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!