The beauty of winter

What I always pictured Siberia would be like in winter...beautiful in the cold. I wish we could really capture the trees...they gleam like jewels....It's the most peaceful feeling to be walking at night and admiring them. Who needs a Chrismtas tree when you have these in your backyard!!!

(by the way, worth mentionning...that isn't ice on the branches...but frozen snow!)

Day 25 - The frustrated go shopping!

Sven and I woke up this morning frustrated at the lack of control we have over our lives while we're here. We're still waiting for news on our documents and timing is getting tight. We need them back in Petro by the 29th in order to go to court before Dec. 30th. If not, one little licence will have expired and it may need to be resent to Canada, thus delaying us another 2.5 weeks. Enough said... you can read between the lines.

We have been in this process for 3 years now...and we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. It is also that much more difficult...We now have met her...our dearest little girl... and we can't wait to begin our lives as a family. We know that in the grand scheme of things, what is two more weeks' delay when we have been patient for so long...but...we have been patient for so long. We have wanted this badly for so long. Sven said that when he looks at Mlle O and is sooo happy, he has to pinch himself since it feels somewhat surreal.

So...after ranting to Cindy this morning (ah yes...she thinks we've been the supportive ones...she has yet to realize how much they have been supporting us in all of this!!!)...we took her advice and hit the shops! She was right...making those first new purchases for Mlle O made us realize how lucky we are...We have met a beautiful and sweet little girl.

Yannik and I played secret Santa and had fun sneeking in some shopping for Papa. We bought momentoes of Petro for the little one. So, apart from shopping...what does one do to ease the pain... chocolate and sweets of course ;0)) Sven was quite a happy man by the time we came back.

We're also happy to report that things are finally settling in for the Lajoys...hearts are melting and a family of 5 may soon be a family of 7!!! I can't wait for all of our girls to meet each other...so much to look forward to... We just have to remind ourselves of that!!!

Day 24 - Yaya!!

Our visit began on a very high note today. Mlle O was beaming when I opened the door and just ran into my arms, not listening to the nurse's instruction to stop and put a sweather on... Mama was waiting!!! (now that we are only allowed to visit every other day, it is very telling...she misses us!!! We have also been looking at videos of her since we miss her so much on those days that we can't visit.)

Another BIG word in her new vocabulary: Yaya....Yannik!!! She was looking at the photo album very intently and pointing with her little finger and just exclaimed: Yaya!! At first, I wasn't sure...then she pointed at all of his pictures and asserted "Yaya, Yaya"...so, has officially christened her big brother.

He is just now arriving from the Lajoys. I just asked him what he thought of being known as "Yaya". He is over the moon... He exclaimed "she knows me, she knows me....I can't wait for her to come live with us." I think these are the best moments...to be forever treasured. I've always called Yannik = Yan..guess it will now be "Yaya"! She is also trying to mimick sounds.

"Speaking" of mimicking sounds, Sven is also a very good student!(I don't have the capacity to make some of the sounds required for Russian...) Irina was playing with Mlle O on her lap, singing a traditional lullaby and Sven picked it up just like that, after only a couple of attempts! I was quite impressed..and so was Irina. He will from now on be the designated lullaby singer.

Today, it is -37C. I gave a "Canadian Roots" hat to Cindy to keep her warm...she's now an honorary "Canuck" ;0)) We are meeting with them for supper tonight...oh scandal...at a restaurant other than the Pizza House. The staff will probably wonder what happened to us! We are meeting up at our other favorite place in town: Doner Cafe. It's our daily "family supper" of sorts ;0)) Don't know what we would do without them. We really look forward to seeying them every day.

On that note, have a nice weekend everyone!! Christmas is in exactly one week!!! (just to remind those last minute shoppers). There is certainly no mad dash to the shops here!)

PS - Hmmm....should have started a poll on those hats!! Everyone has e-mailed with their preferences,...so far, it's a tie between the second hat (black rimmed) and the red flower. Perhaps I'll have to ask Santa to be generous ;0)) Curiously, no one chose the "Russian fur" ;0)))

Truly embrassing the culture!

or....simply having fun! I can't wait to post these in Mlle O's hair!!! All the young girls wear these here with their beautiful dresses...ok...perhaps I'm too old to pull it off ;0))

Miscellaneous pics

No Dominic - it won't fit...it's for Mlle O!
The boys (Joshua and Yannik) oh so serious - shh...we're playing our DS!
Visiting Mlle O. with required attire!

Tribute to the pastries and candies of Petro!!!

The Lajoys and our family are sure indulging in all these sweet treats... The market in the Iceberg contains rows and rows of candy stalls, all so enticing! There seems to be more candy than food...yet the people here are very thin.

Sights of Petro at night