Our Kazakhstan Journey

New Year's Eve traditional gift exchange

2011-12-31T22:21:00.003-04:00

In keeping with russian/kazak tradition, we each received a small gift this New year's eve. For Annabelle, that meant a new pair of Kaz boots that we had picked up during our stay there.

Dejeuner du Pere Noel 2011

2011-12-11T12:06:00.001-04:00

Snegurochka!!

2011-12-11T11:49:00.000-04:00

Our very own Snegurochka (Russian Snow Maiden). We purchased this outfit in Petropavlovsk two years ago, thiniking how big it was at the time.! According to Russian tradition, Ded Moroz (Saint Niick) and his grandaughter, Snegurochka, distribute gifts on New Year's Eve. Annabelle, on the other hand, thought she was dressing as Cinderella ;0)

Holiday Season 2011 has begun!!!!

2011-11-27T16:54:00.005-04:00

Annabelle's new daycare picture

2011-11-20T19:46:00.000-04:00

Annabelle, age 3!

les demoiselles Raiponce et Blanche Neige

2011-10-29T15:00:00.003-03:00

Getting ready for the ball?

2011-10-29T13:35:00.000-03:00

Annabelle and her accessories

2011-10-13T20:01:00.002-03:00

Princesse Annabelle

2011-09-11T13:57:00.005-03:00

It already feels like Halloween at the Oborn house...She sure does make a beautiful Repunzel!!

Return to school/end of August 2011

2011-09-06T19:08:00.004-03:00

Morning - return to school!!! Yannik is a proud second grader

Relaxing before returning to school

Annabelle's favorite princess!!!

Petite maman

2011-08-21T10:44:00.002-03:00

In our Sunday best for Maryse's wedding

2011-08-14T12:41:00.002-03:00

Annabelle looking very sweet and lovely in her new ballerina dress:

Our new family photo:

Cumberland, PEI, August 2011

2011-08-08T08:31:00.020-03:00

Our view from the living room!

Ah.. this is relaxing!

Annabelle making friends!

Our brave knight!

Plus fort Papa!

Surfing!

Digging for supper

A New Kaz friend!!!

our Hippo tour

The gang enjoying a cruise on the water

Silly siblings

Boys, being boys....playing in the dirt (red sands!)

Mlle Oborn strolling... in the water!

Did Sven find himself a new "curvy" woman?

A nice supper with family and friends, enjoying the beautiful scenery of PEI

Our first camping trip - North Conway, August 2011

2011-08-08T08:15:00.012-03:00

Annabelle is ready to go!

Yannik enjoying a new mode of travelling around the Saco River Campground

Walking to some gorgeous falls and taking breaks along the way... so peaceful and beautiful

I love this picture of the two of them!

Meeting Cendrillon...mamam, she speaks French!!!

In complete awe!

Annabelle having a "ball"

Our "rocking" dude!

Hey...our favorite monkey is here as well!!!

Lots of fun for everyone...tons of giggles, marshmellows, meeting new friends...very memorable in lots of ways.

Camping in a tutu ;0)

2011-07-17T19:08:00.001-03:00

But, Maman...one cannot cycle without one's purse!

2011-07-06T20:38:00.002-03:00

Our Anna, precious as always :)...just like her Mom!!!

A picnic amongst friends

2011-07-03T11:26:00.002-03:00

Am so happy to have been invited! Perhaps we will take the festivities outside this afternoon :)

Oh Canada!!!

2011-07-01T14:32:00.002-03:00

The girls!

2011-06-28T21:20:00.000-03:00

Our girly girl...always!

2011-06-26T20:39:00.002-03:00

One day when you are older Annabelle, we are going to spoil ourselves to a day at a Russian spa!!!

Papa and his girl enjoying our pretty flowers

2011-06-26T14:00:00.002-03:00

I guess one thing about all this rain... they do make the flowers grow!

Sunday morning at Tim Horton ...and a special treat

2011-06-12T13:01:00.002-03:00

Thinking to myself...who is really sweeter, the kids...or the donuts!!! The kids, of course :)

Got the kids a plasma car as a treat today and they've been "rolling" down our hallways ever since!

Our handsome fellow!

2011-06-11T20:42:00.002-03:00

Annabelle's first soccer lesson!!

2011-06-06T19:17:00.007-03:00

Annabelle et le meilleur coach au monde... Papa!!!

Est-ce que cela me va bien, maman?

Une autre superstar du football!

Ahhh....H2O!

Souvenir of Annabelle's third birthday!

2011-05-14T14:20:00.005-03:00

These two best friends also turn 3 only a few weeks apart... so it's fitting that they should have their 3rd birthday photo shoot together. Annabelle had great fun being silly for the camera!!!

Happy Mother's Day!!!

2011-05-08T18:15:00.000-03:00

Celebrating the best job in the world: MOM!!!

Annabelle fete ses 3 ans!

2011-05-08T17:57:00.005-03:00

A tiny fairy...just for tiny Annabelle....and lots of princess shoes, jewellery and make-up = a very happy Anna celebrating with her best friend!

A radiant Annabelle

2011-05-02T19:04:00.004-03:00

How could anyone be grumpy when you are on the receiving end of this big, beautiful smile! Thanks for making me smile too, petite Belle.

No more tricycles!

2011-04-30T19:02:00.000-03:00

Best Friends Forever!!!

2011-04-27T19:43:00.004-03:00

Our little monkey....

2011-04-27T19:36:00.004-03:00

...is a natural according to her coach. Anna began Tumbling Toddler classes and is having tons of fun discovering her abilities!

Train rides and sleeping go together!

2011-04-26T20:45:00.001-03:00

Jeannot Lapin!

2011-04-26T20:44:00.001-03:00

Pretty hat for a pretty girl!

2011-04-26T20:39:00.000-03:00

Shop till you drop!

2011-04-16T18:36:00.001-03:00

What do you mean... YOU two have to relax!

2011-03-12T10:17:00.002-04:00

Oh, yes... we are blessed with two comedians... They didn't think that Mom needed to relax as much as they did.. Playing and running is a hard life ;0) When I told them that I now wanted to trade places and be the kid and them the parents, they were however pretty quick to protest ;0)))

A Good Sport!

2011-03-07T17:26:00.003-04:00

How prettier Papa looks when adorned with Princess stickers!

Living the life of leisure

2011-03-06T12:36:00.003-04:00

Yannik made a "boat" for Annabelle so that she could go on a cruise, just like her best friend! I tried to climb in the boat, but it appears that neither Mom nor Dad could actually fit it in... That's ok, Sven and I will gladly sit on the couch! They do appear to be enjoying their life of leisure very much.

Valentine's Day cuties

2011-02-20T12:06:00.002-04:00

Cindy Lou...the littlest Who?

2011-02-09T17:31:00.002-04:00

A friend mentionned Anna's striking similarity to the Grinch's littlest Who....I think she has enough charm to melt any old Grinch's heart!

A new reality!

2011-02-06T09:49:00.005-04:00

A year ago today we arrived back to Canada as a new family. In lots of ways, for a very long time after that, it still felt surreal...still part of the adventure, with the adrenaline still pushing us full steam ahead. We had survived so many highs and lows during the last 3 years...asking oursevles whether we were kidding ourselves, would this really ever happen, facing deep loss and sadness after our first trip, then quickly switching gears to fully embrace the wonders of a cold siberian winter and more importantly, FINALLY meeting the newest memeber of our family. The first year marked so many firsts... and, in lots of ways, really meant getting to know each other. Now a year later, it feels so good to have settled in our new reality as a family of four! Life is back to normal, but that's not so bad. After such an emotional adoption journey, it just feels SO nice to take a deep breath and enjoy this new journey... as a family!

Mine....all mine!

2011-01-27T18:16:00.005-04:00

Hey....what do you mean it's your cake?

For someone who was allegedly allergic to sugar, it hasn't stopped her from indulging! Notice her bandage...she was quite proud of it and didn't want to take it off ;0) I assume that she now thinks she looks like a hockey star.... and she is....at least, on the Oborn rink.

Bonne fete Maman...

2011-01-25T19:46:00.002-04:00

What more could a Mom want... but to be serenaded by the sweetest of voices ;0)

I came home from daycare today...with a new hairstyle!

2011-01-21T15:52:00.002-04:00

I think Anna's daycare providers are happy with Annabelle's longer locks....I went to pick her up today.. and was greeted by a Anna sporting a new "do".

Hmm.. not too sure about this....

2011-01-18T19:10:00.002-04:00

...but away we go! Here are Yannik and Annabelle trying out Sven's first attempt at an outdoor rink.

Hooray for Hockey!

2011-01-14T20:29:00.000-04:00

Girl talk

2011-01-14T20:27:00.000-04:00

The gals catching up on each other's busy day!

Close-up of my Matryoshka pendant

2011-01-02T14:41:00.001-04:00

For Diane ;0))

Sven had it customed made by a local artisan. He simply provided a picture of what we had in mind. It turned out exactly like I wanted.. I love her cheaks. I just regret not having one made for Anna.. something I plan on rectifying for her birthday. It's unique and whimsical and I'm sure that it will mean the world to her as it does to me.

Engineer like Papa?

2011-01-02T13:42:00.003-04:00

A very talented young lady! She shows alot more skill than her Mom... She beemed with delight as surpassing her mom's abilities!

Curls!

2011-01-02T13:39:00.003-04:00

Remember that post about my feeling like I stood out in Petro because of my curls....Must be all psychological... little Anna's beautiful blond curls ;0)

New Year's Eve celebrations

2010-12-31T20:05:00.007-04:00

A quiet evening home after hectic holidays!

A new tradition...In keeping with Anna's heritage, we each received one gift today...They actually exchange gifts on New Year's eve in Kaz and Russia.

A lovely supper

Sven's true colors.. a roar when Sweden won Canada....hmmm....

Anna opening her gift

Russian building blocs!

As if we didn't have enough snow... Yannik can now make his own! Science at its best.

Our little rascals... being rascals!

2010-12-30T17:40:00.004-04:00

Who are you calling subborn? I just do what he does!!!

Ah....but we can't keep it up... we are too silly to be stubborn ;0)

Ah... and we love each other too much!!

Quiet boxing day....

2010-12-26T12:12:00.006-04:00

New toys to play with... Papa and Maman relaxing, awaiting the 20-30 cm of snow that is expcted to fall within the new day.... Yannik can't wait to try out his new snowboard.. and Sven, of course, his new Gnome hat. Think that Maman and Anna will happily stay indoor and play with her new dolls! Merry Christmas everyone...enjoy your time with family!!!

Bon anniversaire petite Belle

2010-12-26T12:04:00.003-04:00

We took time to celebrate our first anniversary as a family. We sang Bonne Fete and presented Annabelle with a little present. A year ago...seems so far away now... Our driver's car had broken down.. we had walked to court on a rather cold Christmas morning... nervous and excited at the same time....and had returned exhausted to see our new daughter a few hours later. We've had some challenging times during the last week....perhaps it made me realized how much indeed we cherish our little Belle...Happy first anniversary little one....we love you with all our hearts!

Christmas morning

2010-12-26T11:53:00.006-04:00

Chaotic but fun...Annabelle timidly opened her first gift. It took a few before she got into the fun ;0) I believe that Yannik showed her the way. Every gift was much appreciated!

The parents had been on Santa's nice list as well!
My special Babushka pendant from Annabelle and Yannik... I will cherish it!

We know how much Sven appreciate a good "mug" of tea... and anything Scandanavian! Cheers honey!

Christmas Eve pictures - Our first real Christmas together!

2010-12-26T11:41:00.006-04:00

They are so sweet together...my heart melts!

All giddy with anticipation...

Last year, Annabelle spent Christmas holidays at the orphanage...This year, we hope that we created new special memories.... of family! Annabelle did amazingly well... better than her parents ;0) She was a model child during a wonderful Christmas service and was just amazed at all the new sights.

Team Canada's new recruit

2010-12-18T15:53:00.005-04:00

We know too well the HUGE rivalry in hockey between the Russians and Canadians....and can't help but smile that we've managed to recruit this promising recruit to the Canadian side.. Go Annabelle go!!!!

In other hockey news, Mr. Yannik Oborn scored 9 goals this morning!!! He's glowing! Yannik and good friend Samuel are encouraging Annabelle along! Samuel has even taught his young protege the art of provoking the opposing team... Little Anna is now proudly telling him: " Ah...come on"!!! ;0)))

My new Petro hat!!!!

2010-12-14T17:29:00.003-04:00

Thank you ma tante Yael for my new hat from Petro, via Paris....I love it and will cherish it! My mom assures me that Kaz has the prettiest hats in the world ;0)

The trick is to find a Santa that speaks your language!

2010-12-12T20:09:00.006-04:00

Common sense...provide me a Santa that I can talk to and I will glady sit on his lap ;0) (This one spoke French). Still the same request: zhu zhu pet! She says it with such conviction... I am sure that Santa can make that happen.

(For clarification... see the one in the picture - it's Yannik's. Bet you that Yannik can't wait for Santa to provide Annabelle with her very own as well!!!)

PJ party!

2010-12-12T20:05:00.001-04:00

Is it just me... or are these two looking more like each other with each passing day!

Holiday Baking!

2010-12-05T10:36:00.004-04:00

The tiny chefs at work! What fun... squishing dough... and counting marshmellows... Hmmm... better double check that count.. seems to be that there are a few that ended up in their bellies instead of the plate ;0)

Finally...me...not to be outdone ;0) Who knew that making truffles was such a dirty job (but hmmm.. yummy too)

Progress report... and the power of love!

2010-12-02T07:00:00.005-04:00

We just had our assessment with the Children's Rehabilitation Team and Annabelle passed with flying colors!! We were being overcautious and had requested an assessment to make sure that she was on track and to basically throw away that old medical report. We are delighted to report that Annabelle is exactly where she should be for her age.. no delays (not a big surprise.. she's been amazing us from the start) and is even advanced for her age. She is now even catching up on the infamous growth chart...went from -3% to 25%....a big deal for such a tiny little person!

Isn't love just amazing! Give a child love, attention, support and they will just amaze you. The Baby House in Petro was inspiring in so many ways, but like its director, Dr. Rhimma, explained to us.."They do their best... but it's not like being loved by your family". In the last few weeks, Sven and I have been reminiscing quite a bit about our trip and looking at the photographs and videos of Anna and are amazed at the changes. Annabelle is just so eager to learn. It's heartwarming to see her clapping her hands with excitement every time she pronounces a new word in French. I have also concluded that French may be a difficult language to learn...I think that Sven would agree ;0)) I have to give kuddos to my dear husband here... He undertook to speak only French to both kids (no easy task) and has amazed me by sticking it out. Annabelle's language abilities are in a way a testament to his hard work as well. Bravo Papa!!

Our only complaint... she's lost the "Da!" that Sven and I so loved to hear. It's now been replaced with "oui, oui".

She admires... from afar!

2010-11-30T19:06:00.003-04:00

Annabelle was so excited to see Pere Noel that she ran right up to him and began saying Poupee and Zhu zhu pet. I thought wow.... not scared of him at all... let's get a picture taken... Well... it's one thing to happily recite the most wanted toys on your wish list.. it's another to actually want to stay on his lap. Sven and I ended up having to be both in the picture and she never once cracked a smile....That's ok Annabelle... I think that Santa has fond memories of your visit in any event!

Frosty?

2010-11-27T20:56:00.003-04:00

Isn't there a story about a special snowman made of the first snow of the season?...Hmmm... perhaps we'll keep an eye on this rather nice fellow! Here is Yannik and friend Kate's creation....made of the first snow!

Anna attends her first Santa Clause Parade

2010-11-27T20:45:00.003-04:00

What a magical experience for Anna... and with huge snowflakes falling...it was perfect! She waved at all the floats as they went by and immediately recognized the big red fellow. In short, a beautiful evening.

The First Time Ever We Saw Your Face

2010-11-24T07:41:00.002-04:00

Petite Belle,
One year ago today, Papa, Maman and Yannik anxiously waited in a small office at the Baby House, holding our breathes until the nurse brought you in... the most beautiful little girl we had ever seen, sweet, delicate and shy. I had been so nervous until I looked up and met those gorgeous blue eyes of yours and my heart melted. It's a moment that we will never forget. I remember the first time I saw your Papa's smiling face, the first time Yannik opened his eyes... and the first time you looked up at me. The most cherished moments are the simplest ones. In lots of ways, it still feels like yesterday... yet a whole year as just flown by. You remain a pretty in pink little girl, just like the first time we saw you... but we like to think that there is now a sparkle in your eyes.

It's the first important anniversary to mark... with another one at Christmas. We've had so many unforgettable firsts this year little one, but the most cherished one remains... the first time ever we saw your face!

We love you Annabelle,
Papa, Maman et Yannik

Annabelle's first "school" picture

2010-11-23T19:15:00.001-04:00

Only age two... but here is her first "school" picture, which was taken at daycare.

Anna's reaction when seeying Santa in the parade...on TV!

2010-11-21T19:10:00.005-04:00

Toronto's Annual Santa Clause Parade was quite a hit.. Squeels of delight, clapping and dancing....boy... I can't wait to see her reaction when he passes right in front of our door!!! The New Maryland firemen host a charity drive with a small Santa parade that goes in every neighbourhood. Two years ago, Santa was so delighted with Yannik's reaction that he jumped off his float and came to our front door to say hello. It's so funny to see Annabelle react this way to Santa Clause... but I really do think that the orphanage made Christmas extra special for the children... Sadly, I wonder if this was one of Anna's only really special time and that is why she reacts so strongly to him. You can bet that we will make this Christmas special...but not because of Santa... new memories of family to enjoy!!!

How quickly a year "flies" by...

2010-11-21T09:04:00.004-04:00

Remember this? A year ago today, we were leaving for Petro, nervous and excited... and just hoping for the best the second time around. I just looked at the old posts and had tears in my eyes, knowing how far we have come. For me, it also meant overcoming alot of fears....the most important one being a fear of flying!!! Having to make that journey to Kaz not once but twice had confirmed in my heart how much I was looking forward to embracing another little one in our family. Today, no flights planned...just attending Yannik's hockey practice, the FOUR of us!!! Taking pleasure in the little things.

Taking photographs of a 2 year old can be challenging!

2010-11-20T19:16:00.003-04:00

The first snowfall had us in cheerful mood... so we began decorating the house and the kids looked so sweet that I thought it would be nice to have a photo session.... Well....Annabelle is being less cooperative than she used to be... and this was the result: One rather cute picture of both kids... but our def. favorite: tong out... telling us what she thinks of being photographed ;0)) We were laughing so hard. She is rather quite pleased with her picture! We went through a rascal phase with Yannik....looks like we are entering it with Anna!

First snowfall of the season....

2010-11-20T16:05:00.004-04:00

The first snow of the season can put anyone in a great mood...Too bad the joy and wonder doesn't last till March ;0)

Annabelle's take on Christmas decorating

2010-11-19T11:16:00.005-04:00

Ok.. let's see... First I decorate Maman, then my belly... and then, yes....cannot forget Papa!! Annabelle discovered our stash of Christmas labels and thinks everyone would be prettier if decorated... Perhaps she is on to something ;0)

The Petro gal knows her stuff

2010-11-16T19:47:00.006-04:00

I found this hat at a local discount store and just couldn't stop laughing... Sven thought it reminded him of Petro and at $4 we thought it would be fun. When I got home and showed it to Anna and said... so, what does this remind you of?... do you think I can pull it off? She immediately burst out laughing and said "Nooooooooo" and then thought it was the funniest thing. We all roared when Sven said "well, Annabelle, you know the real fur from the fake don't you!" and she just burst out laughing with him again! In any event.. I will still proudly wear my $4 hat to keep me warm... but...here is a reminder of the beautiful one in Petro... I agree with Anna... there REALLY is no comparison is there! As I am taking out our winter gear for the season ahead, I am nostalgic of those beautiful Petro hats....but certainly not of that bitter cold!

Coucou...

2010-11-15T20:11:00.002-04:00

A skateboard for two!

2010-11-15T16:46:00.002-04:00

Matryoshka fabric

2010-11-14T18:12:00.004-04:00

The search is over!!!Thank you for your tips everyone. I finally found a beautiful matryoshka fabric on E-Bay appropriately called ADOPTION GIRL!!! With a title like that... it was calling out to me. I think it will be beautiful with her new print. There is a ton of fabric and decals on both Etsy and E-Bay. It was my first experience with both sites ... oh no... Poor Sven... new worlds to discover ;0))

Getting into the mood for Christmas!

2010-11-14T15:36:00.004-04:00

Santa arrived at the shopping centre today...with Shrek... A bit odd...but we nonetheless ventured out to see what the fuss was about. She couldn't care less for the big green guy...but boy was she excited to see Santa. She exclaimed ho ho ho! I was amazed! That memory still lingers from the Christmas pageant at the baby house. I do wonder what else she remembers. When I show her pictures of our time in Kazakhstan, she never shows any reaction.... It was interesting to see that she does still remember some stuff.

In any event, the line up was way too long today, but I promised both kids that we would be returning list in hand very soon. After all.. the big guy is here for a while! More importantly, we picked up our Christmas Angel and Yannik and I shopped for a special little boy... hopefully we will make his Christmas a little brighter. As for Yannik, we told him to keep his list short... we already received our Christmas present and she keeps on giving and giving!

Our nod to Petro

2010-11-13T08:00:00.006-04:00

A year ago, we were frantically getting prepared to travel to the land of fur... Petro's residents wored it so beautifully...hats, coats, boots and yes, dresses! I couldn't pass this latest Kijiji buy.. It seemed well "fitting" for Annabelle to have a taste of fur....fake fur that is ;0) She certainly pulls it off.. The women of Petro had such a great style... they made everything look beautiful and effortless... Annabelle is a Petro gal after all and I hope that she will always remain a Petro gal at heart!

Then....while out Christmas shopping... we found this amazing print for Anna's room. It was just too perfect. We are really trying to mix both worlds so that she can appreciate her roots once a bit older. But let's face it, I want her little girl's room to be fun and whimsical...just like her! (I would love to find some Babushka fabric... if anyone knows where to find some, could you please e-mail us.)

Dancing the night away!

2010-11-10T20:37:00.005-04:00

Dancing the night away at the Oborn house! I had been eyeing this cute little guy for a while.. but at $100 just couldn't justify it! Ah, patience... a 90% off sale and he came home with me. He dances to Michael Jackson's Thriller... well.. who can resist Michael Jackson.. not even Annabelle. She has found herself a new dancing partner. Everyone got into the action. A family of goofs.. that we are... but we also have loads of fun!

A Man and his Castle

2010-11-09T17:15:00.002-04:00

These Crazy Forts were such a big hit that we ended purchasing another one... Perhaps Yannik will be an engineer like his Dad...he really impressed us. He made this one all by himself... a castle for his baby sister...Creative and kind!

Some good old R&R

2010-11-07T14:22:00.005-04:00

Everyone needs some R&R in a while...especially after having received your first flu shot. Annabelle was really out of sorts all weekend...the flu shot seems to have really affected her. She is grumpy and when she is not...she wants to rest. She couldn't even make it through a car ride home.. hence, the interesting sleeping attire!

Speaking of sleeping, the engineers in the family (Sven and Yannik) built an igloo with Crazy Forts and now both Annabelle and Yannik plan on camping out in the living room tonight. As for Mom.. she plans on more traditional sleeping accomodations...but I can't wait to see how long they will last ;0)

OUR LITTLE LOVE BUG

2010-10-31T20:37:00.003-03:00

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!!

2010-10-31T20:32:00.004-03:00

BEFORE
AFTER....

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

2010-10-31T20:18:00.008-03:00

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!

2010-10-31T20:12:00.005-03:00

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....

2010-10-31T08:49:00.006-03:00

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"

2010-10-30T20:41:00.004-03:00

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!!

2010-10-30T20:36:00.004-03:00

Is that you, Maman?

2010-10-30T17:13:00.004-03:00

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!

2010-10-30T16:37:00.003-03:00

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?

2010-10-30T07:34:00.003-03:00

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

2010-10-27T18:57:00.003-03:00

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!!

2010-10-24T19:54:00.004-03:00

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"...

2010-10-15T18:23:00.003-03:00

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!

2010-10-14T13:30:00.003-03:00

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!

2010-10-08T13:18:00.002-03:00

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

Caught in the act.....!

2010-10-04T13:26:00.006-03:00

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!!!

2010-10-03T18:31:00.007-03:00

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?

2010-10-02T20:10:00.006-03:00

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".

Petite maman

2010-09-30T08:57:00.003-03:00

I am struck by how fitting her name is: Annablle Rose...She is a pretty in pink little girl. We are trying to get as many pictures of her as possible to match the albums and albums we have for Yannik. Thanks to a tip from a friend, I also have blown up the earliest pictures we have of her.. those provided by the Baby house and have them proudly displayed. She now will have baby pictures as well!!! Thankfully we have a little girl who likes to pose....since we love to take pictures of her!