Learning from "Master Yannik"

Couldn't resist taking pictures of these two... Yannik is so interested in Star Wars... and now, is teaching his younger sister in the ways of the "force" ;0)) He is just too funny, saying the lingo from the movie. Watch out boys...there is a new "force" in the neighbourhood...she may be tiny, but she already has great moves... you should see her in action with that light saber!

Under the weather....but smiling

Little Anna has a bout of pneumonia. Sven had been feeling quite ill for the last week and Annabelle must have caught the bug. It was pretty upsetting for us to see her struggle during the last few days, but we are happy to report that she is doing so much better. She has been pretty isolated so today we took out Balou...he can put a happy face on anyone as you can see for yourself. Annabelle has made herself a new furry friend....and yes, those are still another pair of Yannik's rain boots ;0)

Siblings

It is soooo great to see how well these two are getting along... and in a bizarre way, even look alike!

Keeping the blog going...

Hi everyone,

Well, after spending two hours diligently typing everyone's e-mail addresses (my second go at it actually) in an attempt to put the blog private, I have given up. It will not cooperate with me and I am not the most patient person when it comes to the computer (Sven will vouch for that). So, for now...I will keep it public as it appears that many of you still appreciate receiving "Anna updates" from all the e-mails that we have received. Thanks to everyone for your kind words. I will try to post often...Annabelle likes seeying her pictures and it is fun for us to see how much progress she is making when we look back. I have just received her "blog book" and got pretty emotional when I read the posts from Kazakhstan. We have come a long way... and we look forward to the journey ahead of a family of four.

Love, Jocelyne

My big brother's boots!

I love boots, any boots, even my big brother's boots... and they can't stop me from dancing the night away ;0))) (thankfully, Yannik seems to be enjoying dancing with her despite losing his boots for the day)

Red, red... I see red!!!

Yahoo!!! Annabelle gets a taste of her first RED food... be it an odd choice, my beloved cranberry juice. She actually loved it and requested more. We have finally convinced her that not all red foods are bad!!!

Gotta have wheels!

Thank you, Bowden family, for giving Annabelle a free "ride" ;0) She is enjoying all her new wheels (police car is her favorite so far)....Yannik decided to get in the action too. As ever the devoted big brother, he lent a helping hand to Annabelle.

Gee..Tim Hortons muffins are soooo good!

Annabelle's fuller cheeks ;0)))

Progress report!

Well... it appears that little Anna is packing on the pounds! She has gained 2 lbs in 3.5 weeks, has grown at least 3-4 cm and her head circumference has increased significantly as well in that short period of time. Life in Canada must be agreeying with her... or perhaps it is discovering ice cream!!! But, for now...eat, little Anna, eat! She is still not on the chart in terms of weight for North American standards ...but is now well over the 25% in height. Our little one is growing before our very eyes.

She is still refusing to eat anything red... which is ironic since according to the doctors in Petro she is allergic to red foods. I try to convince her...She shows curiousity but then vigorously shakes her head when I present her with the offensive bit of red or pink food.

Word of the day: frère (brother) which she has been screaming all day along much to our delight. I catch her practicing sounds quite a bit and then she grins at me since she is so proud of herself. It is incredible to see her developping and learning so much, so quickly.

Our Little Fashionista

Today, Annabelle and I went shopping to check out the new spring fashions. Our little gal has quite the fashion sense. I tried on a few tops and she would say "da" or "non". Well...the sales clerk must have thought what is going on in that changing room.. Ot one point, she adamantly said "non, non", shaking her head very excitedly. Must admit...she was right..did nothing for my complexion ;0))) I laughed so hard... and then she did. We were making tons of noise.

Yael told me that I now have little girlfriend to go shopping with... I agree... I will follow her fashion sense..she has more than I do.

Only she could get away with this outfit ;0))) She reminds me of Pippi Longstockings/Fifi Brindacier who Yannik loves so much ;0) A Kaz girl with a touch of Swedish and French...perfect! As for the other pic,...she is just a happy kid!

Winter or spring?

Mom is all confused with the seasons...but it's warm one minute and cold the next!

Beginning of a beautiful friendship

Annabelle meets a new friend, Anne-Sophie. You can tell from the picture...the gals got along quite well ;0)) Un bisou, un calin....If only everyone could get along this well! We hope that this is the beginning of the same beautiful friendship that Matthieu and I share. The girls are only a few months apart in age.

With Mémère et Pépère

Go Canada go!!

Annabelle got her first taste of REAL canadiana last night... screaming parents cheering on the Canadian Hockey Team to gold. She probably thought... what is going on with these usually laid back folk... but by the time Crosby made his memorable shot, she was clapping enthousiastically as well!!! Anna has been a member of our family now for some weeks now....but now really understand what is means to be Canadian ;0))) (you go crazy for hockey!)

Her word of the week: Canada...probably because maman has been yelling it at the TV all week.

She has shown keen interest in ice dance as well as hockey and just grins and waves at all the "friends" on the TV. As we were watching the closing ceremonies and seeying the Russian presentation of Soshi, we thought how beautiful it is to see the world come together (as cliche as that sounds)...For us, as a family of Swedish, French, Kaz/Russian ethnicities, seeying those flags together had special meaning.

Lastly....proud to be Canadian, Anna...but more importantly, proud to be your parents!

We have decided not to post publically anymore....as we begin our real family life. I plan on making the blog private in a few weeks. I was able to transfer the blog into a book for Annabelle as a gift to her when she is older...I really wanted to do that for her. For those still interested in receiving updates on our private blog, please e-mail us and I'll send you an invitation. You have time...I'll wait a couple of weeks...just reach us by hitting the CONTACT US button. Thanks everyone for reading and for your support while we were overseas...it meant the world to us to know that we were surrounded by people who cared for our family when we felt so isolated and homesick... Thank you....Merci, Tack sa mycket and Spasiba!!!