Spring Has Sprung

Maliana ~

Over the last few weeks we have taken full advantage of the breaks in winter weather. Spring is really coming and I have a feeling this year will be glorious! Not only was it the first day of spring on March 20th, but we got to celebrate St. Patrick's Day that week as well and you were so excited to get all decked out in green, complete with festive tattoos everywhere, including your face and neck!

we put your tattoos on the night before school and hoped they'd last
until morning...they ended up lasting a week (no matter how
hard I scrubbed to get them off)!

drawing of what you would do if you had a pot of gold...(translation with
spelling corrections by Mama smile emoticon )..."I will use the gold to take some of the gold and give for charity"
(the picture is you giving the gold to a volunteer at a hospital for sick kids)

a drawing of our family, all in our PJs

more artwork
"I would not have a turkey as a pet
he will bok at nit"

You also went bike riding and explored the old abandoned barn in our neighborhood with some of the neighborhood kids too. I tagged along (for safety reasons, of course) and it brought back so many fun memories from when I was a kid and went on adventures. At one point, you turned around and slapped the bike helmet you were still wearing and said, "C'mon Mom! Are you ready for an adventure or not?!" Ha. Love that spirit!

On the official first day of spring, I surprised you by picking you up directly from school and then we went on a 3 mile bike ride/walk together. You commented that "Spring is coming in like a lion but going out like a lamp." Yes, a lamp. Ha ha. You crack me up! After that, you played outside until dark...it was a good day.

I love your smile!

The very next day the amazing weather continued and there was some fantastic silliness to be had from the time you got up until bedtime. I took you to KCAP and we were in great moods, then we headed to Hoover as a family (dogs included) and we played cops and robbers and just had a very crazy fun time. The car was filled with giggling, muddy paw prints and wet dog smell for the whole way home but it was like Heaven to me...those first few sunny days of spring feel so blissful. Add that to my family all together and full of smiles and laughter...it just doesn't get any better.

you dressed me up in a silly costume and I got to
embarrass Daddy!

we caught the robber

he got away ~ we're in hot pursuit!

luckily you brought your handcuffs!

Suzy is definitely a water dog!

We rounded the night out with a bonfire next door with our neighbors. We have all officially come out of hibernation - let the Dolomite shenanigans begin! Ha ha. The next morning, you woke up reeking of a campfire but told me that you didn't want to take a bath because you love that smell. Yep! That's our kiddo!

Speaking of our neighbors, you and I also met Courtney, David, and Maddy at a playground in the 'ville and played one night this past week. Then we all went over to grab some frozen yogurt before heading home. It was a chilly evening but had just enough sun to still feel like spring. So great to really enjoy the outdoors and be reunited with neighbors again!

fun at the park

getting ready for the soccer season with David

played until the sun was setting

And finally, the last of our recent springtime fun outdoors included a family run/bike ride on the trail. Daddy was a wee bit grumpy but we were still glad to have him along and so happy that he has lost enough weight now so that his knees don't hurt as much when he runs on them. Yay! We are so proud of all the healthy choices Daddy has been making lately! We definitely want him around for a long, long, long time.

Daddy came with us this time!

fresh mulch for the playground!

off-roading

our old lady, Abby loves her walks

Also, I haven't mentioned it much here, but Daddy and I have been battling the cats over the last few months who have decided it would be fun to start peeing on our family room carpet. Uggh! Really?! Anyway, after trying everything, we decided to bite the bullet and get new carpet downstairs. With that change on the horizon, we also decided to paint the paneling a brighter color as well. You were stoked to be able to help out (asking repeatedly to be able to paint with us) and had Lao Lao bring you to Lowe's (where you spied on us before giggling as you ran down the aisle to jump into my arms) where you could get your own special painting gear while Daddy and I purchased the paint. Once home, you got all suited up and did an excellent job of assisting us. You are such a helpful and sweet kid, the perfect mix of everything wonderful in life. We love you so much.

ready to paint! and yes, that's a trash bag

such attention to detail!

as much as I hate to admit it, Daddy's buttcrack will
definitely wind up being a childhood memory for you...ha ha!

And speaking of how neat of a kid you are, you related a story to me about your friend at school lately too. In the evenings, we often go through sharing our "goods and bads" from the day, especially at bedtime. Well, you shared how one of your friends was all embarrassed because they had to wear a "boy" shirt to school that day. As we talked, you told me that it doesn't matter, that you wear "boy" shirts all the time, how you just have to be who you are and how it's all about your style. I really wish I could have remembered your exact quotes because you sounded so much wiser and beyond your 7 years. I made sure to affirm what you said and told you that I love that you can be who you are and feel comfortable. I also said that it can be so hard and make anyone really sad if they try to be something or someone they are not. That's actually something that took me a long, long time to realize in my own life. Sometimes I wonder if I am sending you the right messages as a mom, however this time I realize that you have this particular lesson pretty much nailed down. You are one cool, cool kiddo.

And about that style, I took you shopping for a spring outfit that we could use for your 7 year old portraits this year. You were pretty tired that night and so really the only thing that floated your boat were these shoes...

diggin' your kicks!

Yep, dinosaur high tops. *sigh* I guess they are pretty rad. And they make you so happy...so it looks like we build the outfit around these sweet kicks! Ha.

Daddy and I also celebrated the 18th (*gulp*) anniversary of our first date on March 21st. Daddy was going to surprise me with dinner at the same restaurant where we had our first date (The Top Steakhouse in Bexley) but our schedules were a little too crazy for that. Upon hearing that we missed out on our date, you ever so sweetly said, "Mom, why doesn't Lao Lao watch me tomorrow and you go to dinner?" Aww. Completely unsolicited example of your thoughtfulness.

You've also been requesting a particular book at bedtime lately. "Mommy Far, Mommy Near"  is your go-to book almost every night. It's a book about a girl who was adopted from China and is starting to piece together how she feels about her adoption and having two moms, one in China and one here with her in America. It has brought up some good discussions and you have been asking a lot more about China, even asking to see a map of the Great Wall of China over breakfast one morning. You are also starting to be interested in going back to visit. I don't have answers to all of your questions, but I sure can listen (and Google, if necessary). It's such an honor to see you piecing this together and watch your interest grow. I wonder where this journey will take you...

Finally, the most recent weekend was kind of a dud. You felt pretty sick for most of it and a nasty fever on Sunday morning had you missing out on the St. Phillip's Easter egg hunt and also Aunt Lindsey's daughter, Ellie's ice skating birthday party.

chilling with Silkie and a cool rag

Luckily, you were feeling better by evening (thank goodness!) and I guess there is always a silver lining. Getting sick is our body's way of telling us to slow down and this rest may have been just what we all needed before another hectic but fun-filled week in our crazy, silly family.

Love you so much,
Mama

Seventh Birthdays, Snow, and Springtime!

Maliana ~

Over the last few weeks a lot of changes have been happening, biggest of all was your birthday. 7! Seven years old! Wow. Where does the time go? When the big day arrived, I had the following letter written. A letter to your birth parents. Never a day goes by that I don't think of them, but especially on your birthday. The day you came into this world and they saw your face for the first time. You have also been thinking about them a bit more (or at least, verbalizing that you have to me) as well. The "question box" as we've called it came back out, all on your own. You had us all write questions on tiny slips of paper that we could put in it. Your first question was "What was life when I was a baby?" and then "What is my grandma and grandpa's names?" It was interesting to hear the things that you are beginning to wonder about and I made sure to reassure you that it's normal to think about and wonder about your China parents. I'm glad that you shared this little bit with us.

thinking...

I read my letter to your parents to you as well and you laughed at some parts and were thoughtful on others. While you didn't want me to put it in your "question box", I wanted to at least leave it here for you. For them.

March 5th, 2015
Dear Mali’s China Parents,

Can you believe Mali is turning 7 years old already? Her birthday is tomorrow. She is growing up so fast and I just want to say thank you so much for bringing her into this world. Mali is the most precious treasure we have ever known.

Not a day goes by when I don’t think of you and wonder where you are and how you are doing. Do you think about us too? Well, in case you do…here is a little bit of an update on Mali as she enters her 7th year.

Mali is an amazing student in school. She is learning to read (and getting pretty good at sounding out words, even the big ones!). She also LOVES math. Do you like math too? Maybe she gets that from you. Mali gets along very well with her friends and classmates in school and likes to be very helpful to anyone who needs it, kids and grown-ups alike. The teachers all appreciate it very much. I think you would be very proud of her. We definitely are.

Outside of school, Mali is learning to speak and write Mandarin, is learning to dance hip hop, and will be starting soccer next month. She is a very fast runner and enjoys exercising with both myself and Shawn (my husband/her dad). Mali thinks that her new running shoes help her go faster, but I really think it’s her feet that are so fast! Maybe you are a fast runner too and she gets her speed from you? She also has been riding a bike without training wheels for quite a while now. She does fantastic and I love when I go running and she can ride her bike with me. It’s been cold and snowy lately but when it warms up, I look forward to going on these runs and rides with her.

At home we have 2 dogs and 1 cat. Mali’s dog, Suzy, adores her and Mali takes very good care of her. Mali is kind to all animals and enjoys learning about them. Just last night she was reading a book about groups of animals for school. Do you like animals? Do you have any pets?

Mali has also grown a lot over the last year. We keep a measurement of her growth on the wall in her room. Her legs in particular have gotten so long! Do you have long legs too? She just recently lost her last front tooth and has lost several now. Her smile is so adorable. Do you remember losing your teeth as a child? The Tooth Fairy comes to our house. Do you have the Tooth Fairy in China too?

A few more things about Mali, she has the most fantastic sense of humor. She can make anyone laugh with her jokes and all around ability to be silly and laugh. She is a fun loving person and a joy to have around for all those that know her. And oh boy…can Mali dance! She loves music and has got some of the best dance moves that will knock your socks off! Maybe those come from you? She has a gorgeous singing voice and I love when I hear her singing. And finally, Mali has a very unique and cool sense of style. She has this black belt with silver on it that she loves. She also enjoyed wearing a suit with a vest and tie to our Chinese New Year celebration this year. She looked sharp! Speaking of Chinese New Year, she and I went into her daycare and shared all about how we celebrate the holiday, then she went in to her first grade class where she helped her teacher share about the holiday. They read a book, made a craft, showed traditional clothes (like her Kung Fu suit and qi pao from when she was little), and even passed out hung bao to her friends. I bet it would make you happy that she is sharing these Chinese traditions with her friends. How do you celebrate this holiday, the Lunar New Year? I bet it would be fun to celebrate with you.

Tomorrow I will bring treats for Mali’s first grade class (red, blue, green and yellow candy moustaches – her choice) so that they can celebrate Mali’s birthday. Then next week we will head to a clay studio so that Mali and some of her friends and cousins can make clay creations (again, Mali’s choice) and will even get to use a pottery wheel! I thought that was a really cool pick for a birthday party this year.

So basically, with the anniversary of Mali’s birth coming up again, I just really want you to know that I am thinking of you and that Mali is ok. Her Daddy and I love her very much. We think of you often and wonder about you. When I look at Mali, I wonder which features of her wonderful face are yours, her China mom and China dad. I wonder if she has your nose, your eyes, your lips, your ears, your chin, your hands. I wonder so many things. I wonder if she shares your laugh. I even wonder if you like to be tickled as much as she does. I wonder so many things. And that’s ok. I even told Mali a rhyme lately that helps when I think of you. It was shared with her as we gazed at the full moon a few weeks ago. It goes like this… “I see the moon and the moon sees me and the moon sees that someone that I long to see. So God bless the moon and God bless me and God bless that someone that I long to see.” I hope and pray that you are well and that when you look up at the moon at night, I hope that you know that we can see the same moon and that we are thinking of you.

Love,
Theresa (aka Mali’s mom)

*sigh* I know that I can't mail this letter to anywhere in particular right now. But it sure helps me to write down some of my thoughts and feelings to them, your first parents. Somehow, somewhere...I hope they can sense my words. I have a strong belief that we are all more connected than we recognize. I don't know how. I just do.

As for the rest of the last few weeks, it's a bit more light-hearted. You and I had fun shopping at Party City for birthday supplies, coming up with the idea of and then making candy mustaches for your class, and in spite of having a brief illness, we were still able to enjoy some snow play and puzzles together.

at Party City

my snow shoveling team

our family snowman

we had my phone out while we put this puzzle together and took
turns picking songs. you loved a song I picked, 'Let It Go' by James Bay
and were crooning along with it so soulfully. it was adorable!
then you wanted to Mod Podge the puzzle when we were done so you
could keep it forever. you are just the sweetest!

Unfortunately, the same day you were your sickest was the day we were supposed to go over to meet baby Caleb, Aunt Lindsey's newborn bundle of joy. You and Daddy stayed home but I was still able to head across town to get some snuggles in. He is definitely a cutie!

introducing baby Caleb

The week of your actual birthday, you were such an angel each morning. You were stoked to be turning 7. Seven!!

As usual, on the morning of your birthday I had your birthday surprise waiting for you. In fact, you were looking so forward to it that you woke up at 2:30am and asked when we could get up for your birthday. It was an anticipation that rivaled only Christmas eve. So cute.

You awoke to put on your special customized birthday shirt, a Beastie Boys tribute this year, and then to walk out into a decorated hallway where you had to bust through streamers into your 7th year, and then to find a decorated kitchen filled with signs and balloons and special birthday treats and this year a special necklace and light-up bow tie for your big day. You are typically not a huge hugger so it meant a lot to me when you walked in and came to give me a hug after seeing everything. Made my
heart glow.

Here is a video of you emerging from our bedroom and checking out your birthday surprises...
http://youtu.be/JatsDBoqnJE

excited 7 year old!

And us singing you 'Happy Birthday' to you that morning...
http://youtu.be/Piy8Abigj7k

'MALI' cinnamon rolls

a nice wholesome sugar-filled breakfast

birthday necklace to wear at school

You even got a birthday video from your buddy Jos (with her mom and brother, Dylan) singing you 'Happy Birthday' and once you got to school you got more hugs from friends and even a gift from another friend, Ibti. I love being able to take you to school in the morning and especially this morning. I walked back to my car feeling pretty sure that you were about to have a great birthday.

Later that day I brought the candy mustaches we had made to your first grade class and everything went great. Miss Stenger thought they were so cute and said that no one had ever brought a treat quite like that before. (Great idea, Mali!)

We then dropped in to Goddard on the way home because Miss Julie had made you brownies, a card and bought you a gift. It was just the sweetest gesture. I love that you have teachers that care so much!

you adore Miss Julie

That night you made the choice to stay home and relax with some pizza. Memaw, Papaw, Audrey, and Lao Lao came over to join us and it was really nice to stay home, chill for a bit, and round out the day with those we love. That night you even insisted on sleeping with your birthday gifts. All in all, I'd say it was a pretty successful 7th birthday for a kid who deserves nothing less than the best.

lighting Miss Julie's brownies

And here...you can watch us sing you 'Happy Birthday' with your brownies!
http://youtu.be/uIA2xOmXmD0

silly

The day after your birthday (Saturday), you, Daddy and I headed to Fort Rapids (indoor water park) for some family fun and frolicking in the pools. I don't know if it's being 7 or what but you were so much braver and comfortable in the water. You tore it up! I LOVED watching you enjoying yourself and it felt so nice to just laugh and have a super time as a family. I feel like the luckiest mama alive when I'm with the two of you.

let the fun begin!

And it wouldn't be a typical family trip if Daddy didn't provide us with some comic relief, right? Here you go...

Poor Daddy forgot his bathing suit at home for the indoor water park today, so he had to buy some trunks in the gift shop. The gift shop was fresh out of anything in his size so he had to go with these bad boys. His trunks may be small but his heart is big. Love you, Daddy!

That night, the craziness continued as you and Daddy surprised me with this little number...

evidently when you turn 7, you're infused with "7 power!!!"...
or so I'm told. I live with crazy people! 

Like I've said before...I love, love, love our little family!

And moving right along with our celebrations, the very next weekend was your actual birthday party with friends and family. You picked a "clay party" which, upon clarifying this with you, consisted of making clay creations (hoping to use a pottery wheel and everything). It was a tall order but luckily we found a little studio that could accommodate exactly what you wanted and it went unbelievably well and was a cool experience for everyone. The studio was pretty cool and was run by a woman who not only throws clay, but also blows glass and paints too. You were adorable as you hopped on the pottery wheel, taking your craft very seriously. You also had quite a knack for it and your vase turned out fantastic! I can't wait to get it back from her in about a month all glazed and fired. Then, not only did you do splendidly on the pottery wheel, but you also took it upon yourself to go around and help each of your guests if they needed it. You truly are a phenomenal kid, I mean, really one of a kind. You impress me every day with your kind and generous soul. 

we gave Morgan and Jocelyn a ride to your birthday party
and the three of you sang "Thinking Out Loud" by
Ed Sheeran in the backseat...it was so cute!

your crazy I Spy birthday cake!

your guests from left to right:
Jocelyn, Joey, Erin, Sammy, Alex, (you), Gabby, Morgan, and Mia

you all loved running around on the porch in the sunshine
in between birthday party activities

your artist smock

learning about the clay and getting ideas on what to make

learning about the pottery wheel

testing out the pedal and how fast or slow your
wheel and clay can spin

getting a feel for it

that moment of joy as you are really getting into it

you definitely have a knock for pottery...look at you!

letting Daddy feel what it's like

naughty Memaw

showing Daddy how to do it

helping Sammy

even Daddy got to try the wheel

helping Jocelyn

oh, how I love my peanut!

Finally, speaking of your kind soul, we had a break and got some terrific spring temperatures lately and so you used the opportunity to not only play outside but also attempt to organize a search party of the neighborhood kids to help find Pipsqueak. Our stinker of a cat ran away from home for a few days and we were all puzzled by where she was for a while. Luckily she came back and who knows...maybe it was all because of your search party. Ha. 

search party assembly

"hey Mom! come here! look! look! look! my first tire mark!"

Also during the reprieve from winter, we were able to get back out on the trail and you, Lao Lao and I went for a 5 mile bike ride/walk. Yes, you went FIVE miles! Awesome job, kiddo! As we were leaving the house, you asked if we could bring a bag of sliced apples. "You know, Mom. In case we get peckish." Ha. Peckish? Are we British now? Too cute!

insisted on wearing your vest because,
"Mom! I have to wear it! It's from Jo
in Colorado!"

"you know, Mom...in case we get peckish"

look at that smile!

And last but certainly not least...one of my favorite quotes from you recently is below. A kind and generous...but very quirky soul you have there.

You: "Mommy, did you know happiness is in your left elbow?"
Me: "No. Where did you learn that?"
You: *twinkling your fingers* "I'm magic!"

I love, love, love you (and your magical happy left elbow) so much!

Love,
Mama