Couch Potatoes

Aren't they cute together?

Evidence of Bribery

Mia is a daredevil. She loves pushing her toys up and down the driveway as fast as she can. I cringe the whole time. Now that she is learning to ride a trike, we decided we really need to get her in the habit of wearing a helmet. We thought maybe the lavender helmet with the flashing lights would appeal to her adventurous yet feminine side, but she rejected it with a vengeance. Then Jeff had a brilliant idea. He told her he'd give her a popsicle if she'd wear the helmet. I didn't know this little negotiation had taken place, so when he called me outside, I assumed Mia had injured herself. You see, the only time Mia gets popsicles is when she has bumped her head. She has a tendency to cry loud and long for even a minor injury, so it is hard to tell when a visit to the ER is in order. We give her a popsicle and if she stops crying immediately (as she does 99.5% of the time), we know it is not too serious.
Now to figure out how to get her to wear her helmet without the popsicle bribe.

In Her Shoes, Part III

Mia loves these patent leather Mary Janes sent by her cousin Kira. They look so grown up.

Welcome to My Kitchen

For 5 weeks, we ate off paper plates. (Actually, we still are, because our lovely new dishwasher does not work and the only factory-authorized servicer in town can't make it until Thursday.) Over the weekend, we moved into our new kitchen.

Shopgirl

Mia likes her new cafe playhouse. Daddy is teaching her how to use the cash register and make change. I had the honor of putting the structure together - about 100 pieces. Fortunately I have a husband who is a bit better with spatial relationships than I am. (In my defense, the diagrams in the instructions were pretty misleading!) Otherwise they would be playing with a bunch of metal bars and an incomprehensible piece of printed fabric.

Happy Chinese New Year!

Yesterday was the first day in the year of the Ox.

Mia celebrated Chinese New Year by going to a party with her playgroup friends. Picture 15-20 Chinese girls and 5 Chinese boys ranging in age from 2 to 8, running around our hosts' home, eating Chinese food, and doing crafts. For the finale, they went outside and jumped on bubble wrap to make fireworks sounds. With all the flashing of cameras, it looked like fireworks, too. Mia wore the purple outfit we had made for her by the tailor in Nanchang. I don't suspect it will fit her next year, so maybe the next person to wear it will be Mia's daughter. Isn't that a lovely thought?

Interview with Mia

Last year, we did a year-end "interview with Mia." This year, Jeff encouraged me to do another, but I've been busy managing our kitchen remodel. (Watch for photos in 2 weeks.) I guess he got tired of waiting for me, since he went ahead and conducted the "interview" himself. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Jeff: What was the best thing about your holiday visit to your relatives in Minnesota?

Mia: lots of practice with my sign language for the word “cold”
playing with my cousins
unwrapping presents and playing with the wrapping paper and box (not always the gift)
sleeping in a “big girl” bed

Jeff: You seem to use the word “Boppa” for Grandma and Grandpa—Why?
Mia: Efficiency I guess. I say Boppa and they all come running to pay attention to me. I tried the word Nana for Grandma but would rather use Nana to ask for a Banana.

Jeff: You recently turned two. What is the best thing about turning two?
Mia: I am talking more every day. I can put on my own pants, socks and shoes. I am spending a lot of time improving my ability to jump (walking was hard; jumping is cool!)

Jeff: Who are your best friends?
Mia: My absolutely best friend is, of course, my nanny Sarah. She and I have a lot of fun. We read books, learn letters, numbers and sign language, play with toys and make lotsa crafts (and doesn’t mind if I make a mess). She gives me lots of hugs which feel great. My best friends at school are Lilla, Emma and Kate. Emma and Kate are twins and I will be attending their birthday party next week.

Jeff: Any thoughts on life plans or career at this point?
Mia: When I was one, I played my Daddy’s drum set so I was thinking of a career in music. I have been told that girls from my region of China tend to be tall so I have also thought about playing basketball or volley ball. My Auntie Paula got me a doctor kit for Christmas, which has me pondering a career in medicine. I admire Sarah so much I may want to be a nanny or teacher.