A Birthday date with Papa!

Annabelle turned 2 today!!! Unfortunately, she has caught a stomach bug which has impacted on today's celebrations. We couldn't take her out for pizza (her new favorite) or even indulge in some yummy birthday cake...Nonetheless, we found things to do to celebrate her special day. The girls met up with Sven at Tim's for a mid morning "date" and then hit the shops for some retail therapy. Hopefully we can organize a little get together over the weekend...but in the end, all that matters, is spending time together. Tonight, we are watching a Bunny movie (her pick!). Happy birthday little one!!!

Soon to be two!

This weekend, we celebrated Annabelle's upcoming 2nd birthday with my parents. I was a little sad that we missed her first milestone so thought, let's celebrate her second birthday twice ;0))...the first being with my folks. Here is my favorite pic...her looking up at balloons is just priceless....

WE ARE THE TRUTH!

This is our love letter to our daughter as part of the world wide campaign addressing the very sad situation of Artyem Saviliev’s abandonment and supporting the continuation of intercountry adoption. The "Tell the Truth" campaign is a way of relating successful stories of adoption. Ours is only one of many....actually countless stories of love and hope.
Our sweetest little Annabelle,

I hope that you will always know how much we love and cherish you, little one. When we first met you, I whispered in your ear that we promised to love you, respect you and protect you...always. We are so incredibly blessed to have you as a daughter. You have the sweetest soul and the kindest and most generous of hearts. Thank you for being so brave and opening your heart to us. You give your love so freely and we don't take it for granted. Hearing you say "maman, papa and Yaya" fills our hearts with joy. You are so beautiful, inside and out. Our journey to find you was not always smooth, but your love has made every bump in the road worth it. We prayed a long time to find you and our prayers were answered when we met you. God has a way of knowing who is perfect for each other and you are perfect for us. We are truly proud to be your parents...and know that maman, papa et Yannik t'aimeront toujours.

Paranoid mom...what red food allergy?

Phew... I just had the scare of my life. Annabelle came running into the office, her mouth full of red ooze. I thought, oh no, she is seriously hurt and yelled at Sven to come down and help since I was trying to get the bleeding to stop. Sven is far more levelled headed than me... he told Anna to open her mouth... and she proudly showed him the red smartie that she had found... She was sucking on it and the "blood" was running down her mouth. Foolish me...yes...but hey...she is no longer afrad of red foods ;0))

Our first outing alone without the kids....

Sven and I were asked to give a talk on our adoption experience on Friday night to a group of prospective adoptive parents. Since so many adoptive parents helped us along the way, we thought it was our turn to provide a helping hand. This meant that both Sven and I would be away... a first. Our kind neighbours were brave enough to babysit for us.... and it went fine... but wow... the reception we got when we went to pick them up. Annabelle ran if not sprinted into my arms and has been clingy every since. I feel for her so much. I'm afraid that she thought we had left her behind...even though Yannik was with her. She has been on best behaviour ever since though.. perhaps an outing once in a while is a good thing ;0)))

Our adorable children on Easter morning....

I look at these pictures and am filled with tears of joy...What sweet and kind souls our children have...You can see the love in their eyes... We have truly been blessed...Happy Easter to all!

A sweet little girl on Easter morning...

Annabelle's special dress