Table for Six

Last night was the first time we all went out to dinner as a family, the first time we asked for a table for six. We went to La Carretta, a Mexican restaurant that is about 25 minutes from our house. We've been there before with the boys several times and have our order down -- we order sides of rice, shrimp, beans, and tortillas for the boys (and now Silin too) and they have make-your-own burritos. Today they also all ate chips and salsa, honestly I never thought I'd see the day when Z would have salsa but he did, lots of it. Yami and I always have margaritas and some kind of seafood and rice dish. As a result of the margarita, when it came time for dessert, I couldn't resist and so we all shared some flan and fried ice cream....decadent for sure but no regrets here.....

Silin went on the swings the other day for the first time.....she really loved it and was all giggles and smiles (especially when she was in swinging sync with either M or Z). Today on the swing, she literally flailed her legs to try to go faster.....she is definitely not timid or reserved....she's feisty and lovely and lively....she is exactly as described in her paperwork and honestly, I feel so lucky to have been given the gift of parenting such a delightful kiddo. Also, I'm pleased to report that I think she is enjoying herself with us (though she probably wishes we lived somewhere warm as she is always quick to want to remove shoes, socks, and other clothes too if we'd let her....I think in Kaiyuan she probably didn't have to wear much much of the time.)

The other first is that I went back to the gym yesterday. Oh, how I miss the gym..... b/c obviously I wouldn't leave Silin with anyone besides Yami for a good long while, I'm only going to get to the gym on the weekends. During the week, walking outside is just going to have to do and in my hilly neighborhood a good 40 minute walk really does feel like exercise. That said, my body today was not able to do what it normally does....its amazing how fast we lose strength and flexibilty.....

Today, I took M and Silin to the playground. They spent a long time together on the tire swing and swinging in sync on the regular swings (taught by Z of this concept, M kept pronouncing that he and Silin "were married" when they were in perfect sync...so cute). M ran up and down the big sledding hill about 5 times, I did too but most of the time I was holding Silin and I was definitely out of breath by the end. Silin loved to slide and it is interesting to see that where M is timid, Silin is not, not at all. I think once her physical side catches up, she's going to be quite a daredevil....I think M is going to have to keep up with her! The thing is, and I think its very good thing, M is seeing that Silin can be a lot of fun. He doesn't know it yet, but I know that they are going to be close....in fact, right now they are both asleep in the van, just like Z and E used to do....bringing home Silin could not feel more right...its just so right and I am one very grateful Mama.........