A Malia Update

Usually I try to gather my thoughts into a cohesive dissertation of some sort, but not today, my friends! Why, you ask? (or don't ask.... whatever). Because I have some random and delightful pictures of Malia that are due to be viewed (especially by her grandparents). Thus, in no particular order of importance (i.e. they're just chronological), here she is:


You know? Malia really is such a gentle and sweet spirit. She loves people, puppies, plants... just about everything. But just as I'm about to jump overboard with how often people tell me she looks like her father, she reminds us once again that she's my daughter too... by shouting loud demands at perfect strangers:

We bought Malia a tricycle for her 2nd birthday. She even helped us pick it out. I was so excited for her to have a toy for playing outside and getting good exercise. I even envisioned myself getting some extra physical activity. And our new house is surrounded by a lovely greenbelt with sidewalks. Perfect for such playing! But she rides it like a Flintstone.... feet down, scooting along, ignoring the pedals completely.

This is what happens when I enfringe upon her freedom by trying to get her to use the pedals:

So, Malia has curly hair that is really difficult to manage, because it is also incredibly thick (not surprisingly, considering her genetic make-up). For the past month or so, I've been using a detangler to ease the situation. I noticed it was making her neck a bit red, but nothing too severe. Then, the other day, I used it on her hair when she was naked, and that evening, this is what happened to her legs after they'd been sprayed. So much for "Gentle on Baby."

Malia is wearing her dress that she got from Grandma April for Christmas after their trip to Mexico. And, yes. This is the EXACT face she makes EVERY time I tell her to "smile." And she is LITERALLY saying "cheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeese!"

THIS shirt (below) came from Grandma Winkel (my mother). I took a picture of the shirt only because I wondered to myself if there was an element of brainwash in my family. I mean, does it really make Malia happy? Or is it something I will be forcing upon her with hours of tedious practice and lessons on weekends? I think the shirt would be more appropriate if it said, "Music WILL make me happy.... eventually.... or ELSE!"