I'm a MOM!

I was just sitting here thinking about all the things I want to do...there are so many things I want to be in this life.  However, I can remember being a little girl and knowing that one day I would be a mother.

Then, when Marcus was born, there wasn't a big life-changing jolt or shift like I had heard about and expected.  Life just happened, he was here; I was a mom.  Becoming a mom happened when I was young; all of my adult life I have been a mother.

I think about how blessed I am to have had 3 healthy pregnancies, 3 natural births with no complications, and 3 beautiful, healthy babies.  I was so lucky.  I was blessed.  Then, to top it all off - to find out about Charlee and to be chosen as HER mother - it's almost enough to make my heart burst.  Sometimes I just sit and think - Wow, I'm a mom!  I am a mom...I am a mom...I am a MOM!

Charlee Day!

Monday, July 8th was what Tyler dubbed as 'Charlee Day' - the day we signed the papers and our adoption probation began.  This would also be the first night that Charlee stays at her new home in her new room with her new sister.

Our first family photo taken on Charlee Day by FSW- I love it!

We had a great day in our little pool.  Charlee's DFM told me that she had never been swimming. She was a bit timid at first, but after about inching her in the water for about 10 minutes, she was just loving it!

All of the children welcomed Charlee, no questions asked.  The dynamics of the household have changed some, but for the most part...things are strangely the same.  Almost as if Charlee was always here.  I suppose she's been here in our hearts for almost a year - maybe that's why.

The next day, DFM and SWT had to head back to Ontario.  We had DFM over to spend the afternoon with us.  SWT joined us after lunch and we had a great time with the girls.  DFM got to spend a lot of time with Charlee and I got tons of photos for her.  She told us that she is sad, but it's a different kind of sad.  She said, she is sad to leave Charlee, but at the same time, she feels at peace.  She feels at peace knowing that Charlee is coming into such a loving family.  We've been reassuring her that we want to keep in contact with them and will be scheduling some video chat dates soon.  They have been important people in Charlee's life, and I know they will continue to be.  We love them for what they have given Charlee - unconditional love. We received Charlee's lifebook and photo album from DFM and she also brought an album that her babysitter had put together for Charlee.  These are things that she will treasure for life!  DFP also gave Charlee some money to start her new life.  I plan to put it into her RESP, which will grow substantially by the time she goes to college.  DFM said her goodbyes to Miss Charlee and I put the girls down for their nap. They stayed for a bit and we chatted and SWT had a nice time snuggling with two of Ny's puppies for the afternoon.

I loved dressing the girls in their matching dresses and putting their hair in pigtails.  I had to wet Charlee's hair to get them in and as it dried, the curls slowly "pinged" out of the elastics.  I just love her gorgeous curly hair!

Playing row, row, row your boat

Being a mother of four has been amazing so far!  Sure, there's more mess, more laundry, more meals to serve, more baths to give, but I also get more to give and get in return more hugs, more kisses, more LOVE! The love outweighs everything!

Oh Happy Day!

On Sunday, July 7, 2013 at 11:15 AM, Shane and I and the kids met Charlee, DFM, and one of her social workers from Toronto (TSW) at the Fredericton airport.  Charlee was HOME!  We gave tons of hugs and kisses and Tyler was particularly smoochy with her.  He's been waiting so long to meet her and it was so nice to see them start to bond...even if that meant him playing the big brother role and annoying her and her telling him "no" when he wanted to help her push the stroller.

We came back to our house and had a nice lunch and spent some time with them.  Charlee remembered us and warmed right up again.

Cool Dudettes

I spent most of the afternoon preparing dinner for 17 people, since we were having the 8 grandparents over for dinner and our social worker here in Fredericton (FSW).  Shane's mom and my step momma (Momma) helped to BBQ and clean up.  It was so wonderful to have the help, since I wouldn't have been able to pull it all off.  Since it was 38 degrees outside, we opted to eat inside (we would've melted out there).  The food and company was great and we're still eating leftovers (3 days later).  Charlee did so amazing with the big crowd, despite not having a nap all day!  Everyone was amazed at how good she was - not cranky at all!  Her and Alyse got in the bath and she was washing her face, then would wash Alyse.  She was taking on the big sister role already!

Charlee helping Alyse with her tray

Big Sissy feeding Little Sissy

We made plans with DFM and the two social workers to have a meeting on Monday at 11AM to sign the papers to start our adoption probation. Once everyone had there chance to get in tons of hugs and say there goodbyes, DFM and the TSW brought her back to their hotel for the night.

The next morning, Shane asked me what day it was and I said, "It's Monday, the 8th".  Tyler said, "IT'S CHARLEE DAY!"  He was so excited that she was coming back over and he knew that she would spend her first night here that night and would then be with us forever.

Meeting Miss Charlee

Daddy, Charlee, & Mommy

Wow!  I know I'm crazy-behind in my postings.  Things have been really busy with getting ready for Charlee's arrival and just everyday, hectic, crazy, blissful life!

Shane and I went to Ontario last week to meet Charlee, her foster parents(DFP - dear foster parents), and two of her social workers.  We arrived in Ontario at 7:50 AM local time, got a bit lost in the airport trying to find where to catch the shuttle to get to the right place to catch another shuttle to get to our rental car that I had booked the week before.  Also, the week before, I had printed off a lot of maps - map from the airport to DFP's house, map from DFP's house to the hotel, map from the hotel to DFP's house, map from DFP's house to the agency, map from the agency to the hotel.  After all of that, I don't think we used one map, since we just ended up using the Waze App on the phone.  We went straight from the airport to DFP's house (with one pit-stop to pick up an orchid for them as a thank you for welcoming us into their home).

When we pulled up to their house, the social workers greeted us outside.  Luckily, we had a lot of video chats with DFM and Charlee, so I didn't feel too nervous about meeting them in person.  The thing I was most nervous about was how Charlee would respond to us...would she cry, would she be scared, would she not accept us?  Shane and I took it really slow and let her come to us.  I gave her her sock monkey I made to match her blanket and before we knew it, she was coming up to us...not shy at all, smiling, laughing, and having a grand 'ol time!  She actually went to Shane first, which was nice to see.  DFM had a wonderful brunch prepared for us - Yummo!  Did I mention how incredibly nice she is?!! One of her foster sisters was there, also, while the two older children were in school.  I'll call her DFS (dear foster sister).  DFS just turned 2 and is such a doll!  Shane and I both said that we felt like we were also bonding with her while we were there and we both miss her dearly.  She is so sweet and she has the cutest, most infectious laugh I've ever heard out of someone so tiny.  Shane and I were talking about DFS once we returned home and the bond that she has with Charlee.  It was so nice to watch them interact.  That first morning, we got a kick out of watching DFS put her cup of water down and Charlee would walk over, pick it up, and bring it to DFS.  DFS would then take a drink, set it down, and walk away.  Then, Charlee would proceed to pick up the cup, bring it to DFS, and then walk back to where she was and drink her water.  This went on for a good 7 minutes - I wish I had've videotaped it!

We wish we could also adopt DFS, however, financially, we aren't in the position to do so...also, who knows if we'd even be an option for her, as we live in NB.  I'm sure they will find DFS her forever home soon - I hope they do!  However, we can take comfort in knowing that while she waits to be matched with her forever family, she is being well taken cared of and much loved by DFP and her foster siblings.  

Once DFS and Charlee went for their nap, Shane and I chatted a bit more with DFM and then went to check into the hotel.  Of course, we were too early and had about 2 hours to kill.  I forgot to mention that by this time I was a walking zombie running on 1 hour sleep.  I was way too excited to sleep the night before and I wanted to get a photo session edited and burned before I left for 4 days.  Anyhoo, Shane and I found a mall to kill some time at and got a bite to eat - then I was REALLY tired!  I was so happy to get back to the hotel and as soon as my head hit that pillow, I was O-U-T!  Around 6:30 that evening, we went back over to DFP and got to meet DFF and the other two foster children - brother and sister siblings.  They loved beating up the 'Jungle Jim', er - I mean, 'Jungle Shane'...poor Shane!

The next day, we met DFM, DFS, and Charlee at Early Years (a program through the gov't of Ontario for children up to age 6).  It was nice to see Charlee interact with other children and to dance, sing, and play.  Once we left there, we drove into Toronto and made it there alive with only a few "choice words".  We got there early and found a place to eat called 'Philly Steak & Cheese' or something like that (I'll have to check the name of the place and get the photo off of Shane's phone).  It was the most amazing, mouth watering, yummified food I've ever eaten!  We went to the agency to read Charlee's file and I took a few notes.  While there, we were presented with a Smudge to use in our home. "In some Native American ceremonies certain herbs are traditionally used to purify or bless people and places".  

They had just discovered that our side of the family does in fact have some Native, however, I wasn't able to tell them the origins.  I'm hoping to speak with my grandmother soon to learn more about our heritage.  Shane and I both thought that was a very nice gesture.  Once we were done at the agency, we walked to the CN Tower and took a look around.  We ate at Boston Pizza and then walked back to the car (a little over 2 kms each way). 

This is what I want to do if I ever get to go back!
Walk the edge of the CN Tower!!!  

View down the glass floor

Laying on the glass floor!  Eeek!

Wednesday morning, we met Charlee and DFM at Early Years and Shane and I got to spend the entire day with Charlee!  We played at Early Years for about 45 mins, then went to Walmart to get her some swim gear.  Charlee picked out her own bathing suit - Minnie Mouse.  We found a splash pad not far from the hotel.  It was a stinkin' hot day, so we thought Charlee would love to get cooled off - boy, were we wrong!  She didn't like the water at all!  We stayed long enough for a quick snack, then headed back to the hotel for a snooze.  She fell asleep all snuggled with Daddy - it just melted my heart!  Once up and about, we played for a bit and got ready to go to dinner at DFP's house.  It was a lovely dinner - curried chickpeas, salad, corn on the cob, and BBQ chicken with DFF's homemade BBQ sauce.  Yummo!  DFM said that it was important for us to come for dinner because a family that breaks bread together stays together.  I wish they didn't live so far away, since we would love to visit often and have them come visit.  They are really amazing people and an inspiration.  

The next day was our last day with Charlee.  We brought two empty suitcases with us, so we could bring some of her things back with us and make DFM's trip a bit lighter when they come to NB.  There were some pretty special things that we now have - amongst the things her Nanny sent was her mother's dress that she wore when she was Charlee's age.  It's white and red and oh so cute!  I also brought her blanket that I made back with us, but kept her sock monkey there and she'll bring it when she comes.  We put Charlee down for her nap with her DFS and we said our "see ya laters".  It wasn't as hard as I had thought it would be...since we will see her again soon!  It was really hard to know that I may never see her DFS again...I hope that her and Charlee will reconnect someday.  Perhaps, video chats are in their near future - ah, technology!  

Of course, we miss Charlee, but we know we will see her Sunday!  Wow - Sunday - just 6 days away and our baby girl will be here!  So excited!  Now, I must go - there are a million and one things still on my to-do list.  :)

Little Miss Smarty Pants

We've been having video chats with Miss Charlee at least a couple of times a week.  Tonight, we had another opportunity to see her and talk to her.  Of course, Miss Alyse was off to dreamland, but the boys had fun showing off for her.  They also knew that Mom was busy and they took full opportunity to not do as they were asked - hit the hay.  Heck, I can't blame them...I would've done the same. ;)

Charlee does so good sitting with DFM, during our chats.  She was playing with a piece of tape again and "put it on my nose".  Daddy is sick and got up to get something.  I told her he was going to get a Kleenex and Charlee pointed to one for DFM to get for her.  Then, she held it up to the computer to give it to Daddy.  What a cutie!  Last week, DFM's computer was on the fritz, so we talked on the phone instead.  She is quite the little chatterbox!  It's funny, because when we videochat, she doesn't say much.  So, DFM had the idea to give her the phone to talk to me while we are video chatting.  That way, she'll probably say more.  :)  I'm excited to try that.

I really enjoyed it when she read a book to us.  She is so smart!  She even knew what some of her ABCs were!  My Little Miss Smarty Pants! Less than 2 weeks and we'll be in Toronto and she can read to us in person.  I can't wait to hold our baby girl!

Look Who's ONE! (Part 2 of 2)

So, because of my exam, we had Alyse's birthday party the week after her b-day.  

 I had decided about 4 months before that I was going to do a cupcake theme party, then I changed my mind and decided on owls/turquoise and purple. Whooo doesn't love owls?! They are sooo cute with their big round eyes.  I got started on the party favours pretty early (about 2 months in advance) and I still ended up making two more the night before the party. I found the pattern here.

Speaking of the night before...this was the disaster in my kitchen the evening before the party.  Thank goodness Shane's mom came up to help me!  I finished up my million projects I had on the go, while she cleaned up.  I am so, so grateful to have had her help - I definitely couldn't have pulled off half the stuff without her, as a lot of my ideas would've gotten tossed.  Thank you, Karen!!!
P.S. I wasn't going to share this photo, since, let's face it, it's crazy messy.  However, I wanted to keep it real for all you mommas and crafters.  This is reality when you have about 5 big projects on the go in one day!


You almost can't recognize my kitchen from the night before!  With Karen's help, there was actually room on my kitchen table for all the yummy treats!

Close up of the owl cuppycakes (with fondant and oreo cookie eyes) and super yummy rice krispie treats with cake batter in them - YES, cake batter!  I decided that since they were "cake", they needed some butter cream icing!  They were truly amazing and now that I've seen them again, I'll need to make them again this week!  Here's the super easy recipe, if you're interested:
 Super Yummy Rice Krispie Treat Recipe

So, the cake!  I got the inspiration here.  Have I mentioned I LOVE Pinterest?!  I have to limit my time on there, though, since I don't have time to make all the projects I want to and I get sad.  I decided to make the marshmallow fondant in advance - good idea, since it took about 2 1/2 hours by the time I got the colouring all worked through it.  Luckily, I had made a double batch of butter cream icing from our cake smash session the week before.  I got Shane to take a picture of me, since I couldn't take one myself.  It was so sticky!

The finished product, well sorta - I added ears afterward

Alyse's outfit from Little Miss Tutu Boutique!

Ribbon and tulle highchair!

 

Even one of the owl balloons got her own tutu!

I don't go all out every year for birthdays.  We usually have small family gatherings with cake and prezzies, but that's about it.  The 1st Birthdays are the biggest, that's for sure!  Last year, for Marcus' 10th birthday, I went all out with an Angry Bird theme.  This year, for Tyler's 6th, I'm planning a "Monster" theme - his choice.  This will be his first with all of his friends (I decided to do it this year, since it's his first year of school and he's so excited to invite all of his friends).  Also, in September, I'll be going all out for Charlee's 2nd birthday, since it will be her first time celebrating her birthday with us.  I've already been looking up ideas for her theme.  Yay!

Look Who's ONE! (Part 1 of 2)

I'm a tad late with this post, but in my defense, I didn't have my blog back in February when Miss Alyse turned 1!  

Miss Alyse's 1st Birthday Session

About a week before her birthday, we did her birthday photo session with her outfit I had made by  (Little Miss Tutu Boutique).  You'll soon learn that Erin is one of my favorite people!  I absolutely LOVE her products and have a closet full and countless headbands (Okay, okay - I have a bit of an obsession).

This session was interesting, since I had to sit her down where I wanted her, then run back into place, hoping that I could get a few shots before she ran at me!

Big brother kisses and little sister not to sure about it

Tyler said the only way he would get his picture taken was if he didn't have to wear a shirt and could wear his Buzz Lightyear watch. I'll take it!  What a kid!  hehe

Boy!  Did I get my workout in that day!  I also decided to try to get some Valentine's Day shots of her in her V-Day outfit from LMTT, so extra calories burned!  Bonus!

I crocheted the cute little V-day hat and made the banner for a session last year.  I'm so glad I got a chance to use them again.

Alyse, stealing my heart <3

On Alyse's ACTUAL birthday, I had to write an exam - Boo!  It was over at 1 PM, so it was all good (and I ended up passing the exam and the course, so YAY!).  I've been planning on doing a Cake Smash & Clean Up session with Alyse since before she was born. It's something I've always wanted to do and finally had the "studio" to do it in.  I made her cake and butter cream icing to match her outfit (again, from you-know-where).  It was pretty and oh so yummy (we ate it afterwards, since she only touched about 1/4 of it).  Alyse wasn't really sure what to do with the cake, she kind of poked around in it and with our encouragement.  Daddy even put some icing on her face and gave her a taste.  She was very reserved with the whole process (Not like this little boy I photographed a couple of weeks ago: Cake Smash!)  Alyse has been my photo "guinea pig" for a lot of session ideas.  Thank you, Alyse!  :)  I cannot wait to do this with Charlee for her 2nd birthday, since we weren't able to do it for her first.  I have a feeling she'll rip into it - I'm so excited for the mess (probably the only time EVER I will say that)!!!

Stay tuned for Look Who's ONE!  (Part 2 of 2) of Alyse's birthday party!