Happy Father's Day Daddy!

Maliana ~

You started off the week with a workout at Crossfit with Daddy and are becoming quite the little rower!

rowing!

You also had told him that night, “Dad, I brought my attitude, but it’s in my pocket. I’m not gonna take it out.” When Dad asked, “What about your listening ears?” you said, “Oh, they’re on!” Love your quirky personality!

When you and Daddy got home, you noticed that your first strawberry looked ready for harvest and so, in spite of it being 9pm and past your bedtime (which was incentive for you to think of any tactic to stall), you insisted on picking and tasting it. I wondered if the strawberry was actually ready for plucking but you assured me that it was “sooo good!”

first strawberry harvest excitement

plucked!

More fireflies were hunted this week, staying out way past bedtime (in the typical summertime kid tradition) and playing in the dark with your neighbor friends.

motley crew of firefly hunters

I pulled out the sidewalk chalk one day and for some reason we all thought it would be a good idea to trace each of you on the sidewalk…however I completely underestimated the “crime scene vibe” that all of those little outlines produced. (Yikes!) You kids loved it though. I also got to see your sweet nature when one of the girls got upset with her picture and you helped retrace her, and then as she colored it in, you encouraged her by saying, “Aww, that’s beautiful!” I just love your kind spirit.

Driving you to school one morning, Daddy had another story. Evidently he got angry at another driver (as usual) and called them a dumbass…well, from the backseat he heard a tiny voice, very calmly reprimanding him with, “Dad. If you say dumbass one more time, I’m calling your mom.” Ha ha. Shape up Dad!

Like I mentioned last week, Audrey finished the OSU term and is on a break, so we all finally got to go to the zoo together again. After years of having visited the zoo, we had never seen the aquarium and decided to check it out. You loved the floor to ceiling tanks and especially the touch pool. In spite of it being pretty dang hot, the animals in the rest of the zoo were all surprisingly active too which made for an exciting trip all around.

aquarium!

touching the starfish

More fun with Audrey ensued on Friday when we met up with her after your tang soo do class for dinner and frozen yogurt. You were in rare form all night, cracking us up at dinner until our sides hurt and we were snorting and crying. We got home and as I took care of some things around the house, Audrey gave you a bath. I couldn’t help but laugh as I listened to the squeals and giggles coming from that bathroom. You two had a ball together (as usual)!

instructor Stanley-Wolfe testing your middle block

arm wrestling Audrey Ayi

after bath, you exclaimed, "I'm a happy burrito!"

show of solidarity for the Williams' family's friend, a little 9 year old
girl who is fighting osteosarcoma right now (to anyone else
 reading this blog, prayers and good vibes are welcomed)

and those hearts above led to more ink
artwork on Audrey's arms, a la Mali

Saturday morning Daddy and I had an appointment at 9:30am but afterwards, Lao Lao and I took you to the Columbus Pride parade. We have gone each year since you’ve been home, and we all love it. As you get older, we are able to have more meaningful conversations about diversity and acceptance and I am so proud to live in a city where we have access to events like this. These parades are so much fun and half the time you just laughed and shook your head, particularly thinking the silly guys dancing around in their underpants were hilarious! Of course, there were the more “mature” moments, like when they tossed variously colored wrapped condoms into the crowd. And being a kid, you immediately began scooping them up (no doubt thinking they were candy). You became quite disappointed when I informed you that they were not candy or toys and no, I would not be opening one for you. A little later though, you began picking the leftover ones from the street and stealthily stashing them into your wagon. For what, I have no idea. A woman behind you was watching and trying not to laugh, but after a few minutes she could not contain herself any longer and cracked up, laughing so hard she had to bury her face in her friend's shoulder. I don't blame her...it's not something you see every day, and I definitely need to remember to clean out that wagon before we take it on another outing!

High St. before the parade

lots of characters attend the parade

your expression through much of the parade

I hope you always choose acceptance and to celebrate diversity

And finally, Sunday was Father’s Day. You were so excited to wake up early with me and fix rainbow pancakes for Daddy. We allowed him to sleep in but I’m not sure how much sleep he got with you running in every 15 minutes saying, “Daddy! Don’t come in the kitchen! We’re making you rainbow pancakes!”

ta dah!

You put on an acoustic concert for us after breakfast, crooning some original songs accompanied by your guitar with lyrics like, “We just ate rainbow pancakes…and then I saved some for later…” It was pretty darn cute.

Later on we had a cookout for the Dads. Wai Gong, Memaw Lisa, and Uncle Blaize, as well as Memaw and Papaw all came over. You loved having everyone there, in spite of being mercilessly teased by not one but two grandpas. After a bit, you were exhausted (from a long weekend and playing like crazy with everyone) and had a slight meltdown because I wouldn’t let you go outside in the thunderstorm with your umbrella. You began to do your “tantrum dance” (or as Daddy calls it, your “Flashdance”) and so I calmly told you that if you needed to do that, then you could go in your room until you were finished. Lo and behold, you did. Without complaint. And when I went to check on you a few minutes later, you were fast asleep in your bunk (and slept there for three hours!) I couldn’t believe it! You must have been pooped. When you woke up, you felt immensely better. You really are mature beyond your years. I’ve never met another 4 year old like you.

Father's Day lunch

the dads...Wai Gong, Daddy, and Papaw
Happy Fathers' Day guys!

Happy Father’s Day everyone!

Love,
Mama

Fireflies, Frogs, and Drive-Ins

Maliana ~

You were tired and thus very ornery on Monday for speech. When Ms. Ashley brought you back into the room to me she asked, “Have you seen the robot?” Evidently, you were trying everything you could to get out of practicing speech, including dancing like a robot. Goofball.

Once we got home, you fell fast asleep on the couch for a bit, and then curled up on my chest for nearly 2 hours. You sleep better when you’re with me, so I just sat with you and even walked around some, trying to do things around the house while you slept in my arms. No easy feat with a 3 foot tall, almost 30 pound kiddo. But the heat from your little hands on my arms, the cuddles and snuggles, and yes, even the dripping drool on my arm made it all worth any discomfort I may have felt. I’ll take what I can get and be grateful for it.

Once you were up you felt much better. You played outside for a while, and after running inside you opened the fridge, climbed up onto the shelves, and had lugged down the milk jug all by yourself. Thank God it was only half full! The triumphant look on your face as you stood there in the open fridge with the gallon jug in your hands was priceless. I helped you pour some milk and you chugged it down, fast. I know if you could have, you would have drank it straight from the carton…Daddy said, “That’s a classic summer move right there.”

Before bed you decided you wanted to try on a hula girl outfit we have had for a while, ever since our Hawaiian vacation. You were so proud of yourself in it, remembering Mom and Aunt Tina dressed as hula girls in the “muddy run” as you call it. I think you have a goal for next year's race. When I sent a picture of you as “hula girl” to Aunt Tina and Uncle Joe, Joe replied back something along the lines of, “We have to remember we inspire our kids as much as they inspire us.” While I probably don’t always provide the best examples or inspirations for you, I’m pleased with this one.

Hawaiian princess or Warrior Dasher?

The middle of the week had a slight rough patch. Daddy had a bad day at work, which in turn caused me to be pretty distracted on one day in particular. You are such an intuitive and outspoken kid, that you immediately observed, “Mom, you look mad.” I explained that I just had a lot on my mind, but unfortunately remained pretty distracted all evening. Before bedtime, in an attempt to make it up to you, Daddy and I took you for a moonlight walk before bed. Just what we all needed.

The next morning Daddy headed to New York, a quick one-night trip to the Big Apple. You had a tough time when he dropped you off at school, lots of clinging and tears. Daddy felt awful and the teachers actually had to help comfort you so Daddy could leave for work. The last thing Daddy saw was your contorted crying face and it completely broke his heart. However, what he didn’t see was that you were fine about a minute later, distracted by making pickles with your class. I’d say it was definitely harder on Daddy than it was on you. Poor guy.

Lao Lao came over to help me with the school drop while Daddy was out of town. She spent the night with us and since you love your evening walks so much, we bundled a ton of blankets and a pillow into the wagon and took you on another long walk just before sunset. You may have been a tired grump for much of the day, but were nothing but happy once Lao Lao got there.

your mobile bed was cozy!

The next day we got to see Audrey Ayi who finally finished her last exam at OSU for the quarter. Yay! We spent some time together and then it was time for me to go to my book club. I took you over to Lali’s so she could babysit and it was another tearful departure. I felt awful, but once again you stopped crying after about a minute. Ms. Jenny (Lali’s mom) even said, “You know Mali, I’d feel a lot sorrier for you if I didn’t know that you have a blast every time you come over.” And sure enough, I came home a couple hours later to find you playing outside with all of the neighborhood kids, where we all remained until dark, playing ball or hide and seek and having a great time. We even had our first major lightening bug hunt right at dark, and to continue the fun, you and I changed into our jammies and kept on going well after dark. Since Daddy was arriving home from New York soon, there was no sense in slipping you into bed without seeing him another night. We walked up and down the sidewalk, tiptoed into neighbors’ yards, with you shuffling in your Christmas footie jammies, telling me about your “light up eyes” (evidently these help you see better in the dark), carrying a pickle jar and loudly whispering for me to “BE QUIET!” And when it was finally time for Daddy to get home, we walked up to the corner and copped a squat on the sidewalk so we’d see him drive past. I’m sure it was a surprising sight for Daddy’s headlights to spotlight the two of us sitting on the sidewalk, dressed in our pajamas, holding a pickle jar with one of the biggest lightening bugs I have ever seen, and grinning like Cheshire cats. I’m sure our neighbors thought we were nuts, but you had fun and I know it made Daddy smile. A definite memory maker.

I'm excited about our firefly and you're...gangsta?

Friday morning, Daddy surprised you with a bonus day at home with him. He was working from home that night so you got to spend the whole day together instead of going to school. You insisted on wearing your Christmas jammies, even to breakfast at Gena’s and to run errands. Not sure why the sudden obsession with these particular PJ’s, but oh well.

When I got home, it was nearly time for Daddy to begin work. So, after putting together a puzzle of the United States (you’re doing pretty remarkable with learning your geography), I plunked you into the tub (where I made a concoction of shaving cream and food coloring that you had a ball with)...

shaving cream sweater

and then whisked you (in your Christmas jammies again) out to Lao Lao’s. We wanted to spend some time on her farm and catch more lightening bugs since she has a TON more out there in the country than we do in the city. We played with her cat, fed her deer, saw her fox, and of course caught lightening bugs, but I think the highlight of your night was listening to the bullfrogs talking across the pond. Every time we’d hear them croak, you’d get this silly look on your face. It was cracking us up.

the pond with all of the bullfrogs

searching for fireflies with Lao Lao, both
of you in your jammies

On Saturday we initially headed to the Rose Festival at the Park of Roses, but ended up at the playground instead. We met our friends, Pam, Brian, and their little boy Jack and since you kids had spotted the playground right away, it definitely trumped seeing a bunch of roses for you guys. So we scrapped the festival and grabbed some lunch, then sat under the shade at the playground while you and Jack worked hard getting good and dirty playing in the sand. A nice afternoon spent with good friends we hadn’t seen in a while, but that we can pick up with right where we left off. The best kind.

with Jack

teamwork

tire swing!

You napped on the way home, and then briefly played outside with our neighbors in the sprinkler, “washing” my car with your buddy Brooklyn. It was so hot and the water felt amazing and helped get at least the first layer of grime off of you from the playground earlier.

aggghh! the sprinkler got you!

it's tough to clean windows when you're short

We hurried inside, off to our next set of adventures of the evening. Baths (or showers) for all of us, then readying you for an excursion with Wai Gong, Memaw Lisa, and Uncle Blaize to go to your first drive-in movie and sleep over at their house. While you finished up your bath, I finished getting ready for Daddy and I’s rare opportunity for a date. You are always so full of compliments, pleases and thank you’s. When I was putting the finishing touches on myself you said, “I like your pretty dress” and then, “Aww, I need my camera. I need to take a picture of you!” You are too sweet kiddo.

Wai Gong and Co. arrived at the house and you were STOKED to get going. If you had any reservations about not wanting to part ways with Daddy or me the rest of the week, you had no issues with saying “See you later!” that night. You headed out and watched Madagascar 3, as well as Men In Black 3, making it through all except the last ten minutes of the double feature (nearly 1am)! Let me just say that when you want to stay awake, you fight sleep with a warrior mentality. You all had a great time together, and they made special mention of how appreciative you are with your countless thank you’s. They also said how nice it was to get to spend this one on one time with you, and how silly you are. See for yourself in the pictures below…I think it’s quite obvious you had a good time.

I posted this picture on Facebook, and I just have to
share a comment from a friend of mine:
"Theresa, your kid is frickin adorable. I just realized that every time I'm
 scrolling the newsfeed and I go past one of her pics,
I get a little smile inside. She looks super happy, too."
(Mali, you make so many people smile without even trying)

On Sunday, Daddy and I took you to meet some friends at their pool. While this didn’t quite pan out, for reasons I will explain in a minute, we still had a really good time…eventually. Before we even left for the pool, I kept asking you to get your bathing suit on. I heard you sigh and mutter to yourself under your breath, “You are a drama queen”, and when I asked, “What did you just say?” you repeated, “I said, ‘You are a drama queen’!” I couldn’t help but laugh, but the real funny part of it all is the rest of the story below…I think you just might be psychic.

Basically, what happened was that we arrived at the pool about an hour or so after our friends had gotten there. Unbeknownst to us at right about the same time, someone had decided to puke on the side of the pool. We had just paid a hefty admission and were finding our way to a space to lay our towels, as our friend told us how tired and hungry her little one was, when they made the announcement that the pool was going to be closed for at least an hour to take care of the “biohazard” that had just occurred. When we all heard this, our friend decided that since her little was tired and hungry, and now expected to not go back in the water again for at least an hour (in sweltering heat), that she was just going to pack it up and go home. We thought that sounded like a good idea too so I went to the office and attempted to get our money back, but was told that all they could give me was a rain check. To put it mildly, I was beyond livid. I took the rain check and went back to our towel. After fuming for a while to Daddy, (and hoping that you only heard a fraction of what I was venting), we decided to wait it out and see what happened. With nothing much to do for an hour, and all of us feeling hotter by the minute, I gave up any hope of maintaining adequate nutrition, pulled out all of our cash, and we gorged ourselves on popsicles to keep both our tempers and our bodies cool while we waited. Luckily, with so many people leaving, we were able to snag three beach chairs and find a small patch of shade. With my irritation subsiding, helped tremendously by Choco-Tacos and Sponge-Bob treats, I was able to relax enough to realize what a trooper you were being about the whole thing. In spite of being hot, tired, and surrounded by pools that you weren’t allowed to get in yet, you were still in great spirits, enjoying the moment for what it was. And of course a big shout out to the inventors of ice cream treats…it’s amazing what popsicles can fix, regardless of your age.

just one of the menagerie of popsicles we ate

all suited up and patiently waiting

trying to distract me from blowing up your innertube

After a little over an hour, they let us all back in the pool and we ended up having a really nice time. We made multiple trips around the lazy river, with you alternating between your arm floaties and your inner tube. We played games you made up of “line leader” and “monster” over and over again, with you taunting us with “Nee Nee Ba Loo Loo!” as you kicked and squealed and squirmed in the water. Just before we left, you even wanted to take off your floaties and attempt to swim on your own (in shallower water of course) and even went under (pretty much of your own accord) twice! It’s definitely a good start and I love seeing you playing and getting more comfortable in the water. It’s all part of working up to learning to swim. Since we decided to forego formal swimming lessons this summer, it’s definitely nice to see you willing to work on all of this stuff with us and even making progress.

after swimming and munching on snacks

relaxing with Mom after a successful afternoon of swimming

As we walked back to the car after the pool, you decided to pick up various pieces of trash in people’s yards and throw them away once we got home. You were excited about it too, wanting to take care of the planet. I’m pretty sure credit goes to an episode of Barney that you had recently watched (I think), but it was pretty cool to see you do this all on your own.

You immediately fell asleep in the car with the exhaustion that only summer swimming can produce. Once home, you played outside some more with the neighbors while I went grocery shopping. When I came home, I found everyone still outside. You and Brooklyn came running to the sidewalk with bug boxes hanging from your necks. I loved seeing the exuberance and excitement on your faces, eager to show off your latest firefly captives. As Daddy helped me carry in groceries, you even asked if I needed you to help with groceries too. Seriously? How many other four year olds are so thoughtful? Of course I told you that I’d rather you just have fun and go back to catching fireflies with your friends. And as I watched you scamper away, I couldn’t help but think how amazingly lucky I am, for about the millionth time this week.

Love,
Mama

Bike Rides, Recitals, and Warriors!

Maliana ~

Summer may not officially begin until June 21^st around here, but we sure have been celebrating like it’s summer. On Monday, I was having an emotional day. I guess the worries that all moms have (you know, being terrified and overwhelmed imagining that every evil in the world will afflict their little one in some form or fashion) got the best of me, so instead of going to tang soo do I decided we needed to do something purely fun and carefree. You and I played hooky and went out for ice cream at Steak and Shake instead. As we walked in, you told me, “I’m not gonna throw a fit again”, obviously remembering the meltdown/showdown you and I had last time we came because I wouldn’t let you get candy out of the machines as we left. Wow! I can’t believe you remembered that AND that you felt compelled to reassure me of this too. What a memory and such great insight for four years old!

When we got home I taught you how to make beer bread and you thought that was the coolest thing ever because you got to “eat beer”. You topped the night off by going to the gym with Daddy, where you have become quite the Crossfit mascot. You bop around from person to person, encouraging them like Daddy does, and people look forward to seeing you there.

Summer is in full swing at school and one day they had a bounce house in the playground for all of you. As Daddy dropped you off, all of your friends had pulled chairs over to the windows and had their eyes glued to the men setting the bounce house up. Evidently, what Daddy saw as he left were you kids all in a row, from the noses up, pressed to the glass, watching through the window. When I picked you up that day you were tired, sweaty, and very happy after all that bouncing.

And now , a couple of Mali-isms from this week. During one of our many bike rides, as we pedaled along with you securely fastened in your seat right behind me, you felt compelled to inform me that, “Mom, you have a big butt. I mean, a really really big butt!” (Gee, thanks!) And another time, as you went to the bathroom for the third time in one tang soo do class, and I was trying to hurry you along so as not to miss any more of class, you told me that, “Mom, my poop is sleeping”…and then, “Ok, now it’s waking up”. Too funny.

the second turtle we have found on our bike rides!

By the end of the week, we were all pretty tired but we (you, Lao Lao, and I) headed to Alum Creek for their “Party at the Creek”, a free festival with all sorts of booths and activities and food. On the way there, you were looking at the huge flower baskets they have hanging throughout uptown Westerville and when I asked, “What are you thinking about?” you replied, “I’m thinking I want to give you flowers.” Then you said, “I think I want to marry you.” When I asked, “Is it because you like spending time together so much?” you said, “Yeah” with the cutest little grin. You are so sweet.

That little exchange definitely made up for the tired, grouchy mood you were in later. However, you did give us quite a scare before we left. You love Alum Creek Park since it has the choo-choo train in it, and while we all looked at the Turtle Lady’s reptiles there, you scooted over to the train and sat in the tunnel where we couldn’t see you. You were there right beside us one minute and gone the next, and I completely panicked. You sheepishly came out of the tunnel and the look on my face must have been of complete terror because you immediately began crying. I scooped you up and told you to NEVER, EVER run off like that again. It gave us the opportunity to talk about how we always need to stay together when we’re in public, discussing all of the dangers of strangers snatching you or your simply getting lost and hurt. We also talked about how if you do want to go see something else, you need to ask permission to do so. As hard as it was to see you cry like that, I’m glad it scared you too. Hopefully this little lesson, that turned out to be harmless, has made an impact and will stick with you. Judging from past history of your amazing memory, I’m sure it will.

less than thrilled to meet Ronald McDonald

the fabulous lizards who stole our attention while you made your
temporary "getaway"

We went to a friend’s daughter's graduation party this weekend too. In spite of you not really being familiar with many of the people there, I love how you jumped right in and made the best of it. You had a blast, with the kids and adults alike. You can be such a social butterfly, just like your Dad.

Happy Graduation Maddy!
(the huge dog/horse is Clark Kent)

On Saturday you had your big tumbling recital which you’ve been working so hard towards for several months now. Even though you were tired that morning, you still did great. It was a Mary Poppins theme and you were dressed like a chimney sweep. Very cute. You had quite the little fan club to watch you, and were so excited to look into the crowd and see us all. Afterwards we had lunch together nearby, with you in rare form. You were high on life, surrounded by so many people who loved you.

you are the super cute chimney sweep on the right

cutest chimney sweep I ever did see

you love Ms. Theresa, your tumbing instructor

Uncle Blaize was so sweet to bring you one of his medals
for after your performance

your groupies

And here is a video of you performing Mary Poppins' "Step in Time"...you're the littlest one on the right, closest to the camera in the back row, with the pink hat. You kept up pretty well for being with all the older kids. Of course, my personal fave moment is when you shrug your shoulders after doing the "flap like a birdie" part. So adorable!

Thankfully, you, Daddy and I all got to curl up and take a nice long nap together that afternoon. We don’t do that often anymore, but it feels so good when we do. That night you went outside and played for a while, cashing in on another one of your “free dinner coupons” with the Szwabinsky’s. You hung out with them all evening. We sure lucked out in the neighbor department. Not only do we trust Mark and Jenny 110%, but their kids Roman and Natalia are both true gems. They actually seek you out to spend time with you (sometimes Lali even texts me to see if she can take you to the park), and both of them are SO good with you. There are some influences in the neighborhood that are definitely a bit questionable, but I never bat an eye when you are with the Szwabinsky’s. They are awesome!

On Sunday I was preparing for the Warrior Dash. As you and I ate breakfast together, I was showing you a video of all of the obstacles I’d be facing on the course, (e.g. swimming through mud pits, jumping over fire, etc). You got a bit nervous for me and said, “Mom, I don’t want you to do that”, but then when I told you I’d be raising money to help sick kids in the hospital (St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital), you looked very thoughtful and then said, “Oh. I wanna do that too!” My little future philanthropist.

When we got to the race, we had to take school buses to shuttle us from the parking lot to the actual race course (or battleground as they called it). You were STOKED! I think getting to ride that bus was the highlight of your day. Lao Lao had come with us and you were to hang out with Daddy and Lao Lao during the race. By the time our wave of the race began, you were still a little apprehensive about me participating, but by the time I came around the part of the course with obstacles you could see, you were cheering for me like crazy. It may have been a pretty hot day, but there was plenty of entertainment in people-watching and I’m glad you got to see your mom do something a little nutty.

highlight of your day...riding a school bus shuttle

the littlest warrior

before the race...all nice and clean (but not for long!)

last minute high five

after the mayhem...we did it!

Once home, in spite of being worn out from the race, I was still easily convinced into taking you for a bike ride to the playground. I’m glad we did too because we had a blast. You made a new friend and we even got to see a groundhog on the way there AND back. As we pedaled home at sunset, with your tiny little fingers curled around my hips, it felt relaxing. It had been an exhausting day, but a good one. It felt like summer.

Love,
Mama