Mrs. Bear's Apple Pie

In A Mother for Choco, Mrs. Bear bakes an apple pie and all her children eat this "delicious treat" together. Afterwards, they share a bear hug and Choco learns about what actually constitutes a family.

XX has decided that apple pie is an amazing, maybe even magical food. So we made one the other day.

(Kimba pointed out that perhaps the most amazing part is that I made a pie. She's right. I could definitely use some Wendi lessons. The only other time I baked a pie, Brad gave me a "pan" of a review. He's always good humored about my baking skills ... or lack thereof. Gotta love family; they always tell you the truth.)

XX helped with the whole process, separating the apple slices after I cut, sauteeing them, putting the crust in the pie plate, pinching the edges and poking holes in the top.

She had a great time through it all. And then there was the eating.

It was a delicious treat of a dinner. Perhaps not the most nutritious of meals, but oh so nourishing.

Snow is Better ...

... when it's almost 50 degrees outside.

XX was a bit perturbed by the snow that was messy though, so did her best to clear the sidewalks. She's seen Daddy kick snow onto the slate so that it melts. What she couldn't kick, she tossed.

A Southern Girl

Southern Chinese, that is. Snow is exciting to look at, even beautiful, but if you're born to a warm climate, and on top of that, not even 3 feet tall, it can be tough. XiaoXiao thought it was fun for about ten minutes. Then the cold factor set in, even through multiple layers of clothing.

Icicles were new and interesting, especially as they fall into the demolition category that is a favorite with two-year olds.

But I think next time, this child will opt for a little dress-up and make-believe time.

Mum's the Word

This is what XiaoXiao put on the fridge while I was making lunch. She giggled and said that she had made Mum's name. Maybe it was accidental, but in any case, she recognized it and was mighty pleased with herself.

I was mighty pleased, too.

Celebration

XiaoXiao and I went to celebrate her great-grandmother's birthday last week. Much of the family convened for a surprise party and we all had a wonderful time. We're so lucky to have a big, boisterous and demonstrative family.

She's been asking when we'll see "'Bachan" again, if we're going to eat with her soon. XX showed off her appetite several times. Definitely a member of this family!

It was great to see Grandpa again too. That guy holds a very special place in my daughter's heart.

Uncle Jim's parents also joined the festivities and brought XX a beautiful antique kimono.

We did some bubble-blowing in the early mornings. That along with running gleefully down empty sidewalks and shrieking with joy in Starbucks to wake up customers. No one needed their caffeine jolts after XX did her imitation of a sea lion. As her grandfather noted, she's small but loud.

She's still a great traveler, chatting happily on the flight. The whole, five-hour flight.

And after a wonderful, long weekend and a long plane ride, there's nothing like a good bubble bath.

When you're two, every day is cause for celebration.

The Sweetest

One of my favorite moments of the day is when I rinse XX's hair in the bath. She lies back in my hand, looks up into my eyes and smiles. Completely trusting and relaxed. No matter how crazy the rest of the day or the rest of the bath, in that few seconds, she is the epitome of peace.

Even this doesn't come close:

She no longer feels the need (most days) to sleep pressed chest-to-chest with me. She has to be touching me, but her head on my lap is enough. My arms and my back are grateful for this progress.

And then she's up and moving. I avert my eyes for only a second and

Sweet, sweeter, sweetest. And far beyond.

Two Carats

Make that "carrots."

Remember back in August 2006, when XiaoXiao liked to have veggies on her head?



She's at it again. This is her "two-carrot hat."

More wondrous than any diamond.

Snow

It's beautiful, it's fun, it can be annoying.

In China right now, it's crippling.

XX's SWI says they are fine. They have food, they have water, and only lost power for a few days. All the children are now in one room so they stay warm. Despite this, they say not to worry about them, but to focus on places that need the help.

Some SWIs have no heat or no water or no diapers. Some have only enough food to last a few more days. Nannies and staff are using their own money to buy food for the children at highly inflated prices.

This is from Half the Sky:

Today Half the Sky launches the “Little Mouse Emergency Fund” to help the institutions purchase what they need to get through this disaster. If there are funds left over when the weather clears and services are restored, we will take the balance and help each site establish a store of emergency provisions so that this never happens again.

You can give to the Little Mouse Emergency Fund by clicking “Donate Now” on our website. Please note in the “Special Instructions to Half the Sky” that your gift is for the Little Mouse Emergency Fund.

www.halfthesky.org