OUR LITTLE LOVE BUG

Annabelle "cast her spell" on us almost a year ago...She stole our hearts and we became a family... She is truly our little love bug...whether in costume or not!

The gang goes trick or treating...a before and after!!

BEFORE
AFTER....

Ok.. girls, ready, set ...GO!!!!

Annabelle's first Halloween was made extra special as she spend it with best friend, Maelli. Thanks Mario...what a gentleman escorting the girls around the neighbourhood. Couldn't have done it without you! Hmmm... this is fun... you have someone drive you around and you just eat the candy as you go! Two giggly girls.. getting gigglier with every candy eaten....oh no!!! Notice how Annabelle has a candy in each hand...It's going to be a LONG evening....

The Love Bug attends Summer's Halloween Party!

She goes in style.... Her very own "carriage" driven by a Rock Star! What more could a Love Bug want... but candy!!!

A Thief in Action....

So... this is what she is up to when she thinks we're not looking ;0) She's a "smart cookie"...It is breakfast...perhaps I can convince them that this works...it is made of cereal after all!

Ozzy "Oborn"

My dearest husband...Need I say more.. I thought that Sven deserved his own post! PS - Yes, Annabelle was initially scared of Daddy and then began stroking his new "do". We prefer him as a blond I think ;0)...and clean cut!

One party down.. another one to go!!

Is that you, Maman?

Annabelle waking up from her nap only to find her gentle mom turning into a witch! She thought this was the fuuniest thing!

Help, help!

no.. the kids were not being held in prison for misbehaving... simply playing prison with the baby gates! Why play with toys when you can have so much fun with stuff in the house!

Excited for Halloween?

Our little diva...Poor Annabelle... and this marks only the first of many parties scheduled for the weekend. She did not appear too keen to head off to daycare as a ballerina... perhaps she will be more excited to attend the village's Halloween party tonight as a princess. She did see all the candy that we purchased (planning for close to 200 kids in our neighbourhood) and is doing her best to convince us that she should have some now (hence the exasperated look in this picture). Sorry... it was 8 o'clock in the morning... I'm all for treating her to a few goodies before the big day....but she did need to eat a wholesome meal to start off the day!

Yannik's Halloween masterpiece

Yannik and his "crafty" lady ;0) I think Annabelle doesn't know what to make of all these bizarre decorations... Can't wait to see her reaction on Sunday evening!

Happy Republic Day!!

The four New Brunswick families got our little ones together to celebrate Kazakhstan's Republic Day and to see how much they had grown and changed since we had last been together. These kids are simply amazing!!! Annabelle got into the action and prepared Blinchiki (Russian crepes) for the celebrations... As you can see... she takes her culinary tasks very seriously!

Annabelle giving meaning to the term "foodie"...

What are you staring at? Stop laughing and let me quietly enjoy this rather delicious lunch!!

What do you mean, a bath? Naahhhhh....

Why do I have the impression she finds me amusing!

Here we are, heading to daycare...I am actually the one dropping off Annabelle for the first time today. We have begun what I thought would be a slooooooow transition, but Annabelle is doing amazing. Yesterday she had her first nap there. She has loads of fun, plays well and eats well. No complaints! However, Sven has been the one dropping her off since she was pretty clingy to me. Success!!! With a heavy heart, I waved bye and said I would see her in a few hours. It is so reassuring that she now feels safe enough with us to be left with others. To us, this means quite a lot in terms of attachment.

Now.. I just wished I knew what she was thinking with that little mischievious smile she is giving me...

Swedish!

After all... I have a Swedish surname...might as well look the part.

Caught in the act.....!

The first of what will be Anna's many "accomplishments".... I have never heard her laugh so loudly in pure delight, such obvious joy of having "one over" her poor parents ;0) There goes the strategic mid-afternoon nap....We have been dreading her obvious prowess and gymnastic abilities... Yannik had never tried crawling out... but with Anna, it was just a matter of time. I imagine it is now time to convert the crib to a more age appropriate daybed...She is still beaming with delight as I show her these pictures.... little rascal...but we love her!!!

Apple picking time!!!

Apple picking is great... From Annabelle's point of you: you get to eat!!! From Yannik's point of view: You get to climb!!!



It's even more fun when your best friend comes along!!! Giggles, eating... but, picking... no, let's leave that to the grown ups.



I like to call this one "The Twilight Boys"... you'll understand if you're a fan of Stephanie Meyer's ;0))

A Child Like Me?

With saddened eyes and head bent low,
It's damaged goods most see.
With my unclear past and broken heart,
Who would want a child like me?

I watched her walk into the room,
From a distance I can see.
But dare I take a closer step?
Who would want a child like me?

And then I see her look my way.
She smiles so tenderly.
But do I even dare to drean,
She would want a child like me?

Amd then, as if I spoke out loud,
She approaches cautiously.
I try so hard to once believe,
She will want a child like me.

But dare I once let down my guard,
And trust that she will see,
Hiding beneath the old stained shirt,
Is a beautiful child like me?

My smile, they say, lights up a room.
I'll be good, as good can be.
Oh, please, dear God, let her want
A special child like me.

I feel her hand reach out for mine,
And within her eyes I see,
A single, tiny, shining tear,
Could she want a child like me?

And when she takes me in her arns,
With a warmth so pure and new,
She says the words I've prayed to hear,
"The child I want is you".

I have been reading Chicken Soup for the Adoped Soul and was moved to tears by thie entry...It reminded me so much of the first time we met Annabelle... her head bent down, eyes lowered until I gently probed her chin and saw those gorgeous eyes... She looked at us while the Director of the Baby House read a report about an unclear history, so many risks.. .so many unknowns.. and yet, we already knew everything we needed to know in our hearts. Thank you so much, Annabelle... for accepting "a mom like me".