Bringing Home Olivia

Facebook time

2008-08-11T20:15:00.002-04:00

Well the world of facebook has got the better of me. I have been having a hard time keeping up with facebook and blogworld so I have decided to stick with facebook. I really want to say thank you sooooo much to everyone for the support, comments and more comments about our beautiful little girl. She is such a precious angel that we are truly blessed with.

I have met lots of great people through cyberworld blogland and would love to keep in contact with swapping pictures, stories etc.. If you would like add me to your facebook just see my email at the top of my page (or in my profile) and add me as a friend on your facebook.

Hope to hear from lots of you and thanks again for all your support. To all the moms in dad's in waiting. I can't wait to see your journey unfold.

Big cyber hugs to all,
Love Debbie, Kirk and Olivia

Look what I've been at!

2008-07-06T17:42:00.010-04:00

O.K my mommy say's she's really really sorry for not keeping my blog updated. We have been much busier since we've moved home getting to see lots of my family and friends. Life is alot different down here. I get outdoors alot more in the good ole fresh air. The beaches aren't like the beaches in Toronto. They have lots of rocks but no soft sand. It's ok though cause I really like throwing the rocks and the big waves in the ocean.

I had a really special visit from my old daycare teacher. She came all the way from Toronto to see me this weekend. I miss them soooooo much!!

I also want to say a GREAT BIG THANK YOU to Aunt Tanya for my very special Canada Day outfit. This was my very first Canada Day as an official Canadian.

Here's some pictures since mommy's last post:

Travel Deals

2008-05-14T20:01:00.003-04:00

Well, time to break open the wine and share my big news. I purchased a franchise in a web based travel site. I am now the owner of my own travel agency and would really like to promote it. The prices are very competitive with travelocity etc....

No pressure AT ALL. Please check out my website and let me know if you have any suggestions for improvement or what you think. You can also order flowers, sports events, and concert tickets.

Oh ya, can anyone figure out where I got the name Janeshantravel....hmmmm... gotta get my little piece of Olivia/China in there

www.janeshantravel.com

Olivia's new backyard

2008-05-02T20:33:00.004-04:00

Well, been off blogland lately but for good reasons. We made a decision to move back home to Newfoundland. We have had the urge every since bringing Olivia home from China and the timing just seemed right. We have only been here just under 2 weeks and are already feeling relaxed like we have lived her forever. I think I have had more people drop by and phone in a week than I did for the last year in Toronto. It's a really good feeling to be close to friends and family. There are lots of people we are going to miss in Toronto so we will all keep in touch. O.K enough about that, on with the good stuff PICTURES.

These were taking at the bottom of our street. Not bad eh, Ocean walking distance

Winter Fun

2008-03-12T07:10:00.005-04:00

We are still getting hit hard with winter so why not make the best out of it. Last week we went to Winterfest and Olivia had a blast. We did pony rides, dog sled rides, made maple sticks in the snow (yummy), and she had her very first day on skates. She wanted nothing to do with them at first until she seen Ashlyn on them. Now she just couldn't have that..... she got on the skates and attempted to move her feet. It's a start and we might get our little hockey player after all.

We got hit again this weekend with snow, so our neighbour dug out her backyard and the girls played on the swings and slides.

2nd Birthday Party

2008-03-01T10:15:00.009-05:00

Last weekend I had my big birthday party. I have been going to gymnastics for 2 seasons now so mommy let me have my birthday there and invite all my cousins and friends. Here are a couple pictures from the day. I walked around the queen of the day and knew that it was all for me. When they did the parachute, I got to stand underneath it while they all sang happy birthday to me. I was happier than happy could be! When my regular class came on Tuesday, I thought I could be queen of the class again but mommy quickly pulled me out of the centre of the parachute.

Here's a couple pics from my big day!

My cousin Natalie slept over for my birthday party and then we went to her Ringette tournament. Her team won the gold!!!! It was my very first time in a change room with lots of excited girls and I fit right in holding sticks and sharing treats. Natalie is the team goalie and showed me how to hold her stick.

Happy Birthday Monkey

2008-02-28T06:46:00.002-05:00

Wish we all looked this good first thing in the morning.....

Family Day Weekend

2008-02-18T15:40:00.005-05:00

We were fortunate enough this year to get another holiday in Canada. The government added a day off called "Family Day". We had amazing weather yesterday so we took off with friends of ours to the hills and did some sledding. This was Olivia's first time sliding down a hill and she LOVED IT! We pushed her down the hill all by herself and everytime she got to the bottom, she was say "again, again" or "more please" How could you deny a little face like that. Of coarse daddy was the one hauling her back up the hill while mom was on camera duty. We then spent sometime at the bottom of the hill doing snow angels. Ashyln is her best friend and they just love doing everything together. Ashlyn's big sister Megan did the big job of pushing Olivia down for her very first ride. She's a great little helper. Here's a few pics from the day. When I get sometime, I'll upload a couple video clips too!

I also didn't get a time to post about Chinese New Year but it was an amazing time. We went to Toronto for our agencies party (Olivia,mommy and Nanny). The party was on Father's day so daddy stayed home to watch sports. Olivia just loved watching the dancers which included her friend Jillian in the spotlight. We did lots of crafts, had some snacks and then crashed at the end of the day.

We were very blessed at our daycare. We live in an "all caucasian" community so they don't usually celebrate multi-cultural events. They went all out this year because of Olivia. They had the entire room decorated in Asian them with flowers, laterns, and red. They had lots of Asian crafts and even cooked an entire Chinese lunch from scratch. All the parents participated by bringing in their toddlers wearing Red or Asian themes. One mom even went out and bought a red dress with Cherry blossoms on it for her daughter. Olivia and I wore our matching shirts that we had made in China. I gave out a looney in red envelopes to all the kids in her class. It was nice the next day when one parent came up to me and said she brought her kids (twin boys) for a ride at the mall using their money from Olivia - too special. Now before anyone posts saying the envelope and money is suppose to be from adults (we know, we know) We just added our own little twist to it. As Olivia gets older we might change the rules but for now, we are giving from her. We just thought it was fun to make a card from her and the money from us. I guess we are mixing a bit of newfie with Chinese **grin**

China group first gotcha anniversary

2008-02-06T03:57:00.000-05:00

Our group that travelled together to China to get our beautiful bundles of joy got together on Saturday to celebrate our 1 year anniversary. It is so hard to believe that a full year has gone since Olivia was placed in our arms. She loved every minute of seeing all her Chinese families. They did lots of running around, playing with hoops, tossing balls, singing songs and jumping around. All of us adults had fun just chatting and watching all our kids with glee (and eating too of course). It's just so much fun watching and enjoying everyone looking at their children with glee. We are not only blessed with a beautiful daughter, but also with a group that is growing stronger all the time.

Happy 1rst Gotcha Anniversary

2008-02-01T00:12:00.000-05:00

One year ago today, our little angel Olivia was placed in our arms for the first time. One year later, we are looking at her like life didn't exist without her. It's just crazy how much she has grown in such a short period of time. She has grown physically, emotionally and intellectually into a fun filled laughing, curious, energitic toddler.

The rough times are here too. This week she is suffering from high fever, lots of night coughing and a nasty ear infection. We are just so glad that we are here to nurse you with lots of hugs, snuggles and love. She has spent the whole day sleeping today so lets hope when she wakes she is already to celebrate her special day.

Happy 1rst Gotcha Anniversary Monkey. We love you

Finding Ad - May, 2006

Referral Picture - August, 2006

Gotcha Day - Feb 1, 2007

March, 2007

April, 2007

May, 2007

June,2007

July , 2007

August,2007

September, 2007

October, 2007

November, 2007

December, 2007

January, 2008

Playdate with Hailey

2008-01-28T21:04:00.000-05:00

Last weekend I got to see my Chinese sister Hailey who just turned 2 TODAY!! Happy Birthday Hailey.

We had so much fun and went to Chucky Cheese. We chased each other, shared rides together, played bowling and she even shared her mom with me to watch Chucky do his song and dance. It was alot of fun. My mom tells me I get to see her again this coming weekend when I go to see lots of my Chinese sisters and brothers. Ohhhhh I'm so excited.

Here's a few pics from our day!

Ah, you might of beat me this time but your older than me, time will catch up and then who will beat who....tee,hee

WOW Hailey, how'd you do that????

Let's get this thing moving girlfriend.

Look its chucky!!! Thanks for sharing your mom Haliey.

A girls gotta wear shades. Check out the cool valentine shades Hailey gave me. She's always spoiling me with lots of gifts.

And after a long day, I relaxed on the couch with a little bit of good ole ELMO tele! (how many times can a toddler watch the same Elmo movie ????)

For all my mama's in waiting!

2008-01-15T20:13:00.000-05:00

After the bad news flowing around on Friday, I figured everyone could use this.

I grabbed this from a chat room about two years ago when I was in the dreaded "wait" I'm not sure who posted it but man was she bang on. I adjusted the timeline a bit to represent what people are going through now. I hope you get out of it what I did during the wait. People who have not been through an adoption just don't get it!

FUMING over the whole adoption thing! Ticked off
at the following (in no particular order):

-Every 16 year old can have a baby and I can't.
-I have to spend about $25,000 to "have" a baby.
-I have to prove myself worthy financially, police-wise, education
wise, medically, etc., to a social worker who doesn't give a damn
about me and loves my wallet.
-I have to wait 2 years to hear about my baby
-I don’t look pregnant, even though I'm just as excited as any pregnant woman
-I don’t qualify for equal parental/mat leave
-my child isn't covered for medical expenses in China
-my child has to apply to be a citizen of Canada
-my child has to wait on some government employee to feel she's worthy of them reviewing her "automatic" citizenship application
-I paid $925 for each of my childrens' files to be reviewed in 8 weeks by some government of Ontario employee who didn't give a damn about me or my family
-I could have made a substantial down payment on a university fund for each kid with the money I spent "having" them
-I had to pay for fertility treatments, but my group plan would pay for me to avoid getting pregnant
-I had to wait many months just to get an appointment at the fertility clinic in the first place
-I felt degraded and dehumanized by the fertility treatments
-Even though I was born and raised in Canada and my child is constitutionally supposed to be guaranteed to be treated as an equal to a bio child, I'll likely spend my lifetime explaining my blonde hair and their lovely almond-shaped eyes
-OHIP covers birth costs and every penny after a baby is born, but no one wants to reimburse the cost of the medical exams in Beijing
-having people feel they are entitled to ask very personal questions of me and child just because we are visibly different
-having to prove myself still worthy 6 and 12 months after adoption, unlike any other mother who would be the mother from hell and still keep her child
-I had to pay that same social worker for each of those follow up reports
-I couldn't do the fundamentally basic function of getting pregnant

There, that rant should make you feel better

Get mad....it's healthy and will keep your adrenaline flowing as you
wait. Get even. Become an advocate if that helps you deal with your anger, or just bask in it...you're entitled to be mad.

**TOTAL CREDIT GIVEN TO WRITER*** unknown

Happy 2008 Love Olivia and Ashlyn

2008-01-01T21:15:00.000-05:00

Olivia's friend Ashlyn came over for some play time today. They are so cute together. Olivia calls Ashyln - "Aleen" and Ashlyn calls Olivia - "friend".They play, they fight but best of all they laugh together. I couldn't think of a better way for Olivia to start off her New Year. They have been stuck together at the hip since our holiday's started. Ashlyn even came to church with us on Christmas Eve.

Click on picture to enlarge

AND HERE IS HOW WE SPENT OUR NEW YEARS EVE!! Even fireworks wouldn't beat those giggles.

2007 Collage

2007-12-31T10:06:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year everyone! I decided this morning to go through my gazillion pics and grab some candid shots of Ms. monkey from each month in 2007. The only month missing is January because she was still living in China.

Hope everyone has a great 2008 New Year and especailly for the families waiting for referral. Let's hope they do a super sweep to get all referrals out quickly in preperation for the Olympics.

I can't believe how much my little baby has changed in 11 months. I really notice it when I look back at video clips.

Click on picture to enlarge.

My first Christmas

2007-12-26T20:37:00.000-05:00

Well so far so good! I started off Christmas Eve by going twinkle in the potty for the first time EVER!! Mommy was so shocked. My friend Ashlyn and her sister were over baking cookies for Santa with me. Ashlyn wanted to go potty so I wanted to do what she was doing. Mommy put me up on the potty and then all of a sudden there was a twinkle in the toilet. Mommy and Megan (Ashlyn's sister) were with me and start clapping and jumping up and down. I wasn't sure what was going on but I started clapping too! Now I get to wear big girl diapers called pull ups and they have Dora and everything on them.

We then made some cookies for Santa. I had lots of fun putting lots of sprinkles on them and then decided to pile 3 cookies together because I heard he was a guy with a big belly. We watched them bake in the oven until they came out nice and goldie brown (mommy forgot to take a picture of them done though)

I then went to a very special Christmas Eve church service with mommy and they gave me an orange with a candle and candy to represent baby Jesus's birthday.

I then woke up at Christmas morning and there were so many gifts for me to open. As you can see, I'm a little bit of a tom boy. Santa knew it, and brought me all the things I like. He wanted to bring me dolls and strollers but he just knew I'd have more fun with trucks and lego. My big firetruck is so much fun. I was really lucky and got 2 Elmo's. Santa brought me one and Auntie Hos brought me one. I got lots of clothes too! I'm going to go see Nanny Ingram next week and my mommy says she is going to spoil me like crazy. I'll let you all know what I get.

We went over to Auntie Elaine's for Christmas dinner. I had lots of fun playing with my cousin Emily and my big cousin Colin. They were so much fun. All my aunts and uncles were giving me lots of attention so I sucked it right up.

I slept and slept and slept today (boxing day). I have had a very exciting couple of days and my little body is catching up with me. Tomorrow I'm going to see my cousins in Ajax so that will be lots of fun again.

Here's some pictures from all my excitement. My mommy will post more next week after we get back from Ajax and Nanny's.

Her favorite toys.......yeppers she's a tomboy already!

Woo Hooo, It's Christmas and rumour has it......It's a fun ride!

2007-12-21T22:01:00.001-05:00

(I was brave and went on the swing ride with the big kids at mommy's Christmas work party)

Merry Christmas everyone,

Well I’ve had quite the year. At the beginning of 2007, I lived in a place called China. I lived in a big building with lots of other babies in cribs and ladies that took good care of me. My mommy and daddy say they are called my nanny’s and loved me very much. I flew home to Canada on February 15tht and began my life as a Canadian. My favorite toys are lego, trucks, cars, trains or anything else with wheels and makes lots of noise.. I also like to play hockey in my living room and throwing balls (dolly’s just aren’t my thing yet – mommy has tried really hard….). My daddy say’s I’m going to be a hockey player one day if he has it his way. I am in gymnastics on Saturday mornings and just love it. I can already do summersaults, and pull my self up on the bars. I also really like the balance beams, but I keep slipping. My mommy gets scared a lot, because I am a daredevil and am always trying to get daddy to flip me upside down, throw me around, or jump with me off the couch.

My mommy is back to work and I’m in daycare full time. I absolutely love it. The teachers told my parents that I am the social butterfly of the classroom. I go around the class trying to get all the other kids attention while I make them laugh. I like to be the centre of attention at home and school. My mommy and daddy think its really funny that they went half way around the world to find me, and my personality is exactly like mommy’s. I guess just another piece of the puzzle that proves we were meant to be a family. My parents always joke and say Poppy Ingram picked me out to show mommy what kind of energy she was all about.

My speech has come along really well and I’m exactly where I should be for a toddler my age. I say lots of words, but my favorite is “No thank you”. Hey, at least I’m polite about it……..

Apparently there is a big man wearing a red suit that is going to bring me gifts this year. I don’t know what that is all about, but mommy and daddy sure are excited about it all.

All in all, I have to say that I’ve had quite a year. I’ve moved half way across the world to meet all of you. Thank you for welcoming me into your life.

Love Olivia, mommy & daddy

Christmas Pictrues are in!

2007-12-05T12:52:00.001-05:00

They're in, they're in, they're in!!!! Here's my little monkey's Christmas pics. I went with casual rather than dressy cause we're just that kind of family. No frills for us.

BIG BAD SANTA!!!

2007-12-01T09:35:00.000-05:00

From excitement to $#@!!!&

Our first family Christmas video

2007-11-29T22:13:00.001-05:00

We decided to do a little dance for everyone - **grin**
(click on link below) if link doesn't work, just copy and paste into your internet address bar.

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1113011306

First time Baking

2007-11-18T21:27:00.000-05:00

Olivia really enjoyed baking with mommy today. It was our first time baking together and she had so much fun, especially when it came to licking the bowl time.

Prayer's needed

2007-11-10T22:10:00.000-05:00

My brother's wife was admitted to the hospital this week. Her liver has been failing for a few months now and its not looking good.

They live out West and I feel really bad that I can't be there for them.

Let's pray for miracles!

My first halloween

2007-11-02T22:03:00.000-04:00

She had a blast!!!

For about a week, we were trying to get her to say "trick or treat" Eventually she got out "Jeet" which we thought was pretty cool. WELL....... you throw people putting candy into your bucket to that mix and you get "Jick o Jeet" She learned pretty fast how to get a good thing.

Oh ya, and being the proud mama that I am, she did say "Thank Ooooh" at every house.

Puck's Farm

2007-10-26T22:56:00.000-04:00

We went to Puck's Farm with my best friend and her older sister to get our pumpkins. Oh ya, our parents came too! (click image to make larger)

Fall Fun at the park

2007-10-17T09:39:00.000-04:00

We had lots of fun running around and playing in the leaves yesterday afternoon.

Daddy's First Hair Do

2007-10-15T14:34:00.000-04:00

I got Olivia all ready for gymanastics Saturday morning and sent her downstairs with daddy. I asked him if he could throw her bangs up in a pony or clip so it wasn't it her eyes when she's flipping around.

Well this is what I walked down the stairs too.......... God love the little darling. Gotta give the man credit, they're all EVEN!

First wedding and she actually wore the dress

2007-10-09T21:01:00.000-04:00

My little baby looks like a little girl now.

From tantrum to happy

2007-10-05T14:57:00.000-04:00

All on the same night. The video's say it all!!

Baby Blackberry required

2007-09-24T20:28:00.000-04:00

I'm telling you, Olivia will soon need her own blackberry to keep going. Last weekend was super crazy and then again this weekend. We started it off with Gymanastics in the morning on Saturday, then a bike ride with a friend and her daughter. After that, she had 2 (yes 2) birthday parties to go to. We went to the first one at Chuck E Cheeses where she had sooooo much fun. That place is super stimulating for the kids and super crazy busy for the parents ***grin***. We then had about a 2 hour drive to her cousins birthday party and still managed to make it before all the kids were gone. It worked out that it was a later party. We ended up spending the night with 5 wired kids on sugar for the night and eventually made it home sometime on Sunday. Oh ya and it was my birthday on Saturday. I couldn't have spent my birthday any better way than watching Olivia having fun.

Oh ya: When we got home, our neighbours had put Happy Birthday Deb right accross my driveway with chalk and a great big fall mum at my front door. I have the best neighbours in the world!!!

Here's a few pics from her busy weekend.

Olivia with cousins (Danielle,Kira,Hannah & Hailey)

Me and Ms. Olivia

Keelan and his mom Lisa (my cousin)

Sofie Stergianis Workshop

2007-09-21T12:59:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that Kirk, Olivia and I are going to be a guest speaker at Sofie Stergianis Seminar next week (Sep 29th). If anyone is going from blogland, I would love to meet you and of coarse show off munchkin!

So much fun last weekend!

2007-09-19T08:58:00.000-04:00

Well it was a busy one so I'll let the video/pics tell the story!

We started off my Saturday morning with my very first gymnastics class ever. I loved it and mom and dad say I'm a real dare devil.

We then drove to Ajax to watch my daddy in a hockey tournament. After that I went shopping with mommy and Nanny Jess. Then when we got home my cousin Natalie was so excited to play with me.

Then on Sunday I got to go meet my special friend Jillian. She lives close to me so we get to do things together.

You go girl!!

2007-09-12T08:51:00.000-04:00

This is too funny! I guess this is what I get to look forward to in a year or so.....

Summer has come and gone!

2007-09-09T20:31:00.000-04:00

O.K folks, I'm FINALLY going to do some updates on Olivia's blog. Thanks for all the emails asking how monkey is doing and that you miss us on line. The last 2 months have been busy busy. Olivia is now running all over the place and is really getting quite the humor on her. She is in daycare and the teachers tell us she's the class clown. She spends time making sounds and all the other kids gather around her laughing and then she does it some more. She is just as funny at home, always trying to get us laughing. Just like in the last video we posted, she's still dancing up a storm with the new jig. She now stomps her one foot down when she hear's the music. She is starting to talk and attempts to say every word we tell her. She can say Daddy really clear but still refused to call me mommy. She says plain as day "Deb". When Kirk tells her to go see mommy she runs right to me, but thinks its funny calling me Deb. Trust me I've tried every bit of bribary just to hear that sweet little word "mommy" but nope my little ham is set on "Deb".

She is the absolute pride and joy of our lives, and we just can't imagine life without her. She has had a couple fevers throughout the summer and that was hard, but thanks to Auntie Betty and the late nights for us, she has come out just as good as ever once recovered. O.K enough with the chitter chatter, on with the pics. I'll try to post the summer in a glance (which means sifter through about 20000 pictures) Yep, I have a tad bit of an addiction to the trigger on my camera.

My first Canada Day Fireworks - snuggling with Daddy

And to think I was 25 before I touched a computer......

Canada's Wonderland

Cowboy had ready for my First Local Parade

Pool Party with Chinese Sisters and brothers

Auntie Betty gave me my first purse. I was really sick with an eye infection and she took really good care of me.

Me and my best friend Ashley (she lives only 3 doors down)

Olivia's first jig

2007-07-08T21:26:00.000-04:00

Frank played the according last night for Olivia to dance to her first newfie jig. Right after the camera went off she stopped twirling and started stomping. I think we have a natural on our hands.

Summer fun with my cousins

2007-06-30T22:37:00.000-04:00

My cousins from Calgary came to visit me this week. We spent the day at the pool and I had sooooooo much fun! It was my very first time in an outdoor pool.

Back to blogland!!!

2007-06-29T21:58:00.000-04:00

It's almost like I lost contact with a good (very good) friend for awhile. Well Olivia is doing sooooooo good now and look at me.......yep back in blogland. Here's the proof that I'm apparently addicted. HA,not bad all my other addictions are 100% full force. :-)

61%

Mingle² - Online Dating

My baby is sick

2007-06-24T09:42:00.000-04:00

POSITIVE UPDATE: : It's 11:00pm now. First I'd like to send a big thank you out to Krista, Connie, Michelle, Christine, Jenny, Kris, Janet, Phylis, Magi and Sherri. All of your words, support and ideas to help my little baby girl today meant the world. I never had alot of free time without holding her but I did check my computer to receive the help.

Olivia is doing soooooooo much better. Her fever has now broke and she was even up and walking around the house about an hour ago. She is still not 100% but at least she's not burning up and crying. My heart was aching so much today that I didn't know what to do with myself. I ended up giving her tylonol and then Advil 2 hours later. I'm not sure if that's what did the trick but the fever has broke. She has also had the antibotics in her system for over 20 hours now. Whatever it is I'm just happy her fever is going down and her mood is getting back to normal. Thanks for all your well wishes and hopefully tonight she keeps going in the right direction.

What I would do without my bloggy friends I have no idea!

Big cyber hugs to all. Olivia is sleeping on the couch now and is doing great!

Calling all blogger mommies, auntie's, daddy's, uncles, sisters, brothers...whoever.... I need your help!

UPDATE: Her fever is lingering around 103 - 104.7. I called the Health help line and they told her to just keep giving her tylonol every 4 hours and try to keep liquids in her. She's crying steady and is burning like crazy. She is very unsettled and I just want to take her pain away. Does anyone have any good ideas for making a sick baby comfy. Is there any good ole home rem's for the temp??

Sorry there has been little activity in Olivia's blogworld lately but its been a sick household. She has been up and down with a fever for the last week. Last night we got a little bit of a scare when it went up to 104.8. We brought her to the hospital and it turns out she has the beginning stages of pneumonia. Just seeing (and hearing) her go through the chest x-ray was torture. We are able to treat at home with meds and lots of love but boy is it hard seeing my baby sick. She is such a tough little bugger and hasn't complained too much. She's fast asleep now as I type this and its nice to see her comfortable.

Hope to be back in blogworld soon. In the meanwhile gotta care for my little china doll.

Kirk's father's Day Gift

2007-06-17T22:43:00.000-04:00

O.K s the truth is that almost everyone and their brother has seen this before poor Kirk. I got it back from Red Thread Stories last week and it was just killing me to show it to someone.....

Kirk was really happy with it but never quite cried (o.k bawled) the same time I did ever 50 times I watched it before Father's Day. He's really happy with it and already has called family to talk about it. All guys are softies when in comes to their baby girls (finding that out pretty quick)

The main thing is that we hope Olivia enjoys it later in life when her mind is going a mile a minute wanting every ounce of her past before Mommy and Daddy. We WILL FOR SURE be bringing her back in 10 years for a visit, but this will keep her going over the first few years.

I have no connection with Red Thread Stories AT ALL except for the fact that Torrie brought our footage to life. I highly highly recommend having her make your Journey videos. I could have made a simple one myself but just getting it professionally done was worth every cent.

Here's the Magical DVD:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aN6A9zHRTE

The true use for a couch

2007-06-15T22:30:00.000-04:00

Olivia has discovered that the couch is much more fun used for jumping. Wait until she discovers the bed.

More Christening Pictures

2007-06-14T23:41:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to make sure I posted pictures of the wonderful creation my girlfriend did with the caketable. She has a cake decorating business on the side but she absolutlty out did herself for Olivia's very special day. The pictures do it no justice but here they are. I guess I don't have to explain the ladybug connection to anyone! Still can't get over how special it was. Enough blabbing - on with the pics

Here's a couple more pics from her big day! A few people had asked me if I was going to post anymore so you know who you are......better see comments :0

Prayers for Uncle Les

2007-06-11T20:28:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite Uncle's has been ill. He is in the hospital and his diagnosis is still unknown. We are awaiting results of his biopsy to see how serious it is (hopefully find out by tomorrow or Wednesday). Please give a little prayer for Uncle Les in hopes that everything turns out O.K.

Olivia dropped by the hospital today to give him some smoochy kisses and smiles.

Baptism

2007-06-08T20:17:00.000-04:00

Well last weekend Olivia was officially welcomed into the church! We had a great day with lots of family and friends.

I've been tagged by Katie (A special Family)

2007-05-31T14:56:00.000-04:00

Katie tagged me to talk about 10 childhood memories! (hope they all didn't have to be good ones......)

1. Falling off a monkey bar and smacking my head open on CEMENT ( no joke they had cement under playgrounds back in the 70's)

2. Playing niki niki nine doors with friends and feeling really guilty and nervous but wanted to "fit in"

3. Learning how to ride a 2 wheeler with my father. I can still hear myself saying "don't leg go, don't let go" When I couldn't hear him say "I won't" anymore, I turned my head and fell off.

4. Going to the race track with my dad. He would buy me a hot dog and a ice cream and tell me not to tell my mother how much he spent ( I thought it was a big secret.....little did I know at the time....mothers know all)

5. Playing one of the orpans in Orphan Annie - I swear I thought I was going to be famous one day.

6. Playing Ringette for the first time and telling all my friends about it at school ( I thought I was "cool")

7. Hanging out with my mom at her beauty salon. I always got to dig into her stash of lollipops she had for all the kids.

8. Going shopping with my mother ALOT!!! (yes I'm now addicted and yes Olivia has now shopped more than many teens - that one will come back to bite me in the ass)

9. Having sleepovers at my house with all my girlfriends. We would stay up all night long talking about "boys" and then get up and cook breakfast in the mornings.

10. Learning French when I was 3 and 4 from a neighbour. I can remember going over to their house and only speaking to them in French. I remember it but CANNOT for the life of me speak french now. My mother tells me that I would come home and just break out into french. I guess kids are little sponges. I remember loving that I knew another language.

O.K, my turn to tag 3 people. Connie , Carolyn , and Mary-Mia

It's summertime

2007-05-25T22:03:00.000-04:00

WOOOO HOOOOO!! Summertime is here. Beach, pale and bucket and I'll be good to go!

Arms in air no more!

2007-05-24T11:12:00.000-04:00

Look at how I can go now. I don't even have to put my arms in the air.

Visit with my Chinese Sister Hailey

2007-05-18T19:37:00.000-04:00

Is tomorrow really the day mom?? Do I really get to go see Hailey if I go to bed? Maybe she'll like my piggy!

Oh I'm so excited, put this car in drive mom. Let's GO.

Hey Hailey, that's cool. You have a door and everything.

These are really cool balls.

You're mom sure does make a good lunch. You get grilled chicken, cheese , fruit and yogurt all for lunch. You are so lucky! I don't know how the heck you eat that avocado stuff though.

Oh Hailey, do you think we could break out of here and get your dog?

Good Job Hailey! We make a good team.

I had so much fun today Hailey. I can't wait to go home and try out my new bubbles. See you soon.

Mother's Day Weekend

2007-05-14T20:36:00.000-04:00

I went out to dinner with 23 girls. We have all either adopted from China or awaiting our precious children. It was an awesome night and so great to show Olivia off. When I came home Kirk surprised me and had the entire house cleaned from top to bottom and all the laundry done. I then woke up Sunday morning with Pankakes, bacon and orange juice. He had 2 carnations, one for me and one for Olivia's birth mother (carnations represent mother in China) He also had an Oriental Lilly plant for me and Olivia to plant in our new garden. Olivia was found in a flower market that was surrounded by Oriental Lilly's. In the afternoon we bought a helium red balloon and put a card on it that said "Happy Mother's day to my birthmother, you will always be in my heart, Love Olivia. I then wrapped it around Olivia's hand and just let her hold it until it floated up into the sky. I woke up this morning and thought I have to be the luckies mom in the world. I've added a little video clip from today.

My Baby is changing right before my eyes

2007-05-12T10:08:00.000-04:00

With mother's day coming tomorrow, I pulled out all the pictures from China to look at how much my little angel has changed. Here's a picture of us on her legal adoption day in China (day 2). I can't believe how much she has changed. It's just unreal how much 3 months makes. The time passes so quickly. I just soak up every ounce of her little personality. Every minute is a precious gift.

And yesterday, we're out for a stroll. What a difference 3 months makes.

My first Mother's day gift!

2007-05-11T21:34:00.000-04:00

They had a mother's day party at play school today and look what I got. They helped my little angel make this stepping stone with her hand print in it. I was so happy that I couldn't help crying right in front of all the teachers. Oh man, all these first's are just so special I could just melt at every thought. Kirk is going to seal it for me so it will keep forever.

Park Time!

2007-05-10T22:26:00.000-04:00

I had fun playing with Gillian at the park on Tuesday. She's so big and gets to go on all kinds of neat things. One day she'll show me how they all work.

Mommy's Bandana

2007-05-07T15:30:00.000-04:00

There's a new biker chick in town!

Just Because.......

2007-05-02T22:01:00.000-04:00

I'm so darn cute!!!!

Chinese Sisters and brothers

2007-04-30T19:22:00.000-04:00

I had a great weekend!! I got to visit my Chinese sisters and brothers that came from the same orphanage as me on the exact same day. We were all so excited to see each other again (mommie's and daddy's too). My crib mate Madeline's mommy and daddy hosted it and had lots of food for us. Thank you sooooooo much Uncle Ray and Auntie Mag.

Me and my crib mate Madeline

Justin, me and Samara

Me and Jaiden (Justin's older sister)

Me and Maya with our dads

Emma and her mommy (who just found out she's pregnant) YAAAAAA!!!!!

Zoe and her dad!

Put in your vote!!

2007-04-27T16:19:00.000-04:00

Well I'm in shcok. I received an email from blog awards today saying that I was nominated for greatest "mommy blog" I can't believe it. First I thought someone out in the blog world or my family nominated me on my attempt at keeping up with Olivia's blog. I emailed them to ask who nominated me and they said they did. Wowsers. Anywho.....in order for me to win I need votes. This is where all of you come in. Come on, I know there are lots of lurkers out there. If you follow my blog, I would really appreciate your vote. Hey, you never know I might keep posting....

Just click on the image below and you should be able to vote. Thanks to everyone!!! Love, Deb & Olivia

String Tug

2007-04-25T22:01:00.000-04:00

My heart certainly got pulled by a little string tonight. I usually don't post about how things hit me on TV but tonight was different. I just finished watching American Idol (well when the tears would allow me to). My heart is just so heavily weighed right now with not only the heartache for the family and children of the poverity struck world but also for Olivia. The images of her finding spot have been circling around in my mind throughout the whole program. Up until this time I have chosen not to share her little bit of history with you. I do want to share that she was left at over 2 months old and left in a flower market with a village the size of my street. The streets were very dirty and poverity was in each and everyone of them. My heart is sinking right now, just knowing deep within my heart that Olivia's mom gave her up for love. She knew that she was providing a better life for her by leaving her to be found. One day we hope to return to that finding spot with a big poster board to post of Olivia throughout the years. The greatest gift of all right now could be for her birthmother to know that she is healthy, happy and LOVED!

Please pray for all the people in the world hurting through poverity tonight and do a special little extra one for Olivia's birthmom.

Debbie

My cousins are the COOLEST Ever

2007-04-23T23:49:00.000-04:00

I spent the weekend at my cousins up North in the sun. We started off the day by swinging in the playground but my nose got really runny, watery eyes and did lots of crying. It was really uncomfortable. Mommy went to the pharmasist to talk to him about it so hopefully the new medicine will help for next time.

We still had fun inside playing with lots of new toys and all my cousins helping me out. And the best of all reason for getting to play inside WATERMELON - mmmmm yummy!

Me and my cousins

My teenage cousin Danielle.

AND the highlight of the day was when the sun was almost down and I could go outside again. My cousins have the coolest things in their back yard. Hannah took me for a ride in the jeep and Kira wipped around us in the motorcycle.

Vanity Strikes Again

2007-04-17T21:10:00.000-04:00

Olivia loves, loves, loves her mirror. She spends time just looking at herself and babbling away to her reflection. It is just the darn cutest thing you ever could see. Now that she has started walking, she just cannot go by the mirror without looking in it. She looks everytime she goes by in her walker, but yesterday she even took a look as she attempted to walk all by herself with "free hands" It was the funniest thing just watching her. I'm telling you, I have never smiled as much as I have since she came into our life. She is definitly a gift from god!! We feel like the luckiest parents in the world.

Gillian comes for a visit

2007-04-15T20:05:00.000-04:00

My friend Gillian came to visit me today. She was born in China too! Thank you soooo much Gillian for all the gifts. I have been playing with the Elmo phone ever since you left. Here's some pictures that mommy took of us playing today.

Giggles and other pics

2007-04-13T21:51:00.000-04:00

Look what I got in the mail from my Aunt Frances. It's a handmade sweater right from Newfoundland.

Rain rain come today, I really want to go out and play.

Here's a little video clip of me getting in my giggles for the night. Mommy and daddy were so happy to see this because I was sick all day. I had 3 big naps so I think it made me feel better.

EASTER

2007-04-09T14:19:00.000-04:00

Easter Morning

And the morning after!

Mirror, walking or talking??

2007-04-07T10:26:00.000-04:00

Who has time for walking where there is a mirror for me to look at myself!!!

GO LEAFS GO!!!

2007-04-04T20:58:00.000-04:00

What are you talking about Kennedy - THE HABS SUCK!!! The leafs RULE!

A visit from Renee

2007-04-04T20:27:00.000-04:00

One of my Chinese sisters visited me today. She's 3 months older than me but I'm soooooooo big compared to her.

Thanks for coming over Renee and thanks for the Leafs sippy cup, my daddy especially liked it!

Ponytail time

2007-04-02T20:18:00.000-04:00

Pebbles had nothing on me!!!!

The orphanage crib didn't hurt my back

2007-04-01T14:31:00.000-04:00

Well Olivia had her first trip to the chiropractor on Thursday. He did a little exam on her back and some minor adjusting. He said she's all good! Our chiropractor adopted a baby girl last year and has lived through our adoption with us!!!

I'm EATING SOLIDS!

2007-03-29T15:01:00.000-04:00

Well my mommy is one of those new mom suckers who bought one of these!

The good part is look what I'm doing....... yep I now eat solids. Since then I have eaten pasta, veggies, potatoes, cottage cheese, hard cheese, yogurt and well as you all know ICE CREAM!

Oh and this picture is just because I'm just so darn cute!

Day at the park!

2007-03-23T20:52:00.000-04:00

Wow!!! When daddy got home from work today we went to the park. I have never been to a park before and I had so much fun. My favorite part of the day was the swings. I giggled and kicked my feet lots while daddy pushed me on the swing. Mommy brought me down the slide, but I'm not quite ready for that yet. I kind of scared me. There were lots of other kids there running around. Mommy says I'll be running like them too by the end of the summer. Oh ya and my cool hat is from my cousin Natalie, she's 8 years older than me, but she'll teach me how to look cool!

Mmmmmm mmmm Good!

2007-03-22T21:08:00.000-04:00

My very first taste of chocolate ice cream.

Finally an UPDATE!!

2007-03-18T15:02:00.000-04:00

O.k I know bad mommy as I haven't updated Olivia's blog in a looooong time. Wow where to begin.... Olivia would not take any cereal or solids from us at all until last week. We finally have her taking cereal 4 times a day but she's not fond of the jar's of baby food. I'm going to mash up some carrots and potatoe tonight to see if she'll take that. Since our last post she has turned one and really really enjoyed the icing on her birthday cake. We had some of her cousins over to help celebrate her big celebration and my cousin came to suprise me and help me out with getting Olivia on a schedule (she has 2 boys). Her sleeping has been getting better since China but she still gets up 4 or 5 times throughout the night for a quick check to make sure we are there. She wakes once for a bottle and then up between 4:30 and 5:30 for the day. She usually has a 45 minute morning nap and then an hour to 2 hour afternoon nap. She hasn't slept in her crib at all since coming home. She screams and holds her breath if we try to put her in it. She has been sleeping with me and Kirk in our bed. We just moved her crib into our room last week and took down one side so it is up against our bed still. We wait for her to go asleep and then put her in the crib. As soon as she wakes, she cries and then crawls back over on our bed. We're not pushing her too much yet with this one. Right now, just getting sleep is a bonus.

She is a very happy baby unless tired or hungry. She loves getting tickled and the giggles are just to die for. She picks up on the cause and effect of all her toys quickly. All I can tell you is that we are 2 very blessed parents to have Olivia as our daughter.

O.k on for what you really want....the pictures! It's just a mixture of pictures that I have taken since last posting. Thanks to everyone who is still checking my blog and I will try to post more regularly, even if its just pictures.

Pictures

2007-03-02T20:58:00.000-05:00

Just some pics over the last 2 weeks.

Home Pictures

2007-02-18T08:56:00.000-05:00

We are adjusting to life at home. Olivia loves all her new toys and the freedom of roaming around the house. Here are a couple pics from the last couple days. As you can see Nanny is pretty proud of her little grandaughter.

Bringing Olivia home - IT HAPPENED!

2007-02-16T23:44:00.000-05:00

We did it!! Olivia is finally home. I must admit that I never thought the day would come. I remember the hours upon hours of stalking adoption blogs and thinking how lucky the ones with babies are. Well now, we are lucky ones too. Olivia is adjusting well with Nanny. She gives her lots of smiles and giggles but has yet to show her her screaming middle of the night fits. I guess that's because when Olivia woke up 1am this morning me and mudder got up with her and played. That's right folkes were were playing with all here new exciting toys from 1 - 5 this monring when she finally decided to sleep. Kirk was such a good husbande to me today and let me sleep for about 3 hours this afternoon. I feel like I have been to a spa and back. Who ever thought sleep was a luxury. Nanny had a bouquet a balllons when she met us at the airport and Olivia just loves them. I put a little clip in of her playing with them at about 3 this morning (Auntie Cathy brought more today so now she has even more to play with). She is such a little angel and we are soooooooo in love. It is just really nice to actually have her home. I'm sure her schedule will be off for a little while but hopefully within the next few weeks we'll get it figured out. She didn't take her bottle before bed tonight so I'm expecting her up again before the night is over. She just went down about 30 minutes ago though so maybe she'll sleep right through.

Thank you to everyone who made comments on our blog while in China. Kirk and I enjoyed reading them everynight after Olivia went to sleep. I hope they still keep coming. It's always nice to get that on going support. I will try my best to get some home pictures of her the next couple days and post her in her "Forever family" home.

I want to send out a VERY SPECIAL thank you to Michelle (click here) for coming to the airport and to welcome us home. Olivia and I will be there with bells on when your turn comes.

Bringing Olivia home - IT HAPPENED!

2007-02-16T23:29:00.000-05:00

Our danty daughter!!!

2007-02-12T07:05:00.000-05:00

Here's our danty little daughter being gentle with her crib. I also put in a little video clip for all you Hailey fans out there :-)

More pics!

2007-02-11T06:17:00.000-05:00

Just a quick post with some pictures throughout the last week. I'll try to post later some of our trip to the Wall today. It was breathtaking!!!!

Not too impressed!

2007-02-09T22:55:00.000-05:00

We arrived back in cold Beijing last night at midnight. Olivia wasn't too impressed with her first taste of winter weather. Just look at the face on her when we bundled her up in the snow suit.

As you can see by the video, she's all good again this morning.

Orphanage Visit

2007-02-08T18:50:00.000-05:00

What an emotional day yesterday. I knew it was going to be full of emotions visiting the orphanage but the finding spot really hit home. We started off our day with the orphanage visit. The Nanny's at Foshan S.W.I are just soooooo loving. You can really see that she was well taken care of. It was neat to see her in the nanny's arms and then to see her little crib. Her name was still labeled on the crib so we took a picture of it. She spent sometime playing with the other kids in the orphanage and then one of the Nanny's gave her a plastic ball from the ball bin in the playroom (what a keepsake). We got lots and lots of pictures (Foshan yahoo gang - got all your pics but can't seem to send emails) Try emailing me at debbie.ingram@sympatico.ca and I'll see if I can reply to them.

The afternoon was spent visiting the finding spots. Olivia's was the first one closest to the orphanage. She was left in a flower market in an area with lots of locals. Just walking up to the spot made me break down. I couldn't imagine her birth mom having to do that walk and actually leave her, it just breaks our hearts. We bought some flowers from the market lady and I broke down again. She wanted 15 yuan and we gave her 100yuan. You should have seen the excitement, it was like she won the lottery. Our hearts were just aching and we couldn't dare ask for change. She ran in the market and screamed out to everyone what just happened. Everyone in our group now thinks it is going to spread through the town about the caucasion couple who gave her a huge tip and has a Chinese baby. If that birth mom finds out that Olivia has a home - WHAT A GIFT!!! Our hearts are still dropped at all the emotions. I can't explain in words what yesterday meant to us. Anyone who is doing this trip after us, make sure you do your finding spot if nothing else. I'm telling you it is a gift beyond words!

Here's a couple pics from our day. As you can see in the finding spot family pic, we were full of tears and couldn't get a smile out.

White Swan, Shopping and other

2007-02-06T06:03:00.000-05:00

Today we had a nice relaxing day. Olivia is having trouble getting on a sleep routine so we went for a walk around the area of the White Swan hoping to keep her up this afternoon. She's fell asleep about a half hour ago (7:00) so hopefully tonight is the night that she sleeps through.

We did lots of market shopping around the white swan for gotcha gifts and went inside to get a picture by the red couch. There are so many red couches so I wasn't sure which one it was. I got my pic taken with her at one of them so its all good.

We went through about 4 changes of clothes with her today because we forgot her bib. She will only take a bottle and the nipple has to be extremely large. All the other babies seem to be taking spoons but I'm not forcing that on her right now (she gets really upset when we try to spoon feed her)

Here's some pics from today and a pic of Darcy, Donna, Katie and Sarah.

Our Gang and more Olivia pics

2007-02-05T18:11:00.000-05:00

So can you tell by now, I like showing off my angel. She had another rough night of couging and up off and on all night. She has medication in her now and is fast asleep.

Here's a group picture we had done last night of our gang. We had all just came back from a long day out at the police station and were all very tired but still proud as punch!

Well.....and some more Olivia pics (the one with crazy hair is for you Auntie Cathy)

Kathryn - we leave to go back to Beijing on Friday. Our flight is not until 7:30. I'm thinking about giving Olivia some gravol just so she can relax for the flight. Kirk wanted me to ask you were the 8 floor electronics market is that you were talking about.

First Hospital Visit

2007-02-05T01:12:00.000-05:00

Well we were hoping not to have to bring her to see a doctor until at least Canada but Olivia decided otherwise. There were a couple of the kids who were really sick so we all jumped in a cab with our tour guide Shirley and trucked it off to the hospital. Let me tell you that was an experience. There were thousands of people, crying babies sick children just all over the place. Somehow our wonderful guide got us all to the front of the line. We were in and out within an hour. Our poor little angel has a throat infenction and is now on two different types of Chinese Antibotics.

Here's some pics of the big first hospital trip including the "jailed in" taxi ride to get there!

The zoo

2007-02-04T19:41:00.000-05:00

We visited the zoo yesterday. We were a little disappointed as we were expecting to see some panda and cubs. It turned out only being one large panda and he was fast asleep curled up in a corner so we really couldn't see him. Other than that , it was a typical zoo like in Ontario. The walk was great though to give the babies some fresh air and put them asleep.

Olivia's eye infection is all cleaned up so no more screaming to get those drops in. She has started to really cling to us both more now. The first couple days she just seemed very easy going and would go in her crib after falling asleep on us. Now when she falls asleep we try to put her down and she just wakes up crying. We just came up from breakfast and she's fast asleep on Daddy's chest now on the bed. She still is waking up throughout the night about every 2 hours. Our hearts are just broke because its a really hurtful cry so we are not sure if she is having night terrors or what is going on.

She's finally taking her formula and cereal in a bottle but will not take anything from the spoon. We really need to get some fruit into her for fibre but she just won't hear tell of it. We have even been mixing up fruit juice in a bottle but she just won't touch it. The one thing she will drink though is the fruit punch flovoured electroyltes from Erin ,, thanks soooooo much Erin, it truly has been a god sent!

The food for us SUCKS big time. I'm a little bit easier with trying things but Kirk is a meat and potatoe kinda guy and can't find anything he likes. The McDonald's even taste a but funny. It has a tangy taste to it. The ketchup is horrible so if your a big ketchup fan pack a bunch of packets of Heinz. The french fries are always something to fall back on.

O.K on with some more pics of Olivia and her friends.

Morning Giggles

2007-02-02T17:08:00.000-05:00

Olivia woke up this morning happy as could be. She punched a really rough night with her eye infection and nasty cold. The tylonol really rested her and her cold seems to be much better. Her eye infection is starting to go away but still quite pussy in the mornings. It just breaks our heart seeing her cry when we put the drops in but we just have to get her better. I ended up almost passing out and threw up once out of pure worry. I never in a million years thought I could worry this much. She is a true blessing and we are the very lucky parents.

Here's a little clip from this mornings early hour giggles.

Joy oh Joywhi

2007-02-02T04:43:00.000-05:00

We are happy beyond belief with our little or I should say BIG bundle of joy. We brought mainly all 12 months clothes for her and barely any of it fits her. I went out shopping today looking for clothes and man was it hard. I went to a department store but all they sold there was really heavy quilted clothes for babies. They really bundle them up good around here and its WARM! Kathyrn Robertson - if your reading any know somewhere I can shop in the Guangzou area (or anyone who is familiar with the area), I'd love to here where - IT"S CRAZY!!

Olivia has a really bad cold. She can't stop coughing and sneezing and is really congested. She was fussing alot today an my heart was just aching. I never thought that I could feel pain like this for someone else. I finally caved in about an hour ago and gave her some Tylonol for colds. I wanted to avoid medicine but I don't want to see her suffer. She also has an eye infection so really glad I brought some drops. I have to say she's a smart little bugger though. Kirk put the first drop in and she didn't know what was coming so all good. He went to put the second in and she squeezed her little eyes as tight as she could. I think we have a bright one on here :-)

Kirk and Olivia are both fast asleep now so I'm going to try and get the room somewhat back to normal........

She is a very happy baby who gives us lots of smiles and giggles. O.K on with the good stuff - more pics! As you can see only day 2 and another leafs out fit on her. It's just too adorable. It's too big but just look how darn cute she is. We had it made about a year ago and Kirk couldn't take it another minute without seeing her in it.

I'm also posting pictures of other families we are travelling with in case anyone was out there stalking for others :-)

All is good and hopefully I'll get to post again tomorrow. I just love her so much that every waking minute is spent drooling over her.

Olivia...Safe in Mommy and Daddy's Arms!!! 2 new pics added

2007-02-01T16:07:00.000-05:00

I'll post the pics first because I know that's what you all want to see so here you go.....

Gotcha Moment!

First Family Photo!

Olivia sporting her new Toronto Maple Leafs outfit....and might I say she seems to be liking it!

Worth the Wait!

Thumb sucking....yumm!

Just received a quick note with these pics from Debbie and all is well! They are sooooooo happy!!! (Can't ya just tell from their glowing faces?!!!)

Olivia is doing great and is a very happy baby! She cried a bit at first but is doing lots of smiling and giggling!

Congratulations Debbie and Kirk!! What a beautiful family!

Local Tour

2007-01-31T03:01:00.000-05:00

Some pics from today's events!

Our view from Beijing hotel

Local's Home

School Children

Mag with school kids

Local Market

A snipet of last nights entertainment!!!

2007-01-30T16:51:00.000-05:00

It was skill like we have never seen before!!! Breathtaking!!

Summer Palace

2007-01-30T02:03:00.000-05:00

Well we punched another night well at least I did. I think Kirk can sleep no matter where he is. I woke up at 1:00am and haven't went back to sleep yet (now 2:00pm) We went to summer palace today and had an AMAZING time. The weather was just perfect with the sun shining and very little wind. I'm really too exhausted to post much about it, but here are some pictures from the day. Hope everyone is doing well back in Canada and my American pals from DTC group :-)

We are off to the acrabts show tonight. Eventually sleep will happen - it just has too!

We're in Beijing!!!

2007-01-29T12:03:00.000-05:00

Well we had quite the day/night or whaver the heck you want to call it. We woke up at 3:30am and I never got a wink on the plane. Kirk was snoring away but I made my time useful! I was showing Olivia's picture to all the Chinese folk aboard and pulled out my little tranlation cards so I could communiate with them in "Debbie" Chinese. Somebody must have told the attnedant about us adoption cause they made an announcement to congratualate all us future moms and dads aboard who are going to China to get their baby. It was really cool!

We crashed last night at 7:00 and now here are the 2 of us WIDE awake at 1 in the morning. I am sooooooo glad we came early. We are all meeting our guide at 9:30 in the lobby. She has some tourist attractions planned for us 6 families that are here early - BONUS!!!!

Here's a couple pics from the Toronto airport and then CHINA!!! Yipee its really happening - we are in Olivia's country

I'll try to post if we have any exciting pictures later.

Our Schedule!

2007-01-26T22:20:00.000-05:00

Well in about 48 hours we'll be in China. It is sooooo crazy to think our time has come. After all this time waiting and waiting reality is having a really hard time setting in.

We leave bright and early Sunday morning, arrive Monday afternoon in China, have a couple days in Beijing and then off on another flight to Guangdong. We will get Olivia Thursday afternoon which is Wendsday night in Canada. We then have some tours set up to the local zoo, markets, and other local sights before heading back to Beijing. Once back in Beijing we are going to do the Great Wall, Silk markets and other tourist attractions that the guide has set up for us.

The one place we really want to go is Olivia's finding spot. We are going to ask the tour guide to set up a taxi for us so we can go and spend some time there. Just thinking about what her birth mother had to go through leaving her in that spot is going to be very emotional. We want to spend lots of time there taking pictures and soaking up every once that we can. We also want to see if we can get a tour of the orphanage. There are lots of things to see in China but our main focus is going to be Olivia. We are going to be very baby focused and if that means missing the tours than that's what it will be. It's funny because all along I've been talking about all the things we'll get to see in China. Since getting her picture and especially the recent video, my mind has changed. I think my maternal instinct is already kicking in and I don't even have her yet.

Tomorrow is going to be a major day of house cleaning and finish the last minute packing. We still haven't figured out when we'll change our sleep routine over, but I guess it will all work its self out.

If I don't get a chance to post tomorrow - thank you to everyone who is following our journey and I'll be reading your posts while in China. The support that family, friends and the adoption community provides is beyond my wildest dreams. Thank you to everyone.

We will try to post daily!

Big cyber hugs to all
Debbie & Kirk

One lucky MAMA & DADA!!

2007-01-23T23:25:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it!!! We just got this video clip from Cathy who was at Olivia's orphanage during Christmas (She's in pink). We can't believe that she actually got footage of Olivia. We feel soooooooooo blessed!!! I just had to wake Kirk up and we can't stop watching it!

One happy and sappy mama!!!!!!

The paperwork is in!

2007-01-23T15:21:00.000-05:00

Purolator came to the door today with our final paperwork. We now officially have our "Notice of Coming" It's soooooooo real now. It's been getting more and more real everyday, but seeing that official document made it hit home. I went upstairs to pack the paperwork and decided I would unpack the suitcases. BIG MISTAKE!

Can you say luggage explosion! I thought that I could pull everything out and repack properly but now I'm having a meltdown. Well, I guess it will keep me busy for the next couple of days. I thought it wasn't suppose to look like this until after the trip.

Anyone feel like packing?????

Old Video

2007-01-21T15:55:00.000-05:00

Here's an old video that I made from the old house. The nursery is her old nursery but as you can see its all the same stuff. Little did we know at the time, we'd be moving.......

2007-01-21T15:34:00.000-05:00

Well with all the chitter chatter of us girls last night, my camera just couldn't take it. IT BROKE DOWN!! Can you believe it, the camera broke 1 week before we leave for China. The last thing we had money for was a new camera but its also the last thing we would want to be without while in China. They say everything happens for a reason......

Here's some shots with the brand new spankin camera. I had no clue what to practise with so....... yep - used Olivia's nursery!

Nothing better than energy of waiting mommies!!!

2007-01-20T10:26:00.000-05:00

I met with a bunch of waiting mommies last night. It was soooooo much fun. We laughed, told stories and of coarse drooled over Olivia's picture :-) We were a bunch of 10 women who came from the East End, West End and the North. There were lots of pictures taken but gaining my 30 pounds, I look HORRIBLE!!! I'm sure you'll see the pic though on the gals blogs. One funny thing happened towards the end of the night and Catherine almost picked herself up a sugar daddy! See her blog to get the full story.

Here's a picture of the "loot" I got (bumper pad toy missing because I ran it right up and tied it on her crib). It was friggin so funny when all the gift bags started coming out. Poor Jill was stuck in the middle with everything coming from her at both ends. It is a great bunch of girls that I can't wait to meet up with again. I'm sure I'll be wanting a "mommie" night away in the future.

I did lots of chatting with Laurie who adopted her daughter from China 2 years ago. She gave me lots of tips for feeding and bonding so it will be nice and fresh in my mind. Still can't believe this is actually happening!

Guangdong Babies

2007-01-17T19:51:00.000-05:00

Well here they are cute as cute can be! This is our gang of babies that we are all travelling together to get next Sunday (man that sounds good). I made a lanyard to wear with Olivia's picture for travelling and then I thought, hey I might as well make one for each of my posse!!!

Just look how lucky all of us mom's and dad's in waiting are going to be. We have 2 boys in our group of 11 which is quite unusual. We are all over the moon with excitement and counting the days til we get to our bundles of joy.

Check out the yellow dress on Samara and Olivia(click on picture to make larger) - do you think I have a chunkster on my hands????? She must be stealing food from all of her orphanage pals......

This is a test

2007-01-16T22:25:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone!

While Debbie is in China I may be posting to her blog for her as none of us will want to wait a minute more than we have to to see pics of sweet Olivia!

Here's my test post Deb. Hope it shows up a-ok!

Catherine

FED EX parcel!

2007-01-16T13:02:00.000-05:00

The adoption world is a wonderful place! My cyber friend Erin sent me these Gerber Liquilytes via Fed Ex today for a very special gift (can't get in Canada). I can't believe how fortunate I am to have such support through the internet. Family and friends are great, but they just don't get it the same as our unique group of adoption gals. Thank you so much for this wonderful gift Erin. I really hope Olivia doesn't get sick while in China, but if she does I have her a fix for everyday we are there. Thank you thank you thank you!!!!

Big cyber hugs to all my China moms and moms to be!

Ooooh I'm having fun now!

2007-01-14T23:23:00.000-05:00

As you can see, I'm up at 11:30 on a Sunday night doing nothing else but playing with my blog. I have decided that I'm going to start a blogroll. If you want your blog linked on here, please just leave me a post.

Cheers
(14 more sleeps)

Well I guess that depends on how many night I actually go to sleep......

What's a girl to wear?

2007-01-14T10:36:00.000-05:00

Well, I think I have Olivia's stuff all figured out but now for me!!! I have a little tiny corner in Olivia's suitcase for mine and Kirk's stuff. I think I better repack. Kirk and I may be dressed in the same ratty clothes everyday but DANG she'll look good :-)

(14 more sleeps)

Canada Goodies

2007-01-13T12:26:00.000-05:00

For the last year every time I saw a child's item with Canada on it, I would buy them. I heard that the little children in China just love it when you give them a little gift. The little bears are key chains with zippered money pouches for the older children and the rest of the stuff can go for any age. It's funny how something so small that we can pick up at our little dollar store will bring so much joy to these little ones faces. The chocolates and candies are to go with the pile we are all gathering up for the nannies.

Where to get pregnancy shirt!

2007-01-13T10:25:00.000-05:00

I have lots of inquiries on where I got my "pregnancy" shirt. I bought it on line HERE. They have a few China related items. HAVE FUN!!!

Deb