Ailee's Hair

Our little monkey has the craziest hair. Ailee doesn't have that 'typical' Asian hair that you would expect -- the beautifully straight, gorgeous hair that her sister has. Ailee's hair has texture to it and is instead wavy and a little curly. You should see her hair when it is wet -- she turns into a curly little miss!

I wanted to share a few snapshots of our little monkey's bed head -- makes us smile every morning.

 

 

 
And not to be outdone by her little sister, Miss Maelyn had to share a few poses of her own...

We are very blessed with two beautiful and wonderful girls!

March Break Fun

I have been a terrible blogger lately -- the result of many, many sleepless nights. I can actually feel my brain cells slowly dying due to lack of rest. Result? Many blog posts written in my mind, but by the time the little ones are in bed, I have no drive left in me whatsoever. Please be patient with me -- I will be catching up at some point!!

March Break was a celebration of birthdays, getting together with family, catching up with some friends, and a full day playdate with Maelyn's BFF, Jennie. 

Ailee meeting the Attwood's for the first time -- playing with Elspeth

Maelyn and Katrine

I have no idea how I ended up with no pictures of our playdate with Jennie, but we were lucky enough to also have a visit with Julia on the same day. I love the picture below -- Ailee couldn't take her eyes off Julia. She was getting to know her and you could watch her starting to open up to her God-Sister.

March Break was a blast, but by the end of the week, I was exhausted! As a teacher, I have always lived for this week off. As a parent of two, I couldn't wait for school to begin again! Ha!

Sisterly Love

Sisters -- such an important relationship and one that I am so happy that Maelyn and Ailee get to share with one another.

When we first made the decision to once again grow our family through adoption, we talked a lot about whether or not we would specify the gender of our next child. In the end, we decided that we would once again be open to either gender, but we have to admit that we were thrilled when we found out that Maelyn would have the chance to experience the special relationship that only sisters can have.

In China, Maelyn was a wonderful big sister -- compassionate, caring, and very willing to share her Mommy and Daddy with Ailee. When we got home, however, Maelyn really struggled with the idea that Ailee was now a permanent member of our family and all of the 'stuff' that comes along with that change.

Ailee is on the move all the time -- especially when she first saw the playroom in our house and the toys that she could play with. The problem was that Maelyn was most definitely not used to having to share her toys with someone all the time.

The first six to eight weeks home were tough. Very tough. Maelyn was angry, sad, and struggling. She took out her feelings on us. She dealt with her frustration and confusion by lashing out physically at her new sister. We weren't getting any sleep and dealing with Maelyn's tantrums and moods was not easy. In fact, I don't think we handled it well in the beginning -- we just didn't have the head space for any of it at the time.

After a few weeks and feeling slightly more grounded, I called Lianne and asked for advice. Putting her advice into action, I had a conversation with Maelyn where I sympathized with her about how difficult it must be to share her toys with her sister. I sympathized with how difficult it must be to share what used to be her space. You could almost see the weight lifting off her shoulders as we talked. I also told her that when she felt that she needed some alone time, I would put the gate up at the doorway of the playroom and I would give her some time away from having to share and give her some space.

We also made the resolution to stop reacting negatively, mostly due to lack and sleep and therefore patience, and to instead model the calm behaviour we were expecting of Maelyn.

And within a few days, it changed.

Maelyn and Ailee started connecting as sisters. I stopped having to police their every moment together -- although there are always the typical squabbles that happen now and again. But, they play well together and they have fun together. It makes this Mama's heart very, very happy.

Now that more time has passed, Maelyn and Ailee are so very connected. They often spend time hugging, giving kisses, and chasing each other around the house, squealing and giggling. I couldn't ask for anything more. We are truly a family of four.

Playing with snow in the house on a snow day...

Ailee, copying her big sister, who isn't feeling well...

Getting ready to leave for school...

Sisters

More CNY Pics...

Jason and Emily got a new camera for Christmas and I loved how their pictures turned out! Here are a few of my favourites. :)    

                                

 

 

Family Day Weekend

We had a wonderful Family Day weekend -- perhaps the best weekend since we have been home! :)

We really didn't have any plans. But it turned out to be the weekend of unexpected, but very welcomed, visits.

On Friday evening, just as we were finishing dinner, we got a message from my cousin saying that they were in town for the weekend and that they would love to pop by for a visit. Half an hour later they arrived, with two of their girls, and we were able to spend time together catching up and shared with them our adventures in China. It was wonderful to have them meet Ailee for the first time and the girls, who are now in Grade 6, were good sports about playing with Maelyn.

On Saturday, Maelyn and I went to eat at the Mandarin with our bestest neighbours and it was so much fun to get out of the house and to not have to cook dinner!! Ailee and Daddy stayed at home, as Ailee is not yet able to sit for more than a few minutes at a time in her chair.

Yesterday, Maelyn's friend Brenda came for a playdate and we ended up having tea with her parents. Later that night, Paul and I talked about how nice it was to spend time with other adults. Since getting home from China, we really haven't done much visiting. The girls have gotten sick so often that we have spent much of our time at home on our own.

This morning, we had visitors that we were so happy to see -- friends who are a part of our China 'Ling' family. Lori, Dave, and their daughter Ella live about three hours from here, but they were visiting Dave's parents, who live relatively nearby. On the way home from Dave's parents, they took the time to stop by for a visit and we are so happy that they did! We love spending time together and Ella is such a cutie -- we missed them!

This afternoon, we headed to Stouffville to visit Paul's mom in the hospital. She had not yet met Ailee and it warmed my heart to see Paul introduce his mother to his newest daughter. He was such a proud Daddy! His mom is doing a lot better and although we were only there for about an hour, it was a very good visit. Both girls were quite open with Paul's mom and gave her big hugs and kisses when we left.

This kid is so darn cute -- love the pipe-cleaner glasses!! :)

We tried to get a good picture of the girls -- but Maelyn was being totally uncooperative...

Then she brought out the tears...

A part of a smile, after being bribed with chocolate...

Happy Valentine's Day!

Maelyn was excited for her Valentine's Day celebration at school. What could be better than dressing up in hearts, a skirt, and everything pink? :) When I dropped her off at school, she didn't even say goodbye because she was too busy jumping up and down with her friends.

After school, Maelyn was upset -- because she wanted to stay at school! They had a dance party for the whole school in the afternoon and Maelyn is really into dancing these days -- so she had a blast!! She danced so much that she fell asleep in the car on the way home!

For dinner, we had our traditional heart-shaped pizza and the kids loaded themselves up with sugar. Ailee has definitely discovered her love of treats!

 

Kabobs for dessert...

One of my favourite valentine's!!

Each of the girls made a card for Daddy...

Poor Maelyn couldn't find her sucker. Then, she discovered that it was in her hair -- and wasn't too happy about it!

Happy Valentine's Day! Love from,

Jan, Paul, Maelyn, and Ailee

Happy New Year!!

This weekend we celebrated the Year of the Snake with some wonderful friends. It was one of our first get together's since coming home with Ailee and it was wonderful to spend some time in the company of good friends. Maelyn loved having friends over to play with and Ailee was happy to tag along. :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Take my picture, Mama. I am beautiful!"

Once Ailee woke up from her nap, she devourted the treat that Emily, Jason, and Madisyn brought for her...

 

 

Katelyn is a superstar!

Enjoying a New Year's treat!

We exchanged our Christmas gifts (everyone was too sick for an xmas visit)

Big girls at their own table...

Good friends...

We wish everyone a wonderful and lucky new year!