Yahoo!

School is out!

Summer is here!

No more tattles

'Til school next year!

Yahoo!

This past week has been very busy There are so many things that have to get done the last week of school. It is a fun week with many social activities for students and teachers, but it is also a very exhausting week.

Last Sunday, Aimée had her baptismal. I can't say it went as well as I might have hoped... but it was o.k. First of all, I had caught the dreaded flu virus that had been circulating in the grade one classes for 2 weeks. Thank heavens my parents were down for the weekend. They kindly helped out with Aimée while I was barfing my brains out! This is why I look a little pasty in the pictures. Aimée was very very squirmy and was not terribly impressed that the deacon poured water over her head. I think she was also a little annoyed that she couldn't play a little in the water.

Aimée and Hannah had the opportunity to dress up for the first time. I am not sure who had more fun... the mommies or the little girls?

Tinker Hannah

Princess Aimée


Aimée was soooo pleased with herself. Without a word of exaggeration, she kept kissing herself in the mirror.

My father replaced my old 15 litre toilet to an efficient 6 litre toilet. Thanks so much Dad! The toilet, (if you can get excited about a toilet) is awesome. The reviews say that it can virtually flush down just about anything. This is very good as Aimée loves to experiment with the toilet. I just have to make sure she doesn't get sucked down the drain!

Why not put a picture of your new toilet on your blog?

We went to CHEO's Teddy Bear Picnic on Saturday. There was so much to see and do.

Aimée brought her teddy bear for a check-up.

The doctors say Bear will be just fine.

They wrapped his belly with gauze and gave him some honey medication.

Aimée loves carousels.

Such a big girl!

All worn out from all the fun.

Lots and lots of new toys from Tracey and her boys. Thanks Tracey!

Aimée does not like hot weather. Nor does she like wearing hats. I can't help but wonder what she would do if she was still in Vietnam.

Have I mentioned recently how much I love this little girl?

Hot Fun In the Summer Time!

Now that Aimée and I are feeling better, we are having tons of fun in the sunshine. Thank you so much for all of your encouragement and nose wiping tips!

Park Fun!

School BBQ Fun

(playing with money is always fun)

Pool and Eating Fun!

Picnic Fun!

Best of Friends Fun

Sand, Snot and Student Report Cards

There you have it, our week in five words or less!

Aimée caught a nasty flu from daycare. Her eyes and nose have been producing really nasty stuff. We are both quite exhausted because she is not sleeping very well. She has been looking so pitiful, especially in the morning when her entire face is covered in dry snot (even her eyebrows and eyelashes are covered in the stuff). If you have any tips on cleaning a screaming baby's snotty face please let me know ASAP.
Poor Baby Girl!

We have been still trying to get out every day either to the park or playing in our backyard. I have been sweeping up buckets and buckets of sand from the bathroom, living room, basement, crib, bathtub, and so on. I love watching Aimée happily play in the sand; but, I cannot stand the gritty feeling it causes on my feet when it is sprinkled all over the house afterwards.

Hannah blowing kisses

Last week, was probably the toughest week since I have been back at work. I think I may be fighting the same flu as Aimée. Whether it is the flu or simply being a working mom, I have been absolutely exhausted. I feel just like I did with my mono a year ago, except now I have the added bonus of being achy all over. I am overwhelmed. There are so many things that are needing to get done both at home and at work. The most pressing one being Report cards. They are due in a couple of days. I am trying to ignore all the things that need to be done at home until I get more sleep. Aimée does seem to be on the mend. Hopefully, she will be sleeping better very soon.

Here are two pictures taking of her in her high chair. They were taken exactly a year apart. Boy, has Aimée grown!!!!

June 7, 2008

June 7, 2009

May 26th, 2008.

A year ago yesterday, Aimée and I officially became a family. I have been on an incredible high reminiscing over every single detail of those first few days with Aimée. It meant so much to me that my mother was here to celebrate with us.
We celebrated our first "Gotcha Day" in a way we never dreamed possible. We met up with Hoa Binh's orphanage director, Thuy(TDH in country facilitator), TDH staff, familiar adoptive families and a group of special delegates from Vietnam for a picnic that just happened to be organized by TDH for May 26. Between you and me, I secretly told Aimée that all these people were really here for OUR special day. But really, could it be any more perfect!!!! It was so awesome to visit with everyone there!
Last evening, we had a special Vietnamese meal for dinner and shared drinks and cake with friends. Just when I thought our day could not get any sweeter it did. Hannah called Aimée by her name for the first time. "Maymay!" It deeply touched my heart. In that moment, I finally found the answer to a nagging question. On occasion, I have worried and wondered if my love alone was enough for Aimée. Hannah reminded me that Aimée has so much more than that. She has a large number of tremendously loving friends and family in her little life. All of whom she would not know if things were any other way. I went to bed last night full of peace and pride. Aimée and I are doing terrific. She is a very happy little girl full of love. I know this is where she belongs.

If there was any doubt as to whether the Vietnamese

officials really cared about the children...

Jacqueline and Sadie

Hélène, Manon and Dorinda from TDH

Feeding Maman

Feeding Mémère

Girls from Hoa Binh with director and delegates.

Hannah, Cindy and Aimée and I

Thuy and representative from the People's Committee

Cindy, Grandma and Hannah

Samantha, Woody and the Adorable Twosome.

Sadie and Jim (one of my favourite pictures of the day)

Dena and Sarah

Saying goodbye to Thuy

Bye Bye from Mr Luu (orphanage director)