Mom + Dad = Me

A little bit of everything 2012

2012-01-18T07:40:00.000-08:00

This year has started.....and it roared in like a lion and we've been doing lots of great stuff!
With the mild weather in the New Year, our family has been enjoying numerous activities out....our city has created a beautiful skating rink outside of city hall.....we headed to our local second hand store where I found bob skates and a helmet.....all for $6. See previous blog with pictures and video! We have been a few times and he is getting used to it, not loving every second but dealing with having to try!
Again with the weather being mild, we have been going for "night walks".....and since it's dark after 5, everything is done at night! We walk the paths, go looking for remaining outdoor lights, and go on adventures so that we can return to have warm "hot" chocolate, loaded with mini marshmellows and get cozy under blankets to watch movies before going to bed.

And the boy is getting many of his mama's traits.....like getting so excited about going somewhere, that he hurries and gets ready WAY before it's time, sometimes hours before it's time to leave....lol... I am now using the timer on the microwave to let him know when we are leaving.... I should get him a Time Timer (that we use with the kids at work) so that he can SEE how much time we have before leaving....and yes, I can choose not to tell him, but he likes to know what we are doing every day (note to self, make him a calendar/agenda) .....so how can I NOT tell him!

Lots of other fun things are happening.....

1. Hubby turned 40! Can you believe I'm married to such an old man! We were going to spend the day in the city he grew up in over the weekend, but Saturday was ridicously cold and Sunday, none of us could get motivated to move....so the boy and I made cupcakes and we ordered pizza for dinner....we will be celebrating the birthday in February!

2. On the adoption front, things are NOT moving and I'm NOT happy (surprise!) The SW hasn't been over to finish our homestudy (we finished PRIDE in November...what? Am I expecting too much) and she is coming over next week. But after everything that happened in PRIDE and the story of adoption that is unfolding for my friend, I teeter between Adrien being an only child and having him surrounded by cousins and giving him a sibling..... I have never wanted an only child, in my mind (and only in my mind) I think it would be lonely. I remember having a friend that was an only child and when we were younger I remember her telling me that being an only child sucked and that a person could die of loneliness....it just stuck with me, true or not....it stuck...Back to adoption, I hate that the SW make themselves seem like the saviours.....saviours to these "poor" children and these "poor infertile" families....when in reality, if they did their job better, there were be less kids falling through the cracks....(and I'm not holding the SW 100%, I know what caseloads are like and limitations and how everyone wants more work for less money....I get it!)...it's just frustrating.....

3. So last night I get home and there is a message on the machine.....it's Adrien's "big boy" school....yes, he's going to JK in September. The message went along the lines of...We have Adrien's name down as a possible student for our school. Can you please call and confirm? In turn, we will send you an information package to fill out and bring to registration on January 3o. WHAT!!!!!!!!! JK registration doesn't begin in our area until January 30 SO my question is how did they get our contact information....when I asked her that, she replied though I don't remember what she said, I did decide that it made sense, but could I explain it again, no, probably not! It has to do with the fact that his school in under a boundary review. More importantly....my baby is starting school.....he is going to learn so many new and different things....I'm so excited for him!

4. When visiting cousins, we don't need a couch to watch TV!!!! lmao....I love the below picture!

5. Adrien has started a new class....I know, right, look at me, never giving up in setting my kid up for failure (see two swimming lesson drop out sessions and incomplete gymnastics) He and I talked a lot about this new class. It's a Dance Fit class. When I called to register him, he and our neighbour were the only two registered. He was very excited about going with his friend....when we got there, he said good bye to me and headed off like the big boy that he is with the teacher. I spied for a little bit...he seemed to really like it...then I went for coffee. When I got back near the end of the class, he was laughing and listening to instructions and when he saw me, he waved but kept on dancing! HE WANTS TO GO BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
6. Adrien recieved the following books for Christmas......I would HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend them.....we absolutely LOVE reading them over and over again! They send a fabulous message about love and self esteem......

Draw and paint a little!
Make friends!
Sing and dance a little!
Have fun!
Be kind—be brave!
And be the best YOU

Love is me, and love is you.
You see, when you smile I smile too.
When you’re around, the skies are blue.
It’s like being happy . . . times two!

7. We have a new routine at home.....at bedtime actually.....it was inspired by my eldest niece. We were at my brother and sister-in-laws last Friday night and I noticed that every spare second my niece had, she had her nose buried in a book. I commented to my SIL how impressed I was with her like of books. She replied that it's because she sees her reading.....so now our new routine consists of 10 minutes of Adrien reading his books with me reading my book beside him. Then I read him his night time stories. We have done this for 4 nights and he LOVES it.....he likes picking out different books and telling me stuff that is happening in the books......

2011 in review

2012-01-07T06:43:00.001-08:00

JANUARY: We were busy with birthdays....it seems that 80% of our family's birthdays fall in January.....also, my mom, sister and family came up as we had a surprise 80th birthday for my grandmother on February 1! We also started swimming lessons and played outside....A LOT

FEBRUARY: We still enjoyed having family up visiting....and we did a lot of baking and cooking. He seemed very interested in learning how to and being helpful in the kitchen. Still in swimming lessons!!!!!

MARCH: we headed down to Nashville for spend almost two weeks with my mom, my sister and her family. The weather was beautiful, we wore shorts, went to the Zoo and had so much fun! Adrien also graduated to the preschooler room at daycare....and we dropped out of swimming lessons.

APRIL: We saw my oldest childhood friend marry the man of her dreams (he is kinda dreamy ;)) We hung out at the airport and watched all the planes fly overhead.....we celebrated Easter and learned how to make pizza!

MAY: We celebrated his cousin's First Communion and his 3rd birthday with a Rock Star party! The best part was that Grandma was here too!

JUNE: We spent a lot of time outdoors.....at parks, picnicking (having a dog pee in our picnic basket of food) and hanging with family and friends.

JULY: we went to festivals, had the cousins come up again to celebrate baby cousin's 1st birthday!!!!! Played hard and saw fireworks! Hung out with ZiZi (my uncle) from Italy....saw a bike race and had a police escort out of Nonno's! (due to bike race)

AUGUST: Seemed super busy.....lots of activities, lots of visiting, lots of beaching and camping for the first time! Also, the last time we cut his hair......

SEPTEMBER: He learned to ride his bike, we went to more beaches and got to see Toopy and Binoo LIVE! The look on his face was out of this world!

OCTOBER: we celebrated birthdays, went to pumpkin patches and Halloween but we couldn't get our upcoming Disney cruise out of our minds...

NOVEMBER: Disney was the only thing on our minds for the whole month!

DECEMBER: To start with, there was illness of sinus and ear infections though he did grow an inch and gained 1.5 pounds this month! We saw lots of parades, enjoyed the outdoors and visited as many people as we could!

I think my resolution for 2012 is to keep up on the theme of others, growing to know people better and visiting them, letting them love my kid and celebrate family!

New Year's

2012-01-07T06:40:00.000-08:00

As per our tradition, our little family and family friends gathered for dinner before heading down to our neighbourhood park where they have tons of decorated themes and fireworks.....the weather was perfect and the boy LOVED the fireworks....as he usually does!

I'm Skating!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2012-01-06T18:53:00.000-08:00

With the beautiful weather....being +5 this evening and doing great treasure hunting at the second hand store (scored bob skates for $2 and a hockey helmet his size for $4), hubby and I took the boy to city hall where they have a something under the ice rink that keeps it cold despite the out door temperatures..... it was his first time skating... he was so excited and so proud of himself PLUS he did FABULOUS! The skating is free and opened 12 hours a day which means we may be doing it often! He would fall and laugh, then get up and try again....he would raise his legs like he was a figure skater doing his moves....He would gleefully exclaim "I'm skating!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Merry Christmas

2012-01-02T12:54:00.000-08:00

We had a fabulous Christmas.....I will back it up to two weeks previous, when we had to take Adrien to the ER because he woke up in the middle of the night screaming....Turns out he had an ear infection and was put on Amoxocillian for 10 days.
The week before Christmas, we got to visit with Adrien's foster parents. It was a visit much needed and did wonders for our boy. He was beaming....and so happy....we hadn't seen them since April and Adrien will request to see them or ask where they are, so I know seeing them did him a world of good. At dinner time, he helped set the table, and set three stools, with plates on one side of the table and a lone chair with a plate on the other side. He very loudly announced that the three stools were for gramma, him and grampa.....mommy can sit in the chair.....I laughed and reveled in his love for them....it is there, unconditional and ever lasting....

On December 23 (the day after he finished his medication) he complained of an ear ache and was coughing up a storm, so we headed to the walk in that our family doctor mans on Fridays. His ears were clear and so was his chest. PERFECT!
On December 24 we headed to my grandparents home....my youngest brother, his girlfriend and my dad showed up.....it was nice....we ate an early dinner, opened gifts left at my grandparents from a friend....

....before heading home. Once we got home, we made some cookies and hot chocolate and had our neighbours over before bed time.....

Christmas morning we were up around 8.....and he found all his gifts waiting for him.

As a tradition, gifts are purchased for the following categories:
Something you want= awesome construction set with a crane, diggers, cement mixer, dump truck and a bunch of guys and pylons to play with (HE LOVED IT!!! Hubby got video of him opening it and squealing with delight but someone passed wind and so we are not posting that video!)
Something you need= a 54 page scrapbook of our Disney Cruise....only took me three FULL weekends to put together and he LOVES looking through it.
Something to wear= penguin pj's (exciting I know!)
Something to read= 14 pack of Disney books.
And Santa brought him a skateboard (which he also squealed to as he opened it), Pictureka, I Spy puzzle and TWO stockings.....the little man did well....he's growing and exploring therefore needs different toys to teach him and help him learn.

We headed to my dads for Christmas linner (between lunch and dinner) Where my brothers (who haven't spoken to each other is over six months) and their families came. We had an awesome time playing, laughing and eating, the whole time, the two of them avoiding each other like the plague.....they will be ok....(I pray) just not right now....

We have done a lot of tobogganing over the holidays.....almost everyday we (along with our adventurous neighbours) have hit the hills..... Adrien tried his first GT racer and LOVED it, now I want to buy him one...maybe next year! He did get a new sled and an inner tube to go on, though he is getting braver and trying to go without me on each run (more pictures to follow!)

Then on the 27th it happened again, the crying and complaining of his ear hurting. I had a girlfriend over and we were catching up, when he asked us not to talk so loud and his eyes and colouring looked off. We cut our visit short and I headed off to the walk in with him.....We got to our regular one....and I popped my head in, what luck!!!!!!!!!!!!! the waiting room was empty and the doctor and reception were chatting away.....that's because they CLOSED at 4 and it was 4:30....why didn't they go home? Anyways, next we headed to the the ER to see....from the window, you could tell that it was standing room only...REALLY PEOPLE!!!!!!!!! My son needed a dr and I didn't know what to do. I contacted hubby who informed me that all medical care in our city excluding the ER was closed until January 3....he was VERY misinformed! I then contacted a friend who would know the information and she sent us to another walk in....we arrived at 5:15....it was closed for another 45 minutes....So we sat down....by 5:30, there were 30 people there waiting and Adrien was crying in pain....Finally at 6, it opened.....we were the first in line, registered and were seen by a dr by 6:05......turns out, he also had a sinus infection that was causing the ear infection.....so, more medication...and a lot of play inside :(

And he seemed to be doing better until he woke up last night screaming of pain in his other ear.....Advil was administered and after 20 minute of heart wrenching crying he fell asleep....

Merry Christmas

2011-12-23T19:37:00.001-08:00

Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas.......from our home to yours......

Adopted, like him

2011-12-21T10:10:00.000-08:00

I know a woman. We have been sharing information about our personal lives. I confided that we had adopted, she confided that she and her spouse where going through infertility treatments, and that her spouse was adopted and he currently doesn't want to adopt. Whenever I meet adults (or spouses of adults) that were adopted, I always seem to have a hundred questions, because I want to know what it might be like for my son as he gets older. She shared with me that her spouse has reunited with his first mother and they have a good relationship. She also shared that they can not share their visits with his first mom with his adopted mom as his adopted mom feels threatened and doesn't want to know about the relationship. They will be spending Christmas with his first mom and haven't been able to tell his adoptive mom because it would hurt her too much. I pray, that when the time comes, Adrien will be able to share his relationship with his first mom and first family (if they reunite) and that I won't feel threatened by it. I have an aunt and uncle that adopted their two children and when she found out that we adopted Adrien, she celebrated the fact that his was a closed adoption and that we wouldn't have to worry about another family barging in (her words, not mine). She couldn't understand why I want an open adoption and constantly challenges me on thoughts. Infact, when my cousin found his birth parents, she made him pick..... his adoptive family (that in her words, gave him the world) or his first family..... He struggles daily with the choice he told her he made, maintained a close relationship with his birth father until his passing. Talking to him, he shares that he always feels like a piece of him was missing, he couldn't talk to anyone about being adopted while he was growing up and still has resentment towards it. I don't want Adrien to feel that way....EVER......no matter how I feel about it.....this adoption process started out as our desire to have a family and has morphed into giving Adrien all the security and love surrounding his adoption, no matter how I feel about it. He has a right to know where he comes from, who he looks like and knowing that though they couldn't care for him, they loved him.....Which brings me back to this woman.....she shared that her spouse's first family had a birthday party for him......at this party, all his first family was there, including siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents. They gave him gifts.....gifts that they would have given him as he grew up from an infant on....on their cards, they indicated at what age they would have given him that gift, how old they would have been and things that he and that family member would have been doing. As she told me, I cried.....because the gesture was so heart warming and heart felt and because I can't comprehend the loss his first family felt or how he felt receiving those gifts. Knowing that they thought about him, wondered about him and always loved him.....I want that for Adrien....so badly.....

The Boys in Angry Birds!

2011-12-13T06:28:00.001-08:00

leading up to Christmas

2011-12-10T14:23:00.000-08:00

Adrien has an Elf on the Shelf that joined our family three Christmas' ago. Though its fun to hide the elf in new spots, it gets boring for the grown up after a while so I thought I'd have some fun. Elfie scribbled all over Adrien's picture....and Adrien howled when he saw it!

I gave my nieces their Angry Bird hats.....I think they liked them!

This year, there won't be any Christmas cards going out....instead, I took a picture of the boy.....please consider it your Yuletide greeting card!

Dear Santa Letter

2011-12-07T14:11:00.000-08:00

Dear Santa
This year I have made good choices. I have helped my mom and dad. I have cleaned up my toys, gone pee on the potty and have learned how to clean my body in the bath.
For Christmas, I would like some toys, maybe an airplane, skateboard like Gavin’s and some trucks to play inside with.
My mom and dad would LOVE a brother or a sister for me.
I look for Elfie every morning and I don’t touch the Christmas tree.
Love, Adrien

Angry Birds

2011-11-28T19:43:00.000-08:00

For Christmas this year I crocheted each of my nieces and nephews hats. The 5 older kids are getting Angry Bird hats.....the baby is getting an Everything Rosie themed hat after her name.

It's funny, I'm so proud of these hats as I made them from stickers without a pattern....though I am more excited to see their reaction when they get them. Pictures with kids to follow!

PRIDE....we are done

2011-11-25T09:17:00.000-08:00

we survived 9 sessions of PRIDE training......we get our certificate......will it make us better parents? maybe.....did it change my view on anything? no, not that I'm perfection, but I already had ideas around loss suffered, open adoptions and other things that we discussed.....was it a waste of my time? NO.....I met some geat people that I hope to see more of.....do I think there are HUGE flaws in our Child Welfare System? ABSOLUTELY!!!!!!!!!!!! And the people working there, who claim to be empathic and sympathic are sometimes the biggest hypocrites around. They are suppose to be the front line workers, they are suppose to protect these children with a mandate to keep families intact and it was the same workers who were disrespectful to their clients, talking about them and overgeneralizing them as druggies and alcholics with mental health issues...they don't know my son's story and I resent that they lump his mom in with the others (and if she's not the stereotype, that means that there are many others who also don't fit the stereotype)...the only worker that I found to be respectful of all parties involved was (thankfully) our case worker, her presentations were amazing and I loved how respectful she was while talking about sensitive and delicate topics.....I'm so glad it's done and over with.....and now we just wait for a call.....

Disney Cruise- last post, Misc Pictures

2011-11-25T09:12:00.000-08:00

Disney Cruise- Day 7 Castaway Cay

2011-11-25T08:54:00.001-08:00

We arrived at Castaway Cay at 9am.....the ship reversed into port giving us the best spot to see the island from our balcony......we got off the ship and ran into Donald Duck....it was the first time all week that we had seen him and got to take a picture with him.

A tram took us to the beach.....

At Mount RustMore we caught up with Pluto.......

.......and Goofy!

Once we found some chairs and an umbrella for hubby, Adrien and I headed to the water.....it was beautiful....I can't even describe how clear and clean the water was....was frolicked and swam and kicked and played until a fish swam by Adrien's foot....at which he screamed "A FISH" and ran out of the water.....I guess it never dawned on me to explain to him that fish lived in water....as he was so grossed out by how salty the water was!

He loved laying and swinging on the hammocks....just like at Nonno's house

The view from our verandah

Disney Cruise-Day 6 at sea

2011-11-25T08:25:00.000-08:00

we spent the day playing in the water, at the splash pad, in the pool.....Hubby still wasn't feeling better and was grumpy from missing out on all the fun though the boy and I managed to have enough fun for him!

We walked around on Deck 4, checked out the store and ate!

Each day Adrien got to pick something he wanted out of the gift shop, nothing too expensive but a memento that he could have. One day he picked a Flounder, another day he picked a Mickey, then a Minnie, a t-shirt, a pin etc.... and my sister gave him a gift card for Christmas so that he could buy whatever he wanted (great ideas!!!! Thank you Seca!) Anyways, on day 6 he picked out a Peter Pan set with Captian Hook, Mr. Smee, Wendy and Tinkerbell. He played with that set the whole time I was getting ready for dinner, changing his voice and going on adventures! (side note, his favourite thing to do on the boat was go on adventures and explore!)

Dinners where tough, they were long and his food always came out with our apps......and then dessert would come out with ours.....so we started bringing things for him and our table mate to play with....he liked to pretend he was a waiter and would take our dinner orders...

That day, our British friends (P & M) started Adrien a Disney Pin collection, getting him the lanyard and a Mickey pin.....when it was all said and done, they had given him 3 pins....needless to say, he now has 6 and is well on his way to becoming a Disney Pin collector.....

It was an awesome......

Disney Cruise-Day 5 St Thomas

2011-11-24T07:02:00.001-08:00

We awoke very early the next morning, in time to watch us port into St. Thomas. I was excited because I had a friend who was on another cruise that was also going to be in St. Thomas that day, so there was a mission for me to find her on the beach. The night before we also found out that we weren't going to have to "tender" to the island and that we would be docking at a different place. From my understanding "tendering" means water taxis have to take you off the boat and it is a long process. Anyways.....since hubby was still in a lot of pain, he choose to stay in bed (though very disappointed because he was missing all the fun!) and Adrien and I went to have breakfast on the back of deck 9 with a beautiful view of the water. After breakfast, (since it was only 7 and we weren't allowed off the boat until 9) we decided to hit the Mickey Pool

There was a single father in the pool with his three little boys (all older then Adrien)....and as the three boys tried to engage Adrien in shark chomping play, all he wanted to do (influnced from 4 nights of shows) was put on a show for them....so as they chomped around him, he yelled at the top of his voice "Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, please take your seat as the show is beginning......Introducing......ADRIEN" My heart soared with pride and from the joy on his face as he performed for these little guys and I know in my heart that this kid will be a performer of some sort.......I digress. At about 8:45, when his fingers had turned to raisins (side bar: on the second day hubby pointed out how pruned Adrien's fingers were from all the water play and kept calling his fingers raisins. Adrien didn't understand what was happening and was so upset that his fingers had turned into raisins that he would cry and beg for me to wipe the raisins off.....) a bolt of lightening lit up the sky, the thunder started and so did the downpour.....we high tailed it out of the pool and headed to the room to change and tell hubby about the excitement. We decided (Adrien and I) to explore the boat instead.

We went to the on board theater where Adrien watched his first movie (in theater) EVER....in 3-D....he loved Tangled, so well done!

Then we headed to the Promenade Lounge to do a craft, on the way there, you get to pass this awesome statue of Mickey at sea.....and we bumped into Peter Pan!

In the lounge, Adrien got to decorate a tote bag for him to keep (the previous day he made buttons, one for each of his cousins!)....he kept getting different colours and adding them to his bag.....it was quite the master piece and is now safely put away in his Disney Cruise treasure box in his closet!
The kid was so proud of his creation....he slung it on his shoulder for the world to see except the straps wouldn't stay on his shoulder so he put his hand to his head to keep the tote from sliding off. I thought it was the cutest thing ever and couldn't stop laughing!
As a family, we found a little "alley" of the boat on deck 3 called Beat Street. It was a cool place to hang out and we hung out there A LOT....They had these HUGE deep portholes that you could sit in and watch the water go by, read, relax and talk.....

Though before we made it to the porthole on Day 5, we snuck into this place (can't remember what it's called) they have show in here at night and do Bingo during the day. Anyways, we snuck in so the boy could do a quick little performance.....what a natural!

AHHHHHH, the portholes.....so peaceful and rest ful!

We took the front elevators and headed up to Deck 10.......we explored outside as the rain had stopped and we were getting hungry for lunch!

But first some foosball...... After lunch the rain started again......so the send off party was cancelled.....really people? are you made of sugar!lol..... We had a wonderful dinner, went to see a pre show and then headed to the nightly show..... and headed to bed....it was a LONG day!

Disney Cruise-Day 4, Pirates in the Caribean

2011-11-23T10:55:00.000-08:00

On our first day on board, we had met a wonderful couple from Britian (Hi P & M!) that gave us some wonderful tips of what to do and where to be for different events. (They had done the same cruise the previous week). Though hubby wasn't feeling well, he dragged himself to dinner, deciding to return to the room after dinner as the pain was too much so Adrien and I headed up to deck 9. We sat in the same spot as our send off party the first day, knowing that the characters come down the side stairwell. We watched as the entertainment staff interacted with the big screen pirate, had group competitions and got the party started. Then the characters arrived....at this point Adrien was exhausted and just wanted to be held....I was sweating buckets from holding him and the night heat! Finally, we decided to go....and then we bumped into P & M, who encouraged us to wait it out, it was almost done and Mickey would be flying through the air to save the ship form the pirates and the fireworks would start. So with P & M, we went up to Deck 10, where we could still watch the show and would have prime spots for the fireworks. P took Adrien from me so that I could cool down and we enjoyed the rest of the show.

Disney Cruise-day 4, St. Maarten!

2011-11-23T10:49:00.000-08:00

After three days at sea, we finally had our first Port-of-Call. St. Maarteen. As we were getting ready to go for breakfast, hubby injuried his neck (slipped disc) and was in so much pain, he decided to stay on the ship and recieve medical attention. So off Adrien and I went, into a different country, just the two of us......We got into a water taxi that took us to a beach. I didn't bring the camera to the beach and was able to just enjoy playing in the sand and water with the boy. As we got off the taxi there were tons of people trying to sell things as 80% of the island's income is from tourism.....so we rented two lounge chairs, an umbrella and got 5 ice cold drinks.....and we were off......we met two other couples from Britian on the beach that we talked to and they watched our stuff while we were in the water......every minute or two, someone was trying to sell me a message, get me to braid my hair or sell me a t-shirt. After a couple of hours, Adrien was hungry and wanted to go back to the boat. So we stopped at a shop (that night was our Pirates IN the Caribean Party) to buy some t-shirts and headed back to the boat. We had lunch, went swimming and headed back to the room. Hubby was sleeping after being given pain med and Adrien quickly fell a sleep....affording me some time to myself on the verandah to read!

Disney Cruise- day 3

2011-11-23T10:36:00.000-08:00

We spent our third day on the boat exploring the boat, swimming, eating, napping, seeing characters and watching shows.

That night was our formal captian's dinner, where we got to dress up and have formal pictures taken with the characters and the crew on the ship. Adrien made such an impression (as he always does) on the crew/staff of the ship, and I was impressed with their ability to remember his name! After dinner, we saw Adrien's favourite crew member, the second in command of the ship. The crew member had taken a shining to Adrien the day before and ALWAYS stopped to talk to him, whether it was in the buffet line or at the splash pad. Anyways, after dinner, Adrien was talking to him and was grabbing at his shoulder thingy....anyways, the crew member asked Adrien to wait a minute and went into the Guest Services back room. When he came out, he had a Pluto stuffie for Adrien.

At that moment, Pluto became Adrien's favourite Disney character and he slept and dragged Pluto along for the rest of the cruise.

Disney Cruise, Day 3

2011-11-18T18:02:00.000-08:00

Disney Cruise, Day 2 Character Breakfast

2011-11-17T13:54:00.001-08:00

We awoke early on Day 2 as we were having breakfast with the Disney Characters.... EVERYONE was excited..... before breakfast we went to Deck 9 (our favourite place cause of the pools and restaurants) And our boy was so excited that he had to dance it out.....it was still a little wavy so everything was quiet as some guests were trying to get a hold of their stomachs!
We arrived at Parrot Cay and had breakfast.....someone was too excited to eat and couldn't wait for the characters to come to our table. He kept checking to see where they were......
And then Mickey came over.....he signed Adrien's autograph book, hugged him and moved on to the next table. The wonderful thing was, that even though the Cruise Line had their own photographers that took pictures in an effort to sell them to the guests, they were VERY willing to take pictures with the guest cameras!
Then came Goofy....I don't think I stopped laughing the whole time. I don't know who had more fun, me, hubby or the kid!
While we waited for other characters to come to our table, the wait staff (whom we LOVED) made hats for all of us, they made me a Jasmine one (picture not posted) they made Adrien a Mickey Mouse one and Peter Pan!
Then Minnie came, Adrien became so bashful and enamored with her that he couldn't look at her. Instead, we got this picture, probably one of my favourites from the whole cruise.
And finally Pluto graced us with his presence....and is now Adrien's favourite Disney character (more to come on that story)

Disney Cruise Food!

2011-11-14T18:13:00.000-08:00

I found a website that had all our cruise menus.......I have laid out only MY dinner choices for the week.....they were DELICIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Day 1-Animator's Palate
Ahi Tuna Tartare
With Caviar, Chives, and Wasabi Cream
Smoked Salmon and Trout with Goat Cheese Salad
On Baby Greens, with Toasted Almonds and a Cranberry-Balsamic Vinegar Dressing
Asian Marinated Beef Tenderloin
on wasabi mashed potatoes with bok choy and a tamarind-barbecue reduction

Day 2-Parrot Cay
Baked Crab Dip Martinique
Jumbo Lump Crab Baked in Creamy Cheese Sauce served with colorful Tortilla and Plantain Chips
Cold Cream of Mango and Papaya
Flavored with Passion Fruit
Mixed Grill
Grilled Beef Tenderloin Steak, Lamb Chop, Bacon Wrapped Sausage and Jumbo Shrimp on Mashed Potatoes, Asparagus and Grilled Tomato with a Cabernet Mushroom Sauce
Crème Brûlée Cheesecake
Triple layer baked cheesecake topped with burnt sugar crust

Day 3 Lumiere's
"Gaston's" Escargots Gratinés
Herb-marinated Snails with Finely Chopped Mushrooms, topped with Garlic Butter
Avocado - Citrus Salad
With Iceberg and Radicchio Leaves and an Orange Vinaigrette
Aged Angus Grilled Beef Tenderloin
On Olive-Oil Smashed Potatoes, Bacon-wrapped Green Beans, and mustard madeira sauce
Brioche and Pannetone Pudding
With Toffee Sauce

Day 4- Animator's Palate
Pearls of the Caribbean
Crabmeat, shrimp and salmon mixed in pearls of couscous with lemon grass infused vinaigrette
Chilled to the bone Honeydew Melon and Watermelon Soup
Jack Sparrow’s Barbecue Marinated Beef Short Ribs
Rubbed beef short ribs with tamarind-barbecue sauce served with onion red bliss mashed potatoes and plantain chip
The Calypso Ice Cream Sundae
Rum and Raisin Ice Cream, Caribbean Cake and a Rum Caramel Sauce

Day 5- Parrot Cay
Garlic and Herb Sauteed Shrimp
on spaghetti vegetables drizzled with garlic butter
Californian Mixed Salad Leaves
served with crispy smoked duck strips and toasted pine nuts
Sesame Seared Tuna Loin
on lemongrass-infused bok choy, and carrots with wasabi and ginger drizzle
Banana Creme Brulee

Day 6- Lumiere's
Princess Madeleine Salmon Royal
Marinated slices of salmon with honey-mustard dressing
Coronation of Mixed Leaves
Vine tomatoes, blue cheese, apples, candied walnuts, and aged red wine vinegar
Roasted Filet of Beef Wellington
covered with mushroom stuffing wrapped in puff pastry served with fingerling potatoes, baby vegetables, and a cabernet black truffle jus
Princess Jasmine Banana Bread Pudding
Brioche bread pudding, caramel sauce and toasted macadamia nuts

Day 7- Animator's Palate
Artichoke, Spinach and Jalapeno Cheese Dip
with triangles of crispy pita bread
Potato Leek Soup
garnished with sour cream, chives and caviar
Yachtsman Steakhouse Center Cut Grilled Beef Tenderloin
served with William potatoes, asparagus spears, baby vegetables and bearnaise sauce
Baked Alaska
served with ice cream loaf, sponge cake and meringue mushrooms

Disney Cruise, Day 1

2011-11-14T12:43:00.000-08:00

We stayed at the Sleep Inn the night before our 8:15 flight. We flew out of Buffalo and arrived in Orlando at 10:50. It was hot and we were tired and hungry! Our land transportation didn't leave the airport until 12:45 (after they told us we would be leaving by 11:30)...{note to those planning a trip, use the Disney Express. They pick up your luggage from the airport and deliver it to your room, then they take it the night before you leave the cruise and you don't see it again until you land at your destination!}

Driving to Port Canaveral, from Orlando, it's a pretty uneventful drive, until you get to the bridge. As you come to the top of the bridge, all you see are ships..... there were 3 in port that day.
As we boarded the ship, we were asked out family name and over a pa system we were welcomed....followed by a round of applause....for me, so embarassing....Adrien LOVED it!

We found a place to have lunch and get some drinks before heading to our wonderful stateroom. The ship was stunningly beautiful. With HUGE windows, Disney details everywhere and the friendliest staff on earth! Adrien quickly became a mini celebrity, a role he thrived in

We went to the Goofy Galley for lunch, then quickly toured our room before heading down to the Mandatory Safety drill.

After that we headed up to Deck 9 for the Send Off party. We met a wonderful British couple (who took us under their wing) and they told us where to be for the show. Adrien was exhausted and was falling asleep on my shoulder until he say Mickey. The look on his face was captured by hubby and he just stared at Mickey in awe.
Mickey came right over to high five and hug Adrien, bringing instant tears to my eyes. The sheer joy in his face at that moment made the trip worth it right then and there.

As we pulled into the ocean, the boat began rocking A LOT......people were commenting that it was extremely rough seas. As we had never been on a cruise before, we had no points of reference. We later found out that normal (smooth sailing) waves range between 4-6 feet. Ours were 30 ft that night and the boat was on a 5 degree angle. Needless to say, we laughed a lot as we were knocked off our feet and bumping into walls....

We had dinner at The Animators Palate and were seated with a family of 3 from Ohio with a 3 year old boy too! That first night, our servers, Issac and Ivett got to know us, found out our favourite drinks (which would be present waiting for us each night to follow) and would not let us cut Adrien's food, insisting they do it as we were on vacation.....Fabulous, I know!

That night sleeping was interesting. Just as I would fall asleep, a huge wave would hit and I would have to brace myself as to not fall out of bed....lol....and it was so wavy they closed Deck 10 and all the pools!

What a great day.......

Disney Cruise Teaser 2

2011-11-13T10:09:00.000-08:00

Disney Teaser

2011-11-13T06:11:00.001-08:00

More to come soon!

Toopy & Binoo

2011-11-02T14:23:00.000-07:00

Adrien and his girlfriend enjoyed some pre-show play! They loved it!!! and are so cute together!

Special thanks to the photographer!

It's almost time

2011-11-01T10:00:00.000-07:00

Well.....the real final count down has begun.....and the electrical excitement can no longer be contained. All three of us are pouring over material. Hubby and I are reading the fine print, the itineries, the activities available and anything else we can get our hands on. Adrien is reading his travel book, watching videos of the horn blowing to the tune of "When you wish upon a star" and packing and re packing his Spiderman suitcase........ I can't sleep at night cause I'm too excited... I thought this day would never come and now it's right around the corner.
Some pictures (that we did not take)

Nightly entertainment, whether it be live shows or movies or interactive stuff.

During the Pirate themed party, there will be fireworks!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is the Disney Maagic ship.....our stateroom is at the back

The family pool (though it does seem small for 2700 people) that plays Disney movies on the large screen.

Hopefully the first thing we will see when we board the ship....

The kids pool.....though the slide is only for kids 4-11....I might try to get the boy on it!

Final leg

2011-10-24T08:54:00.001-07:00

We are in the final leg of our vacation wait time..... the countdown calendar now has more blank spots that Disney characters. We are packed (mostly) and anxiously awaiting our departure date. Every morning, Adrien will ask if we leave today and every morning, we come down to the calendar to show him how many more days. We have almost everthing in place, with a hotel stay in Buffalo the night before long term parking included in the price. All our paper work is ready, including flight information, transfer numbers and boarding ship time (which is 1:00 to 1:30)... Just last minute things need to get done, like change currency, pack a plane bag, pack an overnight hotel bag and snacks. It'll be fabulous. I have purchased a journal that I plan on writing in every morning of our trip recapping the previous day's events and tons of pictures....I'm even borrowing an underwater camera from a fabulous friend so I can get some great shots in the ocean and pool. It's so soon yet so far away!

10 Years

2011-10-20T12:33:00.001-07:00

10 years ago I married a man.....a man that I wanted to share my life with, build a family with, spend time with and just be with. There were many people telling us that it wouldn't last, that we had too many issues individually and as a couple ... Surprisingly they were right, we did have a lot of baggage.... we had a lot of child hood hurt, we had a lot of healing to do. But the one thing we knew was that we wanted a family....a family of our own, lots and lots of children to love and nurture. And right from the start that was a struggle.....we fought, we were angry and we were hurt, but within that we found a way to nurture each other, to support each other and to love each other. Today, I can honestly say that I love my husband to a degree that I did not know was possible, he is my confidante, my cheer leader, my partner and a fabulous father to our son. And though the first 10 years had a LOT of bumps.....I think we have ironed them out wonderfully and are able to enjoy each other, love each other and accept each other for who we are. We make each other stronger, we make each other smarter and we make each other better as people in our world. I look forward to many many many more years with this wonderful man that I am lucky enough to call my husband and life partner.

And now a poem that was read to us, by our friends and family during our ceremony........
Now we feel no rain, for each of us will be a sheltar to the other.Now we feel no cold, for each of us will be warmth to the other.Now there is no loneliness, for each of us will be a companion to the other.We are two bodies, but there is one life before us and one home.When evening falls, I'll look up and there you will be.I'll take your hand; you'll take mine and we'll turn togetherto look at the road we travelled to reach this:the hour of our happiness.It stretches behind us, even as the future lies ahead.A long and winding road, whose every turning means discovery.Old hopes, new laughter, shared fears.The adventure has just begun.--Author Unknown

I love you Babe..... and not to sound corny, but you do complete me.....

Happy Anniversary!

Tons of pictures post (from a busy weekend)

2011-10-16T15:02:00.000-07:00

I have been going crazy without a computer the last three or four weeks, my mind has been a blur....needing to get on line without restrictions! A wonderful neighbour IT friend has lent me a laptop until my returns.....YAY! So this post will be ALL the pictures since that fateful day!

Getting ready to go see Toopy and Binoo on stage. He LOVED it....he couldn't take his eyes off the stage and when it was all over, he asked to return the following day!

Birthday party at Springridge farm, painting a pumpkin.....it was the most beautiful pumpkin in the bunch!

Playing in the sand at Springridge. He loved playing with the diggers and all the toy tractors.

He wanted a picture with all the pumpkins, so as we left, I was able to snap one of him.....

We had a second birthday party that day and had some lag time, so we drove down to the lake to throw rocks, play at the park and climb......

I love this picture of him staring at the waves, it was really windy and chilly that day and all he wanted to do was watch the waves.....and throw rocks......

See his rock mid air! He's awesome!

At the second birthday party, it was a sports theme and he won a medal.....he was so proud of himself and I was so proud of him for listening to the instructors and following directions!

Then, we went to Snyders Family Farm! He loved the Pirate ship park......

.....the hay climber................................

...............the tractors like nonno and zio.........................................

..................the bouncy castle.............................

..................and the chocolate........................

I can't believe we did all that in ONE weekend......

Playing on the street with his beloved plasma car................

.................and Thanksgiving at Nonno's.....with a walking stick that Zio found for him!

In other news.........we are now counting down quickly for our Disney Cruise and are beside ourselves with excitement. We booked this trip in April and it has felt like FOREVER to get here......Can't wait, and hopefully I'll have my laptop so I can document and journal while aboard!

PRIDE 4

2011-10-13T11:38:00.000-07:00

Last night we attended our 4th PRIDE training. It was focused on loss. Not just of the loss to the child but the loss suffered at all different levels of the parents, family, foster family and adoptive family. It was an emotionally tough to think about our possible child suffering so many losses.
Adrien suffered two major losses, first his birthmom and family, then his foster family....I don't want him to feel those losses, I don't want him to be sad.....I know it's normal and realistic and he was lucky with "only" 2 losses.....Some of these children go throw so many losses they no longer feel worthy of love, of security, of anything that is a human's basic need. It was the first time in the last four weeks, that a session "got" to me......I left there wanting to quit my job and open up our home to all the hurting children in the world...it's not an option right now....but soon, it could be a very real possiblity......

All about everything!

2011-10-07T09:27:00.001-07:00

Things are crazy.....between PRIDE, swimming lessons, the excitement of the cruise, Thanksgiving and work....
We finished our 3rd PRIDE training.....I don't know how I feel about it....confused, angry at the abuse kids suffer and just trying to get through it knowing how lucky we are to have our boy.
Swimming lessons....he goes into the lesson without me....I know it's big for him but it's HUGE for me...I'm trusting teenagers to keep my son safe in water....he didn't want to go to that lesson, didn't want to go by himself....until I shared with him that there would be a pool on the boat and Mickey would see him swim.....he went in....he listened to the instructors though he kept making sure I was there and waving him....I totally look like the crazy mother on the side lines!
Thanksgiving....we will be celebrating with family on Monday and hubby gets to work all weekend....YIPEEEEE.....NOT! So I'm hoping to get some packing done and cleaning of the house while keeping an active preschooler occupied with anything BUT the TV!
We leave for our cruise so soon....the Mickey count down has begun......I need the break...now it's just sorting out the little details about hotel and parking......
And work.....well, it's work....and things are stressful....more than usual....and that too shall pass...

Plus my laptop, my computer, my holder of all my information is the shop and has been there for a week or 10 days and who knows when it's coming home.....

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

PRIDE- session 2

2011-09-28T18:56:00.000-07:00

We have 8 left......I feel like I should be learning something....how to be a better parent, (not saying I'm perfect), how to parent a child with trauma but what it feels like so far is a foster parent recruitment series........

I really like the trainers and the experience and knowledge that they bring, I like the group of people that we are with, I like the snacks and texting Rob....though it isn't what I thought or hoped it would be thus far.......

PRIDE- session 1

2011-09-22T05:20:00.000-07:00

We started PRIDE training last night. The trainers were great and the group seems fun. The one trainer is an adoptive and foster mom, she has some wonderful stories to share about her experiences and the other trainer is a 9 month pregnant adoption worker. When I saw her, I hoped that people in the crowd weren't infertiles.....and I don't think any of them were. We have a nice mix of people, some doing kin adoptions, some doing fostering and some doing adoption. It feels like it's going to be a sharing group and I don't know yet how much I want to share with them about our first adoption....I know I would not tell his story, that's his, but the experiences and feelings that I had....we will see.

Tonight the information was very VERY dry, a lot of Ministry policies and protocols, though we did watch a video that hubby and I laughed our way through.....

Adrien stayed with a sitter and he loved it! He was still awake when I got home but he had a great time with her, and that's all that matters!

Grandma is here

2011-09-18T06:36:00.000-07:00

and for the first time in his life, mommy is taking a backseat.......Mommy not really liking it....but now have a new found empathy for dad!

A Little Bit of Cousin Craziness!

2011-09-15T20:44:00.000-07:00

Adrien LOVES all his cousins so much. When he sees them you would think he just won the lottery. Tonight, he got to hang out with his girl cousins at Nonno's house. What a bunch of crazies....they jump, yell, laugh and play!

These two are a year and a few months apart, though they love each other and play so well together. I also think these two will be a force to be reckon with.....Trouble is their middle names!

Guess who learned how to ride a bike

2011-09-10T16:37:00.000-07:00

Just saying......

I have been trying to teach Adrien all summer to ride his bike....he's been resistant but really wants to learn because all the neighbour kids know how to ride and he wants to be like them. Yesterday, he started pedaling a little....maybe 4 or 5 turns....then he would get frustrated. Today, we went for a bike ride on my bike and I told him he was getting too big for the seat behind me. I told him that next summer he would have to ride his own bike with me and dad. We got home, he got on his bike and off he went. He still needs to practice starting the bike but he rode all the way to the park and around the block!!!!!!!!!!

♥

2011-09-08T16:34:00.001-07:00

Park Pictures

2011-09-06T16:46:00.001-07:00

Neighbourhood Fun

2011-09-04T16:58:00.000-07:00

We have a neighbourhood community centre that does things through out the year. And this weekend, (today) they hosted a family BBQ, with lots of FREE activities and food for the kids. Because the boy and I are TOTAL social creatures, we went....and had so much fun!

Here he is in the bouncy castle telling the other (BIG) kids to watch his trick.....(lol)

And he turned around and jumped....LMAO!

He tried some mini putting and couldn`t connect the club to the ball....and of course, instead of helping him figure it out, I stood there with my camera giggling!

They had free CORN! Corn....did someone say corn! He was there in a second devouring it`s sweet sugary goodness

And what would a community fair be with out a down pour of rain and dancing to other kids singing kareoke!

The End of Summer

2011-09-03T16:47:00.000-07:00

We went to the beach today.....the weather was great, only raining about 10 minutes, then warming up for lots of beach fun! The boy got very comfortable in the water and could be knocked over and pick himself up....so proud of himself....we went swimming deep where he wanted me to throw him up in the air and let him go under (with me holding him of course) he chased seagulls, built sandcastles and had so much fun!

Wordless Wednesdays

2011-08-31T07:59:00.000-07:00

The TRUE camping story

2011-08-29T06:55:00.001-07:00

This is the true story of four families, with 12 people, camping on two sites for two nights!
Cast of characters:
C's family= C, my neighbour, who is 5 months pregnant, her husband B, her three kids, M (14) G(12) and CO (10)
D's family= D, my friend and roommate from college, her husband T and daughter E (6)
J's family= J, my bestie neighbour, her daughter N(5) and son DO (2.5)
Us= me and A....hubby had to work...

Day 1: after medicating the boy for the previous two days for fever.....the doctor cleared our trip and so we continued. There was no nap in the car and he had awoken at 5 that morning. We left the house at 1 and after some pit stops (we were following a family up) and a long drive into the camp ground, we arrived at our site at 3:30.....we were at site 668! We found that my friend D and her daughter E were already there (YAY!) and had set up their tent. (I wasn't expecting her up until about 6 but she was able to leave work early....what a fabulous surprise for me). First thing I did was get out our tent and J's tent (she and her two kids would be arriving about 7:30)....we set up the three tent....and found that C's site had not been evacuated by the previous tenants (enter the Warden!)....and A & E started playing. Tents went up, chairs came out, beds were blown up and we were set.....after a quick dinner of cold pizza, we hung out.....A wanted to hang in the tent by himself....and he got really quiet.....it was 6:45 and he was out cold...I went in to give him some Advil for his fever and change him into his pj's. I was sad for him because he wouldn't get to play with DO, his best buddy....or see the stars....that's all he wanted all weekend was to see the stars. Well, by 7:30, the Advil had kicked in and he was ready to party!!!!!!!!!!!! He was so excited about roasting marshmellows, using his special flashlight, going for walks (we must have walked to the bathroom in the wagon about 12 times that first night!....partly because I was worried about his lack of BMs and just wanted to stay active) Finally, he went to bed....at 11.....the adults were up until 12:30 (did I mention that C's family pitched their tent on our site for the night! So on a camp ground that allows a max of 6 people, we had 12!) laughing and having a great time.....finally, I went to bed....because the bathroom was a five minute walk away, we had been squatting on our site in the dark. So at 5 am I had to pee.....and badly....when I returned to the tent, I awoke the sleeping prince with the zipping of the tent. He got so upset cause he wanted me out of the tent and be on his own that he started crying LOUD.....for about 5 minutes....I tried to get him to be quiet as to not wake the entire camp ground....it took some work but he finally went back to sleep.

Day 2: We were up and out of the tent by 7:30.....all the kids were laughing and playing and having a blast. Then the man from behind us got out his tent, looked at me and shook his head....obviously not impressed...but whatever, we're camping and we have kids....who for the first time ever were camping! Breakfast included p&j sandwiches, cereal and hotdogs! We went to the bathrooms, got cleaned up....A had a BM (which allowed me to relax) and no more fever! and we headed to the beach. It was the most beautiful beach I had ever seen in Canada....the water was blue.....the sand was white and fine and there was no one there.....we parked ourselves near a teepee looking structure and we were off.....playing in the water, playing in the sand, playing in the structure.....for hours....OH, the provincal park doesn't have any driving rules except a max of 20 km, which meant that A & DO sat in my front seat for the drive to the beach! They loved listening to music and dancing there....feeling so grownup! We had lunch, KD and hotdogs for lunch, C and family got their site and started setting up, and we tried to nap the kids.....well, two of the kids napped but mine wasn't one of them, he again, kicked me out of the tent saying he wanted to sleep by himself. He laid there for about half an hour before started to pop his head up trying to play peek a boo with us! We laughed......so out he came and again, we started with the walks...going on adventures, finding potholes, going to the bathroom...finally it was too much for him and D & I took him to get fire wood and he fell asleep....so we decided to explore the park to let him sleep for a bit. It is gorgeous. With 1000 campsites, beaches, children's programs, hiking trails, fishing and so many other things. Dinner was great! And the evening was perfect.....A was asleep at 9:30! The grown ups stayed up again until 12:30 but this time I didn't drink so much! Oh, p.s. the guy who gave me the dirty look that morning had two babies under a year old join his site....hee hee....and they cried during the night....just saying!

Day 3: My watch said 7:30 when I awoke.....and A was still sleeping.....I could hear J, N and DO talking and playing on the site.....I got up and A looked at me.....still wanting to sleep....until he heard DO calling him, Addiden..... we got up, took the wagon and went to the bathroom.... ate breakfast and starting packing up.....our plan was to tear done camp as quickly as we could and spend the day at the beach. We made sandwiches, put snacks together and got ready to go. We were out of the site and at the beach by 11. The wind was blowing the sand off the dunes everywhere and the waves were huge with a strong undertow. We LOVED it....the grown ups, that is....we played in the waves and body surfered while our kids played on the sand or snuggled under towels.....we picnicked at the cars and headed home around 1......A was out by the time we left the park!
It was so MUCH fun....can't wait to do it again! But this time, for longer!

Camping

2011-08-28T18:34:00.001-07:00

We went camping for the first time this weekend.....and I think it'll be the first of many, many trips to come.......the boy had an awesome time and all he wanted to do was see stars....that was his expectation for the weekend.....and boy, did we see stars!

Does he get it?

2011-08-24T07:12:00.000-07:00

I got a really great comment (thank you) that has really helped me sort out my ideas about how to talk to A about his adoption and will be referring back to it as he gets older.

Yesterday, we visited with my oldest friend who was visiting home from overseas. We have been friends since we were 2! Can you believe it? I love and miss her often and was so happy when she said she and her new husband were hoping to move home over the next year!

So I got her to talk to Adrien and I wanted to see how much he understood from our talk the other day. I asked him where he grew.....and he responded "in another mommy". Then he was off to play with my friends husband. I think he might understand that someone else birthed him and as of yet, doesn't seem too concerned about it.... I won't be highlighting his adoption with him daily and will definitely take his lead on what his questions are....though I am racked with fear that one day I won't be able to answer his questions as honestly as I want to because I don't have the answers....

At times I am still shocked when people ask me if we are going to tell him he's adopted..... In my head, there is no other option. Aside from his cousins remembering when he joined our family and having questions about adoption themselves, how could I not be 100% honest with him. I find no shame in adopting, yes, there may be feelings of hurt and abandonment on his part but we will work through that....I don't think adoption is for every family but for ours, it is.....and I wouldn't have it any other way....

Adoptive Mom

2011-08-21T13:59:00.001-07:00

I have been reading a lot of blogs written by adoptive parents. I follow a woman who is single parenting two boys in the States. I was reading a blog post by her where she was explaining why she had canceled a visit to the first/birth mom..... in it, she mentioned something about being an adoptive mom....and a mom. It got me thinking....and I get what she was saying. I always felt like Adrien's adoptive mom, like there was someone out there who was his "real" mom, and it wasn't me.....like a long term nannying gig..... about a year ago, probably due to tons of reading, huge bonds and time, I finally felt like his mom.....that me, just his mom....and I love it.....though I clearly remembering feeling like his adoptive mom for a long time....and I can't explain why.....

My neighbour is pregnant and I am taking the opportunity to engage Adrien in some conversations around adoption..... this was our conversation the other day:

Me : What does neighbour have in her tummy?

Him: A baby....mommy, you have a baby in your tummy?

Me: Nope, my tummy can't have babies in it.

Him: I come from your tummy

Me: You have another mommy.....you grew in her tummy.

Him: where is she?

Me: I don't know (I really don't, due to circumstances, ours is a closed adoption)

Him: We go to Wal-Mart and get me a sister?.....and he was off.

I am trying so hard to be correct with the terms I use with him and what I tell him...... It's hard, cause I don't want to mess it up for him....I never want him to feel ashamed of being adopted and I want him to know that he is loved by many people, including his first family, even though they don't see him......suggestions? input?

Splash pad fun!

2011-08-18T17:47:00.000-07:00

August 2011

2011-08-10T11:25:00.001-07:00

August has been a great 10 days so far.....we said good bye to a visit with my sister and nephews :( We said Bon Viaggio to my uncle returning to Italy after a great visit last night... and now we wait to start celebrating. Tomorrow is my nephew's 7th birthday....followed by my brothers, then mine. And then back to school, back to reality....and the summer is gone... poof! Without a vacation or a break...but really, am I complaining....we had a fabulous summer to date, the boy has easily grown an inch and is suddenly too tall for all of his 2T jeans...and the 3T are baggy. We're going to try camping.....and then November....sweet November, bringing with it a Disney Cruise.....ahhhhh
September will be busy, with swimming lessons, PRIDE training...(that's right, we're in!), regular playdates and Toopy and Binoo....then in October, hubby and I celebrate our 10 year anniversary....10 YEARS!!!!!!! We're great!

My ♥s

2011-07-29T13:43:00.001-07:00

My family is the world to me......and then came my nieces and nephews....and then came Adrien.

I remember the day my sister in law told us she was pregnant with S....it was father's day and she had invited everyone over.....we had just had our 2nd failed IUI cycle earlier that month. She answered the door and she was glowing.....I knew.....and I whispered to her, "you're pregnant" she nodded yes......I hugged her.....and stayed on the front porch, where I started crying...... It wasn't that I was upset with her being pregnant....I just wanted it to be me too...I excited for them, secretly knowing it would be a girl.... I remember the day S was born..... the pride and love in my brother's face and he came out of delivery to tell us she was born was a look I will never forget. Then I saw her and she has been my love since. She is an 8 1/2 year old now....and words can't describe how I feel when she asks to spend time with me, when she wants me to tell her things....when she cuddles into me....

Next came E....it was Christmas time and my sister called me at my grandparents house. Before I could even say hello, she was crying....she couldn't tell me she was pregnant....she was sobbing.....we cried together.....and when E was born in Nashville, I was at work at camp, without cell phone reception and I remember calling her the entire day she was being induced....and finally, at dusk time, I called...and he was born..... He is a gentle, smart person (who's turning 7 next week) Who is creative, musical and a showman. He should be famous (according to him) because he can lick his elbow, he saved a life, can sing the Phantom of the Opera and....and....and....I can't remember the last one.

Miss I came next....My brother, sister in law and S went to Italy for a cousins wedding. A few weeks later, after faking that she had gained so much weight in Italy, my sister in law announced she was pregnant....this time, no tears.....In January, I joined our family. I was the person that they called to take care of S. I remember going to bed that night thinking it would be a while still....sure enough, the call came at 2AM.... the baby is coming, please come...I arrived and snuggled up beside S. At 8 the phone rang with my brother telling me that it would probably be lunch before the baby came and to take our time getting to the hospital. S and I had breakfast and were just getting dressed when my brother called again at 8:30 to tell us S was a sister and to get to the hospital ASAP. Miss I was a beauty...with big dark eyes and a dimple in her chin. She is our fashionista, mothering, love who has lots of questions and is always willing to help.
One day, I was sitting in the apartment and my brother knocked on my door, with a very sober face, my heart sank....he then asked me if I had heard about Miss I.... I held my breath afraid of what he was going to tell me next...."She's going to be a big sister" were the words out of his mouth....I punched him so hard before I hugged him. The day F joined our family, I didn't find out until 6 hours later because no one could get a hold of me....I dashed to the hospital to find the cutest little thing wrapped up. F is a great kid, who was known for eating so much as a baby....she full of life and will challenge everything redirection given...I am also honoured I was chosen to be her Godmother.

I'm embarrassed to admit I don't remember how my sister told me that M would be joining our family.......(sorry M!) But I know I was so excited. The day he was born, I had my entire family at our house having a BBQ and my sister was being induced 1300kms away. We stayed in phone contact all day and were so excited when she texted my brother with pictures of the newest addition. Oh, M....he and I are like oil and vinegar.....we love each other so much, but I egg the poor kid on so much. He's a big kid who could whistle at the age of 2....He has a mop of gorgeous curls and just wants to be like his brother. At the age of 3.5, he's reading and is so smart and active...
I knew I loved my nieces and nephews with all my heart, knowing I would die for them, do anything for them but nothing prepared me for the love I felt for Adrien. He came next.....and changed our lives....
And finally, R joined us.....Adrien and I went to visit his cousins a couple of Christmases ago and were greeted by the cousins and my sister in law.....almost in unison, the three girls asked "Guess what? Mommy's going to have a baby!!!!" We were so excited waiting for R, the youngest of four sisters and the only blue eyed girl and a shocking head full of black hair (I remember kissing her head and realizing she hadn't been bathed yet) I got to record her first bath. She joined us last summer....and is the most stubborn headstrong adventurous 1 year old ever....I can't wait to get to know her better as she grows....

These people mean the world to me and my wish for them is a life full of laughter and memories of great times... My loves......

Niagara Falls

2011-07-26T13:44:00.000-07:00

I took two days vacation while my sister has been here with BIG plans of doing tons of stuff. We were going to spend a morning in Niagara Falls then drive to Toronto so the boys could nap in the car and head to Center Island. While in Niagara Falls, we were going to do the Maiden of the Mist, walk behind the Falls and maybe a museum or two. Well, we walked behind the Falls before heading home. The boys were tired and we just wanted to get home. It was so much fun! Wish they could stay longer!

Boy Cousin Time

2011-07-26T13:37:00.000-07:00

My sister and nephews are here!!!!! And we are loving it! Wanting to spend each waking moment with them but life interferes! Anyways, the boys are like brothers, they love each other and fight like no others. We have done some fun things (next post) with them.....like hanging out at Nonno's, Zia's, K's, going to St. Jacob's Market where we watched an live stock auction, Niagara Falls and the splash pad. Adrien LOVES having his cousins here and especially LOVES Zia's van...and the DVD player in it...lol

The boys cuddling and watching a movie

Fun sitting on a bench at Niagara Falls, waiting to go walking behind the Falls.

Big boy cousin and little boy cousin after an ice cream!

Splash pad fun

Lunch with a beautiful girl...

They are here for another week and we are going to miss them so much when they leave.....we love them so much!

Awesome weekend

2011-07-17T16:41:00.000-07:00

My cup is full.....and I'm tired.....what a great weekend! How lucky are we to have access to wonderful nature spots and great friends!

Summer

2011-07-12T18:58:00.000-07:00

So far this summer has been amazing.....going to water parks, parks, wading pools and neighbourhood fun.......so much fun!

Festival Italiano!

2011-07-09T08:23:00.000-07:00

Every year our city has a Festival Italiano.....and when we're here, we go.....and every year I am disappointed. This year was no exception. Aside from the massive amounts of over priced dull tasting food that they make, there really isn't anything happening. Parking is full and you have to walk and there's a midway that has 6 rides, and only two that I would feel safe putting the boy on. BUT we went.....and we played and listened to music....we watched the cannoli eating contest (gross!)...though now I'm looking forward to other festivals in our town!

Hubby's dream come true... 4 Adriens!!!!!!

Playing in the bouncy castle....

Being so CUTE!

So excited to be walking on a railway!

Wordless Wednesdays

2011-07-07T20:32:00.001-07:00

The Visit

2011-07-04T08:30:00.000-07:00

Today we met with the social worker as part of our second adoption. Talking to her has made me realize how much hubby and I have changed as parents. We are a stronger united team that want only the best for our children. We have grown as individuals and are becoming better partners to each other. We talked about how a second child would change our family dynamics, how it would enhance our lives and how it would make Adrien a big brother. A BIG BROTHER! He's so little...and sooner than we think, we will have another child.
The visit was great, we still need to get some of the paperwork into her but since we won't be doing PRIDE training until the fall, I feel no hurry to get it all in. 3 of our 5 references have responded, so if that was you, Thank you.....if you still have to get it in, do it already!!!!!! lol.....
She also asked us what kind of child we could parent this time around, taking into consideration Adrien......Hubby and I both agreed that this time would be more "picky" in that we would want the child to add to Adrien, not take away from him...... She seemed impressed with how well behaved he was and how big he's gotten..... he really has grown.... she also brought up how we would feel and how we would deal if Adrien required extra support for learning.... of course, like all parents, we would do what ever we had to to ensure his best quality of life....
I also brought up closed vs open adoption. We are currently in a closed adoption and I wanted to know how an open adoption with the next child might affect Adrien. She has some cases and though there is some hurt, it's normally ok. She suggested that I continue writing to his birth mother yearly, not only for her but for Adrien. And hopefully, when the grief isn't so fresh for her, she may write back. I also shared that I have found the birth father and that I saved a picture of him so that one day, at least Adrien would know what he looks like. She thought it was a good idea. She was very pleased to know that his foster parents were still in his life and that he still sees them (note to self, call them....it's time for a visit!) So life with Adrien continues....and hopefully, sooner than later, it will be life with Adrien and his sibling!

Canada Day 2011

2011-07-02T09:42:00.000-07:00

We spent Canada with some great friends, at the park and in the neighbourhood. Our local park had family day festivities, with a Midway, free bouncy castles, petting zoo, pony rides, bands, parks, Duck races and food. We went in the morning for a play date with 3 of the boys friends and got on all the rides before the park got packed!
Adrien loved playing in the pirate ship bouncy castle, running through the tubes, climbing on the ladders and sliding down! He was exhausted by the time we got home and had a nice L O N G nap.....and then he wanted to go back again!

So we headed back after nap with daddy and some neighbourhood friends. He feed all the animals, though was nervous at first having to hold my hand, until he was comfortable just offering his own little hand of food. His favourite animal was the baby lamb nursing from it's mom.

We returned home just in time for the neighbourhood fireworks......they were stunning....lasting 2 hours!!!!! TWO HOURS of fireworks! He loved it.......he would watch for a while, then go and run with his little friends, returning to his wagon to watch some more....

Happy 144th Birthday Canada......so honoured and privileged to live in this country.....

A Sunday day out....

2011-06-26T10:58:00.001-07:00

Throwing rocks into the river.

In a tree!

Throwing more rocks into the river.

Choo choo.....Rabbit ears.....on the train

Chilling on the train.......

Watching the people....

Playing with dad....

THe train!

Going to grandma's house!

Trains

2011-06-26T06:47:00.000-07:00

I don't get the allure.....the allure that calls males to the locomotive that are known as trains. I have two males in my home that are enthralled with trains. I have witnessed them playing with a 40 piece track, 3 engines and about 6 freight trains for 2 hours. TWO HOURS!!!!!! The thing goes around in a circle....round and round and round....I don't get it...but they LOVE it! His Thomas Trains turn into "snack trains", where food is placed in the freight trains and picked out to eat as they pass by. It turns lunch time into fun time....according to hubby...lol...

The boy pretends he's a driver (sorry, I don't know what they're called!) and the trains have races, and wrecks....oh the wrecks.....lmao.....they jump out of their seats to fix the train wrecks, the whole time laughing at the collision.....oh my boys, and their trains..... at least it frees me up to do what I need to do!!!!

Window Writer

2011-06-25T11:28:00.000-07:00

Phantom of the Opera

2011-06-24T17:51:00.000-07:00

I love these guys....they are my 6 and 3 year old nephews....and I love my sister laughing and snorting.....

Father's Day

2011-06-18T16:20:00.000-07:00

Adrien and I took Daddy to Centre Island in Toronto for the day. We packed a picnic and headed out. It reminded me how much I hate the traffic there on weekends when events are happening... the line for the ferry went all the way back to Front Street......though the Hanlan Ferry was pretty empty. We had our picnic and watched the airplanes take off.....then we started walking.....and it was warm!!!!!! We were hot messes...until we found the beach.....where we through rocks and walked in the cold lake...... then we walked some more until we came to the water park.....were we played some more....it was an awesomely tiring day that ended with dinner at the Old Spagetti Factory!!!

Happy Father's Day to a great day and all dads that I know and love!

Handsome Boy

2011-06-13T16:31:00.000-07:00

Toopy and Binoo

2011-06-11T12:35:00.000-07:00

Toopy and Binoo is a kids show seen on Treehouse. "Toupie et Binou" was the original title of the children books collection written by Dominique Jolin. The same collection appeared in English under the title "Washington and Deecee". Binoo then appeared in a small series of his own. Treehouse and Spectra Animation then brought them to television, both in English and French version, dubbing their English names to "Toopy and Binoo".

Adrien LOVES Toopy and Binoo.....he will stop EVERYTHING as soon as he hears the theme songs.....guess what? Toopy and Binoo are going on tour! http://www.toopyandbinooontour.com/ AND ADRIEN IS GOING! He has NO idea yet....and in fairness, it's not until September so telling him now would be crazy! Hubby is taking the night off work, and our little family is going to a performance at our local theatre! He's going to LOVE IT!!!!!!

199

2011-06-06T04:53:00.000-07:00

This is the 199th post.....thought it would be a good picture update! Days seem to be melting into each other.....days are getting longer as is the chore list....with the warmer weather, we are outside....playing with the neighbours, bike riding or at parks....getting home in time for snack, bath and bed.....☻☺♥

Wanna know a secret?

2011-05-29T14:14:00.001-07:00

Hubby and I will be celebrating our 10 year anniversary in October. That in itself is not a secret. We have planned a family vacation.....at first we were going to do a Disney Cruise....in the Caribbean. Then I got nervous about being on a boat for so long....so we decided that we would go to Turks and Caicos to a resort for families.....well, totally my style, I waited to long to book and the price doubled.......so.......we are going on a Disney Cruise! And we have a balcony room!!!!!! OMG....for someone who was so nervous....I am beside myself with excitement. Our port of calls include St. Maartin, St. Thomas and Castaway Cay which is in the Bahamas! I have 5 months and 3 days to wait but I know the wait will be well worth it.......It'll be our first destination vacation of three and our second since we married....Adrien and I have spent the day looking at cruise videos, Mickey and all his friends and the different destinations.......EXCiTED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E.....Mickey Mouse....Mickey Mouse!!!!!

Pop Rocks

2011-05-27T14:41:00.000-07:00

I remember as a kid loving the fizzy candies that popped and fizzed loudly in my mouth, it was delicious and fun....just what candy should be. Then I remember hearing a whole bunch of urban legends about mixing this beloved candy with pop.... and things about it being harmful... like people exploding because the force of the combination was so strong. I remember being able to buy the packages of the crackling candy for about a quarter at the corner store. Then...poof....they were gone....I don't actually know if they were gone for real or gone because I was growing up and my candy eating was becoming more sophisticated and I didn't really want the Pop Rocks anymore. Years passed....and I had run across them on occasion, remembering them fondly and how much fun I had running up to people wide opened mouthed so they could enjoy the crackling too, watching the next generation enjoy them and explore with them. Well, I now have my own next generation who was introduced to this candy goodness......and I have proof of the first encounter!

May 2-4, 2011

2011-05-23T06:11:00.000-07:00

Most Canadians celebrate Queen Victoria's birthday weekend by going camping or to the cottage. The weather has normally been less than perfect, with rain and coldness. This year, the week before the long weekend, we had 9 hours of sunlight when we normally get 55 hours... Needless to say, when the sun peeked out Friday night it was party time on the street! My friend and her daughter came up to visit on Friday night and we played outside until the street lights came on....all the neighbourhood kids were out, playing basketball, rollerblading, scooting, bike riding and paying. The boy was wiped out!

Saturday was another gorgeous day, where we got the turtle pool out for water play.....had bbq's and just hung out outside.....I got a burn!

Sunday started out rainy but quickly cleared up and out came the BBQ for lunch.....then rain soothed us into a nice nap....and when we a woke, it was sunny again! We invited friends for dinner and had a great night....now today, we are going to visit Nonno, to celebrate Zio's graduation from his apprenticeship.....and it's looking nice out already....until reality sets in and I have to go to work tomorrow!

It's hard being 3

2011-05-19T07:29:00.000-07:00

Yesterday our mild mannered, chilled out, outgoing, sweet boy turned 3.... and something happened...On Monday, the day after his birthday party, he invited a little friend over to play. The child who would give you the shirt off his back told his friend he didn't like her and to go home.... I was crushed...she was crushed...so we had a little talk about empathy and he seemed to be ok for the rest of the evening. Then, the day before his birthday, he gave daddy a run for his money on their morning together. First off, we have a no jumping of furnature policy because you can get hurt. So he was jumping on the bed and his dad reminded him that we sit or lay on beds..... the boy looked at dad and asked "why?" Dad explained, the boy replied "I don't want to" and continued to jump. you must realize that my husband has patience...from where, i don't know, but he has them! He again told the boy that furniture was for sitting or laying on and to come over to him....The boy laughed "NO!, you can't catch me" and proceeded to run into his room, slam the door and hid in his closest! When my husband was telling me, I was laughing so hard I couldn't stand it, but hubby was quite upset by it as it continued all morning.....throwing food on the floor, jumping on the couch, squeezing him juice box and finally peeing all over dad.....on purpose..... That night, we went to see the cousins and he behaved well, I thought it was a one shot deal....well, I was wrong...I don't know if it was him over tired, too much attention around his birthday or what, but we went to a resturant with two little friends for dinner and he started crying.....wailing.....not knowing what he wanted, not wanting me to do things, screaming....just not himself....my two mom friends where shocked as they had never seen this before (nor had I) and I think we were all at a loss.....finally, we got some food into him and he seemed to taper off a bit and started enjoying himself...playing and laughing with his two best friends.....When we got home, he started again with the whining and crying. I took him straight to be, where he didn't want me to put his pjs on, where he didn't want to go pee, where he didn't want to do his bedtime routine....so I just cuddled him and rocked him until he fell a sleep.....within 5 minutes, at 7:45....he had a restless sleep around 10, where he couldn't get comfortable....after about a half hour, he found rest and slept until 7:45 this morning.
I don't mind that he has challenging behaviours as he tries to exert his independence....it's cute actually, I just hope he doesn't lose his sweet demeanor through it.....Happy 3rd Birthday my love....may you grow to be loving, forgiving and happy!

2 years

2011-05-16T17:24:00.000-07:00

What a difference years makes in people's lives....and when that someone is your new 1 year old son, two years passes in a blink of an eye....though two years ago, this day felt like forever away... A will be three on Wednesday.....and I get looks from people who don't know he's adopted, looks when they ask me if he's an only child....looks when they ask if we want more.... people are weird... so full of judgement and without realization of people's realities....if that even make sense....and just like when we were going through our assisted technology, I feel compelled to assure them that "we're working on it!".....I don't know why I feel obligated to inform mere strangers of our parenthood plans....but I do....and I do....so here is a look of the little man over the last two years.... WOW... all I can say is WOW..... where did my baby go....man, I love that kid.....

Celebration

2011-05-15T17:26:00.000-07:00

Today is the 2 year anniversary of meeting our beautiful baby.....we celebrated Mommy style! With a bunch of cousin, three little friends and LOTS of music, dancing and food! I think he was so excited cause he woke up at 4 in the morning and couldn't contain himself....the kids dressed up, sang kareoke and ate! What a blast.....we threw in his 3rd year celebration while we were at it!

Our Mother's Day...and other stuff

2011-05-13T18:53:00.000-07:00

WOW..it's taken me a while to write about our Mother's Day this year...it was F A B U L O U S..... we spent the day together, outside, cleaning, eating and with neighbours. It appears that my son has some very fantastic photography skills...I was awoken with a picture of him and hubby framed....gorgeous! We then let daddy go back to sleep as we headed outside.....we played with the neighbour kids, cut the grass, cleaned up....ran to Wal-Mart..cause what Mother's Day is complete without a trip to Wal-Mart...then out to lunch with a neighbour....then in for a quick nap before heading out again...we didn't come in until 8:30! It was fabulous....

On the second adoption front...I seem to be dragging my heels....the social worker has contacted me to meet and I keep putting her off....it almost pointless to do all the work now when we won't be doing our training until the fall....and I don't know how I feel about another child.....of course I want another one...our family feels like someone is missing....when I'm driving, I always expect to see two kids in the rear view mirror....I think it's the anticipation of doing it all over again.....I'm referring to the wait.....the wait kills me....OMG....though it could be quicker this time....we'll see.

As for the boy turning 3 next week, I wrote his first mom another letter. Though it's a closed adoption and our identities are protected in the letters, I'm torn as I write them. I am so proud of how well he is doing, that of course I brag about his gains and strengths...and I pray that she reads the letters, not because I want to rub it in but because I can't imagine what she must feel not knowing....not knowing that he is safe, healthy, learning, developing and loved.....I try not to put too many pictures in because I don't want her to be sad but have you seen the kid.....he's stunning...how could I just pick one or two. As his birthday approached I find her creeping into my thoughts more and more....and I pray for him, that one day, he will be able to meet her, have questions answered and know that she did not reject him or abandon him....but that she had her own issues and wasn't able to care for him. It's funny because people joke and the social workers have shared, that if she is to have another child, we would get that child because of the biological link. I don't think she will ever have anymore....I don't know why I feel that way but it's my gut instinct and I'm pretty good with it. My wish for her, on Adrien's 3rd birthday is that she opens the letter that I sent and finds the courage the read it and look at the pictures....and maybe, just maybe write us back.

Meat on a stick ROCKS! if he could get it off the stick!

You know

2011-05-09T17:22:00.000-07:00

Spring is here when you have spent every last waking free moment outside with your kid...and have TOTALLY neglected your house work and chores......ah, man!

Mother's Day....take 1

2011-05-07T05:56:00.000-07:00

So tomorrow North America will celebrate mothers.....today.....the world of adoption will celebrate Birth Mothers.....I don't know Adrien's birth mom though I think of her often, almost daily.... she is the woman I wonder most about....she is a mystery to me, besides what I have on paper about her, I don't know what she looks like, I don't know what she sounds like or what colour her eyes are, though I know when I look in my son's face, I must see glimpses of her....regularly, without knowing it.....Today, I wonder how she is doing....if she gets the letters I send, if she wonders about the wonderful little man she carried for 9 months....does she look at ever 3 years face and wonder....."is that him?".....I want her to be happy and know that he's doing well....he's thriving....he's happy....he's loved ...he is so loved by so many and has impacted so many lives with that smile.... so to her and all first moms....I want to wish you the Happiest Birth Mother day ever....and may you be happy...today and every day.....

Today is also very significant for me.....it's the day I offically became a mom...... Two years ago today I got the call..... that we were chosen as Adrien's parents... read about it here http://adriensworld.blogspot.com/2009/10/call.html

Little Did I know.....

2011-05-06T05:18:00.000-07:00

....that two years ago today would be my last day as just a wife, daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin and friend....it would be the last time that I ,came first for me..... May 5, 2009, Rob and I had an interview about this profile that was about a one year old named Adrien. He had had a rocky start in life and was thriving in this foster environment. Out interview was 90 minutes, 30 minutes longer than expected and went very well.....not only do I remember that events of the few days, I remember every Adrien related moment starting two day before the interview when I had my entire family up at the house for a BBQ....we were joking around and talking and it was the first time my dad had heard of the upcoming interview and possibility of becoming a grandparent again, it was when I told my sister in law that she and my brother would be the child's God parents.....it was a great day....then Tuesday and the dreaded interview came.....and went....very well....then can May 6.....my dad's birthday....We all went to the Mandarin for dinner....All I could think about was the interview and how I was so sure I would be hearing the next day about how the interview went, even though the social workers said a decision would be made early the following week.......and here we are....two years later, celebrating my dad's 61st birthday.....with a child and getting ready for our second.....little did I know....

Water Boy

2011-04-30T17:54:00.001-07:00

WHile on March Break in Nashville, the boy and I did some swimming....my sister just sent the pictures to me today (thank you Seca).....here is my little swimmer....now that he's not taking lessons anymore!

This one is for you, D....

2011-04-30T04:58:00.001-07:00

Hope you're healing quickly and feeling better.....we can't wait to see you and D soon....don't forget to watch the video of the dancing machine!

At a wedding with me.....drinking his first Shirley Temple....mixture of 7up, orange juice and grenadene

Hamming it up for dad waiting to make pizza

Spreading the sauce on his pizza

Hunting for eggs.....filled with playdough.....still finding them a week later!

Looking handsome!

At the wedding, waiting for the girls to dance with him

Out for a walk!

Easter

2011-04-24T05:16:00.000-07:00

Hoppy Easter........it has been a weekend of visits with family and watching childhood homemade movies....Today will be a day of rest, reflection and family!

God bless you......

Just Pictures...are worth a million words

2011-04-11T11:54:00.001-07:00

Reflection

2011-04-05T13:08:00.000-07:00

"Infertility is a heart-wrenching, faith-questioning, relationship-testing, life-altering experience. April is Infertility Awareness Month. Whether a friend, a family member, a colleague or yourself has fought through this difficult fate that MILLIONS of women are fighting day in and day out. Post this as your status if you or someone you know

has walked to hell and back for the chance to be a MOM."

This is status post going around on Facebook......and I hesitated to repost it on my status as I think I put that part of my life behind me....I rarely talk about the treatments, the needles, and the heartache....in fact, thinking about the heartache brings tears back to my eyes, so for me, it's just easier not to think about it......ever....or until someone announces a pregnancy or has a baby.

When I look back on who I was during those years, I can honestly say I don't know who that person was.....she was someone that was so blinded by hope, so determined to succeed and so hopeful to get a positive pregnancy test that she did things that in retrospect she wishes she hadn't. I know hind sight is 20/20...I know people learn from their experiences, but if there was anything I would tell my 27 year old self (yes, that's how old I was when we started all this) I would tell her not to stress about it and not to blame herself. That families are made in different ways.....that adoption works....would I do it over again....in a heart beat.....would I do it differently, absolucy (as Adrien would say!) I think I would try to enjoy more in life and not become all encompassed with trying to have a family....but I can say that now because we have a child.....I wish there were protocols that we didn't do, drugs that I didn't inject myself with and impatience I would have been more patient with......

As I spiral into my infertile black hole, I am reminded why I don't go there often and stay focused on my family and adding to it through other ways....Yes, blood is thick and I would like to be pregnant, of course, that's obvious.....it's not in the cards for me and I morn some of things I lost going through the assisted technology procedures.....things about myself that I will never get back....that's life....but the opportunity to know, love and parent my son is something that I would have lost out on.....and I would NEVER trade him.....for anything in this world...or any other world!......he is proof that blood is thick but love is thicker.....BLAh TOO much emotion from me in one day!

My 27 year old self.......it'll all work out....be patient....

Blue eyed boy

2011-03-26T18:09:00.000-07:00

still on vacation

2011-03-21T13:19:00.000-07:00

for two 2 more days....... here are some pictures.....

away

2011-03-17T19:09:00.001-07:00

Swimming

2011-03-09T12:59:00.000-08:00

I enrolled the boy into swimming lessons after we went to our local public pool due to his sheer joy of being in the water.....this would be our second round of swimming lessons, though the first one was just he and I in the water, with his getting used to it.....but this session.....this session was Sea Turtles 1 where parents go in with the child and slowly get out of the water, leaving the child with the instructor......the first night there, all 5 of the other classmates were crying, clinging to their parent and overall upset, not wanting to try new things, like putting faces in water, going down the water slide and jumping in...but not my kid....my kid was demanding I let go of him....that he swim by himself.... he was the poster child for a water baby.....and then something happened....I don't know what...I can't put my finger on it but as soon as I got out of the water, he would cry.....and call for me....(the first four lessons he was fine when I got out) until the last two lessons where parents weren't expected (but could go) to go in with their child. I chose not to....not because I was being mean but because I wanted him to feel a sense of accomplishment and independence.....we would talk about him going in on his own, how proud he and I would be, how I would clap for him....and he would do well....for about 5 minutes....then he would bawl the remainder of the class....and of I course, I insisted that he follow through, with me there supporting him from the deck....so he would have to listen to his teacher, once he did it, he could sit with me on the edge of the pool....and he did fine like that....Here is the proof that he did swimming classes....and if you look closely of him in the water, you can see the confusion between love and hate of water!

so excited to have his duck towel on telling me that I was going to clap for him.

in the water with his awesome instructor

after his loved shower

eating his snack of peppers

ready to go home.....running up the ramp......

PRIDE

2011-03-07T05:15:00.000-08:00

So we are excited about getting started on adoption number 2...... We want to have another child and we want to give Adrien a sibling relatively close in age but getting into a PRIDE training that works for us is getting challenging. First we were offered a four weekend intensive training but because hubby was working weekends at the time, it didn't work for us, now the trainings will be on Monday nights......and again, hubby is working and though he had arranged to have flex hours, Monday nights he works with an outside agency.....which would mean that we have to wait (again) until the fall! You know, we did a training course and were able to adopt Adrien with it but because it was prior to 2006, the government will not approve us as an adoptive family for another adoption. TOTALLY SUCKS.....now we have to wait and find out from supervisors and child care if the new night will work for us.....arghhhhh.....

(PRIDE training is part of a larger process for assessing, preparing and supporting adoptive families. The 27-hour training program is facilitated by two trainers who co-lead the PRIDE sessions: one an adoption professional and one an adoptive or foster parent. The training complements the homestudy process necessary for all international adoptions as well as both public and private domestic adoptions

Through the use of videos, exercises, discussions and real examples, prospective adoptive parents learn how to understand the unique issues experienced by adopted children and how to help them manage their adoption status throughout life. In the PRIDE sessions adoptive parents will learn:

The basics of child growth and development, specifically regarding attachment
How to help adopted children through their losses
The importance of maintaining contact with birthfamilies
How to support adopted kids through issues such as abuse and delays in emotional, physical and mental health
The necessity of preserving the heritage and culture of adopted children
Appropriate ways of disciplining
Changes the adoptive family will undergo as a result of adopting a child

The PRIDE training emphasizes that adoptive parents are part of team of professionals working together to ensure the adopted child’s needs are met both in the short and long term.

Sick

2011-03-03T08:33:00.001-08:00

We've had a bug pass through our house......first it hit the boy.....and now me.....but we've been able to keep it real!

Grocery shopping with his friends

Watching TV like a big kid

His own personal grovery store.....caught you!

My boys

2011-02-28T18:11:00.001-08:00

This is what greeted me upon my return from work on Friday.....what a happy sight!

Marvelous Mondays

2011-02-28T10:08:00.000-08:00

My sweet boy waking up to a camera in his face!

Loving the fairy wings!

Just such a ham!

Helping me bake.....well licking the bowl anyways!

Beauty.....both inner and outer!

Where did my baby go?

2011-02-17T16:29:00.000-08:00

I don't know if it's because we have decided to start the adoption process again and will possibly get a young child or if it's cause he's learning so much and getting older but I would like to know where my baby went......he is definitely turning into a 3 year, becoming independent, testing and pushing boundaries, exploring his environment and language more....and growing....

our weekend

2011-02-07T12:34:00.000-08:00

Friday night we went to FunMazing with Adrien's friend......(and mom) It's a HUGE indoor playground with huge climbing structures, play areas for children of all ages and plasma cars.....Adrien spends most of his time on the plasma car....the pink one....each time we go, he calls it his!

Then on Saturday, we had a friend and her daughter come and stay for the weekend....the kids made pizza.....he ate the entire thing!

Then we went tobagganing because it started snowing hard.....it snowed and snowed....so we headed to a little ravine hill that was too dusty for us to slide down....

On Sunday, we hung out during the day, relaxing and playing and eating, until after nap time....when we bundled the kids up and headed to a better, packed down hill....Adrien LOVED it....wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee-ing all the way down.....he was full of snow and LOVED it!

On our way home, we hit the park......who says a swing in snow pants and winter boots isn't fun!

80

2011-02-02T05:08:00.001-08:00

My beautiful grandmother turned 80 yesterday. How lucky am I that I have been gifted with her presence in my life so far. She is full of love for her children, grandchildren and great-grand children (and sometimes her husband....lol) She is a God-loving woman who to this day still pushes herself to cook and clean though her body tries to tell her to slow down. She has had a full life to far, she grew up during WWII, lost a brother in that war, lost her mom in her 20's, then became a mom twice, worked hard to provide for her family and extended family, left her country of origin to come to a new country to give her family a better life. She has suffered the loss of a grandchild, numerous family members and friends and has rejoiced in the lives of the new souls coming into the family. She quietly battled breast cancer and WON! and lives with diabetes and arthritis.....she is a force to be reckon with and we love her so much.
For her 80th birthday, there was a surprise planned....even my mom and sister (and family) came from out of country.....she thought we (the local family) would be going to her house on Sunday for dinner and cake....and on Saturday she and my grandfather were going to my aunts for dinner.....when she arrived, we were all there....SURPRISE! My mom was hiding in the bathroom and surprised her until my sister called (from the basement) and was apologizing for not being able to attend as my nephews came upstairs and were hugging her ! The look on her face! It was a wonderful 4 day celebration for her and my wish is for another 80 years!
I love you and everything you do for me.....and my family.....thank you for being you!

The Music is in him

2011-01-12T16:23:00.000-08:00

I know all kids love music....and all kids feel music in their souls, I am not claiming the my kid is any different....but to watch his little body move to the beat even when he is playing makes me smile....he really does have music in his soul...

Tobogganing

2011-01-10T15:25:00.001-08:00

So my kid has a healthy level of fear......he is cautious until he knows the situation is safe and then off he goes......a few weeks ago, we went to visit Grampa after a first snow fall and the two of them went tobogganing....after a few runs, Adrien let Grampa know he had enough.
Yesterday we went to Nonno's and the cousins were there, as were a few others....the snow was very powdery. After one run on the toboggan on his stomach (head first) and a mouth full of snow, he was done with that.....then he went with his almost 8 year old cousin....they were gaining some speed and he was laughing....until they hit a little bump that sent them towards a 100 year old fir tree that was probably 20 feet across....they were too fast and I couldn't get to them to stop them in time....nothing was broken, no one cried, and this is what he looked liked......before getting back on the sled!

As I retrieved him from under the tree, his eyes wide, his mouth full of stems and blood coming from the scratches, he smiled at me and said, "I ok"

Bucket list

2011-01-04T17:40:00.000-08:00

A blog I follow (enjoying the small things) recently talked about her "bucket list". It got me thinking, what would be on my bucket list. Currently my top 5 would be
1. Take family vacation with all my siblings, spouses and children. Just us, the four of us with our partners and our children where we get on a plane and sit on a beach for a week.
2. Adopt another child. I think that would complete our family.
3. Visit the village in Italy that I spent so many childhood summers in as an adult and share it with hubby and the boy.
4. Serve another meal at the shelter I used to work at in Edmonton. I often wonder what became of them.
5. Camp across Canada.

What is on your bucket list? Tell me in the comments.

Highlights of 2010...wow what a year!

2011-01-01T13:14:00.001-08:00

2010 was a fabulous year, there were so many changes, so many moments of laughter and so much love. I hope 2011 is just as amazing!

JANUARY: In January, we had just moved to our new home, Adrien had only been walking about 6 weeks and he also started daycare....which was harder for dad than anyone. We celebrated TONS of families birthdays.

FEBRUARY: we got our finalization papers.....Legally he belonged to our family! For me, there were rumours of changes at work and a HUGE stressful meeting where we were told our jobs were changing starting in March!

MARCH: Adrien was baptised, we got his birth certificate and passport.

APRIL: I had my pacemaker changed. My mom came up to take care of me for two weeks and then Adrien and I returned to Nashville with her for 3 weeks.

MAY: We spent half of May in Nashville and survived the 100 year flood, upon our return, we celebrated Adrien's 2 birthday...the theme was old school food with lots of pop, pizza, Elmo cupcakes and a bouncy castle! We also went to Rochester to the Children's Museum....and had a blast!

JUNE: with the beautiful weather, we spent a lot of time outside with our new neighbours and family.....going to parks and playing with cousins!

JULY: Summer vacation! We went down east for two weeks to be with Rob's family....it was amazing...upon return, my work had a meeting and our program lost 10 full time positions.

July also brought two new cousins for Adrien.....our4th beautiful niece and my cousin's first child.

AUGUST: Adrien and I headed back to Nashville for Evan's birthday! I had my birthday and we went to festivals!

SEPTEMBER: Was busy....with learning a new job and trying to juggle things at home, I don't remember much about September though I know it was awesome!

OCTOBER: for Thanksgiving we decided to get away....we headed off to London and did all the attractions! We went to African Lion's Safari in the rain and had a blast trick or treating with our little skeleton. October was also the month that Rob took on an additional part time weekend overnight job.

NOVEMBER: another busy month, with Baptisms, Confirmations, family visiting and making hats!

DECEMBER: was really focused on family, visiting in Memere and some aunts, being with family and heading back to Nashville for Christmas.........

What a blessed year we have had, what wonder filled memories created.....the tears from sorrow and joy that have been shed and the pure amazement of the beauty that surrounds us......we are blessed.....

Wishing you all the health and happiness in 2011!

Bucci Photography, Dec 2010

2010-12-30T06:33:00.001-08:00

We got a chance to have some photos taken by my favourite photographer.....she's awesome......and got some fabulous shots of our super star!

Grandma

2010-12-18T05:45:00.001-08:00

Grandma is here and no one or anything else matters......he has his grandma and he is happy with the world!

Hats

2010-12-12T13:49:00.000-08:00

Running Over, singing

2010-12-12T13:37:00.000-08:00

Adrien's wonderful grandparents who loved him before us used to sing lots of songs to him. My favourite song is Running Over. We haven't sang it in a while but started again and he remembered it...hand motions included. This is him singing it haphazardly, he can sing it MUCH better...just wanted to share it!

Let it snow!

2010-12-12T13:23:00.000-08:00

Cause my boy loves playing in it!