Tuesday, November 8, 2011

A year ago today.....

A year ago today, we landed in Guangzhou, China to meet our daughter.  Upon picking up our luggage, we were told 'Surprise, we are going directly to the children!!'  We started rummaging through our luggage in the baggage claim area - it was total chaos!!

  
There were five families from across Canada on a bus headed to meet their children.  I remember taking pictures of everything we passed - apartment buildings, toll booths, shops.  I was so excited and nervous!!


Todd and Todd - about to become dad's for the first time!!
I think Todd and I will always remember that elevator ride up to the adoption office - crammed with the other parents, nervous and giddy.  And then the doors opened and there was tons of people (easily 50), crying children and crying parents (but for different reasons).  We didn't wait long, and we saw her for the first time.  I just remember saying 'Todd, that's her!  That's her!!'

Our first picture together (with a nanny fr the orphanage)

Our first family photo

Back at the hotel - not too sure what's going on
A year later and it's like she's always been with us.  Her transition from the orphanage into a family has been relatively smooth.   She's funny and loving to those she trusts.  She loves music and animals and dancing! A year ago today was the best day of my life.  Thank you Tahlia for opening your heart to us. You have made our family complete.

Nov 1, 2011

Tahlia's 2nd Birthday Party

My Grandfather, Tahlia and I
Tahlia and one of her best friends Bob


Wednesday, October 26, 2011

And we're back....

Wow, talk about taking a break!!  We've had a great summer and fall - working on the new farm property, celebrating Tahlia's 2nd birthday, starting playgroups, spending time with family, having baby alpacas and kittens - the list goes on!!

Tahlia is doing wonderfully.  She really is a total joy.  She is very determined and likes to 'organize' (aka boss) people and animals.  She plays well on her own and with me but we are working on playing with other children her age - she likes to hit.  Some-days I think we are getting there....but mostly I don't think we are.  :-)   

In July we had a wonderful (but too brief) visit with Todd, Laura and Lucas whom we traveled in China with.  We were so happy they called saying they'd be in Winnipeg.  Lucas is the same adventurous, loving, funny boy we met in China.  Tahlia wasn't too sure of everything, until he offered her a chocolate chip cookie!! 

I will write more soon (really I will!!), but I'll give you what you all really want - PICTURES!! 

Checking out the new baby alpaca

Look mom, I can climb up here all by myself!!  Can I drive??

First swing ride!!
Loving all our land!

Why can't I wear my rubber boots mom??
Corn on the Cob at the Threshermen's Reunion in Austin, MB

I'm the kitten whisperer!!  I LOVE kittens!! 

Monday, June 6, 2011

Just pictures for now....

Over 2 months ago??  I can't believe that's the last time I posted an entry!!  So sorry.  We're just off to swim lessons, but I thought I could get a few pictures up for you all at least :-)


First Alpaca Show - April 2011

Helping Dad on the tractor

Watching tv while having a snack

Friday, March 25, 2011

Busy with Life

I can't believe it's been so long since we last posted!  Tahlia went for a follow-up with the plastic surgeon last week and he said he'd see us again when she's 4 or 5 years old. O.K.....she's healing up nicely and to help the scarring we should gently rub the site for 2 minutes every day for a while.  Seriously???  I don't think Tahlia got the message.  I'm happy if I get 10-15 seconds in.  One side of her lip is slightly higher, but with this rubbing it may help. And as she grow, it may change as well.

6 weeks post surgery
She's a very busy little girl.  She spends her days walking around the house singing, eating, reading, eating, giving the dogs treats each morning, eating, playing tea party.  She currently has 2 molars and 1 other tooth coming in, so there has been a lot of snuggling and carrying her around this week.  She's understanding tons of what we say now - she'll get her ball, take items to daddy, look for the cat.  She's not saying many more words, but is pointing to what she wants, or pulling us over to it.  She's put on 4lbs since November and now 2ft 5inches.  Her hair is growing, but isn't long enough for pig tails yet!  We're starting swim lessons in 2 weeks - we think Tahlia is going to love it!  We've also have started going to a play group in a town close by - great way to meet other mom's in the area and let Tahlia play with other kids!

I need to be picked up!!!

My first chocolate chip cookie!!

Hard work eating two crackers at once!