2nd Forever Family Day!

Two years ago we became a family of four. Today marks the anniversary of the first day we were able to see our Ailee in person and hold her as she cried, confused about the enormous changes she was going through that day.

I remember the pain I felt for her as she left the arms of those she knew and all that was familiar, and came into the arms of virtual strangers. Her personality was hidden that first week. The shock of the changes she experienced and uncertainty of whether this new situation was safe or not, left her quiet and observant. She would spend most of her time on her Daddy's knees, watching the rest of us in quiet wonder.

Fast forward two years and 'quiet' is no longer a word I use when I describe Ailee's personality! She is a spunky little girl who uses her big vocabulary to make sure you understand the point she is trying to make. Ailee is known for her monumental tantrums and her ability to turn on the waterworks instantaneously. She is also, however, known for her smile that lights up a room, her propensity to tell us how much she loves us, over and over again, and her love of cuddling up with a stuffy, cozy blanket, or a loved one.

Ailee is has a total Type-A personality. She intensely follows all rules and norms, reminding others to do the same if they deviate from what they are supposed to be doing. Ailee has always loved her stuffy's and still does -- they are all given a voice when she tells us what they are thinking and how they are feeling. Her beloved Bear even needs to be tucked in and given a kiss by Mama at night. Ailee loves everything Frozen and wears her Elsa dress to daycare EVERY.SINGLE.DAY. She is happiest when she is singing 'Let it Go' and refers to it as 'her song.' She is completely obsessed with leotards and everything sparkly and girly. A new obsession is now Sia's video, 'Chandelier.' Ailee watches the video and mimics the dance. Cutest thing ever.

We could not imagine our lives without this bright, happy, intense little girl. We are so fortunate that we were given the gift of being able to parent Ailee and to be able to love her to the moon and back again.

Happy Forever Family Day, Ailee!

Here is the link to my blog post, the day we met Ailee...

http://family3g.blogspot.ca/2012/11/as-we-werent-to-head-to-civil-affair.html#.VHaQisk-eR4

Happy Birthday, Maelyn!

Our big girl turned 6 today -- how did that even happen?? It seems like just yesterday she was placed in our arms, so very little. Today, looking at her, I realized yet again how quickly she has grown into such a wonderful, amazing, strong girl who is ready to take on the world.

This morning she woke up to six balloons in her bedroom and she loved them. Even better was the fact that Grandpa picked her up at school and took her out for lunch for her favourite food -- sushi! To top it off, she came home to flowers from Auntie April and video messages and birthday songs from family and friends.

Ailee just had to be included in the festivities... :)

Maelyn opened her gift from us -- plane tickets to Disney World. She has been saving all of her money for quite some time now to be able to go where she believes the princesses are born and live. Although I know she is excited, I don't think she quite 'got' what we were giving her. She will once we are on our way! :)

It was a nice way to end a very busy first week back to school. Maelyn is now really looking forward to her birthday party with her friends next weekend. 

Happy Easter!

Easter was a quieter event this year. My new niece was due to arrive on Easter weekend, so our typical family get together was postponed. Add to that how crazy-busy our lives have been lately and we chose to keep things simple.

We woke up on Easter morning and the girls were thrilled that the Easter Bunny had visited our house. (Mom and Dad were smart this holiday - we didn't remind them about the Easter Bunny the night before, so they slept in!)

Checking out the goodies that the Easter Bunny brought...

Sharing some chocolate with Pandy...

Blowing bubbles -- her favourite activity!

The festivities were done by 8am -- we had a blast! This year, Ailee loved searching for the eggs and kept running from hiding place to hiding place. She still ate a ton of chocolate, but a lot less than last year! :)  Maelyn, as always, loved the hunt and searching for the tricky hiding spots.

We spent the rest of the day in our pyjamas, changing only to go outside to ride our bikes. At nap time, Ailee was almost asleep when she opened her eyes and shouted out, "Chocolate is so yummy!" I have to agree! :)

Xin nian kuai le!

Happy New Year! I am a little late in posting, but I figure that since CNY technically lasts 15 days, I am still posting during the holiday. :)

This year, Maelyn was excited to help prepare the hongbao for her classmates. She couldn't wait to share this special holiday with her friends. Maelyn brought a few read alouds about Chinese New Year to share with the class and her teacher read them throughout the week.

On the big day, Maelyn wore her traditional dress and had her hongboa and CNY colouring pages ready to go in her backpack. To top it all off, it was crazy hair day at school!

Unfortunately, our CNY celebration with our friends had to be delayed because of the weather. This winter has been a long and tough one -- so many get togethers have been cancelled or delayed. Hopefully, we will be able to celebrate together soon!

Welcome!

What better way to procrastinate the completion of my report cards than to create a new look for the blog?! We are finally adjusting to our new normal around here -- the both of us being at work has been interesting. :)

I am really looking forward to slowly getting back to doing a few activities that I enjoy and find relaxing-- such as blogging. So stay tuned for some way past due updates and of course, tons of picture of our two little monkeys. :)