WELCOME MAYA SOFIA!

A very special little girl entered our world on August 23, 2006, weighing 8lbs, 7 oz. She's the daughter of my very good friends Sherrie and Marcello, and we've all been waiting so long to meet her, I can't believe she's finally here!

I got a chance to meet her yesterday, and she's the sweetest girl ever. Absolutely gorgeous! I'm looking forward to doing so many things with her as she grows up -- playing, reading, learning, singing, and celebrating.



Maya will be Jordyn's first Canadian friend, and Marcello, Sherrie and I can't wait for our girls to grow and play together. Maya is already loved by so many people! I already miss her, but I'm looking forward to seeing her soon, and getting to know her. (The picture to the right is my first pic with Maya, taken by her proud mom!)

Congratulations to Marce, Sherrie, and all of the friends and family of Maya Sofia!

Jordyn's Name - Part 2

After receiving the wall plaque from Aunt Cathy, I went to the CNE myself, with my family. It was tons of fun - food, games, cheesy midway music, all that good stuff.

In the Arts and Crafts building, I bought 2 more things for Jordyn, custom made with her name - I think we're officially done with 'name' things for awhile now!!


The bear will come to China with us - it's her first cuddle toy. The hand towel is also so adorable. It only took about 10-15 minutes for the stuff to be ready. Any of you out there who have named your child something unusual might want to check out Mary's Bears, who I bought these from!

Jordyn's Name

This was the week of getting gifts with Jordyn's name on them! My friend Cathy had been to the CNE, and come over a few days later, all excited. She had the cutest gift for Jordyn - a plaque with her name on it! This is her very first gift that has her name written on it, and since the spelling is unusual, she may not have much luck finding things with her name. Cathy even had a ladybug put on it and it's already up on her wall. Thanks, Aunt Cathy!!

More relaxation!

I spent Wednesday and Thursday up north at Rochelle's family cottage -- jokingly referred to as the 'fancy-schmancy cottage'. It's in a gorgeous location, on the lake, and is the opposite of roughing it. Catherine, Rochelle and I had a great time -- eating, reading in the hammock, having a (very) quick dip in the lake, and generally enjoying the last hurrah before the start of school.

On the way home on Thursday, we stopped at several artisans along the way. One of the places was Simon's glass blowing studio, where Cathy bought a lovely blue tumbler, which she's planning to use for a vase. We also tried to go to a guy who does iron works, but he wasn't there. On his property, however, there was the coolest tipi!!



It was huge, and we were able to go in. Notice the humungous garlic bulbs drying behind me.




A relaxing weekend! Made me think about how many of these I'll have when Jordyn comes home. Mind you, I love the thought of sharing these exciting things with her. Imagine her expression if she saw the giant tipi!

XPressPost to Ottawa!

Gee....I really grasp at straws to make every little part of the process a milestone!

Today I finally sent the rest of my documents to FOI -- thanks Canada Post! The adoption agency will soon be in possession of my family photos, letter of request, copies of my passport, and a few other things which now slip my mind. The poor lady at the Post Office thought I was bonkers when I asked her to take a picture of me mailing the package. I didn't want to do it, but Rochelle reminded me of the ever present scrapbooking opportunities! I'll post the picture later.


Now...if only my homestudy would come back approved...and then the whole thing will get translated within a matter of hours....and then it will all go to China....and then I'll win the lottery....Wake up!

Ladybug Encounter

Many of you know about the connection between the ladybug and Chinese adoption. I don't know why this symbol has become such a part of this process, but it is definitely a sign of good luck.

While walking on the beach on Thursday morning, I happened across a lovely ladybug out for a stroll! I know, I know, a bug on the beach -- who woulda thought it!?!? But this process is so slow, and sometimes so stressful, that I'll take any good luck charms that happen along the way. I like to think of these things as little 'pre-Jordyn' visits, just reminding me about her (not that I ever forget), and also as reminders to pay attention to things around me.

Thanks, Ladybug!!

Cottage Getaway for a Day!

Firstly, an apology to friends who have been wondering why I haven't written in awhile. Basically, there's been nothing to say! I haven't yet heard from the Ministry about approval, so I'm still waiting for that. In the meantime, I've applied for my passport (which should arrive early next week), written my letter of request, and started taking the necessary pictures which must go to China as part of my dossier. Busy, yet nothing's happening!

I had the opportunity to go up to Rob's family cottage with Rob, Mike and Lorne. I was only there overnight, but it's amazing how being at a beach can be so healing and energizing!

The big surprise of the trip was on the way up...I was following Rob's excellent directions (go north...), and as I approached the cottage area, I noticed a red SUV behind me. The thing was trailing me for awhile, making me pretty paranoid, as I was getting to the point in the directions where full attention is required (turn at the post, just ahead you'll see a hobo...make a quick left). I decided to pull over to let the red beast pass...and when it didn't, I was somewhat miffed. A quick look to the left, and there was Rochelle and the kids!!! They were visiting a cottage on the same street as Rob's cottage. Hilarious coincidence!!

The beach was simply gorgeous. Hadn't had my feet in sand for ages -- a great feeling. At the end of the trip (Thursday morning, before I had to come back to the city), Michael and I went for a walk. He climbed this huge boulder, and was quite triumphant! Yay!
Michael might have more interesting things to say about our cottage visit. Check out his blog here.

Much thanks to Rob and Michael for welcoming me to the cottage -- I needed that!