Dear Mai,
Who knows where we will be when you are reading this but get this... in the four years that we have been in Seattle, I can count on one hand how many times I have smelled rain. Yes it does rain a lot here but if you're comparing it to Ohio where I grew up it's pretty much a wash. (pun intended) I remember the smell of rain all the time back in Ohio though. I don't know why I don't get that here. Maybe its just me or maybe its because that smell is only dominant when it starts to rain. Whatever it is, I love it. It makes me nostalgic though. It sort of gave me a guilt trip for not keeping up on our adventures.
It is 11:33 PM. I should be in bed because in a few hours I have to take you and Mommy to the airport. Yes, it is just you and Mommy back in Ohio again for a little bit. I couldn't make it this time. I joke around a lot saying that Daddy is looking forward to a bit of "daddy time" but when it comes down to it, I'm going to miss you dearly. You are two now and you know what they say about two year-olds... Terrible is just the start of it.
Mommy and I had a revelation awhile back that we left the "keep you alive" phase and actually have to do some parenting now. We're trying this whole "timeout" thing but I don't think it's working as it should. For example:
Maya: (throws raging screaming tantrum because Daddy closed the door. Maya wanted to close the door)
Daddy: "Maya! Go to your room and sit on your chair! Don't come down until you stop crying."
Maya: (stops crying... gives a glare) "Okay" (Smiles. Walks off and starts crying again)
Maybe I've seen way to many horror movies but I have to say... you kind of scare me sometimes.
This is you on "timeout"
But beyond all the crazy two year-oldness, you are still incredibly sweet, kind, smart and just awesome. We fostered some kittens last week and you were awesome with them. You were very gentle and listened to us on how to take care of them. (Not something you like to do these days... listen)
We've given up trying to dress you. You have your own opinion and it doesn't matter what we say. In fact tonight you and I had to run to the store.
Daddy: "Get your shoes on."
Maya: "I'm going to wear boots (you love your rain boots)"
Daddy: "How about your tennis shoes. (You're sockless, have a skirt on and its 80 degrees outside)"
Maya: "Hmmm... No. I'm going to wear boots." (You pretty much want to wear your boots all the time. No matter what else you do or don't have on.)
You also love Stella (Goose) these days. Everyday you help me feed her dinner. You have also been giving her walks lately. You're such a helper I'm going to have to start giving you an allowance before you're three! One of the things you love to help with (and I love that you love this) is "helping" me cook.
Every weekend morning it is Maya and Daddy time. I like to make a big breakfast on the weekend and you always look forward to it. I ask, "Maya, what do you want for breakfast?" and you respond "Hmm... maybe some eggs, sausage, biscuits, fruit, milk, water and bread!" or something like that. While I'm cooking I pick you up every now and then and show you the process. You love it. You seem to eat better the more you are involved. I was cooking us a stir fry the other night and you carried your chair's foot stool over the to kitchen so you could see better. You helped me put the broccoli, carrots and onions in the pan and ate some raw veggies while you did that. I hope this is something we continue to do together and you continue to like food and try new things.
For Father's day you and Mommy took be to a Paella contest. Paella is probably my favorite meal of all time. I love it and since we've been in Seattle I haven't found a good place to get it. I definitely scratched that itch at the cook off... Mmmm Que Rica! And the best part? You loved Paella too!
We also have a routine that we do every night. Brush the teeth, wash the mouth, turn on the night light, read a few books and I sing a few versus to some song when I put you to bed. The other night you started singing "Good night dear" in this melody I barely recognized... WAIT! That is MY song! I wrote a song called "Little Vera" a long, long time ago. When Mommy and I were first dating I used to sing it at open mic nights. Apparently Mommy remembered some of the lyrics, swapped Vera with Maya and has been singing it to you when she tucks you in. I don't think my heart could have melted anymore at that point. Of course when I tried to sing it to you, you had to stop and correct me. "No Daddy. Its not good night child. Its good night dear."
So there you have it kid, there is a small glimpse of what is going on in our lives. I promise to be better and get back to a regular blogging pace here. We've done so much and have had so many visitors recently. You've had baby sitters and all kinds of things. This week is going to be a crazy week for you and while I have to admit a day or two of "peace" kind of makes me happy, not being able to see your face and hear your voice for a few days gives Daddy a heavy heart.
Be good in Ohio kiddo. Daddy loves you very much.
I'll leave you with a few Daddy and Maya moments.
And other random Maya pics.
Love,
Daddy