Friday, January 29, 2010

3 years ago today...

How blessed we have been to be given the honor of being parents to our three girls. I am so thankful for our children and remember a time when it seemed a family of THREE would be almost impossible. I will never take this for granted. Our girls are loved beyond measure and I thank God for bringing them into our lives.

Today marks a very special day. 3 years ago today, we came face to face with our Mara-Grace Xi Yu Ying! It is a moment I will never forget for as long as I live. We are celebrating our family day by going to Mara's favorite Chinese Food restaurant for supper. She is most excited! And also happily told her Arts & Crafts teacher this morning that today was the day Mommy & Daddy got to hold her for the first time!

Our Mara-Grace has come so far in the 3 years we have been together. She is changing daily and what a miracle she will always be. We love you far beyond words our darling Mara-Grace Xi Yu Ying YING (the 2nd Ying was added on lovingly as they called Mara, Ying Ying in China).

I am including the post I wrote on the day we held our angel for the first time.

Much love... xo

Monday January 29th, 2007

Here we are, in our hotel, with Mara-Grace Xi Yu Ying (aka Ying Ying)!!!! Yes indeed! She is currently playing on the floor beside me with her Daddy.

We made our way to the new Civil Affairs office which was an adventure in itself! Our guide asked for directions twice and the taxi driver was not sure that the address existed. We found ourselves down a side street that was not moving at the far end. On the street and onto the sidewalk were approximately 40 police officers. Our guide jumped out and asked what was going on and where the address was. Since we are unsure as to where we are, and the fact that the traffic was not moving, along with the presence of so many officers, it was rather daunting to say the very least! When Louise got back into the car I asked her if everything was ok. She laughed and told us that we could get out and that the police were there for their morning briefing in the street! LOL

We walked ahead into a neighborhood apartment complex and were unable at first to find the right building. All the while feeling as though we are about to explode with anticipation. Finally we reach our destination and Louise buzzes in and we hear a baby crying. I could see her feet (she was in the arms of the woman opening the door) and I am dying to see her face but I couldn’t through the bars on the door. Never did I picture us meeting our daughter at the door!!!! But, the door opened and there she was! Fussing and then stopped and stared at us! It all happened so quickly! We walked in and they went to pass her to me, I held out my hands and she dove into my arms! She stopped fussing and literally held on to me. She melted my heart in a single moment! She even hugged me and put her head on my shoulder. Sweetheart! She wanted nothing to do with the ladies from the orphanage or civil affairs! She stayed in my arms and was very content (I admit, I was prepared for many tears! In her file it said she is very attached to her foster family, doesn’t take well to strangers etc…) Anyway, she did really well! Then it was Kev’s turn to hold her and she started to fuss a little but was ok. Well, we passed her back and forth for the few hours we were there and she had a bit of her bottle and ADORED her cheerios and we couldn’t have been happier. I have to say though, that Miss Mara-Grace is now a Daddy’s girl!!!! She seems content in my presence and laughs and smiles at me, but it is Daddy she wants! He cannot leave her sight! I am just pleased that she is bonding and doing so well. It has been a very hectic day. We have been in and out of taxis all day. And the taxi rides have your heart in your throat! We got home from our morning at Civil affairs and then we fed her a little lunch in our room and met Louise at 2 and went to another apartment complex for paperwork, and then to the passport office (we had a long wait there, but Miss Mara was good as gold) and then we went to the Notary’s office. There is a new law here that stipulates one must remain in Yunnan for 15 days before obtaining their passport. However, Louise has requested a special exemption from this. We are really praying that we can get this on Friday (5 days). It is a bit stressful and we are not impressed that we were not informed of this possibility. Louise is optimistic that they can have it ready. I sure hope so. We are not sure what this would mean if it wasn’t the case.

We only got back to the hotel after 5pm. It has been a very long day but Mara is doing really well. She has had water, and she is a big eater! She has wanted rice cookies all afternoon and she also had a huge supper. Rice, carrots, broccoli, watermelon, pineapple and slivered orange. She is like a little dictator pointing at things!

They gave us back the photo album we had sent to her and they also gave us the disposable camera we had sent! I am very excited about this and cannot wait to develop the pictures.

Uh Oh, she just bumped her bum and I went “Boom! Are you ok?” and she gave me the biggest grin! What an angel. Her hair is sticking straight out to both sides at the top. We just took out her little elastics that were holding her pigtails in all day. I thought her head must be sore! She is a funny little bean and seems very sharp. She was even looking at a book today, when she opened it the picture was upside down and she turned it the right way up. She notices everything and everyone!

As for Mara-Grace’s health. She currently has quite a cold and cough, but she doesn’t seem to be requiring anything for it except extra fruits etc… She is strong and able to walk around holding onto things. She takes steps to get things that she wants. So, yes she is walking She was floating in her bib at supper! Other than that, I have not changed her clothes. Just her diapers! She fits the size 3 pampers perfectly. I would love to give her a bath, although she had one this morning at the orphanage. I don’t want to overwhelm her. Her body and hair look clean and I think we will just wash her face and hands and put on some lotion and new pj’s. I think she might panic in the tub tonight. She is looking at a Corduroy book standing up and now looking through her crib as we speak. She has put the book in, and just pulled it out and ran over near her , you guessed it, Daddy! What a Daddy’s girl!!!!

We cannot thank you all enough for your loving messages and support and encouragement. The prayers are so much appreciated and we certainly have been blessed today. As I typed that I spoke to her and asked her what she was doing and she gave me a big grin and even a giggle! All is well and we are looking at a miracle! For those of you who are still waiting, please know that it will happen. What a glorious feeling!

All of our love. Xoxoxo

There is not a day that goes by that I don't thank God for our incredible gift. Mara-Grace is a beautiful blessing and I cannot imagine our lives without her in them. I am beyond thankful to everyone who has played a role in Mara's life. Although we will never know her birth parents, I pray for them and cannot even begin to describe how I honor them for their sacrifice beyond measure. I hope and pray that they are at peace and know that their beautiful angel is loved beyond words. I also cannot help but think of those who took care of our darling in the orphanage and in her foster family. I have a great love, respect and absolute appreciation for all they have done for our daughter.

We hold a miracle every day and we will be eternally grateful.

xoxo


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Friday, January 22, 2010

Special gifts....

We received this fist picture from Marie-Josee (THANK YOU!!!) who was in our travel group for our journey to Hannah... It is hard to believe that we have been home 7weeks tonight!

This was such an incredible moment. This picture was taken during the first few minutes with our Hannah.

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We just received another incredible surprise! This picture was also taken just a few minutes after meeting our Hannah Faith. Jade, who was about to meet her beautiful little sister Alexie, took this picture! Thank you Jade! Can you believe she is only 9 years old? She is TALENTED and such a sweetheart! Many thanks!

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Sunday, January 17, 2010

A little update...

Hello!!!

Here I am, feeling more than ready for my bed tonight! Before that though, I wanted to write a little update!

This week we have tried to enjoy the snow and winter fun! Each day we have either gone skating or made a snowman etc. Mara-Grace has LOVED learning how to skate! She has double blades that clip onto the bottom of her boots. Funny story, one of the days I took her skating, we lost a bolt out of the 'skate' and searched all over for it on the ice! Poor Mara's skate was in pieces! I explained to her that we'd perhaps make a few laps in our boots but that skating was going to be impossible at that moment. She looks up at me and says, "That's ok Mommy, I am going to be happy to skate with just one skate on". Ohhhhh! So that's what we did! She had a ball skating around with one boot and one skate. Oh why not?!!!! While we skate (well, I glide. My skates KILL my feet! So, I glide around in my boots) Hannah Faith is so happy snuggled up like a bug in a rug, tucked into her stroller. She can hardly move as she is bundled up tightly, but when I talk with her she laughs and her little eyes are full of wonder. Taking everything in!

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Mara-Grace saw her orthodontist for the first time this week. She regularly sees a cleft dental team at the children's hospital, but this was a new doctor. What an amazing man. So incredible with Mara and Mara-Grace loved him. She thought that he was very funny! So did I! He complimented Mara on her lovely purple heart dress. And he said he has one at home! Hehe! He was the grandfatherly type of doctor with an absolutely incredible bedside manner. After our appointment, we asked Mara-Grace where she would like to have lunch. We gave her the choice of having McD's or Chinese Food! Well, her love of Won Ton soup and all of the extras won hands down! LOL Both Mara-Grace and Hannah enjoyed their special lunch immensely!

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Victoria wrote two exams this week and feels that they went well. She also had her first down-hill skiing experience! She and a group from school (including teachers) will be going 3 more times. Victoria started with a lesson and then enjoyed a few hours on the ski hills! She LOVED it! We have already organized an outing for her next weekend! I am so happy that she enjoyed it so much!

Well, last night was one of those moments I hope I never forget. We usually attend Sunday morning mass, but honestly we have been so slow going on Sunday mornings lately, that we decided we would attend Saturday 5pm mass this weekend. Honestly, we don't usually attend this mass as it is very quiet... And well, we aren't always! Despite our every attempt to be! So, long story short we attended and as we sat in our seats, a gentleman in our parish came over and asked us if Mara-Grace would bring up one of the offerings. WOW! This is something Victoria did every weekend for years when she was in elementary school. Now, Mara-Grace was being asked! I explained to her what she would do and I felt I had prepared her well. She was to follow the others, walk (NOT RUN) up, give her offering, bow and walk SLOWLY back to our seats. She was quite confident. When the time came, Mara walked to the back with Kevin who stood with her until it was time to walk up. As I turned, I saw that she was first. FIRST! Uh oh! This could go askew! I could hardly see her little head walking up the aisle. I barely saw the top of it and thankfully I had put two little curlies/ribbons in, which made following her a little easier! I have to say, I sat there and started to cry. It hit me how far this little girl has come. Barely just 4 years old.... She has really come so far in mass.... here she was, bringing up the offerings. I was so proud I could have exploded. She brought them up slowly as I had mentioned, handed over the offering smoothly, and even remembered to bow GENTLY! There she stood and I was bursting with pride. Then, after her bow, she stayed.... And stayed.... Oh no I thought! Where is Kevin? The other two children behind her had left. And there she stood, her tiny little self standing at the base of the alter.... waiting.... OOOOH! The priest and deacon were back up on the alter.... Mara stayed.... Meanwhile the congregation noticed what was happening. You could hear the chuckles. I was laughing (sheer nerves!)and crying at once. WHERE was Kevin? It seemed endless. I watched her, still bursting with pride.... There she stood so incredibly sweet and innocent. I don't really think there were many dry eyes in the parish. Her innocence was so heartwarming. The Deacon realised what was happening and came back down off of the alter, Kevin at this point is making his way up the aisle. And the deacon knelt down and told her that she did such a wonderful job, thanked her and told her that she could go and sit down now. Kevin reached her at this time and they came proudly back to our seats. I grabbed her and gave her the biggest hug imagineable. I really felt my heart leaping. My little angel. Oh how blessed we have been with our daughters. Thankful doesn't begin to describe how I feel. So utterly blessed....

On another light note, as Mara-Grace and I were saying her bedtime prayers tonight (she knows and sings the Our Father, but is still learning Hail Mary)she says, "Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with CHEESE" Cheese? LOL THEE!!!!!!!

So, here we are.... The house is quiet. Hannah settled like a dream. She also does some singing of course! She LOVES , "Twinkle little star". And actually, she requests it all day long! She will sing, in perfect tune and melody, "Up a..ba" (Up above----the world so high). Obviously, I am a proud Mama, but really, I think that is quite impressive! She is only 17 months and home 6 weeks! Then she squeals with delight when we continue her singing!

Much love from this very proud Mommy. xoxo Have a beautiful, treasured week ahead!

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Haircuts!

Well, today was THE day! The day Mara-Grace was so very excited for! Today was the day our little girls got to go for haircuts TOGETHER! Mara-Grace ADORES going to have her hair cut. It is always a special adventure for her. We go to a salon geared for children. At each station there are different cars, boats etc. to sit on. And there are also TVs at each station with children's movies playing. Of course there is a play zone with slide and mini kitchen and a large fish tank. Those having their hair washed lie on a racing car bed with their head over the sink. It is a very cool place to go! As I describe it I can see even more just how fun that would be when you are little. After the haircut, you are treated to lollipops! FUN Times!

Hannah's hair needed trimming, but I didn't want to push this and overwhelm her. I even debated about taking her today... She seems to have a face meant for bangs. But I have been having to comb her hair over to the side as her bangs were down onto her nose! Also, with Chinese New Year a little over a month away, it is a tradition to begin our celebrating with a trim! It symbolizes a fresh start. Once we take down our Christmas tree and decorations, we will decorate our house for Chinese New Year's.

So, we set out this morning. I know I am interrupting my adventure here yet again, but feel it necessary to say that we traded in our HHR for a mini van. I have driven it this week twice around our neighborhood but today was my big adventure on the highways! LOL All went well. It is nice to have the extra room and we feel it is safer especially for Victoria who was crammed in between car seats which wouldn't give her hips much safety in the horrible event of an accident.

ANYWAY, back to my story! So, we set out and arrived at the salon. Mara-Grace immediately got out of her winter gear! Seriously, the boots, hats, scarves, snow pants, coats, mittens etc... Wow! She headed for the slide right away! Hannah was all eyes as we entered the bright new zone! We waited a few minutes and I took her out of her gear and she was quiet but as I mentioned all eyes. In a new situation, she is quiet but her eyes aren't! They go so big and she really doesn't miss a thing! I decided that I should let Hannah go first while Mara played and that way it was over with. Plus, one little cryer (poor little one!) was just finished up and I was a bit afraid that another little one would come in in the meantime and perhaps scare her if they were scared! So, Hannah went first! As I approached the chair, with the hairstylist, Hannah began to cry. She sat though tugging on me. I immediately thought to myself I should pull her out and let Mara go first. But, as I said this to the stylist, Hannah stopped crying and started looking at the fancy toy she was in! I was rubbing her back which always seems to comfort her. She sat patiently for the haircut and was a pro! I could even step back. Always staying within arms reach of course, but she did so well! She has some new little wispy bangs and the rest of her hair was trimmed and shaped but combed down (but bluntly)at the sides and back. So cute if I do say so myself!

Then it was Miss Mara-Grace's turn! She sat in a racing car and I gave her a little saying this time. I had asked her this morning how she would like her hair. She told me like a humpback whale! hehe Ok.... She often tells me this and I do my best to make a very high ponytail! She then told me she wants it at her chin and then to grow it long. So, hmmmm....... So, as the stylist asked her how she would like her hair today she clearly told her like a Humpback Whale. If I had had my camera out (yes, I forgot it... and first haircut for Hannah and all! Thankfully my cell has a camera option)the stylist's face was priceless! Apparently, this is the first time she as heard this request! Of course Mara tells her this so matter of factly! So I quickly add that a trim and humpback would be appreciated! So, after Mara-Grace's hair was trimmed, she made it into a lovely humpback whale on the top! Mara was very pleased. Then it was off to the counter to pay. They put a snipping of Hannah's hair onto a 'First haircut certificate'. And then they pulled out the lollipops. Well, Mara-Grace was very excited and had a hard time choosing her color. Hannah's little hand shot out and did the 'gimme' sign. Hmmm, we laughed as it was obvious she knew what she was dealing with! She has never had candy with us so that was a surprise!

After haircuts we played at Toys R Us and then Chapters book store! It was a fun morning out!

I should mention that as I type this, both girls are playing together in the playpen! This is a major deal as Hannah has not enjoyed her playpen very much.

Another funny note to mention is that Mara-Grace has become obsessed with going to Russia! Yes, Russia! I am sure that it would be an amazing trip to take, but at the same time, this kind of surprised me! She has talked about it about 5 times so far again today! You see, she watched 'Global Grover'. Grover from Sesame goes somewhere in the world. Anyway, he went to Russia to a little boy's dance class. Well, Mara-Grace wants to go to this dance class now:)) I told her that I really cannot promise that we will go to Russia, but maybe when she is older she can go and see that dance. She is thrilled and she keeps 'keeping it in Mommy's head'! She makes it into my head by waving her hand at me and saying, "Bibbidy bopidy boo, make this in Mommy's head". It really is a scream when she makes something into our heads!

Ok, supper will be a mess if I don't wrap this up!

Much love xo



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Saturday, January 2, 2010

Happy 15th Birthday Victoria!!!!

On January 2nd 1995 we were given the most incredible gift, the gift of you... I will never forget the look of you when you were born. I have never felt such relief to see you finally arrive after a very difficult, long(almost 24 hours!) labour. You were the picture of health and the most glorious miracle.

Your arrival brought such joy to so many... Dad and I counted our blessings to have you in our lives. We couldn't have wanted or cherished you more. You have always been such an incredible gift.

You were a beautiful, sweet baby girl and you quickly grew into a bright, caring little girl. You had such a quest for learning and were so kind to others. At the same time you loved to sing and perform. You had a very active imagination and you still remain the most dramatic girl I know! You have a flair for acting and entertaining and this gift is something to treasure. I vividly remember the day I was sitting with the other mothers waiting outside your dance class when I heard them begin to sing Happy Birthday. What surprised me the most was that they sang it to YOU! AND no, it wasn't anywhere near your birthday! I remember being more than a little embarrassed at the time and having quite a discussion with you about honesty on the way home from class that day!

I remember fondly you writing so many plays and sitting through your many performances. You have a talent for writing and I hope that you continue to take the time to explore this a little more. Even at four years old, you loved books and were able to easily read on your own. When tested in Grade 2, you were reading at a high school level! How impressive!

I have watched you deal with some serious bullying and issues as a result and I wish with all my heart that I could have taken away all of the hurt. I am so thankful to see that you have grown past these experiences and they have only made you stronger.

I can remember your grade 1 and 2 teacher telling me that in all of her years teaching, she had never met a more compassionate, gifted child. She said that you showed such insight into others feelings and that you always sought out possibly the most vulnerable and most insecure and showed them friendship and sincere kindness. This Victoria is the nicest compliment to be given.

You have such tremendous gifts Victoria. You have set high goals for yourself, and with your courage, passion and determination, I have no doubt that you will be exactly who you set out to be.

On your 15th birthday, we want to remind you of how proud we are of who you are. We are proud of the wise choices you make and all that makes you who you are. We pray that you always remember the gifts you have been given and put them to good use. You have a tremendous sensitivity for others and this is a beautiful thing to see. Your love shines brightly.

Have a beautiful birthday and year ahead Victoria. We all love you beyond words and wish you much happiness now and always.

xoxo Mom & Dad and of course Mara-Grace & Hannah who cannot love you more!

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Friday, January 1, 2010

Happy New Year!!!!!

How incredible it was to have our three girls home to celebrate Christmas this year.

Victoria was feeling so much better and we were able to travel to both sides of our family. It was so wonderful to see everyone, but most especially to introduce Hannah Faith to some of her special family members! Sorry that we weren't able to see everyone but we do hope to visit again soon!

Hannah was a trooper! She quickly settled in and joined in the fun. I kept her mainly in my arms (right where I wanted her to be!!!!) and she seemed happy and interested in everything and everyone! She even settled well in the playpen and slept straight through both nights! Actually, at home I have been rubbing her stomach or back etc. until she falls asleep. This can take some time. And if I walk away she cries. Well, at my parents house, I walked upstairs for about 1 minute and she cried and low and behold, suddenly there was silence! She fell asleep! So, now our new routine is that I rock her and sing a few lullabies and then I put her into her crib, rub her chest for a few seconds and kiss her and then, I walk away. Yes, she starts to cry but in about 30 seconds to a minute, she is fast asleep! And I have to say, she sleeps soundly now right through the night and actually slept until 8:45-9AM the last three mornings! When she wakes up, she plays in her crib and I hear her and come in! But, no more crying! This is an incredible milestone and a great reassurance. She seems so content and more and more secure. She is also learning more english each day and when asked a question she now responds by nodding her head yes or no!

Mara-Grace continues to be thriving with her new big sister role and she couldn't love her baby sister any more. She LOVES to help with anything Hannah related:) I find that she is growing up more each day... Actually, she is literally having a growth spurt right now and has recently outgrown a few of her size 4's!

Victoria's 15th birthday is tomorrow.... 15 years ago I was in very heavy labour. So hard to believe that 15 years have flown by so quickly. Victoria celebrated her birthday with her friends the other night. We treated her and her 3 closest girlfriends to a movie and then supper in a restaurant near the theatre. Afterwards, they came to our house and had a sleepover. What great girls! I am so proud of them.

Last night Victoria went to her friend's house for a sleepover and to celebrate New Year's Eve. So, it was just Kevin and myself and Hannah and Mara-Grace. We treated them to Chinese Food and as we fed Hannah a bite of a won ton soup noodle, her face lit up, she clapped and smiled the smile of all smiles! What a treat!

Then we hurried home for our "midnight" (Ok, 7:30 pm here..... but we let on it was Midnight) celebration. We had blowers and hats and Mara had a pink feather boa! LOL She was so excited! And of course we played up that it was SO VERY LATE! LOL We had a lovely party and then our two littlest headed off to bed and Kevin and I stayed up and rang in the New Year again!

Here are a few pics taken over Christmas. The 2nd one is of our girls and our niece's all acting crazy! Ok, Hannah wasn't- she just looked as though she thought they all were:))))

Happy New Year to you all. All the best for 2010!!!! xoxo

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