, “Mama, you wanna go on a date to pick pumpkins with me?” It was so sweet. Of course, I said yes. We’ll have to do that soon. You drifted off to sleep, wanting to hold my hand while we drove. This is quite a trick, as I have to contort my arm and shoulder in such a way to reach all the way back from the front seat. When I finally pulled my hand back after you were asleep, my shoulder ached, my arm was slightly numb, and my hand was sticky from all of the fritter sugar on your fingers…but it was totally worth it to make you happy.

this one looks good

tastes good too!

buddy Mia

buddy Jack

woo hoo! barrel train ride!

even through the corn field

Saturday we attended an event at the zoo through Children’s Hospital to spread information about the new Cleft Lip and Palate Support Group that we are starting. Several of the staff at Children’s and some other moms and I are attempting to start a group for families just like ours, to help educate about cleft lip and palate conditions and challenges, provide support to any and all who need it, and of course have fun getting to know one another. It was a wonderful turnout; with twice the amount of people responding than was originally estimated. I got teary eyed as I walked into the event, feeling proud and thankful to be part of this group. We all got to explore the zoo after our luncheon and you had a blast.

thank goodness you and Lainey helped us navigate the zoo!

discovering the joys of the "Little Bugs" playground

messy ice cream faces

serious and beautiful

Audrey Ayi came over to visit us after we got home from the zoo. Unfortunately, I had completely mixed up the days and missed meeting her at the airport when she arrived home from Germany the night before. We had been all set too with a big sign, and even a costume (which I’ll get to later). However, it all worked out and we finally got to see her tonight. You were thrilled that Audrey was home and so excited for her to get here, waiting by the window for 15 minutes before she arrived. You kept asking me, “Is Audrey all done with Germany?” You gave her a big hug and kept wanting her to carry you around our house all night.

our sign for Audrey Ayi...you drew nearly all of the artwork yourself. lots of hand tracings and happy faces (which are getting better and better every day!)

happy to have our buddy back!
looking sassy with your gifts from Germany

We got some help from the grandparents this weekend too. Friday evening Lao Lao came over while Daddy and I went out to wish Uncle Lu Lu good luck in Houston. You loved having Lao Lao for a sleepover. Before I left, you gave me a huge movie-star kiss, taking all of my lipstick off in the process. Then said, “Bye girlfriend!” (Huh?) While we were gone, Lao Lao said that your imaginary friend Hubey was causing trouble, so you had to put him in a timeout saying, “Look at my face. This is not a happy face.” (Wow…at three years old, you are already sounding like your mama).

you crashed on the couch with Lao Lao before we got home for the night

adorning Lao Lao the next morning with a tiara and stickers

Sunday you and I took some donuts over to Wai Gong and Memaw Lisa’s so that Lisa could help me color my hair. You hung out with Wai Gong while Memaw Lisa went to work on my noggin, helping Wai Gong put up his inflatable Browns guy for the season opener.

got our hammer!

Grrr!! Go Dawgs!!

Other fun tidbits from the week include going to a Westerville South soccer game. In spite of the wind and drizzle, you, Daddy and I braved the elements to sit bundled in blankets on those cold bleachers, drink hot cocoa, and cheer on the Wildcats. There was a lull in the game when a player dislocated his elbow and they had to call the squad. You were concerned and kept repeating “He need him shin guards!” We were trying to occupy ourselves until the game started again and began saying “Mama Mia!” and “Ciao Bella!” very theatrically…(I have NO CLUE why). You thought this was quite hysterical, so of course we all kept saying it. This continued the rest of the week as well. Our little Chinese-American-Italian pre-schooler.

Another day this week I sensed Daddy was having a stressful time at work. So we had been looking around Party City and found a great Buzz Lightyear costume that you insisted on getting. We dressed you up and arrived at Daddy’s work. You had to walk in the doors sideways because your wings were so big. You were feeling pretty proud of yourself and completely brightened Daddy’s day (and I suspect many of his coworkers’ days too).

my favorite little super hero!

Finally, this week ended on Sunday, September 11th. This was the 10th anniversary of America’s national tragedy when terrorists not only took down the World Trade Center Towers, but also took the lives of many more people at the Pentagon as well as in Pennsylvania. Although a decade has gone by, it remains a very emotional memory, such a huge blow to how our country views the world and itself. These events have brought forth the best in people, but sadly, it has also brought forth the worst in others. It’s interesting to me that you will learn about what happened from your history classes, and you will never live in a world that knows otherwise. Aside from when the Challenger space shuttle blew up, this was the first traumatic historical event that I mindfully lived through, remembering exactly where I was when I heard the news. All week and weekend there has been a lot of actual footage, memorial services, and documentaries about 9/11/01. On Sunday, we took time to reflect and I can say that most of all I just feel a deep sense of sorrow for those who lost their loved ones.

After watching a documentary on Sunday evening, I also have a renewed reverence for the NYC firefighters’ heroic efforts. They tried so hard to save whom they could, and at the very least, tried to sort through the rubble to salvage whatever they could, even if it was just something to help a family have a proper burial for their dearly departed. They were the ones who were running in to harm’s way, when everyone else was running out, then alongside dozens upon dozens of volunteers sifted through the ashes for weeks afterwards. You sat between Daddy and me on the couch, watching a particularly well done documentary about 9/11 then and 9/11 now. You saw me crying and had many many questions about what was happening. Some of it I could explain, some of it I could not. No one really can. How do you explain acts of violence? How do you explain hatred? Towards the end of the show, you told both Daddy and I, “Firemen are my heroes, firemen are my friends.” Me too sweetie, me too.


Love,
Mama

Happy Labor Day!

Maliana ~

Last week as I attempted to post pictures to this blog, you crawled underneath my chest and into the crook of my arm while I lay on the bed with the laptop. You proceeded to snuggle in and fall asleep against me, and slept like that for over an hour. I loved that you just wanted to be near me, even as I was working. And while it made my blog posting a bit more of a challenge, I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

So, as for this week, I am not sure when I will actually post this entry on your blog as I am quite sluggish feeling right now…it seems like these long weekends are always amazing, but they are also jam-packed with our squeezing out every last drop of fun before heading back to the normal daily grind. As I write this morning, I am sipping a caffeine-laden beverage from Starbucks and willing my brain to function. This fatigue however is well worth all the fun we had this week and weekend.

First, Happy Labor Day! We had a wonderful extra day off work this weekend, with you waking up and immediately the first thing out of your mouth was, “You don’t have to go to work today?” Followed by the obligatory squeals of delight, crazy happy kicking and bed dancing when I reassured you that “Yes, we get to stay home and play all day!”

On the actual holiday we went to Wai Gong and Memaw Lisa’s for a cookout with the Hart side of the family. You followed Uncle Blaize around (not letting him get more than a few feet from you most of the afternoon, with him being the awesome uncle he is and including you in any and all kid activities); played with your cousins; “helped” with the badminton games; and went nuts on the trampoline (from which I don’t think my knee joints will ever be the same). You had essentially no nap that day, but no matter. That didn’t stop you from having a terrific time and playing up until the last ounce of energy was spent…falling asleep on the couch for the last hour or so we were there.

our masterpiece for Labor Day picnic ~ fruit pizza!

 

trying (and loving) your first chili dog

look closely...Daddy is actually carrying you while playing badminton ~ now that's multi-tasking

Over the past week, Daddy has had some wonderful opportunities to do some serious bonding with you too, which makes me so happy. Your Tiny Tot’s soccer league had sent an invite to come out and support the Westerville South soccer team in one of their first games. So, while I finished the blog last Tuesday night, Daddy took you to the game where you sat on the bleachers, ate pizza, watched the sun set and got to see some real soccer action.

beautiful sunset

getting chilly

go Wildcats!

Another day this week, Dad had to use some vacation time from work, so he took you to the zoo along with Memaw and your cousin Sammy (who had never been to the zoo before). It was a hot day, but you all braved it like champs and had a great time in spite of the heat. I am so happy that you got to spend the day with just these guys, something that doesn’t happen all too often.

Then, after golfing with Daddy all day last Monday, Aunt Lindsey came back to our house…very excited about seeing her little niece!

willing to give tricycle rides…one of the many reasons we love Aunt Lindsey

And finally, on Friday after school Daddy picked you up again since he had that day off work too. You informed him you wanted to go on a “date” into Westerville, so you both went to Schneider’s to get donuts for Saturday morning. It was so sweet to hear you requesting dates with your Daddy now. Along with the outings this week, and all the time spent together this holiday weekend, you and Daddy have gotten a lot closer. It is so important that you spend time like this together, just the two of you. This should definitely be a priority as you grow up.

Recently your imagination has been expanding by leaps and bounds. Your current favorite game is “Mommy/Daddy and Baby” where you make Daddy or I into your baby and then you play the role of caregiver. It is really cute and we get to see your take on our own parenting of you. It is quite sweet and ever so comical as well. This nurturing side of you has presented itself in other tender moments too. Upon waking on Labor Day, we both opened our eyes at about the same time, but I closed my eyes so you wouldn’t notice I was awake yet (to see if I could get just a few more minutes of sleep in), at which time you propped yourself up to study me for a bit. Then you ever so sweetly reached over and began stroking my face and hair with your hand…just like I do to you. Ahhh. It’s moments like these that warm my heart…confirming that you are soaking in our attempts to show you how loved you are, and wanting to give some back. What a great way to start the day. Thanks for that gift Mali.

Along with watching soccer this week, we also went to cheer on Natalia at her Westerville North volleyball match…a very exciting game. You were also very interested to know that someday, you will go to high school there too. But what I think interested you even more was watching the football team come in from practice. You stood there, silkie in hand, right outside their locker room and just stared at them in awe. Several of them waved at you and said hi. Uh oh…you’re a sucker for a man in uniform already.

Go Lali!

On the way home, you pointed out the sunset and said, “Look at the sunset Mama!” So happy you are appreciating the little things.

For the most part this week, it has been oppressively hot. One night, to beat the heat, we took you to see Kung Fu Panda 2 at the theater. It was a good movie, but pretty tough to watch in some parts. One scene in particular showed the moment where Po was abandoned by his mother, in order to keep him safe from the wolves that were chasing them. You got very upset by this scene, tears welling up in your eyes and telling me you wanted to go home and didn’t want to watch the movie anymore. I ended up taking you out into the hallway and trying to explain what was happening, reassuring you that Daddy and I were here and not leaving you, and talking about how you felt about what had happened. I eventually brought you back into the theater to watch the end, so you could see the resolution. You ended up enjoying it overall, laughing out loud in many parts throughout the whole movie…but boy, it was tougher than I expected it to be too. As we were in the hallway after those heart-wrenching scenes, I couldn’t help but feel at a complete loss for words. I felt like everything I said fell flat. I desperately wanted to take away the pain you felt, but couldn’t. And I realized that this is likely just a small taste of some of the experiences and conversations we will have with you as you get older and begin to grasp more of your beginnings; the early days and months of your life story. I shuddered to think about it on the one hand, because it is so hard to see you in any kind of pain. I also felt relieved to think about it on the other hand, because I am thankful that Daddy and I can be there with you to support you as you try to make sense of it all. I know we can’t be exactly what you need for all of the struggles in your life. As you get older, the role we play in “making your boo-boos all better” will be smaller and smaller. But I hope you will always remember that no matter how large or small a role we may play, we will always be there in any capacity you need us to be. No matter what.

On a lighter note, I would be remiss not to bring up a smarty-pants side note that happened after the movie. All was back to normal as we left the theater, with you happily munching on Twizzlers. As we walked to the parking lot, I handed you another strand of licorice and asked, “What do you say?” to which you replied “Thank you” and then, to my surprise, flung a “What do YOU say?” back at me. I wasn’t sure how to respond, and after a couple of seconds you looked at me in all smart-aleck seriousness and said “You’re welcome!” Touché Mali, touché.

Saturday was probably one of the hottest days of the summer, which of course we ridiculously decided to spend the entire day outside (yikes!) The morning found us at the playground, playing with the Rafters. (Remember our old house guests from a while back?) Afterwards, we headed out to pick up Lao Lao and Uncle Forge and headed to Swappers’ Day; an ENORMOUS flea market in Johnstown, held every Labor Day weekend. We didn’t buy too much (even though there was a TON of stuff), except you were pretty happy with your Spiderman backpack find. In spite of nearly melting into puddles all afternoon, we had a good time and it was nice to be out in the fresh country air.

walking into Swappers' Day, past all those beautiful soybean fields

We even stopped back over at Lao Lao’s afterwards so Daddy could see the fox and buck they have. I have to give you kudos too. Just before leaving, you snuck outside and were waiting for me with a big cup of water, ready to splash me with it. Once I walked outside, you started after me. Being the “mean mommy” I am, I turned it back on you and soaked you with your own prank. I have to say, you are a bigger person than I ever was as a kid, because you just ran away, laughing and screeching. You can dish it out, and you can TAKE it too. You’re probably different than most kids I know, who likely would have immediately began crying right on the spot had the same thing happened to them. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again…you are such a cool kid.

Sunday we went to see Uncle Joe and Aunt Tina, who graciously fed us once again with some delicious pasta. It was raining as we arrived, so you decided to sing your own version of the familiar rhyme…”Rain rain go away…come again another time” (???) I love your substitution of words. Uncle Joe hooked you up with a super cool Spiderman costume that used to be Sammy’s, which you put on and took off no less than 4 or 5 times that night. You loved it! Uncle Joe even dressed up with you at one point. What a good sport! With Sam and Erin at their mom’s, you were the sole kid that night, which made us your primary playmates, bossing us around as only you know how. Joe even made the comment at one point, “She is large and in charge, isn’t she?” Ha ha. As we quieted down after dinner, you took off from the couch to cuddle with Aunt Tina on the floor. I just love that you feel so comfortable with them.

your first taste of figs ~ yum!

just your friendly neighborhood Spiderman

not sure what Joe is, Elmo playing football?

So, another happily ever after end to another super week. As Daddy and I drove home on Labor Day evening, we reflected on our time with you and how fortunate we are to have the family and friends we do. Sure, everyone has their quirks…but those quirks are also what make life so beautiful too. We both agreed that along with how wonderful all sides of the family are…one big thing that makes everyone even more lovely in our eyes, is how their eyes light up around you. It’s quite phenomenal to watch. You have no idea how much you are treasured.

Love,
Mama