Happy Canada Day!

Happy Canada Day!! This day holds special meaning in our family. Two years ago today, Maelyn arrived in Canada and became a part of our extended family.

Canada Day was also a special time of celebration in my family when I was younger. Every year my cousins came to visit for the week and we would all head down to watch the parade and then the fireworks at night. Those times were some of the happiest of my childhood.

Today, for the first time, we went to the parade with our own kids. I can't believe how much it affected me, but it acutally made me tear up to see both Maelyn and Ian at the parade together and to think about all of the Canada Day celebrations to come as a family.

Ian, taking in the sights and sounds of his first parade...

Waiting for the parade to start...

Then it was home for lunch and fun times at home.

Isn't he such a handsome little man??

Water fun after spending a hot afternoon outdoors...

Another Canada Day tradition in our family was to take a picture on the front porch with all of the kids, holding a sign with the year written on it. With a three year old who doesn't like to have her picture taken, it was not an easy feat to begin this tradition with our own kids -- but we did it!

Family Day - Two Years!

Today is an important day in our family. Two years ago yesterday we boarded a flight from Beijing to Nanchang, in anticipation of meeting our little girl. In the end, due to flooding in the area, we had to wait until the next morning before we would meet. It was worth the wait.

I will forever remember the first time I held her in my arms. We had waited such a long time to become a family of three and on that day, our dreams became a reality.

In many ways, it is hard to believe that it has only been two years since she has been in our family -- it feels like she has always been here. On the other hand, I cannot believe how quickly two years have gone by -- and the growing, both physically and emotionally, that Maelyn has done.

Our little one is a happy, confident, curious little girl who loves to learn new things every day. We are having a blast together -- she keeps us smiling and laughing every single day.  

We love you so much, Maelyn!

May Random Cuteness

How could you not just fall in love with this face?!

Maelyn had to wear her princess dress in order to watch and dance to Glee songs...too cute!

One of her favourite passtimes this month -- singing!

Getting ready for a day in the sun and water...

Long weekend fun...Part 2

The long weekend was such a relaxing time. It was also the perfect time to catch up with friends!

Maelyn and Jennie haven't been able to see each other in quite awhile as Jennie and her family recently moved homes and were busy with the craziness of packing.

The girls were SO excited to see one another! These girls are true China sisters -- they have such a strong bond.

We are looking forward to the many plans our families have together this summer!

Long weekend fun...Part 1

I cannot even begin to tell you about how much I was looking forward to a long weekend with Paul and Maelyn. This working-full-time-mother-never-enough-time-for-anything gig is exhausting. I was really looking forward to spending some quality time together.

Saturday afternoon we headed over to Mike and Nicole's for neighbour dinner -- looooong overdue and we were so happy to be able to spend time together.

The best part is that now that the girls are getting older, they get along very well and even entertain each other, leaving more time for us adults to catch up.

LOVE the ipad -- thinking about getting one for our trip to China...

Playing 'ring around the rosie'



I told Maelyn that it was time for dinner -- and this ist he face I got! :)

After dinner, Nicole brought out the hose and the girls had some naked water time -- but I thought I would save those pictures for their weddings! :)

I miss the long weekend already....but I am counting down the days 'till school is out and summer break begins!

Our new nephew and cousin...

On May 15th my sister and brother-in-law delivered their handsome little man into the world and we welcomed a new member into our family.

Maelyn couldn't wait to get to the hospital to see 'her baby.' But -- once we got there, she was quiet and seemed to be confused by what was going on. I think she was even a little concerned to see her Auntie Kara in a hospital bed.

She interacted with Ian a little, eventually giving him a kiss. Maelyn was, however, protective of her cousin right from the beginning -- telling Grandma not to talk to loudly because it would hurt Ian's ears.

My Dad arrived at the hospital to visit and shortly thereafter we decided to head home. Maelyn was concerned about the fact that her 'Papaq' wasn't coming home with us. I believe a little jealously at the attention Ian was receiving began to set in.

As we were leaving, she wouldn't hug or kiss anyone, waving them off and saying, "I no like dat Ian guy."

We can't wait to visit with Ian again and see how he has grown over the past week and shower him with cuddles and kisses. It is a fantastic feeling to be an Auntie!!

Mother's Day Weekend

It was a fantastic weekend all around -- wonderful weather and loved being able to spend time together.

We spent part of the weekend planning our newest project around the house -- a backyard deck. Notice the deck in the background? We are planning something similar for our deck.

Not my favourite pic of myself -- but love that she willingly posed for a picture...she is so cute!

We worked up an appetite after our deck planning, so we headed to M & M's for a fundraising barbeque. Every year they fund raise for the Crohn's and Colitis foundation and as a Crohn's patient myself, we do what we can to support their efforts. Also, the barbeque is a lot of fun!

Maelyn really wanted a balloon doggy...



Happy girl!



I love this pic of my two loves!



A little unsure about the firetruck...

On Mother's Day, I woke up to flowers, treats, cards, and a yummy breakfast!

Mother's Day gift she made at her daycare -- love it!

Gourmet French toast -- my favourite!

Maelyn insisted that I take a picture of her breakfast, too....





I certainly felt loved and appreciated this weekend and was grateful to be celebrating Mother's Day with our little miss. My thoughts were also with Maelyn's first mom and I quietly thanked her for the most wonderful gift of all -- Maelyn.