Easter Sunday

Easter "Saturday"

Family schedules had us celebrating Easter on Saturday, which in the end was a lovely sunny day... by Sunday it was raining. Nora experienced her first street hockey game, although she wasn't invited per se.

Dad introduced her to the puck, and overall Nora enjoyed being in the cul-de-sac immensely. The scary part was that she just took off running down the street, oblivious to the dangers of traffic etc. This is why I haven't done any weeding in my front yard...

A group picture of all the grandchildren was attempted, but it's always a challenge to have everyone looking.

Nora was wearing the dress that my parents gave her at her baby shower... very "girl-y".

After a delicious dinner, we also celebrated my sister Ann's birthday. Was a treat to have her and her family home this year. 

Good Friday

We attended a service at our previous church in Langley, which worked well with naptime as it was after dinner. Nora discovered the Easter eggs just prior to our leaving and was very intrigued.

Wasn't long before the eggs were scattered everywhere, and I'm sure I'll find them hiding in strange places in the weeks ahead.

This is a new way to hold a basket, works for Nora!

And just for fun, Rosie is sporting Nora's little sunglasses. She certainly is a tolerant dog!

Nora's Sunday out...

I was working the past Sunday, so had laid out the outift the night before for Nora wear to church. Unbeknownst to me, the tights were too big, so I had to laugh later at Nora's "baggy ankles" look. Kudos to Daddy for doing the best he can though. And for being thoughtful enough to take Nora's photo for me, too.

Now if we could just get some hairstyling tips, Nora would be good to go...

After lunch, Scott took Nora and Lewis (on his bike) to Barnston Island just below our home, as it was a lovely afternoon. He also wanted to try his camera out some more. Here's a picture while on the ferry ride.

People enjoy cycling the perimeter of the island as it's flat and very scenic.

There is a small park along the Fraser River to picnic or try to catch a fish. Lewis supervised Nora on the sand.

Taking a five-minute ferry can suddenly make you feel like you've left the city...

Love the hair spike...

Lewis doesn't do too badly with the camera, either... very sweet photo.

Exploring the Backyard

With being somewhat grounded without our van initially, Nora and I decided to venture into the wild expanse of our backyard. I did some raking while Nora explored for the first time. Eventually I pulled out the old baby swing and hooked it up to the swing-set. After almost 10 years, the set's not so pretty as it once was but it works.

Nora seemed to enjoy the sensation of swinging for awhile, while I weeded beneath her feet.

The next day we went out again...

To keep Nora occupied, I gave her a large oatmeal raisin cookie... which was a first.

Rosie wasn't far behind, always Nora's shadow when there's food around!

Nora really didn't like the cookie, and you can guess who ended up with it in the end. (Not me...)

And one last picture from the day after, Nora with her best friend.

April 11th, a bad day...

...but it could have been worse! Coming up my street after picking up the mail, we were in the midst of a two-minute hail downpour. My neighbour, in his white pick-up, didn't see me as he backed out of his driveway, and I didn't see him. I distinctively recall commenting on the crazy weather as James began to yell at me to "Watch out, Stop!" Too late... we all experienced a jolt and then heard the horrible scraping sound of impact.

The children were all fine, while I was mortified that it had happened. My neighbour had never spoken to me before this, so it wasn't the best way to meet. So Nora and the boys have been in their first car accident, and I hope it's the last. I'm  driving a rental van now, and feeling pretty paranoid about driving past my neighbour's driveway. Would feel so much better if his hedge would be trimmed down for actual visibility. Sigh...

Trying to match...

Amidst the chaos of Sunday mornings as we try to get out the door on time to church, I must confess that I do have fun dressing Nora up. And if there is a possibility that we can coordinate our outfits, I think that is fun, too. Now don't worry... I don't plan to start sewing matching floral dresses or anything!

I have pondered colouring my hair black, but I don't think that would really help us out too much. :)

I bought a new cardigan recently, having never worn this bold of a pink before, but I think Nora is helping me embrace my feminine side in a new way. :)

Getting Nora to smile on cue is always challenging. Notice the barrette... it was the first one to stay in for most of the morning.

Nora making a get-away to Thomas' room before totally changed into play clothes... Too cute!

A visit from "Auntie Darlene"

 Saturday afternoon was made so much better by a visit from our friend Darlene, who loves to see Nora especially. :) She brought Nora a beautiful Easter dress as a gift, which you can see Nora enjoyed opening.

We put the dress on over Nora's clothes just to see how it fit...  a little room to spare, but oh, so pretty!

Getting Nora to smile was another matter, especially as she was enamoured by Darlene's daffodil pin.

Thanks Auntie Darlene for spoiling us! Can't wait to wear this party dress somewhere special. :)

A special night out...

I had the wonderful opportunity this evening to attend a concert in Vancouver of Steven Curtis Chapman, a favourite Contemporary Christian artist that I've listened to for 20 years. (I remember because I'm approaching our 20th wedding anniversary, and I chose his "new song", "I Will Be Here" to be sung at our wedding.) He was here on a tour named "End the Wait", where the emphasis is on helping children find homes through adoption.

Steven and his family had inspired me many years ago with their story of adopting their first daughter, Shaohannah, from China and then their subsequent daughters, Stevey Joy and Maria Sue. Steven and his sons, who are in his band, shared again the story of how almost three years ago, Maria Sue was accidentally killed at home when she ran in front of a vehicle to greet her brother. Through this horrific tragedy, the Chapman family has shared their struggle of grief, of asking God the hardest questions, and of coming through the pain to the other side, although it never really goes away. They freely speak of the journey and how God gives peace and mercy, love and comfort in ways never imagined. I doubt there was a dry eye in the auditorium at times. They continue to inspire in this difficult chapter of their lives, and while they'd turn back time in a second to have Maria Sue in their arms again, they forge ahead in the way that God leads. One result of this tragedy was the family started a hospital for special needs children in China called "Maria's Big House of Hope".

Geoff Moore, a close friend of Steven's and also a well known recording artist from Nashville, was there to speak of how his friendship with the Chapmans led to their own family adopting two daughters from China as well. (He shares his story in this interview and also discusses his advocacy of Compassion International, which encourages the sponsorship of children around the world.) My eyes were leaking again as Geoff spoke of a time he was tucking his daughter into bed one night. She posed the question, "While I was waiting for you and Mommy to come get me when I was in China, did God know my name?" Of course, such an overwhelming question... Geoff Moore answered by singing a special song by Tommy Walker called, "He Knows My Name." I've sung that song many times, but never in the context of how a waiting child might feel. What a comfort to know that God has always been with my Nora, even when I couldn't be. Her "fate' was not unknown to Him. I'm so grateful that He gave us the privilege to be her parents.

The best part of the evening was that I attended with my dear friend Julie, who is still pinching herself that she will see her precious daughter from China in a couple of months. What a great way to finish her week, to hear such encouragement from these men who've gone before her. To continue to share in her joy was the best! :) Congratulations, again! :)

17 months old!

Nora had her "birthday" today, which the boys don't really think is fair to count each month! :) I try to make an effort to summarize her growth and development at this time, as the days blur quickly if I don't. In our almost 7 months togther, we've seen so many changes, most noticeably having hair now and also "chub" in all the right places.  Nora is definitely into the toddler stage now, as evidenced by the mess she made while I was working in her bedroom. Didn't take long for toys to be all over the place...

Nora's very fond of making "raspberries", often soaking her jacket collar while we're driving... all of us trying to distract her to be quiet. She's also fond of "singing" by repeating a fairly monotone "La la la lal la...". Beats yelling, which she is prone to do when she's excited to see the boys afterschool. She has definitely found her voice.

Nora is quick to smile, and has continued to show her social, extroverted side by bending her head to catch the eye contact of anyone walking by, and then greeting them with a wave. It's fun to see her brighten the day of total strangers, although I'll have to teach her that she'll need to tone it down eventually.

Here you can see that Nora has a mouth full of teeth. She's been working on 3 molars and 4 eyeteeth in the past six weeks. Don't seem to be bothering her presently. We're used to the drool...

Other things in the past month: learning the signs for "bird, quiet, blanket and lights" to add to her repertoire. Verbally, Nora is still fairly quiet most of the time. Her words that we can coax out of her are " Mama, Dada, Papa, Nana, cat, go, and up." She enjoys eating with her hands independently when possible, occasionally trying the spoon or fork. Bottle feeding is better than ever, although I'm the only one who can get her to drink the whole thing. She seems to enjoy the process more, although is frequently doing the "splits" while I'm trying to hold her still.  I've taught her what "gentle" is so she strokes my arm when drinking. She also knows what "No touch" is, and will shake her finger at me before I get the chance to do it to her. (Her awareness doesn't necessarily stop her from whatever it is!)Whenever Nora hears music of any sort, she'll look at you and start to move her head back and forth. It is definitely something she notices. She is enjoying cuddling dolls... I've recently bought her two "babies". Doesn't matter that one doesn't have any clothes, Nora loves how the eyes open and close, pointing at her own also. It's a busy time, but so sweet overall. :)

Welcome Home!

With all the excitement yesterday, I forgot to post about the wonderful visit I had with my friend Megumi, and her sweet daughter, on Monday. We are so thankful that they are home safely in Canada, after they had been visiting her family in Japan, west of Tokyo, when the earthquake and tsunami occured on March 11th.  Within 4 days, Megumi and her daughter flew home because of the radiation concerns in the area. Her family is safe, but all are grieving for the devastation that Japan has endured. Thank you to those that kept Megumi in your thoughts and prayers.

The girls were happy to play side by side.

Nora was not so keen to share however, and it was the first time that I saw her getting upset in this regard. She would grab any toy that Megumi's daughter would pick up from her hand. I just laughed, as it confirms that she is definitely a toddler now, where it's "all about me."

Even though this is a very sweet picture, in reality Nora is trying to take the toy away.

Until next visit, "see you later, Girlfriends!"