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".

Petite maman

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!

New members of the Oborn clan

Meet:
Mimi (Annabelle's choice), Rover (Yannik's choice), Olga (Jocelyne's choice) and... Thor (need I explain to whom that one belongs!). The kids are beyond excited right now!!!