Motherhood ~ The Gift That Just Keeps On Giving

Maliana ~

We took the dogs to the dog park with Aunt Tina on the first warm and sunny day this week. On the way home I got a kick out of listening to you read your book from the backseat. So awesome!

my little reader!!

Once home, Lao Lao came over for a visit and you got to show her how you can now ride your bike without training wheels! You even sassed up your look with my shades...too cool for school, this kid.

The next day I was late picking you up from school and so decided to surprise you with a trip to DQ that night. We swung by and picked up Audrey Ayi to come with us, then went back to her house to play at Cherrington and see Mr. Yang before heading home. It was a beautiful day and as we sat outside on the playground, watching you climb higher than you've climbed before, and easily make friends with a little boy who was also there; I remarked to Audrey what a different little kid you are than I was at your age. I was so timid and shy, backwards almost. But not you! You are so much more at ease in your skin, comfortable talking to and playing with new kids anywhere you go. Any child is a potential friend in your eyes. It's really fun to watch you blossoming day by day. And as funny as it may sound, I think it's been even more profound in the couple weeks since you've learned how to ride your bike without training wheels. Maybe it gave you just the confidence you needed in other areas of your life too. I don't know, but it's pretty cool stuff.

this picture doesn't do justice to your mood today...
you were so talkative and hilarious at DQ,
you had Audrey and me rolling
with laughter!

walking Mr. Yang

It was so steamy hot by Thursday this week, a high of 87! A gorgeously sunny day though so as you played with the neighborhood kids, I hung out on the grass with the dogs. We're getting to know the new neighbors more and more each day and they all seem very, very nice (and funny ~ thankfully they seem to also share our kind of silly sense of humor which is awesome!) As Daddy said, their oldest daughter Sophia seems like she's lived here all her life with how well she is fitting right in. She was ever so sweet with you on this particular night and it's great to see you take to her so immediately. I love it!

hanging out with our old smiley girl, Abby

chillin' with Sophia

Friday was a jam-packed day until well past midnight! It all began per usual with speech and breakfast with Mom. At daycare drop-off, I was surprised by your teachers having laid out muffins, donuts, juice, and crafts that you kids could do with us moms. In spite of my running late, I took some time to sit with you while you made a bracelet for me for Mother's Day. I'm glad I did. Here's how I shared it on Facebook:

"Going to be late for work today but totally worth it to take the time and stop at
daycare drop off so that Mali could make this bracelet for me for #MothersDay 
#lovethiskid #luckymama #workcanwait"

At pick up from daycare you gifted me with these beauties upon which you have been working for a couple days now...I just love your surprises. They completely make my day!

beautiful card and flower pen

And speaking of little surprises, I also have to mention this sweet little gesture. Daddy had packed your lunch earlier in the week and agreed to enclose a note for you like I do. Well, when he woke up the next morning to take you to school, the following picture was in his wallet. You told him that it's a picture of Daddy and Mommy getting married and it says "I love Dad" ~ aren't you the sweetest?? Clearly, your surprises make Daddy's days as much as they do mine!

While at work, I ran over to pick up your 6 year portraits you had taken a couple weeks ago. I have to say, I am more than pleased with how they turned out. They are probably even more unconventional than your 5 year portraits, however I wouldn't change a thing. Here's how I shared them on Facebook:

6 year old portraits of a kid who has full reign of her self expression. M was adamant about "no dresses!" so I let her do what she wanted and I love how they turned out, (tattoos and all)! I guarantee that I wouldn't have gotten nearly as many good smiles if I'd have forced her into an outfit of my choosing. It was an added bonus to see the contrast between my lil barefoot, tatted up pirate and all the girls in their Easter dresses waiting to get their portraits done. Ha! Arrggh, matey! 

After coming home from school, we got ready for your big sleepover with Brooklyn and Braycen. You were beyond stoked to see them again and have them spend the night. It was the sweetest thing to watch you all together again. And it turned into an even bigger crew with multiple other neighbors and their kids running around together, with all of you, playing outside until dark and then moving the "party" inside our house where we ordered pizza and hung out until almost midnight. It was one of those impromptu evenings that turn into a really nice night together. The more we spend time with and get to know the new neighbors, the more we feel lucky that they are here.

driving with Braycen

you're never too old to ride a bike with a cape!

Dr. Mali ~ nursing Brooklyn's boo boo

the kids watching a movie downstairs

Sophia was popular that night...

very popular...

very very popular

reading a book for bedtime

I love how you're sitting with Braycen here...
like a little adult

now Mommy's turn to read a story

and finally...sleep at nearly midnight!

Saturday was a day for recuperation. We all slept in and hung around the house before Brooklyn and Braycen went home. Then, I stayed home nursing my back (after twisting it pretty good a few days before) while you and Daddy ran some last minute Mother's Day errands together. The rest of the day was pretty laid back. Not too much to report. It rained pretty hard all day (off and on) and so the night was ripe for worm hunting, our new favorite springtime ritual. Before bed, I agreed to take you out for a quick hunt and we spotted two salamanders and a snail in addition to all the worms. As we hunted, you had us pretend to be speaking through walkie talkies to each other with code names of Mama Bear and Baby Bear. Cracked me up. You have a fantastic eye for these little critters and we came back home to get Daddy and drag him back out to show him the salamander that we'd found. It was all very exciting!

You attempted to stay up with me to watch a little of SNL before bed, but succumbed to exhaustion from a busy weekend. As the clock struck midnight, you were sleeping by my side and Suzy had fallen asleep with her head next to mine. Not a bad way to begin Mother's Day if you ask me.

Mother's Day was Sunday and a very good day indeed, with fog in the morning and then the sky opening up to sunshine by afternoon. We had Memaw, Papaw, and Lao Lao over for brunch in late morning. It was a lovely visit (as always) with lots of laughs and silliness. You had been so excited all week to give me my gifts for Mother's Day, asking when you could give them to me almost every day this week. See, Daddy often takes you to the thrift store to pick out your gifts for me because, well, I'm just a thrift store kind of gal. I love thrifting (which you all know)...plus, it gives you the opportunity to find me some very unique presents and Daddy gets to save some cash (double bonus). This time Daddy said that when you spotted my gifts, there was nothing that was going to change your mind. You were so adamant about your choices that even the clerk was smirking as she found a special box for you to wrap them in. You can see pictures of my treasures below...and you know what? I do love these gifts. In fact, these kinds of gifts are the best kind to get from your kiddos, in my opinion. I may not always know exactly where you come up with your ideas for them or why they make so much sense that you just have to get them for me, but they undoubtedly always make me smile the biggest, just knowing that you picked them out especially for me and are so excited to share them. And by golly, I will wear them. Oh yes, I will wear them! Smiling every time I put them on.

playing with Memaw before brunch

mimosas and moms

Papaw kept you and Suzy entertained so the mommies
could enjoy their Mother's Day breakfasts

Suzy gifted me with a DSW gift card which...

is very appropriate considering how many
shoes she's destroyed so far

Abby gifting me with...

a framed new favorite photo with her

reading a card from you and Daddy

here's one of your gifts...
this is beautiful and something I would definitely
have chosen for myself

here's your other gift...
a cheerleader, ballet slippers, and heart charms on a bracelet...
can't say I totally follow this selection but
I love it just the same!

looking at me across the room while we all listened to the
Imagination Movers' song, "The Mother In You"

Mother's Day bike ride with the grandmas

Mother's Day bike ride with the grandmas

And finally, I want to send a special wish for love and peace out to your birth mother, wherever she is today. If it weren't for her, my motherhood and all of the joy that it has brought me, would have never been possible. So to her...thank you, so very much. I can never repay you for what you so selflessly have given.

Love,
Mama

Bittersweet

Maliana ~

Monday was dreary and grey again (boo!) but in spite of that, as soon as we got home, you hopped out of the car and wanted to immediately ride your bike back and forth. You made the comment as you suited up with your helmet, "Mom, can you believe I can ride my bike now?" No training wheels needed. My big girl.

Suzy kept running right alongside your bike, back and forth...
back and forth...she is truly a kid's best friend

The kids next door came over and you all played up a storm together. Daddy decided you needed to have a 'monster wrestle fest'...and it was utter chaos. He hid and chased and let you beat the crap out of him for a long time. You were all laughing so hard you could barely breathe. It was a whole lot of epic kid fun.

wrastlin' the monster

lovin' the boots

full of awesome!!!

We got your bike out again the next day after school and actually took it out on the trail for a 3 mile ride, which turned into more of a jog/walk for me. It wasn't quite the workout I had hoped for but the conversation we got to have on the trail, completely uninterrupted by anything but the birds chirping and occasional dog walker on the trail (where you would promptly toss your bike aside and run up to them to ask if you could pet their dog(s)). You did great riding so far after just learning to do so a few days ago. I look forward to more of these rides/chats with you this spring and summer. You are quite the companion, kid.

once again on our favorite bridge

freedom!

passing the bluebells

It was a little more chilly on Wednesday but we all came outside and you got to know some more of the kids in the neighborhood who live in the court across the street. What with all of the moves coming up, it was nice to officially meet many of them and have you get some play time with together. They all seem very nice so I am hopeful that this summer will bring more fun and broaden your friend base in the 'hood even more.

Thursday night we went to dinner with Papa Joe and Patty Shaver who had come through town on their way to West Virginia. Memaw, Papaw, and Lao Lao also met us and we had a really nice visit. Unfortunately we were missing several members of the wacky beach crew from last year, but it didn't stop us from excitedly chatting about our upcoming trip (in just over a month!) and get super stoked about it in the process!

what a motley crew!

Saturday was a very busy day for us. First was Chinese class, then home for a bit and on to Erin's first communion. Erin did a great job with her reading and it was a very nice mass, even if you were one of the wiggliest worms in the entire church. We went to El Vacquero (a Yersavich family staple) for a celebration afterwards.

Erin, marching down the aisle with the other
children receiving first communion

Erin, doing her reading at the service

"wiggly worm" had to take a break towards
the end of mass and went to hang
out in the lobby...apparently you
were channeling a little Angus
Young from AC/DC in
that outfit

group picture of the entire first communion class

at El Vacquero ~ time to party!

chips and salsa with Natalie and Erin

Once we arrived home, the neighbors were just leaving for their new home. They had been packing and moving little bit little all week but today, it was their final goodbye to the house that had been their home for the past two years. I ain't gonna lie...I was SAD. You weren't particularly emotional, but you did give each of them big hugs. Generally when asked for a hug, you will do a casual lean in and let the other person hug you; but this time, it was full on bear hugs using both arms for these special friends. Now, I wish I would have gotten my camera to take pictures of you saying goodbye but in all honesty, I just couldn't bear it. Too many tears in my eyes. What's silly is that they are only moving about a half hour away, but it's just going to suck not having their cute little faces to greet us each day or hearing your laughter during an impromptu invasion of our home for popsicles and playtime. Goodbyes are hard. I wish I had some words of wisdom for you on this one, but I don't. At least not yet. Check back with me next week...maybe a little time will provide the perspective I need to provide some type of life lesson for you. Even after being on the Earth for all of my 38 years, I still suck at goodbyes. *sigh* C'est la vie.

Fortunately the sadness of the afternoon was followed by some happiness that same night as we all went to Jocelyn's house for some hang out time for you and Daddy with Chase, Dylan and Jocelyn, then some much needed girl time for Kristy and me as we got to go out to Easton for dinner and drinks. You and Daddy LOVED hanging out in their awesome backyard with a campfire and s'mores (beer and cigar for the "big kids" aka the dads). When Kristy and I came home (well past dark and your bedtimes), you were all still up and snuggled together on the soft green grass, wrapped in your blankets by the fire, while looking up at the stars. It was a very good night for all.

gotta love the helmets ~ safety first! ha ha.

Sunday we were all dragging just a tad (ok, for me...I was dragging A LOT). I was nursing day 2 of a nasty headache, so we mainly just chilled at home until your swim lessons that afternoon. I got to take you this time and you did fabulously! You really do enjoy being in the water and are so cheery and cooperative with the instructor. It's a joy to watch you trying something new and practicing new skills. One of the perks of being a parent for sure.

Since we hung out at home almost all day, we also got to chat some more with our new neighbors who were there cleaning and strategizing a plan for their big move-in day this coming week. The 12 year old, Sophia, ended up riding bikes, drawing with chalk, and just generally playing with you for a long time. It was very sweet. She took you under her wing right away and was so nice. You also took right to her. Daddy and I remarked on how well you adapt and are able to interact with new people so easily. I am so glad that you have that gift. I had to work a lot harder at it when I was a kid so I am very grateful that it just seems to come so naturally to you. Such a relief.

Later that night, Daddy did some cooking and prepped his lunches for the week so you pitched in and helped out.

learning about healthy eating

Just before bed, we wrapped up the evening with a family dance party. Let me just say that, "Lady ~ you've got some wicked moves for a 6 year old!" And...on our way home from swim lessons, I also had the realization that your 'cool factor' has completely and totally surpassed mine. You knew (and were totally workin' it to) more of the songs' lyrics than I knew. I kept asking through the rear view mirror, "You know this song? How?!" ...Oy. I am officially old...When and how the heck did this happen?! Ha ha.

Finally, I have to mention your latest tricks that you excitedly shared with me this week. Evidently, you now know how to tie your shoe while you are swinging on the playground swings (on your belly, 'Superman style'). Not an easy feat...and you are so proud! It's unclear how you came to the conclusion that you had this particular talent, but of course I cheered and clapped when you showed me. Obviously. *smile* The second trick that I was made aware of was during our bike ride on Sunday when you showed me that you can now stand while pedaling. Growing by leaps and bounds, kiddo. Can't wait to see what next week brings.

Love you to the moon and back, Monkey-Fish.
Mama