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!"

Wanting to share exciting news!

After starting the adoption process in February 2006, and with a LID of June 15th, 2006, we are thrilled that our friends, Julie and Randy, have received their proposal today. Their little daughter, Gan Fu Hai, is living in Jiangxi province in China and is only 5 1/2 months old! Julie's newly created blog has her daughtter's pictures on it, and Fu Hai is absolutely beautiful. (I've since asked Julie if I could post Fu Hai's pictures here.) I'll keep you posted, but I have the feeling that I'm going to go back to China in my heart as we follow Randy and Julie's journey in the weeks ahead. Congratulations to you both!  Love Susan :)  P.S. Nora will have a new friend!

 What a darling face!

Chinese babies are often over-dressed, and may have more than one padded jacket on... at least she's keeping warm! :)

A quick trip to Parksville!

Last night we returned from our very short visit to Beach Acres. We've enjoyed going there many times over the years with the boys, and so it was very sweet to introduce Nora to the beach as well. Despite the inclement weather of a typical Spring Break, it was special to re-visit a place where you have had so many fond memories. And then to make some more...

Dinner at Julie & Randy's

Sunday walk