She admires... from afar!

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?

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

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

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

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!

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...

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.