Happy birthday to two lovely ladies.
Hope this year is just perfect!
Lots of love,
Kyle, Lisa and Lauryn xo
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Happy Birthday Pretty ladies!
Happy birthday to two lovely ladies.
Hope this year is just perfect!
Lots of love,
Kyle, Lisa and Lauryn xo
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Happy Birthday Mom
Happy Birthday Mom!
Hope this year brings much happiness.
We love you more than you know.
Have a great day.
Lots of love,
Kyle, Lisa and Lauryn xo
Monday, December 13, 2010
Christmas...(I wish you could hear the tune in my head I am signing that too lol)
Ok so Christmas is officially on the 27th of December.
It will be like every other year a pot luck so please bring what it is that you make the best.
Meatballs and M&M oriental pack has been spoken for and Wade is again making bacon wrapped water chestnuts mostly I think for himself but I am sure that if need be that he will share with a couple people...he has also added that if you do not cook then a bottle of whiskey for him will suffice. I think that I am going to attempt toblorone (sp?) cheesecake!
I think that we will start our festivities at about 2pm like usual just in case anyone needs to leave early but we shall hopefully be here into the evening for you later arrivals.
If you have any questions or concerns you know my phone number please feel free to call text or even email or blog to or about me.
I love you all and look forward to seeing you after Christmas.
Angela & wade
It will be like every other year a pot luck so please bring what it is that you make the best.
Meatballs and M&M oriental pack has been spoken for and Wade is again making bacon wrapped water chestnuts mostly I think for himself but I am sure that if need be that he will share with a couple people...he has also added that if you do not cook then a bottle of whiskey for him will suffice. I think that I am going to attempt toblorone (sp?) cheesecake!
I think that we will start our festivities at about 2pm like usual just in case anyone needs to leave early but we shall hopefully be here into the evening for you later arrivals.
If you have any questions or concerns you know my phone number please feel free to call text or even email or blog to or about me.
I love you all and look forward to seeing you after Christmas.
Angela & wade
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Happy Belated Birthday Tim
Happy Belated Birthday Tim!
Hope this year is the best one yet.
With love,
Kyle, Lisa and Lauryn xo
Happy Birthday Reid!
Happy first birthday Mister Reid!
Hope you have a fantastic day and Mommy and Daddy let you eat nothing but cake!
Lots of love today and always.
Uncle Kyle, Auntie Lisa and Lauryn xo
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Hello all of y'all.....
As christmas fast approaches we need to decide what dates everyone is available for the McKown family Christmas.
Wade and I will off our place of residence again this year with open arms adn hearts if everyone would wish to come. As for a date we were thinking Monday Decemeber 27 or maybe even a News Years Eve date if everyone so wished to spend it with us.
Please post your ideas if you have others or better ones.
Love you all,
The Phillips
As christmas fast approaches we need to decide what dates everyone is available for the McKown family Christmas.
Wade and I will off our place of residence again this year with open arms adn hearts if everyone would wish to come. As for a date we were thinking Monday Decemeber 27 or maybe even a News Years Eve date if everyone so wished to spend it with us.
Please post your ideas if you have others or better ones.
Love you all,
The Phillips
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Happy Birthday Norm!
Happy Birthday dear Norm!
With lots of love and best wishes today and always.
Kyle, Lisa and Lauryn xo
Thursday, November 11, 2010
In peace may they rest, may we never forget.
A tribute to our grandfathers, uncles, brothers and sons.
Copy and paste this link into your browser, and grab a kleenex!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9N2J2xXXl8&feature=related
Copy and paste this link into your browser, and grab a kleenex!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9N2J2xXXl8&feature=related
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
HAPPY 3RD BIRTHDAY BLAKE!
We hope you have a wonderful birthday & Mommy lets you eat lots of cake & ice cream.Love Always Tim, Stacey & Reid xo
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Happy Belated Birthdays!
We've missed some birthdays!
Hope this year is wonderful for all of our September babies!
Lots of love,
Kyle, Lisa and Lauryn xo
Happy Anniversary to Wade and Angela
Happy day to you two!
Hope it's a great day!
Lots of love,
Kyle, Lisa and Lauryn xo
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Halloween Fun!
As the holiday is right around the corner I thought I would have some HALLOWEEN FUN . . . click on Happy Halloween under links on the right hand side of the page. Enjoy!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Happy 18th Birthday Tyler!
Hope this year is the best one yet!
Have a fantastic day! Hope FROSH week hasn't been to hard on you!
Lots of love,
Kyle, Lisa and Lauryn
xo
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
HAPPY 25th BIRTHDAY SARAH!
Happy Bithday 2 U!
Happy Birthday 2 U!
Happy Birthday dear Sarah . . .
HAPPY BIRTHDAY 2 U!
We hope u have a wonderful day (even though u probably have 2 work . . . yuk!).
Love Always,
Tim, Stacey & Reid
xoxoxo
Monday, September 6, 2010
HAPPY BIRTHDAY WADE!
We hope you have a great day Wade.
I have no recent picture of you so thought I would share this one.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! xo
Sunday, August 22, 2010
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY & HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to Lisa & Kyle today.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Tracy tomorrow.
Have fun celebrating your special day.
Love Always,
Tim, Stacey & Reid
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Tracy tomorrow.
Have fun celebrating your special day.
Love Always,
Tim, Stacey & Reid
Monday, August 16, 2010
Cleaning up the DRAFTS
I was into the DRAFTS section a while ago. I cleaned the ones up that were obviously errors, etc. but there are still some left that I think we should post. So the following users please check them out . . .
'Rain
Wade
sb
J'oz
Donna
Post them or delete them. Thanks. xo
'Rain
Wade
sb
J'oz
Donna
Post them or delete them. Thanks. xo
Guess Who's Turning 5 Today?
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Declan!
We wanted to wish you a very Happy Birthday today. We hope you had a great birthday party on the weekend. Mommy said your cake was fantastic. Can't wait to see some photos of it. We sure hope that when Reid turns 5 he is as handsome, adorable, funny, smart & well behaved as you are. We love you lots (even though you voted me out . . . I found your note!)
Love Always,
Uncle Tim, Aunt Stacey & Reid
xoxoxo
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Rest in Peace Dear Norm
NORMAN RICHARD McKOWN
January 31, 1956 - August 10, 2010
Since this family blog will hopefully continue for generations, it is important that we post dates that have had an impact on our family - happy and sad.
The loss of our dear brother/uncle Norm on August 10, 2010 will forever be remembered.
We each have our own memories of times spent with Norm and will each miss him in a very special way.
Rest in Peace Dear Norm, your beautiful smile will be missed but you will always live in our hearts.
xo
Monday, August 9, 2010
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JACLYN
We hope you have a great day.
Love Always
Tim, Stacey & Reid xoxoxo
P.S. Only 3 more yrs until ur 30! xo
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LISA!
Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday dear LISA, Happy Birthday to you! xo
Thursday, July 22, 2010
ERICA can't b saved this time
Well it seems as though teams have merged @ this point. I know we did not capture every single vote on camera. From what I can tell so far we r missing a couple vote off rounds . . . sorry Mom & Gary. So if you cast a vote against 1 of these 2, they may never know . . . consider yourself lucky as you may have 1 less enemy going into the game on Saturday.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Team Jimbo recon...
Posing as a gardener, I scoped out the terrain at the Survivor camp yesterday.
There was no security present.
Not many changes from 2009, however, the resident dog can now be found in a large pan of water cooling his tail. This fiesty animal no longer appears to be a threat.
Some of the garden areas give the illusion of being a safe haven but beware...danger lurks behind every rock.
I did notice a little person, posing as a mini Tim, but this is an obvious distraction that cannot be avoided. This kid is cute and will make you smile! I tried to interrogate him when his caregiver was not looking. He only smiled like he knew way too much and was not about to break his code of silence. He just sat there and ate his cookie. Well trained!
Wishing you all luck on July 24. Look forward to seeing you all.
JIMBO!!
There was no security present.
Not many changes from 2009, however, the resident dog can now be found in a large pan of water cooling his tail. This fiesty animal no longer appears to be a threat.
Some of the garden areas give the illusion of being a safe haven but beware...danger lurks behind every rock.
I did notice a little person, posing as a mini Tim, but this is an obvious distraction that cannot be avoided. This kid is cute and will make you smile! I tried to interrogate him when his caregiver was not looking. He only smiled like he knew way too much and was not about to break his code of silence. He just sat there and ate his cookie. Well trained!
Wishing you all luck on July 24. Look forward to seeing you all.
JIMBO!!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
Love the videos!
These are hilarious!
Anyone else notice that Barb keeps looking over her shoulder before she writes down a name? Does she really think we'll never find out who she voted for?? lol or does she know more about that little room than we all do??
xo
Anyone else notice that Barb keeps looking over her shoulder before she writes down a name? Does she really think we'll never find out who she voted for?? lol or does she know more about that little room than we all do??
xo
Down 2 the "Original 5"?? C ya BRENDA!
Hmmm . . . the "Original 5" eh . . . pretty tight alliance. I know what I'm thinking, what about you?
Good thing Erica had the immunity idol . . . it saved her . . . the 1st time anyway!
Can you guess who said this, "You've been a good player . . . until your 4th beer"
Or this, "Your toast honey"
Bye Bye KYLE!
If you remember, one of the game twists was when the teams had a bit of a switch up (good thing since one team seemed to be winning every challenge!). As a result of that twist you will see some new faces on these next videos . . .
Friday, July 16, 2010
muah ahah ah hahaaaa
These videos are killing me - I love them!!
Steven, you were hilarious (until you passed out lol).... and Aunt Norma, I guess we are even!!
Hope everyone is gearing up and taking notes - I've heard a lot of trash talking so I think it's going to be a good game.
Cant wait to see everyone!
xoxo
Sarah
Steven, you were hilarious (until you passed out lol).... and Aunt Norma, I guess we are even!!
Hope everyone is gearing up and taking notes - I've heard a lot of trash talking so I think it's going to be a good game.
Cant wait to see everyone!
xoxo
Sarah
Monday, July 12, 2010
Thank you from the Thomson's!
Hello family,
Just a quick note to thank everyone for meeting us in the park!
It was a great afternoon and wonderful to see everyone before alliances are formed! LOL!
When we got home from Belleville Kyle had her sand table all ready to go. She totally went for it. The water side soon became the mud side, so both sides are now sand. She played with it for almost two hours! Nothing has held her attention that long. She pulls her little chair up to it and gets right in there.
She was at it again today and after dinner she wanted outside to play some more. It was a great gift and one that will not only give her hours of fun, but Mommy and Daddy get a break too!
She has driven her jeep up and down the yard, and has only managed to hit Johnson once... he has learned to get the @!@#$) out of the way!
Hope everyone had as much fun as we did!
See you soon for Survivor 2010... and please remember that Mommy hood has made me a little more prepared for anything... the trip to china has made me a little leaner and having Lauryn sleep so little has forced me to be quiet like a mouse...you won't hear me coming!
I will not screw myself this year! LOL!
Thanks again for a wonderful afternoon. The picture is Lauryn at her table trying to say "cheese"... what a kid!
Love to you all.
Kyle, Lisa and Lauryn
xo
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
woot woot!
Hey Everyone
Hope everyone is doing well - I am looking forward to Survivor this year. Jason has severed a tendon in his hand and will be playing with a cast on his wrist. He tried to get out of coming but I let him know it wasn't an option. However, it may affect the blogger poll results! One question though - why am I not on that list?! LOL
Lisa, I am going to try hard to make it to Belleville for Lauryn's party! I'm sure she will have a blast - it's so nice that we have all these kids in the family now. I remember when Erica was the youngest, seems like just last year.
Anyways not much new here really, just the same old for now!
Looking forward to seeing you all!
xoxo
Sarah
Hope everyone is doing well - I am looking forward to Survivor this year. Jason has severed a tendon in his hand and will be playing with a cast on his wrist. He tried to get out of coming but I let him know it wasn't an option. However, it may affect the blogger poll results! One question though - why am I not on that list?! LOL
Lisa, I am going to try hard to make it to Belleville for Lauryn's party! I'm sure she will have a blast - it's so nice that we have all these kids in the family now. I remember when Erica was the youngest, seems like just last year.
Anyways not much new here really, just the same old for now!
Looking forward to seeing you all!
xoxo
Sarah
Monday, July 5, 2010
Let the Survivor FUN Begin!
Alright I finally give up! After 1.5 hrs of downloading tonight it seems I just cannot make a movie from the Survivor 2009 video clips. So stay tuned to the blog each day for a little bit of entertainment. Enjoy! xo
Here we have our 1st tribal . . .
Lauryn will be 2!
If you can make it, we would love for you to join us for birthday cake, ice cream and lemonade!
We will bring the birthday princess to Belleville, to the park near Meyer's Pier.
There are a few small parks along the path so we'll scope out the shadiest on Saturday.
Drive west along Keegan Parkway from the bottom of Herchimer and you won't miss us!
Kyle has a huge tent that will hold the cake and a couple of picnic tables.
Please bring a chair, and anything else you might need!
We will meet at 2. There is a playground there for the kids to play!
Just a little gathering to celebrate Lauryn's special day. She is officially 2 on July 12! WOW!
If I have missed anyone, please forgive me. Currently our birthday princess is running wild!
Hope you all can make it. Looking forward to seeing you soon.
With lots of love,
Kyle, Lisa and Lauryn
We will bring the birthday princess to Belleville, to the park near Meyer's Pier.
There are a few small parks along the path so we'll scope out the shadiest on Saturday.
Drive west along Keegan Parkway from the bottom of Herchimer and you won't miss us!
Kyle has a huge tent that will hold the cake and a couple of picnic tables.
Please bring a chair, and anything else you might need!
We will meet at 2. There is a playground there for the kids to play!
Just a little gathering to celebrate Lauryn's special day. She is officially 2 on July 12! WOW!
If I have missed anyone, please forgive me. Currently our birthday princess is running wild!
Hope you all can make it. Looking forward to seeing you soon.
With lots of love,
Kyle, Lisa and Lauryn
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Memories from 2009 - Can we top this???
Survivor 2009 was amazing - Survivor 2010 will be incredible!
We're all a little older but more experienced.
Will the new guy from out of town take it all again this year?
Will Lisa be first voted off?
Will Angela reign in the final 3?
Will Steven make it to the end? Will Frosted Flakes put him down?
Will Wade run his partner into a tree?
Will Jack find the hidden immunity idol?
Are you all ready for this??
Survivors Ready?!
Time to put on your game face and prepare for Survivor 2010!
Stacey and Tim have generously offered their yard once again and the date planned is July 24 at 1:00pm.
This year, the senior members of our family, Lorraine & Norma, are planning the challenges for you. Stacey can no longer play "the baby on board" card so she will be participating and will no doubt be one of our fiercest competitors.
In order to share the cost of props, we are preparing a list of props and Pot Luck dinners items that we will need.
We will post this on the blog very soon and will also send to you by email.
All prop items should be available at the Dollar store so nobody should have to spend much to pick up the items we need.
If there is any chance that you will not be able to make it, or if you simply can't find the items requested, please let us know asap so we can fill in the gaps.
Last year we had a great amount of food left over so this year we thought it best to request specific items from each family. Again, please let us know if it might be a problem for you.
Also, we each need to create our own torch this year - since we burned them all last year!
Time to get busy making the torch and forming new alliances.
Look forward to seeing everyone on July 24!
Love ya,
Lorraine
xoxo
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Happy Fathers Day!
Just wanted to say Happy Fathers Day to all the wonderful dads in our family, and an extra-special First Fathers Day to Tim & Kyle - very cool!! Hope you are all having a nice day and know much how much you are loved!
Sarah
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
FINALLY
Well it's finally done and over with!!! I just wanted to post a quick msg telling everyone that I am very happy you could be there. I had a great time and I hope you all did aswell.
Love Ashley
Love Ashley
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
all is well inChina...
Just had a quick note from the Thomson family to let us all know that everything is great and they can't wait to be home. The past couple of days have been very busy doing 'touristy' things with the other families. By the time they get back to the hotel, the business centre is closed so they have been unable to email and update us in detail.
Looking forward to their arrival on Thursday - Air Canada / Terminal 1 at 6:45pm.
Signed, a very proud, excited, anxious Nana!
Looking forward to their arrival on Thursday - Air Canada / Terminal 1 at 6:45pm.
Signed, a very proud, excited, anxious Nana!
Sunday, May 30, 2010
nothing new - a 'chill out' day
Good afternoon,
We had a very relaxing day.
Lauryn loves to feed herself! She ate very well today at breakfast.
We just finished up our paperwork and took our group photos.
We are going to go give Lauryn some lunch and then we are off to walmart!
Should be interesting.
Just a quick post for now.
I will write more tomorrow.
With lots of love.
The Thomson's xo
We had a very relaxing day.
Lauryn loves to feed herself! She ate very well today at breakfast.
We just finished up our paperwork and took our group photos.
We are going to go give Lauryn some lunch and then we are off to walmart!
Should be interesting.
Just a quick post for now.
I will write more tomorrow.
With lots of love.
The Thomson's xo
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Day 7 in China...
Good evening from China.
What a day.
Lauryn had a wonderful day today. She is giggling a lot! She is making faces and having a great old time.
We had breakfast and boarded the bus for a very busy day. We have two guides in Beijing. Fay and Vivean. They are wonderful girls. They explained so much about the city today. Beijings traffic is so heavy that there are still restrictions on who can drive when. The weekends, everyone can drive. However, during the week it's restricted. Monday people's license plates starting with one and ending with 8 are allowed to drive, Tuesday 2 and 7.... and so on. Can you imagine?
We started our day in a major traffic jam. No surprise! Then we headed to the Jade factory! WOW! it's just beautiful. I guess there is a time honoured tradition to choose a piece of Jade for your child. Kyle and I chose a laughing Budda for Lauryn. Wow! It was pretty special. We got to do some shopping and got some great stuff.
We then headed to the great wall. This is the only thing that I wanted to see. I was in awe. It's so big. The stairs are so steep and the walk was incredible. Poor Kyle had Lauryn strapped to him. The faster he moved, the more behind I got! Poor guy. I gave him shit for walking so far ahead! LOL! Guess I forget that he has a little weight... dead weight strapped to him!
We were at the great wall for about two hours. On our way back down, this woman came out of no where and started kissing lauryn, then they made us pose for pictures! They all had to take turns with us. It was hysterical! They love Lauryn. Lauryn was only to happy to participate! Cutie!
It was really very cool, and a sight that I will never forget. We took a ton of pics!
Back on the bus and headed to the friendship store for lunch. I am pleased to report that lunch was crazy good. We had vegetables... believe it or not, I have missed broccoli and carrots and just good plain food! It was great. Lauryn cracked us up. She had a piece of broccoli in one had and a french fry in the other. After lunch we headed to the friendship store basement and there was more shopping. LOTS and LOTS. They actually have chinese prices and white prices... go figure!
Boarded the bus again and went to the olympic grounds. Glad to have had the chance to see it. Kyle got off the bus, and Lauryn and I just stayed put. It was very hot and she was comfy and playing with an empty bottle. Kyle came back with a gold medal! His first bardering (sp??) experience and he won! 10 yuan! The vendor wanted 25! LOL!
Finally back at the hotel. Kyle is upstairs with Lauryn and she is happily playing with her stacking cups and Elmo cell phone. Kyle and I are exhausted and both have a cold. She couldn't be happier with all her toys and just playing.
When I was done emailing yesterday I went back to the room and all of Lauryn's toys were all picked up. I thanked Kyle and he said that Lauryn did it. Sure enough she cleaned up all her toys and put them in the garbage can. I guess at the orphanage everyone had a job... they must of had bins to store their toys. To cute.
We gave her a bath yesterday and she sat down in the tub and giggled and splashed and put her face in the water. She is really starting to come into her own. She screamed when it was time to get out. ahhh.
I have been giving her a massage with baby cream after her bath. SHE LOVES IT! She was cooing and saying mama when I did it last night! Enough to make you melt!
Alright. All for now. Love you all, and we will talk to everyone soon.
Hope to get a chance to send more pictures soon.
Tomorrow is paper work finale! Busy morning and then just a hang out day. The group can go to the zoo, but we have decided to just have a hang out day. So looking forward to it!
Love to you from us!
Miss you xo
What a day.
Lauryn had a wonderful day today. She is giggling a lot! She is making faces and having a great old time.
We had breakfast and boarded the bus for a very busy day. We have two guides in Beijing. Fay and Vivean. They are wonderful girls. They explained so much about the city today. Beijings traffic is so heavy that there are still restrictions on who can drive when. The weekends, everyone can drive. However, during the week it's restricted. Monday people's license plates starting with one and ending with 8 are allowed to drive, Tuesday 2 and 7.... and so on. Can you imagine?
We started our day in a major traffic jam. No surprise! Then we headed to the Jade factory! WOW! it's just beautiful. I guess there is a time honoured tradition to choose a piece of Jade for your child. Kyle and I chose a laughing Budda for Lauryn. Wow! It was pretty special. We got to do some shopping and got some great stuff.
We then headed to the great wall. This is the only thing that I wanted to see. I was in awe. It's so big. The stairs are so steep and the walk was incredible. Poor Kyle had Lauryn strapped to him. The faster he moved, the more behind I got! Poor guy. I gave him shit for walking so far ahead! LOL! Guess I forget that he has a little weight... dead weight strapped to him!
We were at the great wall for about two hours. On our way back down, this woman came out of no where and started kissing lauryn, then they made us pose for pictures! They all had to take turns with us. It was hysterical! They love Lauryn. Lauryn was only to happy to participate! Cutie!
It was really very cool, and a sight that I will never forget. We took a ton of pics!
Back on the bus and headed to the friendship store for lunch. I am pleased to report that lunch was crazy good. We had vegetables... believe it or not, I have missed broccoli and carrots and just good plain food! It was great. Lauryn cracked us up. She had a piece of broccoli in one had and a french fry in the other. After lunch we headed to the friendship store basement and there was more shopping. LOTS and LOTS. They actually have chinese prices and white prices... go figure!
Boarded the bus again and went to the olympic grounds. Glad to have had the chance to see it. Kyle got off the bus, and Lauryn and I just stayed put. It was very hot and she was comfy and playing with an empty bottle. Kyle came back with a gold medal! His first bardering (sp??) experience and he won! 10 yuan! The vendor wanted 25! LOL!
Finally back at the hotel. Kyle is upstairs with Lauryn and she is happily playing with her stacking cups and Elmo cell phone. Kyle and I are exhausted and both have a cold. She couldn't be happier with all her toys and just playing.
When I was done emailing yesterday I went back to the room and all of Lauryn's toys were all picked up. I thanked Kyle and he said that Lauryn did it. Sure enough she cleaned up all her toys and put them in the garbage can. I guess at the orphanage everyone had a job... they must of had bins to store their toys. To cute.
We gave her a bath yesterday and she sat down in the tub and giggled and splashed and put her face in the water. She is really starting to come into her own. She screamed when it was time to get out. ahhh.
I have been giving her a massage with baby cream after her bath. SHE LOVES IT! She was cooing and saying mama when I did it last night! Enough to make you melt!
Alright. All for now. Love you all, and we will talk to everyone soon.
Hope to get a chance to send more pictures soon.
Tomorrow is paper work finale! Busy morning and then just a hang out day. The group can go to the zoo, but we have decided to just have a hang out day. So looking forward to it!
Love to you from us!
Miss you xo
Friday, May 28, 2010
Day 6 in China...
Well here we are at the close of another day!
We are safely back in Beijing and couldn't be happier. The room that we have is MUCH nicer and MUCH MUCH bigger! It is so strange for Kyle and I to have Lauryn. It's certainly not about us anymore!
We had breakfast today and LAuryn did better than ever. She has finally learned to take bites and has stopped with the hoarding. Unless of course it's something she really likes! She had pizza for the first time tonight and was pretty happy with herself. She still has some tantrums, but this is to be expected. She is really happy and VERY busy! The gleam in her eye means trouble FOR SURE! Kyle told her today that she just keeps getting cuter and it's true.
Boarded the bus around for the Guangzhou airport today around 8:15 and headed to the airport. Lauryn sat with Daddy for most of this trip. Not sure who was more happy about this!
Got to the airport and passed through security. Said goodbye to our wonderful guide Ava. She was really wonderful!
It was kind of sad to leave behind everything that Lauryn knows. However, we are excited to bring her with us as we are that much closer to home!
Lauryn did great on the flight. She was a bit uncertain about some of the noises that the plane makes. She had a sucker for take off and thought that was just great!
She fell asleep on me, and had a hard time getting totally comfortable. The plane had a lot of empty seats and we were able to spread out. She slept for about an hour and tweny minutes. She woke up happy, but in desperate need of a diaper change and was VERY unhappy at the state of the facilities. She didn't like it at all. But, we managed and are much more prepared for the big trip home! LOL! Fingers crossed!
There was a elderly Asian lady sitting behind us. Every noise that Lauryn made, she would peak around the seat to make sure I was tending to her. At first I thought this was kinda weird, then it was endearing. People are so interested in our little family. Especially the locals. After sitting for so long. Lauryn was totally ready to stretch her legs. Kyle went to gather our luggage and Lauryn and I walked around. She stops people dead... lots of airport workers would stop and talk. Everyone thinks she is a little boy despite my efforts in trying to dress her in as much pink as possible. A waitress told me that the Chinese believe that if a little girl looks like a little boy when they are young, they will grow up to be very beautiful women!?!
Boarded another van/bus and headed to the place where our journey began... Beijing. Our room is so much better. We actually laid all of the toys we bought for Lauryn out on a blanket and she ran around happier than ever. She loves to explore. She was thrilled with Kyle's empty coke bottle... just like Johnson was when we brough him home! LOL!
Kyle went to get some essentials and brought us Pizza Hut for dinner.
All is well.
Super excited, tomorrow we go to the Great Wall! How incredible. Can't wait to see everyone with their babies! Our whole travel group is together tomorrow. Should be interesting.
Lauryn discovered that she can walk on her tippy toes today. She also shakes her head for "NO" and giggles like crazy when we tell her no! Oh oh!
She has started to imitate my cough too! Crazy kid!
Feeling much more relaxed today.
Kyle said that it's interesting to him, when we carry Lauryn, she doesn't hand on anymore... I guess this is a trust thing.
She has also discovered her tongue!!! She has a tongue like Gene Simmons! Long and pointy! Too funny!
We send our love to all of you and can't wait to introduce our crazy kid to you all!
Night night!
xo
We are safely back in Beijing and couldn't be happier. The room that we have is MUCH nicer and MUCH MUCH bigger! It is so strange for Kyle and I to have Lauryn. It's certainly not about us anymore!
We had breakfast today and LAuryn did better than ever. She has finally learned to take bites and has stopped with the hoarding. Unless of course it's something she really likes! She had pizza for the first time tonight and was pretty happy with herself. She still has some tantrums, but this is to be expected. She is really happy and VERY busy! The gleam in her eye means trouble FOR SURE! Kyle told her today that she just keeps getting cuter and it's true.
Boarded the bus around for the Guangzhou airport today around 8:15 and headed to the airport. Lauryn sat with Daddy for most of this trip. Not sure who was more happy about this!
Got to the airport and passed through security. Said goodbye to our wonderful guide Ava. She was really wonderful!
It was kind of sad to leave behind everything that Lauryn knows. However, we are excited to bring her with us as we are that much closer to home!
Lauryn did great on the flight. She was a bit uncertain about some of the noises that the plane makes. She had a sucker for take off and thought that was just great!
She fell asleep on me, and had a hard time getting totally comfortable. The plane had a lot of empty seats and we were able to spread out. She slept for about an hour and tweny minutes. She woke up happy, but in desperate need of a diaper change and was VERY unhappy at the state of the facilities. She didn't like it at all. But, we managed and are much more prepared for the big trip home! LOL! Fingers crossed!
There was a elderly Asian lady sitting behind us. Every noise that Lauryn made, she would peak around the seat to make sure I was tending to her. At first I thought this was kinda weird, then it was endearing. People are so interested in our little family. Especially the locals. After sitting for so long. Lauryn was totally ready to stretch her legs. Kyle went to gather our luggage and Lauryn and I walked around. She stops people dead... lots of airport workers would stop and talk. Everyone thinks she is a little boy despite my efforts in trying to dress her in as much pink as possible. A waitress told me that the Chinese believe that if a little girl looks like a little boy when they are young, they will grow up to be very beautiful women!?!
Boarded another van/bus and headed to the place where our journey began... Beijing. Our room is so much better. We actually laid all of the toys we bought for Lauryn out on a blanket and she ran around happier than ever. She loves to explore. She was thrilled with Kyle's empty coke bottle... just like Johnson was when we brough him home! LOL!
Kyle went to get some essentials and brought us Pizza Hut for dinner.
All is well.
Super excited, tomorrow we go to the Great Wall! How incredible. Can't wait to see everyone with their babies! Our whole travel group is together tomorrow. Should be interesting.
Lauryn discovered that she can walk on her tippy toes today. She also shakes her head for "NO" and giggles like crazy when we tell her no! Oh oh!
She has started to imitate my cough too! Crazy kid!
Feeling much more relaxed today.
Kyle said that it's interesting to him, when we carry Lauryn, she doesn't hand on anymore... I guess this is a trust thing.
She has also discovered her tongue!!! She has a tongue like Gene Simmons! Long and pointy! Too funny!
We send our love to all of you and can't wait to introduce our crazy kid to you all!
Night night!
xo
Jack & Jill Photos
Just downloaded the pics off my camera. Thought I would share some of the photos. No pic of Ashley & Ben or Lisa & Kyle together . . . go figure! I updated Reid's album too.
Have a great day! xo
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Days 4 & 5 in China...
Day Four...
This was a trying day. Lauryn is a very busy little girl. There is so much that is so brand new to her that she is taking everything in stride. She started some new behaviours today that really tested both Kyle and I. She was hitting, throwing things, and if something was taken away from her she would start to cry... big big tears, if we'd give it back to her... all was well. Tears stopped instantly! hmmmm... She also bit my t-shirt. I am sure she is just as frustrated with us. We both sometimes think that she is trying so hard to tell us something. She tried McDonalds french fries for the first time and LOVED THEM! I mean love them! She tried ice cream too. Not a big fan! I think because her palate is also affected, she gets instant brain freeze. Not sure she had ever had something so cold in her little mouth. Bedtime was difficult. We went to the passport office. Lauryn fell asleep and wasn't too happy to be woken up to get her picture taken. It went okay. The security people thought it was hysterical! I had my first mommy meltdown! Everything is just so different here. Kyle worked on both of us and then went to get a well deserved massage. Went for authentic Thai food...again VERY different. I am such a Canadian.... I had rice, and fried pork! LOL! Kyle is much more adventurous... he tried everything! So proud of him!
Day Five - MUCH BETTER DAY
Lauryn got up at 3 this morning and cried for the first time in the morning. Got her up and out of her crib, changed her and we just cuddled. She adores her stacking cups. She played with them and woke Kyle up! She went back to sleep around 4:30 and I got ready for the day.
Today we went to the Guangzhou Safari! What a day!
Our hired car and guide met us in the lobby at 8:00.
Lauryn was happy after breakfast for a bit. She was pretty tired, so a little grumpy. Kyle and I have both decided that we need to push her a little to experience everything with us. She needs to know that no matter where we are, we are her safety. We will keep her safe.
We got to the park (kinda of like Toronto Zoo) around 8:50... the gates didn't open until 9:15. It was hotter then hot... 38 degrees at 9:00 in the morning! We looked around the gift shop. didn't buy anything but water! Lauryn is pretty freaked out buy stuffed animals! I am sure this will change. Her first meeting with Johnson and Peanut should be interesting!
Got in the gates and rented a stroller. Which Lauryn LOVED. Not sure if she has ever been in one before, but it was a hit!
We saw all kinds of animals. They had a animal kindergarden. It was increadible. Baby tigers and bears, monkey, deer... they were so cute. You can get so close to them it's pretty amazing! Lauryn thought this was great! She just was all eyes and kept pointing and giggling.
You can feed alot of the animals too. For 10 yuan, you can buy a bunch of leave and feed Giraffes! It was amazing. Probably my favourite part. We also fed a bunch of banana's to a baby elephant... The animals are very well looked after. Especially the tigers and the panadas. After walking around, we took a train around another part of the park - this part is like African Lion Safari. IT was pretty neat. Lauryn tried very hard to fall asleep and was successful for the last 10 mins! Poor girl! They were amazing to see. Nice park and we all had a good day.
We got back to the hotel, Lauryn fell asleep in the car and was a tired, hot, grumpy girl when we got back to our room she had her meltdown! This time she was kicking and crying... am I a bad mom? I kinda thought it was funny! She did the cutest thing ever today. I have mentioned that she likes to imitate things. Well, after I fed her, I was giving her kisses and telling her... Lauryn Kisses... she put her sweet little mouth in an "o" shape and leaned in towards my face and then giggled...ahhhh enough to make me cry... The she threw herself on her tummy and fell asleep. Kyle left to go and try and find shoes... Kyle wasn't successful. Everything was too small! Imagine if I went looking! YIKES! Kyle got back to the hotel and I left to send this email. Lauryn is still sleeping.
We are going AMERICAN for dinner tonight. There is an Italian restuarant that we can walk too. Very excited about this!
We leave Guangzhou tomorrow morning at 8:30. Our flight is at 11:00 and then we go back to Beijing to meet the rest of our group and their children. We are so excited to see everyone with their kids, and to show off our beautiful girl! she is pretty amazing.
I will update more when I can.
With lots of love from this side of the world!
xo
This was a trying day. Lauryn is a very busy little girl. There is so much that is so brand new to her that she is taking everything in stride. She started some new behaviours today that really tested both Kyle and I. She was hitting, throwing things, and if something was taken away from her she would start to cry... big big tears, if we'd give it back to her... all was well. Tears stopped instantly! hmmmm... She also bit my t-shirt. I am sure she is just as frustrated with us. We both sometimes think that she is trying so hard to tell us something. She tried McDonalds french fries for the first time and LOVED THEM! I mean love them! She tried ice cream too. Not a big fan! I think because her palate is also affected, she gets instant brain freeze. Not sure she had ever had something so cold in her little mouth. Bedtime was difficult. We went to the passport office. Lauryn fell asleep and wasn't too happy to be woken up to get her picture taken. It went okay. The security people thought it was hysterical! I had my first mommy meltdown! Everything is just so different here. Kyle worked on both of us and then went to get a well deserved massage. Went for authentic Thai food...again VERY different. I am such a Canadian.... I had rice, and fried pork! LOL! Kyle is much more adventurous... he tried everything! So proud of him!
Day Five - MUCH BETTER DAY
Lauryn got up at 3 this morning and cried for the first time in the morning. Got her up and out of her crib, changed her and we just cuddled. She adores her stacking cups. She played with them and woke Kyle up! She went back to sleep around 4:30 and I got ready for the day.
Today we went to the Guangzhou Safari! What a day!
Our hired car and guide met us in the lobby at 8:00.
Lauryn was happy after breakfast for a bit. She was pretty tired, so a little grumpy. Kyle and I have both decided that we need to push her a little to experience everything with us. She needs to know that no matter where we are, we are her safety. We will keep her safe.
We got to the park (kinda of like Toronto Zoo) around 8:50... the gates didn't open until 9:15. It was hotter then hot... 38 degrees at 9:00 in the morning! We looked around the gift shop. didn't buy anything but water! Lauryn is pretty freaked out buy stuffed animals! I am sure this will change. Her first meeting with Johnson and Peanut should be interesting!
Got in the gates and rented a stroller. Which Lauryn LOVED. Not sure if she has ever been in one before, but it was a hit!
We saw all kinds of animals. They had a animal kindergarden. It was increadible. Baby tigers and bears, monkey, deer... they were so cute. You can get so close to them it's pretty amazing! Lauryn thought this was great! She just was all eyes and kept pointing and giggling.
You can feed alot of the animals too. For 10 yuan, you can buy a bunch of leave and feed Giraffes! It was amazing. Probably my favourite part. We also fed a bunch of banana's to a baby elephant... The animals are very well looked after. Especially the tigers and the panadas. After walking around, we took a train around another part of the park - this part is like African Lion Safari. IT was pretty neat. Lauryn tried very hard to fall asleep and was successful for the last 10 mins! Poor girl! They were amazing to see. Nice park and we all had a good day.
We got back to the hotel, Lauryn fell asleep in the car and was a tired, hot, grumpy girl when we got back to our room she had her meltdown! This time she was kicking and crying... am I a bad mom? I kinda thought it was funny! She did the cutest thing ever today. I have mentioned that she likes to imitate things. Well, after I fed her, I was giving her kisses and telling her... Lauryn Kisses... she put her sweet little mouth in an "o" shape and leaned in towards my face and then giggled...ahhhh enough to make me cry... The she threw herself on her tummy and fell asleep. Kyle left to go and try and find shoes... Kyle wasn't successful. Everything was too small! Imagine if I went looking! YIKES! Kyle got back to the hotel and I left to send this email. Lauryn is still sleeping.
We are going AMERICAN for dinner tonight. There is an Italian restuarant that we can walk too. Very excited about this!
We leave Guangzhou tomorrow morning at 8:30. Our flight is at 11:00 and then we go back to Beijing to meet the rest of our group and their children. We are so excited to see everyone with their kids, and to show off our beautiful girl! she is pretty amazing.
I will update more when I can.
With lots of love from this side of the world!
xo
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
3:30AM
Yes that is what time it is. Reid started sleeping in his crib 2 1/2 weeks ago. Needless to say he was up @ 2AM & then 3AM . . . I still had not fell back asleep from the 1st time. He was back asleep before I even got to his room - go figure! The first week things went well & now it seems like we have good & bad nights. I have started putting him to bed @ 8PM. That seems to work out OK. Lately he will only nap in my arms, not a good habit to get him into so I also started trying to give him naps in the crib. Well again the first week things seemed to be going good . . . now not so much. He actually slept for a total of 30 mins yesterday (and yes I had to hold him for this . . . I know, I know . . . but what do you do when you have a cranky baby who just won't sleep? ) Besides all this Reid is doing great. He babbles & smiles constantly & giggles occassionally. Last time I weighed him he was 16 lbs. He sleeps on his side now instead of on his back with his arms over his head. He rolls from side to side but not over onto his belly yet. He tries to pull his upper body up when he is laying down. He is much more interested in his saucer now, loves his jolly jumper (even though he tap dances more than he jumps most times) & has had outside time in his playpen. I finally took his to Sears to have his pictures taken last week. I get them back May 31st, can't wait!
We had a great time @ the Jack & Jill. I am so glad Lisa is keeping us up to date on her adventure of a lifetime. I have to be honest I did not think we would hear from her so soon . . . I am so happy we did & so happy that things seem to be going great. We can't wait to meet your little family. I hope she can keep the emails coming as it is very exciting to hear how things are going.
Aunt Viv flies into Toronto today. I think Aunt Norma is picking her up. Looking forward to seeing her again.
Tim was on holidays last week. We made a rock garden @ our front entrance. Tuurned out pretty good . . . amazing what no money, teamwork & a lot of effort can accomplish! We went to Canada's Wonderland on Thursday. It was a great day weather-wise. So I started pumping about a week before so Reid would not have to have formula all day. Then it occured to me I would have to pump while I was away all day. Well right up until the morning we left I am thinking I can just take my pump . . . that is until Tim says how are you going to do that . . . shoot, can't plug the pump in! Well he figures out how to set the manual pump up . . . well let me tell you I poor pity anyone who has to use that thing (THANKS so much Angela for the electric pump!) I pumped a total of 1. 5 ozs all day. By the time I got home my boobs were as hard as rocks & I pumped about 15 ozs. And the fun did not end there. We go on the 1st three rides . . . during the rides it is great . . . but when they stop I feel not too well @ all. Well guess what happens on the 4th ride . . . I puke on myself. That's right . . . all over myself! Thank god I took pants, shorts, a t-shirt & a tank top. So back to the car I go to change. I sit the next few rides out . . . then try a couple more, no problems then I feel the sickness coming on again . . . @ least this time I don't puke on myself (which was a really good thing cause this one was way more than just clear, unsmelly bile!) Totally gross right. And yes I used to LOVE rides & never felt or got sick. I get home, tell my mom my story & she tells me that is what happens when you get OLD & my body has been through a lot. I am starting to believe that life really never will be the same & this body as I used to know is NEVER coming back!
Tim's alarm just went off for the 3rd time (he just LOVES that snooze button!) I think I'll go make us both tea.
Have a great day! xoxoxo
We had a great time @ the Jack & Jill. I am so glad Lisa is keeping us up to date on her adventure of a lifetime. I have to be honest I did not think we would hear from her so soon . . . I am so happy we did & so happy that things seem to be going great. We can't wait to meet your little family. I hope she can keep the emails coming as it is very exciting to hear how things are going.
Aunt Viv flies into Toronto today. I think Aunt Norma is picking her up. Looking forward to seeing her again.
Tim was on holidays last week. We made a rock garden @ our front entrance. Tuurned out pretty good . . . amazing what no money, teamwork & a lot of effort can accomplish! We went to Canada's Wonderland on Thursday. It was a great day weather-wise. So I started pumping about a week before so Reid would not have to have formula all day. Then it occured to me I would have to pump while I was away all day. Well right up until the morning we left I am thinking I can just take my pump . . . that is until Tim says how are you going to do that . . . shoot, can't plug the pump in! Well he figures out how to set the manual pump up . . . well let me tell you I poor pity anyone who has to use that thing (THANKS so much Angela for the electric pump!) I pumped a total of 1. 5 ozs all day. By the time I got home my boobs were as hard as rocks & I pumped about 15 ozs. And the fun did not end there. We go on the 1st three rides . . . during the rides it is great . . . but when they stop I feel not too well @ all. Well guess what happens on the 4th ride . . . I puke on myself. That's right . . . all over myself! Thank god I took pants, shorts, a t-shirt & a tank top. So back to the car I go to change. I sit the next few rides out . . . then try a couple more, no problems then I feel the sickness coming on again . . . @ least this time I don't puke on myself (which was a really good thing cause this one was way more than just clear, unsmelly bile!) Totally gross right. And yes I used to LOVE rides & never felt or got sick. I get home, tell my mom my story & she tells me that is what happens when you get OLD & my body has been through a lot. I am starting to believe that life really never will be the same & this body as I used to know is NEVER coming back!
Tim's alarm just went off for the 3rd time (he just LOVES that snooze button!) I think I'll go make us both tea.
Have a great day! xoxoxo
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Day 3 in China...
Well, here it is, bed time at day 3. Here is the events of the day.
Thanks Mom for keeping everyone in the loop, please continue to keep Kyle's family updated. He was concerned about this.
How are things at home! We miss home!
DAY 3...
Started at 4 in the morning, Kyle couldn't sleep and I was in and out. Got up when he did. Had a nice long shower and felt great! Lauryn slept until about 6 ish. She woke up with some babble and then started a little cry but nothing to big. Then the smiles started!
We went for breakfast around 6:30. Before we left Lauryn had some oatmeal, a bit of goldfish and some milk. At the restaurant she had some watermelon, a boiled egg and some chinese porridge! She tried some french toast and some apple juice. It was pretty funny... she took a big bite of watermelon and the juice came out her nose! She wasn't sure about apple juice... the first drink made her shiver! Then I watered it down and it was much better.
She had some trouble getting to sleep last night. She is amazed by all the lights and is a big wide eyed girl who stops herself from going to sleep, I think she wants to see more and more and more! Its pretty amazing to see. We both watched her for a long time and then just listened to her little baby sounds.
We had to meet in the lobby for 8:30. Back to the adoption centre! The adoption was finalized today! She is all ours. We met with a notary and another government official. We had about 10 - 12 questions from each of them. Things like Are you happy with this child? Do you want to make this child yours? DUH!! I would love to see someone try to take her away! Kyle is totally in awe of her. I love seeing them together. It really is amazing!
Lauryn got her land legs that's forsure! Her legs are very skinny and not strong at all. Today we put some running shoes on her. The adoption centre is a very big room and she went for it! She ran and walked and exhausted both Kyle and I! Our guide laughed at me! We had to take our first family photo. Something for the orphanage I think... I didn't know that it was our turn, then Ava came to get us and I was a sweaty hot mess! Told her I needed time to fix myself up! She thought that this was hysterical! You should see my hair. It is so humid that the its just crazy... nothing works! Oh well! LOL!
At the adoption centre we had some time to sit and really get to know our girl. She is so smart! She imitates EVERYTHING! She now says mama!!! YUP! She does! And she can wave bye - bye! The nanny told us yesterday to give her soft food. Her palate is effected and hardfood might bother her... not our girl. She will try everything! If she doesn't like it... no big deal she will spit it out!
After everything was finalized, we got back in our van and headed to the Chinese equivalent to walmart... OMG, what an experience. They sell everything there... EVERYTHING and it's all cheap, bad quality. Dawn (the lady that also adopted, and is staying in the same hotel) well, she loves to buy her older daughter shirts from these stores. The english is terrible. The one she bought today said M KOOKS... My Happy Hollida?? What the heck that is suppose to mean, I will never know. Kyle also bought some eggroll flavoured pringles... gross!
We loaded up on diapers, rice cereal and bottled water. I also bought some baby food - fruit mostly. I was worried b/c Lauryn hadn't pooped yet! We toyed with the idea of a stroller. We will be doing a lot of sight seeing in Beijing. Instead we bought a baby carrier.
Got back to the hotel and Lauryn was overtire, hot, hungry and pretty grumpy. She cried big tears for the first time! Then wanted to be held. Tried to settle her down and it eventually worked, but it took both of us! I think we have a lot to learn! But, we did just fine. She napped for about 2 hours. Kyle and I did too!
It was great! Starting to get use to the time change!
When she got up we changed her bum, and she had done what she was suppose to! Kyle said it smelled really bad... this cold I have prevented me from smelling anything. So I got to change her! Lauryn is pretty cranky today! I think the last two days have been totally overwhelming and she is just as tired as we are. I wonder what is going on in her mind! Then Kyle tested out the new baby carrier while I got ready for dinner. Cool!
She was pretty funny. I have some pictures. I think Kyle was pretty pleased with himself. He just adores her!
We met with Dawn, Lynne, Quinnlynne and Lindsay for our first authetic chinese dinner. It wasn't nearly as crazy as a I thought. You order for the table and all the dishes are put on a big lazy suzzane and shared. Well, Lauryn is a messy eater and certainly doesn't like anything being taken away from her. She had a minor melt down. It was pretty funny, we ordered some Teryaki noddles, well we were all pretty useless getting the noodles out of the bowl onto our plates so the restaurant sent over a lady to give us a hand! When we sat down, another waitress came over to ask me if I would like a fork! Then she came back to ask me if I would like a knife! LOL!
After lauryn's minor melt down we went back to the room. We are pretty tired again and Lauryn is cranky! Kyle went out to see if her could find some cold water. There isn't any such thing as cold in China. Everything is luke warm. Well Kyle went for his adventure, I tackled bath time alone...
It went okay... She cried... a lot! However she was standing in the tub holding on to me and wanted to sit down... and then she would cry harder....Got the job done and dressed her and combed her hair. I put baby lotion on her for the first time. She thought that was pretty cool! she giggles at a lot of things. Baby lotion was a hit. She smells fantastic...I can even smell her!
So, I have just come down to the business centre for the update! We all send out love and we are telling Lauryn of all the family she has at home who can't wait to meet her. You guys are going to be over the moon in love.
Tomorrow we get her passport and don't have to meet until 3.
We are going to meet for breakfast and then head to Beijing Street. I guess this is just packed with kids clothes vendors! Should be an interesting day! I will write more tomorrow.
I hope to have some pictures tomorrow too. I working on it!
The 3 of us send out love!
We love you all more then you could ever know or possibly understand! It seems so weird not having our family with us at such a special time! Can't wait to introduce you!
We love you! Sweet dreams... sorry, sweet dreams for us... have a great day to you!
Thanks for everything.
xo
Thanks Mom for keeping everyone in the loop, please continue to keep Kyle's family updated. He was concerned about this.
How are things at home! We miss home!
DAY 3...
Started at 4 in the morning, Kyle couldn't sleep and I was in and out. Got up when he did. Had a nice long shower and felt great! Lauryn slept until about 6 ish. She woke up with some babble and then started a little cry but nothing to big. Then the smiles started!
We went for breakfast around 6:30. Before we left Lauryn had some oatmeal, a bit of goldfish and some milk. At the restaurant she had some watermelon, a boiled egg and some chinese porridge! She tried some french toast and some apple juice. It was pretty funny... she took a big bite of watermelon and the juice came out her nose! She wasn't sure about apple juice... the first drink made her shiver! Then I watered it down and it was much better.
She had some trouble getting to sleep last night. She is amazed by all the lights and is a big wide eyed girl who stops herself from going to sleep, I think she wants to see more and more and more! Its pretty amazing to see. We both watched her for a long time and then just listened to her little baby sounds.
We had to meet in the lobby for 8:30. Back to the adoption centre! The adoption was finalized today! She is all ours. We met with a notary and another government official. We had about 10 - 12 questions from each of them. Things like Are you happy with this child? Do you want to make this child yours? DUH!! I would love to see someone try to take her away! Kyle is totally in awe of her. I love seeing them together. It really is amazing!
Lauryn got her land legs that's forsure! Her legs are very skinny and not strong at all. Today we put some running shoes on her. The adoption centre is a very big room and she went for it! She ran and walked and exhausted both Kyle and I! Our guide laughed at me! We had to take our first family photo. Something for the orphanage I think... I didn't know that it was our turn, then Ava came to get us and I was a sweaty hot mess! Told her I needed time to fix myself up! She thought that this was hysterical! You should see my hair. It is so humid that the its just crazy... nothing works! Oh well! LOL!
At the adoption centre we had some time to sit and really get to know our girl. She is so smart! She imitates EVERYTHING! She now says mama!!! YUP! She does! And she can wave bye - bye! The nanny told us yesterday to give her soft food. Her palate is effected and hardfood might bother her... not our girl. She will try everything! If she doesn't like it... no big deal she will spit it out!
After everything was finalized, we got back in our van and headed to the Chinese equivalent to walmart... OMG, what an experience. They sell everything there... EVERYTHING and it's all cheap, bad quality. Dawn (the lady that also adopted, and is staying in the same hotel) well, she loves to buy her older daughter shirts from these stores. The english is terrible. The one she bought today said M KOOKS... My Happy Hollida?? What the heck that is suppose to mean, I will never know. Kyle also bought some eggroll flavoured pringles... gross!
We loaded up on diapers, rice cereal and bottled water. I also bought some baby food - fruit mostly. I was worried b/c Lauryn hadn't pooped yet! We toyed with the idea of a stroller. We will be doing a lot of sight seeing in Beijing. Instead we bought a baby carrier.
Got back to the hotel and Lauryn was overtire, hot, hungry and pretty grumpy. She cried big tears for the first time! Then wanted to be held. Tried to settle her down and it eventually worked, but it took both of us! I think we have a lot to learn! But, we did just fine. She napped for about 2 hours. Kyle and I did too!
It was great! Starting to get use to the time change!
When she got up we changed her bum, and she had done what she was suppose to! Kyle said it smelled really bad... this cold I have prevented me from smelling anything. So I got to change her! Lauryn is pretty cranky today! I think the last two days have been totally overwhelming and she is just as tired as we are. I wonder what is going on in her mind! Then Kyle tested out the new baby carrier while I got ready for dinner. Cool!
She was pretty funny. I have some pictures. I think Kyle was pretty pleased with himself. He just adores her!
We met with Dawn, Lynne, Quinnlynne and Lindsay for our first authetic chinese dinner. It wasn't nearly as crazy as a I thought. You order for the table and all the dishes are put on a big lazy suzzane and shared. Well, Lauryn is a messy eater and certainly doesn't like anything being taken away from her. She had a minor melt down. It was pretty funny, we ordered some Teryaki noddles, well we were all pretty useless getting the noodles out of the bowl onto our plates so the restaurant sent over a lady to give us a hand! When we sat down, another waitress came over to ask me if I would like a fork! Then she came back to ask me if I would like a knife! LOL!
After lauryn's minor melt down we went back to the room. We are pretty tired again and Lauryn is cranky! Kyle went out to see if her could find some cold water. There isn't any such thing as cold in China. Everything is luke warm. Well Kyle went for his adventure, I tackled bath time alone...
It went okay... She cried... a lot! However she was standing in the tub holding on to me and wanted to sit down... and then she would cry harder....Got the job done and dressed her and combed her hair. I put baby lotion on her for the first time. She thought that was pretty cool! she giggles at a lot of things. Baby lotion was a hit. She smells fantastic...I can even smell her!
So, I have just come down to the business centre for the update! We all send out love and we are telling Lauryn of all the family she has at home who can't wait to meet her. You guys are going to be over the moon in love.
Tomorrow we get her passport and don't have to meet until 3.
We are going to meet for breakfast and then head to Beijing Street. I guess this is just packed with kids clothes vendors! Should be an interesting day! I will write more tomorrow.
I hope to have some pictures tomorrow too. I working on it!
The 3 of us send out love!
We love you all more then you could ever know or possibly understand! It seems so weird not having our family with us at such a special time! Can't wait to introduce you!
We love you! Sweet dreams... sorry, sweet dreams for us... have a great day to you!
Thanks for everything.
xo
Monday, May 24, 2010
Lauryn is finally where she belongs!
Day 2 in China - a beautiful story...
Hi there,
I knew you would be waiting patiently for this email. I am at the business centre in Guangzhou. It has been an unbelievable day. I am exhausted... we both are... so mind the spelling! LOL!We slept well last night. We both just kinda crashed. Our day started at 4 a.m. Wasn't really too bad because it felt like 4 in the afternoon. We both got ready and waited in the lobby for everyone. We were the first ones downstairs and eager to start our day. We boarded the bus with about 14 other people. We had breakfast on the bus. While we ate Yulin told us what to expect and how to handle our children. She says that they are all different and she doesn't know what to tell us on how they will react.
We got to the airport around 6:30. Dawn, her sister Lynne and Dawn's daughter (adopted 5 years ago) Quinnlynne were flying to our province. I can't tell you what a relief it was to have them there. There are sooooo nice! We found a coffee spot and sat and got to know each other. It was so funny. Kyle asked for cream in his coffee... you know what he got... WHIPPED CREAM! LOL! He was a sport about it and said it wasn't too bad! We played crazy 8's and UNO with Quinnlynne and watched the clock, our plane didn't board until 8:45! We did some shopping. I found chedder goldfish! Kyle bought some crazy pork thing.. gross.. went through security and waited for our plane.
The day seemed to drag and drag. Beijing to Guangzhou is a 3 hour flight... what a crazy flight. I cant tell you how weird it is to be in a place where you are the minority! Landed safely and got off the plane to meet our guide Ava. Now things were getting exciting. We boarded a bus and off to the hotel. Ava told us we had about 10 mins. We had to get all our papers in order (thankfully ours were already) bring one gift for the nanny, and meet in the lobby. Things were moving so fast. Kyle and I still had to exchange our money. We met in the lobby and Ava wisked us off to the bank of china. It was crazy. They took our passports inspected every bill. over and over again. We left with literally a shopping bag full of yuen. We were 20 mins. away from the adoption centre and needed every minute to count our cash and get them in the right envelope! It was so quick. We left the bus in the middle of a very busy road. Crossed the street. AND THIS WAS IT.
The building is very run down. The room where all the babies were was very bright and comfy. I have seen it online before. Ava came to us and told us that our baby was here! I lost it for a minute. Kyle too, and then we were signing papers and counting money and it was all such a whirlwind. THEN AVA came back and got Dawn to be introduced to her baby. Her baby's name is Lindsay and the second Lindsay saw Dawn she WAILED... I have never heard a baby cry like that before!
Ava came back and told us it was our turn. Kyle and I were sweaty and teary and shaky and then we saw her. My tears stopped immediately. Kyle started filiming and it was love at first sight. There was no tears from anyone. She looked at me and hit the chinese doll! LOL! and then I reached for her and she giggled... Mom, she is the most precious thing in the whole world. She took to us both right away.
Her palate is affected. Not a big deal, but it was nice to see her. She was clean and just beautiful. She was weraring little flower sandals, a white t-shirt and pink short overalls. Adorable. We played for a long time while our paper work was reviewed. We got to speak to her nanny, not the lady in the picture. We were there for probably an hour or so. She has since reached for both Kyle and I.
Time to get back on the bus. She was all eyes. She is very alert and loves to look around. She also loves goldfish! Back at the hotel we did our first diaper change... we put it on backwards.. we are so tired! Then Ava came back to do more paperwork. The whole time Lauryn played with her stacking cups!
When Ava left I was giving Lauryn more fish and she put like 10 in her mouth... her face got all red and she started to choke! Nothing to serious, but she's a little hoarder! LOL!Very common I guess!Kyle went to the store to get some juice and water and milk. I was playing with her on the bed, she reached up for me and wanted to be cuddled. I cuddled her and rubbed her back and she fell asleep! Kyle came back and we just stared at her. She started to stir about 40 mins. later and then started to cry. Very easily settled. She had some mashed banana, rice cereal, half a bun and a strawberry yogurt bar for dinner.
We attempted a bath...she was very nervous. Kyle was awesome. He brough her stacking cups in the tub and eventually she sat down. She let us know that enough was enough. We wrapped her in a towel. Put socks on and clean jama's with a clean bum and she is a whole new kid. She adores the blanket that you made her! I left her lying on Kyle's tummy all wrapped up and falling asleep!It has all been very natural. Kyle is a natural and she adores him!
When I was giving her dinner, she kept putting her mouth toward me... I would say No, Lauryn in your hand. She would sit back down and place her hand out... adorable. We both think that she is very smart. She imitates EVERYTHING! No words yet, but she bablles!
You guys are going to be head over heels! I really think she will come off the plane all smiles! Can't wait to come home. So there you go! Day 2 update and all is well!
We are back at the adoption centre tomorrow and then shopping! Should be interesting. Thanks for taking care of the boys!
We miss everyone and although this was a crazy life changing day, we both want to come home! LOL!Have a good night... er... morning!Lots of love to everyone. Have a safe trip home. I will send pictures when I can.
Love ya. xo
Hi there,
I knew you would be waiting patiently for this email. I am at the business centre in Guangzhou. It has been an unbelievable day. I am exhausted... we both are... so mind the spelling! LOL!We slept well last night. We both just kinda crashed. Our day started at 4 a.m. Wasn't really too bad because it felt like 4 in the afternoon. We both got ready and waited in the lobby for everyone. We were the first ones downstairs and eager to start our day. We boarded the bus with about 14 other people. We had breakfast on the bus. While we ate Yulin told us what to expect and how to handle our children. She says that they are all different and she doesn't know what to tell us on how they will react.
We got to the airport around 6:30. Dawn, her sister Lynne and Dawn's daughter (adopted 5 years ago) Quinnlynne were flying to our province. I can't tell you what a relief it was to have them there. There are sooooo nice! We found a coffee spot and sat and got to know each other. It was so funny. Kyle asked for cream in his coffee... you know what he got... WHIPPED CREAM! LOL! He was a sport about it and said it wasn't too bad! We played crazy 8's and UNO with Quinnlynne and watched the clock, our plane didn't board until 8:45! We did some shopping. I found chedder goldfish! Kyle bought some crazy pork thing.. gross.. went through security and waited for our plane.
The day seemed to drag and drag. Beijing to Guangzhou is a 3 hour flight... what a crazy flight. I cant tell you how weird it is to be in a place where you are the minority! Landed safely and got off the plane to meet our guide Ava. Now things were getting exciting. We boarded a bus and off to the hotel. Ava told us we had about 10 mins. We had to get all our papers in order (thankfully ours were already) bring one gift for the nanny, and meet in the lobby. Things were moving so fast. Kyle and I still had to exchange our money. We met in the lobby and Ava wisked us off to the bank of china. It was crazy. They took our passports inspected every bill. over and over again. We left with literally a shopping bag full of yuen. We were 20 mins. away from the adoption centre and needed every minute to count our cash and get them in the right envelope! It was so quick. We left the bus in the middle of a very busy road. Crossed the street. AND THIS WAS IT.
The building is very run down. The room where all the babies were was very bright and comfy. I have seen it online before. Ava came to us and told us that our baby was here! I lost it for a minute. Kyle too, and then we were signing papers and counting money and it was all such a whirlwind. THEN AVA came back and got Dawn to be introduced to her baby. Her baby's name is Lindsay and the second Lindsay saw Dawn she WAILED... I have never heard a baby cry like that before!
Ava came back and told us it was our turn. Kyle and I were sweaty and teary and shaky and then we saw her. My tears stopped immediately. Kyle started filiming and it was love at first sight. There was no tears from anyone. She looked at me and hit the chinese doll! LOL! and then I reached for her and she giggled... Mom, she is the most precious thing in the whole world. She took to us both right away.
Her palate is affected. Not a big deal, but it was nice to see her. She was clean and just beautiful. She was weraring little flower sandals, a white t-shirt and pink short overalls. Adorable. We played for a long time while our paper work was reviewed. We got to speak to her nanny, not the lady in the picture. We were there for probably an hour or so. She has since reached for both Kyle and I.
Time to get back on the bus. She was all eyes. She is very alert and loves to look around. She also loves goldfish! Back at the hotel we did our first diaper change... we put it on backwards.. we are so tired! Then Ava came back to do more paperwork. The whole time Lauryn played with her stacking cups!
When Ava left I was giving Lauryn more fish and she put like 10 in her mouth... her face got all red and she started to choke! Nothing to serious, but she's a little hoarder! LOL!Very common I guess!Kyle went to the store to get some juice and water and milk. I was playing with her on the bed, she reached up for me and wanted to be cuddled. I cuddled her and rubbed her back and she fell asleep! Kyle came back and we just stared at her. She started to stir about 40 mins. later and then started to cry. Very easily settled. She had some mashed banana, rice cereal, half a bun and a strawberry yogurt bar for dinner.
We attempted a bath...she was very nervous. Kyle was awesome. He brough her stacking cups in the tub and eventually she sat down. She let us know that enough was enough. We wrapped her in a towel. Put socks on and clean jama's with a clean bum and she is a whole new kid. She adores the blanket that you made her! I left her lying on Kyle's tummy all wrapped up and falling asleep!It has all been very natural. Kyle is a natural and she adores him!
When I was giving her dinner, she kept putting her mouth toward me... I would say No, Lauryn in your hand. She would sit back down and place her hand out... adorable. We both think that she is very smart. She imitates EVERYTHING! No words yet, but she bablles!
You guys are going to be head over heels! I really think she will come off the plane all smiles! Can't wait to come home. So there you go! Day 2 update and all is well!
We are back at the adoption centre tomorrow and then shopping! Should be interesting. Thanks for taking care of the boys!
We miss everyone and although this was a crazy life changing day, we both want to come home! LOL!Have a good night... er... morning!Lots of love to everyone. Have a safe trip home. I will send pictures when I can.
Love ya. xo
Saturday, May 22, 2010
To our family
Well, this is it!
We are up and ready to go!
Bags are packed!
Thanks to everyone for all the love and support!
We will see you soon with our girl! Lauryn is coming home! OMG!
xo
We are up and ready to go!
Bags are packed!
Thanks to everyone for all the love and support!
We will see you soon with our girl! Lauryn is coming home! OMG!
xo
Sunday, May 16, 2010
THANK YOU!!!
To the best family in the world - THANK YOU!!
The Jack & Jill for Lisa, Kyle and Lauryn was an amazing success thanks to all of you for all you did.
After all expenses were paid, they received about $1,500 which will go a long way to helping with their trip to bring Lauryn home.
That's what I love most about our family - put out the word that you're planning anything and you all come together to help make it a great success.
Hope you all had fun!
Sincerely... thanks again!! You really are the BEST!
Love ya,
Lorraine & Jim
The Jack & Jill for Lisa, Kyle and Lauryn was an amazing success thanks to all of you for all you did.
After all expenses were paid, they received about $1,500 which will go a long way to helping with their trip to bring Lauryn home.
That's what I love most about our family - put out the word that you're planning anything and you all come together to help make it a great success.
Hope you all had fun!
Sincerely... thanks again!! You really are the BEST!
Love ya,
Lorraine & Jim
Monday, May 10, 2010
Well, since no one else is writing on here, I might as well!
Hope you are all doing well - things are great here in London! Mom moved into her new place on the first of the month and loves it. Could not have done it without Uncle Jim & Aunt Lorraine (especially given the state I was in that morning, after a friend's birthday!), what a huge help!
I'm sure you are all getting excited for the Jack 'n' Jill- I know I sure am! I will be hitting you all up for money, from whatever station I'll be working! Just a few more weeks until Lauryn is home - it seems like just yesterday that Kyle and Lisa were being interviewed to start the process of adoption!
Not a whole lot is new with me - work is crazy busy and the apartment is great. Still trying to decorate it and perfect the use of what little storage I have! Other than that, not much new here! I am very much looking forward to seeing everyone this weekend!
Love you all,
Sarah
xoxo
Hope you are all doing well - things are great here in London! Mom moved into her new place on the first of the month and loves it. Could not have done it without Uncle Jim & Aunt Lorraine (especially given the state I was in that morning, after a friend's birthday!), what a huge help!
I'm sure you are all getting excited for the Jack 'n' Jill- I know I sure am! I will be hitting you all up for money, from whatever station I'll be working! Just a few more weeks until Lauryn is home - it seems like just yesterday that Kyle and Lisa were being interviewed to start the process of adoption!
Not a whole lot is new with me - work is crazy busy and the apartment is great. Still trying to decorate it and perfect the use of what little storage I have! Other than that, not much new here! I am very much looking forward to seeing everyone this weekend!
Love you all,
Sarah
xoxo
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
HAPPY 3rd ANNIVERSARY STACEY & TIM!
Hope you had a fabulous day!
Love ya lots,
Aunt Lorraine & Uncle Jim
xo
Monday, April 26, 2010
Hello everyone!
Just a short note to say hi to all. I am home sick today so I thought this would be a good time to do the blog thing.
I went to Pro Bass Shop with Wade, Declan and Alister on Saturday. We had a great day. Declan drove the little nascar on the track and did really well...it was so cute to watch him...then Wade took Declan in the "big boy" nascar. Wade chose the Home Depot car and of course they beat everyone on the track! Declan had an ear to ear grin every round...he had a blast. We were there for a few hours and Alister was asleep before we got out of the parking lot to go home.
I had a chat with Vivian this morning and she is really looking forward to her visit. Time is flying by quickly...it will be no time before the big day is here for Ashleigh and the whole family will be able to be together for a celebration. Lauryn will be home soon, that's so exciting! Lots of things happening.
I am really looking forward to the 2010 survivor...any predictions on a winner this year? Any volunteers to make the idol this year? We could just use the same one that we had last year and pass it on each year?? I predict that we will have a female winner this year. The games will be tough...you will need brain power as well as muscle power.
xo
I went to Pro Bass Shop with Wade, Declan and Alister on Saturday. We had a great day. Declan drove the little nascar on the track and did really well...it was so cute to watch him...then Wade took Declan in the "big boy" nascar. Wade chose the Home Depot car and of course they beat everyone on the track! Declan had an ear to ear grin every round...he had a blast. We were there for a few hours and Alister was asleep before we got out of the parking lot to go home.
I had a chat with Vivian this morning and she is really looking forward to her visit. Time is flying by quickly...it will be no time before the big day is here for Ashleigh and the whole family will be able to be together for a celebration. Lauryn will be home soon, that's so exciting! Lots of things happening.
I am really looking forward to the 2010 survivor...any predictions on a winner this year? Any volunteers to make the idol this year? We could just use the same one that we had last year and pass it on each year?? I predict that we will have a female winner this year. The games will be tough...you will need brain power as well as muscle power.
xo
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Updated Calendar of Events, Album & Survivor 2010
I have updated the calendar of events. If you have something you would like added let me know the details. I would like to add Ashley's wedding & Aunt Viv's arrival & departure if someone can give me the details . . . thanks.
I have also added more pictures to the album Reid Allan Dustin if you want to check it out.
I have been thinking about & talking to some of you about survivor weekend. It seems everyone had a good time & would like to have a Survivor 2010. Please let me know what your likes & dislikes were (I promise not to take it personally so be honest!) so we can get planning underway. I am looking for a host as I would like to play this year. I would like to find someone to babysit the little ones so will try to find someone who can come to my house for the day that way you can bring your kids but not have to be responsible for them during the game. Oh & after reviewing the video I think we may have to limit the alcohol intake of a few players! LOL!
I have also added more pictures to the album Reid Allan Dustin if you want to check it out.
I have been thinking about & talking to some of you about survivor weekend. It seems everyone had a good time & would like to have a Survivor 2010. Please let me know what your likes & dislikes were (I promise not to take it personally so be honest!) so we can get planning underway. I am looking for a host as I would like to play this year. I would like to find someone to babysit the little ones so will try to find someone who can come to my house for the day that way you can bring your kids but not have to be responsible for them during the game. Oh & after reviewing the video I think we may have to limit the alcohol intake of a few players! LOL!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
It's OFFICIAL!!!!!!
Since Lisa and Kyle are not on this planet and unable to post to the blog, just thought I would let you all know that they are traveling to Beijing, China on May 22nd and will return home - with their new little daughter! - on June 3rd. (6:45pm Pearson Int'l - terminal 1).
Perfect timing for our Jack & Jill on May 15th!
Love to all,
xo
Perfect timing for our Jack & Jill on May 15th!
Love to all,
xo
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
BEST NEWS EVER!!!!!!!
OMG!! Lisa & Kyle finally have a tentative travel date - May 22nd!
This precious little face will very soon be here in person and nobody is happier than me & Jim (except maybe Lisa & Kyle!)
Just had to tell someone and what better way than through our family blog.
One more document to be returned to China and the formalities should finally be done.
Will let you all know as soon as the date is confirmed.
Love to all,
xoxo
This precious little face will very soon be here in person and nobody is happier than me & Jim (except maybe Lisa & Kyle!)
Just had to tell someone and what better way than through our family blog.
One more document to be returned to China and the formalities should finally be done.
Will let you all know as soon as the date is confirmed.
Love to all,
xoxo
Friday, March 26, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Post #2.
well that little red haired kid in that car is alive, his driving isnt that bad lol. stirling hockey is over, but the school team i am on just won bay of quinte tournament, and cossa, which means we are going to ofsaa march 22nd to the 26th in st catherines for the all ontario tournament. should be a blast!
im going to quebec on sunday to thursday with some freinds from school. CANT WAIT! so i got a pretty eventful two weeks ahead of me.. if any wants to chat my cell is 613 848 9976 cause if ya ask dad.. supposibly i text alot haha.
but ya i forgot how to get on here again so it took me this long to remember that this was even on here. lol. oh and im going to loyalist this september and taking police foundations! so that should be veryyy exciting, and a fun challenge.
well ill talk to you all later.
love ya all. bye
im going to quebec on sunday to thursday with some freinds from school. CANT WAIT! so i got a pretty eventful two weeks ahead of me.. if any wants to chat my cell is 613 848 9976 cause if ya ask dad.. supposibly i text alot haha.
but ya i forgot how to get on here again so it took me this long to remember that this was even on here. lol. oh and im going to loyalist this september and taking police foundations! so that should be veryyy exciting, and a fun challenge.
well ill talk to you all later.
love ya all. bye
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANGELA!
Wishing a very Happy Birthday to our Angela today!
Hope this day and year ahead brings you everything on your wish list honey!
Have a fantastic day.
Love ya lots,
Uncle Jim & Aunt Lorraine
xo
Monday, March 8, 2010
Spotted . . . a certain redhead travelling (maybe) a little too fast!
I was on my way to the Blue Rodeo concert @ the Empire Theatre last night (it was great!) and this little red car come blasting around the corner @ Bell Blvd & North Front St . . . well I spotted the driver & it appeared to b someone I recognized! Slow down man! LOL!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Our Buck and Doe
Hey Guys just wanted to remind you all the the buck and doe is this month on the 27th from 8PM -1AM and the Trenton Wing Hall 230 North Murray(just off hamilton rd). I hope you can all make it. If you would like to buy a tickets ahead of time just let me know cuz I have some here and I think Dad and Brenda do aswell. We hope to see you all there.
Ashley and Ben
XoXo
Ashley and Ben
XoXo
Sunday, February 21, 2010
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DONNA!
Today is the birthday of our youngest (1st generation) little sister.
Happy Birthday Ma'Donna!
Hope you have a day as beautiful as you are!
Love ya lots,
Jim & Lorraine
xoxo
Friday, February 19, 2010
Happy Day!!
It's 99.9% official!
This precious little bundle in pink will soon be a member of our family!
Once the government red tape is completed, a long awaited trip to China will be in the works for Lisa and Kyle and little Lauryn will be coming home with them! It just doesn't get any better than this!
Can't wait until her thrilled Mommy & Daddy introduce her to all of us...
Can you say SPOILED?!?!
Love to you all,
Jim & Lorraine (aka Grampa & Nana!!!)
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Happy Birthday Alister!
Alister is one today! WOW!
Our family just keeps growing and growning!
Happy Birthday Alister! Hope this year is everything special for you!
Have a great day little guy!
xo
Our family just keeps growing and growning!
Happy Birthday Alister! Hope this year is everything special for you!
Have a great day little guy!
xo
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
2 Months Already!
Reid had his 2 month app't yesterday. He now weighs 8 lbs & 9 ozs. Unfortunately he has another hernia in his groin that has to be operated on . . . a surgeon will b in touch w/ me re: an app't date. He also will see a surgeon tomorrow to get his pee pee done. Not looking forward to that app't. Besides that he is doing good. Still feeding every 3 hrs. He does not seem to be behind his developmental age @ all so that is good. Nothing really new here. I will probably see some of u this weekend @ Alister's b-day party - 1 yr already - time does fly.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
To the three who claim the goggles
I have the sunglasses in question in my possession and the only way to solve this dilema is too have a viewing with all three of you here at the same time. You then will have a limited amount of time to bribe me and convince me these are your glasses and it will be worth the abuse I will take for giving them to the winner. I inquired at the police station and there was no missing sunglasses reported, they also said that after ninety days they are mine all mine... but although i'm handsome enough to rock chicks glasses and get away with it, its not how i roll. Think about it and let me know.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
FOUND: 1 Pair of ALDO Sunglasses
Tim was out in the garage today & found a pair of sunglasses. They are a black & brown animal type print. Do they belong to anyone?
HAPPY BIRTHDAY NORM!!
A note to wish our brother / Uncle Norm a very Happy Birthday!
Wishing you a very happy day and year of Good Health & Good Fortune!
Love you lots,
Lorraine & Jim
xoxo
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Pops checkin in
Things are cool out here in Plainfield. New mother Stacey runs the show for the most part and I chip in when I can but rocking a 60 + hour work week and being pops as well has proved challenging although rewarding. Last night Stacey left Reid and I alone together for the second time and I propped him up in the sitting position so we could watch tv. He just sat there checking it out and was a super good boy. Tonight i was holding him under his armpits and balancing him and he was standing by himself for brief moments but it is amazing how strong he is. His brother Jack has been perfect with him... maybe a little jealous but thats understandable. I try and give him extra love and he is cool with what he gets but its got to be hard to get bumped out of the spotlight. Stacey is so great with Reid, even in the wee hours when he wakes her she jumps up and i hear her saying mommy will look after you monkey. Monkey is what she calls him cause he flails his arms around and squirms like a monkey. I call him the snowman cause he was born during our first snowfall this winter and after Jerry Reed aka "the snowman" in the Smokey and the Bandit movies. He sure is a treat and it'll be even better when he doesn't shit his pants anymore... but they say don't wish time away because you can't get it back and he'll be grown before we know it and its true. A week will go by and he looks different and he does something new. I took pics on my phone last night and compared them with ones i took the week he was born and he's grown so much already, chubby little cheeks and growing out of clothes already! Well I gots to go its bedtime, its up at 4am to go to work to support my family. (and work towards a dirt bike for Reid)
Sunday, January 17, 2010
my ten year post
Hello Everyone,
I've been thinking for the last week about this post and to echo angela, i can't remember what i had for breakfast! This will take me back to being 14 - and doesn't EVERYTHING seem monumental when you're 14?
In 2000, I survived Y2K!
Dad passed away in my graduating year of high school ('03) and that was particularly tough, on all of us kids.
We have the boring bit about finishing high school, working crappy part time jobs, etc. Then, I graduated college with a GPA I was proud of. Got a job at a software company and got let go a year and a half later...that was a real eye opener and a blessing in hindsight. I'm much happier now than I ever would have been there.
I became an Aunt when Jackie had Sierrah in April of 2007 and that's been pretty cool!
Later that year I bought my first car, the good old Saturn SL1. It's been pretty good to me so far, and I''m hoping to have a lasting relationship with her, unlike my boyfriends over the last ten years!
I've had a few good vacations over the last few years., all of which I am sure I am still paying for. Mexico in 2006, Vegas in 2007 and 2008 - all the trips have been a blast and I can't wait to do some more traveling.
In 2009, i narrowly escaped the Swine Flu, microwaved food in plastic containers and lived to tell the story!
That's about all that is coming to mind now, other than the ones already mentioned by everyone else. I've become closer to my family in the last few years, for which I am so grateful for and have watched everyones lives change and grow as the years pass. I love you all very much and am excited to see what the next decade holds for us!
I hope that those of us who need to make positive changes in life find the strength to make it happen, and those of us who need a miracle, get just that...love you guys oxoox
I've been thinking for the last week about this post and to echo angela, i can't remember what i had for breakfast! This will take me back to being 14 - and doesn't EVERYTHING seem monumental when you're 14?
In 2000, I survived Y2K!
Dad passed away in my graduating year of high school ('03) and that was particularly tough, on all of us kids.
We have the boring bit about finishing high school, working crappy part time jobs, etc. Then, I graduated college with a GPA I was proud of. Got a job at a software company and got let go a year and a half later...that was a real eye opener and a blessing in hindsight. I'm much happier now than I ever would have been there.
I became an Aunt when Jackie had Sierrah in April of 2007 and that's been pretty cool!
Later that year I bought my first car, the good old Saturn SL1. It's been pretty good to me so far, and I''m hoping to have a lasting relationship with her, unlike my boyfriends over the last ten years!
I've had a few good vacations over the last few years., all of which I am sure I am still paying for. Mexico in 2006, Vegas in 2007 and 2008 - all the trips have been a blast and I can't wait to do some more traveling.
In 2009, i narrowly escaped the Swine Flu, microwaved food in plastic containers and lived to tell the story!
That's about all that is coming to mind now, other than the ones already mentioned by everyone else. I've become closer to my family in the last few years, for which I am so grateful for and have watched everyones lives change and grow as the years pass. I love you all very much and am excited to see what the next decade holds for us!
I hope that those of us who need to make positive changes in life find the strength to make it happen, and those of us who need a miracle, get just that...love you guys oxoox
Saturday, January 16, 2010
10 years eh....
...well let me think, there are days that i can not remember what i had for breakfast little lone the things that i did in the past 10 years.
To start yes i am in the same boat as Stacey and Mom for the job thing but i am glad to say that this one time i can say that i had the same job for the past 9 years but all good things must come to an end and i have quit my full time position at Thompson Tents and ventured on a new path of bookkeeping. I am working part time at Deerhaven by 10 acre truck stop and i am going to be doing some bookkeeping from home. Wade will be at CP now for 5 years in April and I am very proud at how fast he has moved up in such a short time.
We of course have had 2 beautiful boys and do not plan on adding and more to our collection, unless they call one day and claim they are ours lol.
Our house has been built and i do not plan on moving ever. I as a child moved a number of times and i would like my kids to have long term friends and stay close to family. Wade asked me what i would do if he got a job making 6 figures out west i told him that i would see him on weekends lol. mom moved in with us when the house was finished and it has been great to have her here. not only do i enjoy the help and the company especially when wade is gone all week but the boys also love having her so close.
We are the proud owners of 2 lovely dogs, one is a spaz but we love them both just the same. Pete will be 7 this year in September and Suzie will be 2 in February (i hate to point fingers but she is the spaz lol). i have also unfortunately lost a loved pet that was with me for a very long time, Miss Ellie was the best cat i ever had and just shortly after declan was born she got cancer and i had to have her put down. in her 14 years she was well loved though.
i am sure that there are a million other things that i have not mentioned but i can not think of anymore significant events.
these are neat to read the things that have happen cause some of them just seem like they happen yesterday while others that happen just yesterday seem tlike they have been around for ever. A good example is my baby is going to be 1 years old in 26 day yes i said days.
i hope that everyone has a great week and we will all chat soon
lots of love the phillips clan
To start yes i am in the same boat as Stacey and Mom for the job thing but i am glad to say that this one time i can say that i had the same job for the past 9 years but all good things must come to an end and i have quit my full time position at Thompson Tents and ventured on a new path of bookkeeping. I am working part time at Deerhaven by 10 acre truck stop and i am going to be doing some bookkeeping from home. Wade will be at CP now for 5 years in April and I am very proud at how fast he has moved up in such a short time.
We of course have had 2 beautiful boys and do not plan on adding and more to our collection, unless they call one day and claim they are ours lol.
Our house has been built and i do not plan on moving ever. I as a child moved a number of times and i would like my kids to have long term friends and stay close to family. Wade asked me what i would do if he got a job making 6 figures out west i told him that i would see him on weekends lol. mom moved in with us when the house was finished and it has been great to have her here. not only do i enjoy the help and the company especially when wade is gone all week but the boys also love having her so close.
We are the proud owners of 2 lovely dogs, one is a spaz but we love them both just the same. Pete will be 7 this year in September and Suzie will be 2 in February (i hate to point fingers but she is the spaz lol). i have also unfortunately lost a loved pet that was with me for a very long time, Miss Ellie was the best cat i ever had and just shortly after declan was born she got cancer and i had to have her put down. in her 14 years she was well loved though.
i am sure that there are a million other things that i have not mentioned but i can not think of anymore significant events.
these are neat to read the things that have happen cause some of them just seem like they happen yesterday while others that happen just yesterday seem tlike they have been around for ever. A good example is my baby is going to be 1 years old in 26 day yes i said days.
i hope that everyone has a great week and we will all chat soon
lots of love the phillips clan
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