Maya’s Travels

Hi Mommy.

It's Daddy. I've been absent in the past few months on blogging about our punkin face. As you know, we've been busy. We've had visitors, birthdays and all kinds of things. All excuses aside, its time to catch up and start yet again. What better occasion than Mother's Day.

You predicted all along that I was going to be, as you say, "A mush ball" when it comes to having a daughter. You were correct times a million. In reality, how does that play out? It leaves Mama with the majority of the disciplinary tasks. I know that's not always fun but just know this... if it was just Maya and I, we would be mess. It would be chaos. Cats and dogs living together, mass hysteria. 

The dynamic between you and our sweet pea is amazing to watch. I can tell we're going to be in for a long ride. :-) That girl has a lot of sass in her, barely over 2. I can't imagine the terror that awaits 4 then 5 then pre-teen... you get the picture. But she also has a lot of sweet to her too.

You mentioned that your mother's day gift was her being sweet all week long. Contrary to belief, I did not threaten or bribe the girl. I merely talked to her and said it was a special Mommy week and Mother's day was on the weekend. She lit up and was excited to give you plenty of hugs, kisses and treats. She loves her Mommy very much and wants to make you happy. Even if she can't help doing [insert things 2 year olds aren't supposed to be doing here] one more time even though you told her to stop ten times already. 

One day isn't enough to show you our appreciation. One week isn't. I hope we don't take you for granted too often throughout the year. If we do, Iet this serve as our reminder to show the best Mommy in the world all of our love and appreciation.

Love,

Daddy

P.S. - Being the push over also means I'm the one that has to deal with a 2-year-old not really understanding knock-knock jokes but wants to do them nine hundred thousand times in a row. You have the patience of a gnat so at least I help out on this front. :-)

Dear Mai,

This season has been bad to us when it comes to the common cold. We've been passing it back and forth like a high school basketball team. It's ridiculous.

Mama was home with you yesterday and today is my day. Today you feel much better. So what do we do? Goof.

Apparently we're off to watch cartoons now.

Love, 

Daddy

So i can't describe the amount of joy i'm feeling for you right now Mai.

We're eating some sgetti and meatballs for dinner with some music on random when you exclaim: "Oh my GOODNESS! SIGUR ROS!"

You're too much! 

Love,

Daddy

Hey Mai,

I'm sitting here getting ready to leave work glancing through some pics I took over the weekend. You're so stinkin cute I can't even stand it.

Here you are on the way home from lunch. Fast asleep with your little hands clutching each other. CUTE!

And back at the Doctor's office you made a choo choo.

And your choice for "vaccuming" attire is ridiculously cute.

Dear Mai,

You speak very well... for the most part. You're vocabulary has been bursting since 16 months old and now its over the top. You sling together 3, 4 and even 5 word sentences now like its nobody's business. I came home late from work last night and almost missed your bedtime. Mama was just about to tuck you in when I walked in the house. I hear this exclamation immediately. "Want water meddon (melon) pease Daddy!" That was your chant as you trucked down the stairs, right passed me (no kiss, no hug) and straight to the refrigerator. Mama had said you could have watermelon for dessert when Daddy got home. That was 2+ hours before I got home. Our girl likes her fruit. (you like food in general. Mama said you had a 45 minute dinner last night)

Besides "meddon" for melon and "micky" for music the only other word(s) I can think that you constantly alter is "wa won" meaning "other one." They day after Christmas we had to drop Mommy off at the airport and head to your other Grandma's house. Mommy and I were talking about how we should refer to each Grandma. Grandma C? Grandma G? Big Grandma and Little Grandma? We were telling you that we were going to see Grandma, the other one and you seemed to get it right away. You understood that you have 2 Grandmas. So that's it! It's just Grandma and when we are talking about a different Grandma it's just "Grandma. wa won."

You thought you were pretty cool eating your meals at the big girl chair. 

Eating breakfast with Grandma

But then I made the mistake of sitting you on the high bar stools. From there on out. "big gurl chair."

Both Grandma's always have a lot of Christmas decorations out. Your favorites were the ones that play music, sing, dance and light up. At the other Grandma's your favorite was the Christmas Hippopotamus. At this Grandma's your favorite was the snowman even though it scared the bejesus out of you a few times. We heard the words "more noman" more than we ever wanted to. And that darn thing sang winter wonderland. Every. Single. Time.

You started coming out of your shell a bit more and saw my whole family again. Cousin Maria adores you and you warmed up to her. A little. :)

We got to see cousins Deb, Mel and Holly, William, Aunt Terry and Uncle Chuck!

But your favorite person by far (you're BFF if you will) was Uncle John.

While we were there you played pretend for the first time. At first I didn't understand what you were doing. You kept saying "choo choo train. On choo choo" And made Aunt Rosie and Uncle John sit with you on the floor. You pointed to the side of the coffee table that had box like frames and said "choo choo trian. on choo choo." Daddy:" Oh! You're on a choo choo train?" Maya (with excitement) "YA!" You tried to get cousin Matt to play too but he wasn't budging. :)

When it was time for them to leave you whined "John. want John." and pouted at the door.

You're kind of the center attention when we go back to Ohio. Whether it's watching you be goofy, try out your new outfits or just watching you play the iPad. Seriously, you had at one point like 5 people watching you play your iPad games. Spoiled much?

At the end you started getting really, really clingy to Daddy though. (we sometimes refer to you as our Klingon) We went to a Japanese steakhouse and you wouldn't get off my lap. Usually you love to sit in your high chair but too long away from your routine was tough on our little one this time. We finally got you in your high chair. Then the chef lit the fire. Wow. 5-alarm screaming. I even tried to prepare you for it. Did not help one bit. In hindsight it was kind of funny. You're a kid. You're resilient. You bounced back. I'm allowed to laugh. :)

You did finally get back to a normal sleep / nap schedule. Although as I'm remembering this, I think this is when I created the "30 minute tuck-in" monster. Ugh! Bad Daddy! :)

Even though it was a long time for you, it seemed like in no time are visit had to come to an end. It was goodbye to both Grandma's and all the cousins and friends. Off to the airport with our seasoned littler frequent flyer.

And home to Mommy! We landed in Seattle around 11:00 PM on New Year's eve so we even got to party with Uncle Shawn and Aunt Becky when we got home! You're first New Year's eve party! (Daddy likes to have New Year's Eve Parties you'll soon find out. Heck that is how Mommy and I met but that is a story for another time. Or maybe never)

There were some trying times Mai. You were crazed, funny, whiny and a partial lunatic. Most of all you were a trooper and it was awesome seeing you spend time with everyone back home. Like I said on my last post, Grandma (wa won) is coming out in 2 days! After that Aunt Rosie and Uncle John are coming! Hopefully we can get this Grandma out here soon too. Before you know it, it will be Christmas time again and we'll do it all over again!

Merry Christmas Maizy!

Daddy

Dear Maya,

It is sometimes difficult living so far away from our friends and family especially around the holidays. On Christmas we definitely like to get back to visit though. This year we decided to try something a little different. In order to maximize your time with everyone you and Mommy flew out together first. I came out a few days later and you and I flew home together; Mommy left a few days before us. It worked out for the most part. You spent 2 whole weeks in Ohio and were able to spend some quality time with both of our Families. What we didn't count on was that a break from the routine for a 20 month-old was for that long was pretty tough. But, as they say, sometimes you have to learn by jumping in the fire. Get used to it kid. We like to travel.

We were dreading the flight, didn't know how you'd behave with a single parent on the long travel day(s). It is about a good 10 hour day of total travel time from door-to-door, if not more. Of course, you came through with flying colors. You're a pretty seasoned flyer already and are even equipped with your own suite case. (that you carted around by yourself a total of 2% of the time)

You and Mommy upgraded to first class on one of the legs! (Don't get  used to that kid. we don't usually live with that kind of luxe)

And finally you arrived at Grandma's! Yay!

So the whole "Grandmas spoil Grand kids" adage is alive and well here. I'm pretty sure Grandma supplies about 90% of your wardrobe and has since you were in newborn sizes. In fact we are getting ready for another Grandma visit soon for your birthday so we were doing some cleaning today and we donated a lot of clothes to a local charity of stuff you've already outgrown. It was sad parting with some of the stuff. Grandma buys you some cute clothes! 

I present to you the Christmas Elf!

And the Baby Biker!

Maybe a classic movie star look? Or a nod to Jackie O?

And those are only 3 new outfits. Out of maybe a gazillion of them... give or take a few.

The one routine that we were kind of worried about was sleep. Typically, you are very good about taking your naps and going to bed. Yeah, you try to stall sometimes and you know how to totally play me. When Mama puts you to bed its done in less than 5 minutes. When I put you to bed it is more of a 10-20 minute ordeal. You want me to sing "one more" song to you or "one more" book. You have no idea what "one more" is either; or you have a blatant disregard for the meaning. I cave because I'm a pushover and you're so stinkin cute! I know, I'm setting us up for pain in the long run. No wonder when it's time for bed and we ask you: "Do you want Mommy or Daddy to tuck you in?" Maya: "Daddy tuck you."

But for your first few days in Ohio, you didn't have your normal crib that you love and you and I had to say goodnight by phone. Let's just say its safe to assume that we let you break a lot of rules in order for you to get some quality sleep. Mommy said the first night you were cuddling with her on the bed and it was time to go to sleep in your own bed. You said: "More cuddle please." Who can resist that? No one. Not even the Mominator.

You also began you're whole "i'm going to totally mess around at nap time instead of actually sleeping" routine in Ohio.

But if I'm a pushover, your Grandma is just as bad. Most days I heard this. Maya: "Grandma. Phone." 2 seconds later... this:

And every time Grandma got her phone back something was different. Icons were moved, deleted and all kinds of settings changed. Its almost like you did it on purpose challenging her to get it back to normal.  But still, everyday (and multiple times a day) Grandma relinquished her phone to you every time you asked. You also at one point decided to take some Maya selfies on her phone. I believe those 20+ photos of just your eyes and up are still on her phone today.

Grandma had you on a busy, busy schedule while were there. We went here, there and everywhere. She wanted to show you off to everyone! (I'll have a few catch-up posts on some of those visits shortly) But what I remember most is Christmas Eve and Christmas. You and Grandma set out some cookies and milk for Santa on Christmas Eve after the annual Lynch Family Pizza Challenge. It was so crazy cool watching you engage in some Christmas traditions for the first time. I don't know what you were thinking but you sure were excited and happy!

Speaking of Santa, you talk a pretty big game but when the rubber meets the road, Santa is not on your favorites list. You know who Santa is and like the idea of him but this is about the closest you wanted to come to him.

This is what happened when you met the "real" Santa.

By the way, that is my favorite Santa picture ever. It looks like it is right out of a horror movie! Cousin Hannah even has a scary little grin on her face. You're not going to believe this by looking at that picture but you weren't the "most upset" kid to see Santa that night. Another little boy was there that was young and afraid. His Daddy put him on Santa's lap. Kid lost. his. marbles. 

I guess visiting him with Mommy and Daddy is okay.

You also learned about presents this year. You were on and off about them though. Sometimes you went gangbusters on them and sometimes you were kind of "meh" about them. On Christmas morning you were pretty happy opening your gifts though!

You got your first taste of stocking stuffers too and LOVED your cutie!

But the best present was waiting for you back home in Seattle! A TRICYCLE! 

Grandma to the rescue again! That's right she had this shipped out to you and you love it! It is pretty much your main transportation mechanism when we take goose for a walk these days. Mommy likes to call it your "Tryke" which in turn makes you call it your "Tryke-cycle" 

It even has a basket to carry your special things like rocks you find out on our rides and of course your "FANG" patch. Fang was the first thing you put in there.

At the end of the day, just chillaxin in the doggie beds was more than enough fun.

It was a crazy few weeks and a great Christmas Mai and this is only a portion of our adventure. We'll catch up on the rest soon. For now I think the least we can end with is:

"THANK YOU GRANDMA! See you in a few days!"

Mai, where should we take Grandma on this visit? Let's sleep on it. We'll document it soon enough. :-)

Love,

Daddy

Dear Mai,

During the week you and I don't get to hang out that much. I do manage to see you every night but it is usually for a little play time then I get to tuck you in. Mommy hasn't been feeling that well lately but she does almost everything for you during the week. She is probably the best mommy in the world. 

Tonight I get home and she starts asking you when peoples' birthdays are and you start rattling off the months. I was like "What?!?!?" You weren't doing any of this yesterday. She said that on the drive home from work/school you and her talked about it. By the time you got home you had it. 

I don't think I can justly provide how incredibly smart you are in this medium. I know, I know all parents say this but man, you seem to get things really quick. Heck, you've been speaking 5 word sentences since you were 20 months old (If not younger) and your vocabulary and comprehension is ridiculous. You can count up to 12 no problem (after 12 it usually goes 18, 19, 30 but hey, 1-12 are good) and even more than that I think you know what those numbers mean. When I was putting you to bed tonight you wanted to read books with your bunny so you grabbed your stuffed bunny from your bed. You then saw your other bunny on your bookshelf, picked that up and said: "There. Two bunnies."

Mommy was telling me the other day on the way home from work/school that you were counting the number of planes you saw in the sky. It is crazy Mai! (By the way, you are an expert plane spotter. You can spot a plane way, way off in the distance)

I know I just sound like a crazed over the top parent. I am. I am over the top. Your mommy and I love you so much and we are having so much fun with you and are just so amazed and impressed by you ever day. It's over the top man. Over. The. Top.

The weekends are Daddy time though. Here we are in the waiting room of the Childrens' Hospital waiting for our routine blood draw and lab work.

While we were waiting I told you the Doctor's name. When he walked into the room you said: "Hi Doctor Kletter." (okay, you actually missed the "l" and said Doctor Ketter but still, that is pretty impressive.)

On the way out you created some stone art on the Van Pool parking space. (and Dear Reader, I don't let our kid play in parking lots... it just kind of happened. You had to be there. and I didn't want to suppress Art!!!)

Later that day you and I went to the local Record shop and cafe to grab some lunch. You look so big here sitting next to me in the booth!

You know its your birthday coming up and when we mention that to you, you say two things. (1) "Purple Cake." It was blue cake for the longest time but now you seem to want purple cake. Purple seems to be your favorite color right now. When we're getting dressed in the morning 9 times out of 10 you say you want to wear something purple. "Purple Dress. Purple pants. Purple shirt. Purple outfits. Purple pony(tail)" We don't have enough purple to go around. 

And the second thing you say when we mention your birthday is "Grandma. Plane. Comming. Maya's Birthday." That's right Grandma is coming for a visit soon (around your birthday) and you can't wait. In fact most (If not all) the purple outfits you have are from Grandma. (Heck most of what you own in general is from Grandma.) Even though it has "only" been a few months since you've seen here, there is no doubt that she will be over the top impressed with you too.

I guess it just boils down to the old saying: "They grow up so fast." You are my dear. Every day you look so much more like a big girl and less like our little sweet baby. I guess its time for us to finally stop calling you our baby and say your just our kid. 

Scratch that. You'll always be our baby. 

Love you baby,

Daddy

... but most of the time we have to drive to it. 

So Mai, this year our friends and family have just been getting pummeled with snow and cold all winter long. We briefly experienced it when we were back home for Christmas but luckily we missed the majority of it; at least the harshest parts. 

But with that said, what about playing in the snow? Mommy and my childhood memories are filled with cold winter, snowy stories. I remember "The Blizzard of 78." I was 5 years old and I have faint memories of being able to walk between our house on Greenwood and the Penner's house next door; but we were walking on snow packed so high we could almost touch and climb on the roofs of our houses! It was pretty crazy. Other than that my childhood snow memories are just recollections of other stupid things I did when I was young.  I don't want to get into details but If you ever hear someone wants to go "bumpering" just run the other direction. Not a good idea.

So a few weeks ago we planned a snow date in the mountains with some friends. Its definitely a world away from how I grew up but I like that we can go from 50s and partly sunny to snowy wonderland in under 90 minutes.

Your transformation into a little winter snow bunny slightly resembles a Randy Parker on A Christmas Story. You do make one cute little snow bunny though.

Hey Mai,

It's Thursday afternoon / evening and I'm struggling to stay focused here at work. I glance at my phone and I see this pic. I didn't even realize Mommy took this shot. I love it. it is our first jam session together. I like that you let me play the electric and while you had the acoustic. You can't tell in this pic but I'm playing a Zeppelin song and your trying your best to sing along. 

If the sun refused to shine Mai, I would still be loving you.

Daddy

Dear Mai,

The intent of this blog has changed over time. Initially it was just to capture the moments. As new parents I knew we would barely remember the "wrecking ball" (No 2013 pop culture pun reference intended. okay maybe a little) of a change we were about to go through. There is this movie that was out in 1995 called Unstrung Heroes. I loved that movie. I might have loved that movie alone because Thomas Newman composed the score. His work is genius. Pay attention to the scores in movies. Many movies wouldn't be as powerful without them. Anywho... I distinctly remember the Daddy in that movie talking to his son about capturing moments on film and referring to it as documentation. I don't know what it was but it struck a cord with me. Out of all the reasons I write this blog (sharing with family and friends, practice on my writing, public content creation, having something for you when you grow up) the main reason I write this is for documentation. I'm selfish. I want mommy and I to relive these moments by just being able to read these posts. It is such an awesome time Mai, and I love being able to document these moments with you.

So that is why I'm trying to "catch-up" on some posts here. That and because Facebook turned 10 today and released this whole "my Facebook movie" thing. It reminded me that I have to catch up on some moments to put a good 10 year collage together. FYI, Facebook was this crazy company that put "social media" on the map. I realize your social world, both electronic and live person, is quite different and "Facebook" might not mean anything to you. Whatever. You'll read about it in History class. 

At any rate... Christmas. 

This was your first Christmas that you were more interactive. In fact I was constantly blown away by your comprehension at times. Mommy and I told you that we were going to go to Ohio for Christmas awhile back. Way before we left. Anytime someone mentioned Christmas you responded with "Hiyo!?" I remember your daycare teacher saying a few times "She talked a lot about Ohio and Christmas today." 

You and I braved the cold, wet Seattle winter and hunted for the perfect tree. Okay, it was cold by Seattle's standards and we picked the tree out of a church parking lot and our total time outside was probably under 5 minutes. Not quite the picturesque, family out in the wilderness cutting down their own tree tradition but whatever. It worked and the tree was beautiful. As soon as we brought the tree in and put it up Mommy and I were telling you that we had to decorate the tree and put ornaments, lights and treasures on the tree. You like to say "heping" these days as  you try to help out. You did help Daddy put up the lights.

When it was time to put up ornaments, the first thing you though of was "FANG!!!" and you searched for the Fang patch I bought for you a few days before. Yep folks; A Red Fang skull patch was our first Christmas tree decoration of 2013. And an 20 month year old hung it up on her own accord. We Rule!

So at this point in our life, Mommy and I aren't much into traditions. We kind of like to keep things fresh but ever since we started celebrating Christmas together our one tradition is that Daddy does the lights and Mommy does the ornaments. I usually get to hang one or two ornaments but Mommy is all over that. You got to help her too!

Putting up the Christmas tree this year was a moment I wanted to capture. I wanted to make sure we remembered hanging our "Fang!" ornament first. I wanted to remember the joy on your face as we put up the ornaments. 

It was a good Christmas Mai and this was only the beginning...

Love,

Daddy