Today is the new stat holiday our provincial government introduced last year, called 'family day'. Not that it means a lot to us, because right now every day is a family day! Colin and I are both off work, Colin has taken parental leave and is off work until the end of March. It has been great for Lilah and the bonding process. We spent another great day skating on the canal, I think our southern girl is getting used to the cold weather!
We love you so much Lilah Grace.
Two months ago Lilah was placed in our arms. When I stop and think about everything she has come through, it just makes me so in awe of her. This week the instructor in her gymnastics class asked me about her. He was stunned when I told him Lilah just became part of our family almost 9 weeks ago, he looked around and said, so this is, like, all brand new to her? Yep, everything is new to her; almost every little experience she goes through is new or different. It's truly remarkable, how this little girl has adapted and changed, and fit into our family so perfectly. We acknowledge a higher power, our Father in Heaven, He has not only made this possible, but also perfect.
All the 'new things' in Lilah's life: new country, new house, new crib, new weather, new routines, new smells, new language, new foods, new toys, new loves, new sounds, new faces, new clothes, new friends, new experiences; gymnastics, playgroup, library, church, malls, doctors, grocery stores, the car, the plane, stroller rides, restaurants, animals, etc. This list could go on forever, she is incredible, and we can't imagine a second of our life without her!
For about a week now we've constantly been saying to Lilah, 'don't run too fast', 'watch your head', 'take it easy', etc. She's been banging her head on things, walking backwards into things, tripping over anything, everything and nothing. Is this normal? The thing is, Lilah is usually quite careful. Anyway, I guess it was inevitable, the calamity happened this morning, she tripped on a toy, (a pretty big one too) and fell right onto it. Poor little Lilah, it sure looks sore and an extremely close shave with those perfect little eyes.
Some good news, Lilah's visa arrived in the mail today and we are taking a trip to N.Ireland soon. We are so excited and I have a funny feeling Lilah's grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins are too! I can see lots of extra spoiling and loving in Lilah's future!
When in Ottawa, do as the Ottawans. If you live in Ottawa, you must skate on the Rideau Canal in the winter! It's a big must! It is an even bigger must (and bonus) if the temperature is a balmy -5°C like it was today.
Colin is taking skating lessons this year, so we decided it would be good practice for him. I must say, after only three lessons, he is doing pretty good...kudos sweetie! Lilah liked it too, maybe the poutine a little too much! Next year, all being well, we are hoping to have her up and skating too! No more of this sitting in the stroller being pushed around! Mind you, it is handy to store all the boots and junk we have to carry!
[ more pictures from today here ]
First dollar store trip, first set of party favor sunglasses = fun times!
We went to Loblaws yesterday and had some pictures taken of our sweet Lilah, and also of us as a family. I wasn't sure how it would go, but Lilah did very well, even though she didn't give away a lot of smiles! She was much too curious and wanted to get her hands on the photographers quacking duck rather than actually smile and/or laugh at it! Our sweet daughter, she is now 20 months old - oh how we love her. The family pictures are here and here. The quality isn't that great because I just ordered them in the wallet size!
Lilah & Salta - two best friends, two precious daughters, two families complete.
Sometimes I feel so overwhelmed that it brings tears to my eyes; I'm just so thankful that we have been blessed with our little Lilah. This picture was taken last Friday at playgroup by Salta's mama. I adore it! The girls are eagerly awaiting their plate of 'healthy' snack food!
Lilah attended her first gymnastics class today, although it may not seem like it from the cute clothes she's wearing! She received the outfit as a pressie in the mail yesterday from nono & papie, thanks mum & dad, it's beautiful. From the moment she put it on, she loved it, headband and all! As soon as she woke this morning she pointed at it and grunted, and I just knew the pre-planned (boring) gym outfit wasn't going to make the cut.
Anyway, all that to say she loved the gymnastics class and had sooo much fun. I was a bit pessimistic when I was registering her, but I was wrong - I think it's probably the first time! The highlights of the class were the trampoline, rolling down the 'hill', crawling under the rainbows and doing handstands (with a lot of help from me!).
There was also a little girl in the class that Lilah liked a lot, she got a lot of smiles from Lilah. Most of the time she is oblivious to other children, and then, all out of the blue, one of them will strike her fancy. I would just love to know what's going through her little mind. There are more pictures from today here, I seemed to miss all the laughs and smiles unfortunately.
Well, lets just say our first trip to the library was a change of scenery, and to be honest, Lilah prefered to play with the few toys that were there than look at the books! She must think she has enough books at home! I asked about registering for 'toddlertime', but it was full, maybe next season.
A funny story... I showed Lilah one of the books with a picture of these little yellow fluffy ducks. When I told her they were ducks she looked at it and did the sign language for bath! I had to laugh! The ducks in the book sure don't look like her bath ducks! I just thought it was funny that she linked the ducks and the bath together in her little mind! You can see more photos from today here.
More photo's from our Chinese New Year celebrations here.
I guess there is a high possibility you might be overdoing something when your daughter turns around and starts doing it back at you! I'm not totally sure she knows the true meaning of 'just one minute' though, because that one minute can, on occasion, stretch into quite a few minutes! A few more pictures from today here.
Happy Birthday to a wonderful Dad and Grandfather, Papie!
We love you so much and can't wait to see you soon. Have a wonderful day. xoxox
...Chinese New Year! Yep, this day next week will start the year of the Ox and this will be our first year celebrating! Check out more about Chinese New Year here.
