Nora's 1st Birthday

November 6th was Nora's first birthday, but we kept it very low-key as we were preparing for her Welcome Home/Birthday party the next day. Also, Nora wasn't feeling quite herself from having had vaccines on Wednesday. (Imagine mega-screaming throughout the night...then imagine hearing it echo from your ensuite bathroom as that's where the baby is in the playpen. We had given Auntie Jean her room where the spare room was, and normally Nora sleeps through the night. Apparently not after having vaccines....The night before the screaming was at the foot of our bed. Next time, the guest goes in the ensuite. Just kidding, Jean! )

Grandma did come by with some lovely gifts, however. Here's a spiffy pink ride-on car for the boys to push Nora on. Great idea, Mom! (Do you like Nora's "shiner"? Hoping it's gone by the party in one more day...)

Here's a couple of pictures also, but Grandma took more as my camera battery died...

We had some fun at bathtime later, which Nora really enjoys. I'd like to say the day was more exciting, but I was mostly in front of the laptop working on the video presentation for the party. Next year will be a little more festive! :) Sure love Nora's smile!

Auntie Jean arrives...

A definite highlight for everyone this week was the arrival of Auntie Jean from Saskatoon. She wanted to attend Nora's party, and visit with family here also. We are so spoiled! :) In order to maximize her "Nora-time", Jean stayed with us for two nights. She got to experience "Nora-time" to the max, with smiles, kisses, nightime screaming and the like. She also saw what "Karpiuk-time" is like, too... the good, bad and ugly, but she still loves us... Phhew. Here Nora checks out another beautiful golden-haired lady!

She gives her smile of approval!

The next day... Funny how Nora has selective memory about how she screamed so much and kept us awake...

Nora's not too sure about those glasses...

But she definitely loves the new blanket Auntie Jean made for her... Thank you! (Now we have to keep Lewis from taking it over, as he likes blankets of all sorts.)

You're Invited!

Hi everyone, I'll keep moving this post up to the front as I continue to post new entries below it.


Scott and I would love to have you join us for a "Welcome Home, Nora!" party to celebrate with us. We will show a powerpoint presentation of our trip to China, as well as Nora's adoption story.

When: Sunday, November 7th, 2010 at 6:30 pm (For those with early bedtimes...)

Where: Royal Heights Baptist Church auditorium, 11706 96th Ave, North Delta 604-584-4626. (Enter main building at back of parking lot.)

What to bring: Just yourself! Refreshments are provided. All are welcome.

Nora goes visiting...

On Monday evening, we had fun dropping by Darlene's house. (She was helping me prepare for Nora's party...) The best part was that I said I wouldn't be bringing Nora as Scott was putting her to bed. So when I did show up with her, everyone was very excited. (What was I thinking? Of course they want to see Nora! :)

The boys are good to pose for pictures with her... give them a couple of years and they'll be hiding like mine are. :)

Hallowe'en Happenings

Work in progress...

Nora drops by the tournament...

With having a Taekwondo tournament nearby in Cloverdale on Saturday, I felt we should drop by after visiting my workplace. Nora had the privilege of meeting Senior Master Cho, from Lynnwood, Washington. Sadly, I didn't take a shot of Nora with Dad in uniform... next time. You know that you have to do these things by official rank..  :)

First Ladies' Breakfast

Saturday morning, Nora and I made an effort to get ourselves together to visit the women at our previous church home in Langley. It was so wonderful to see everyone, and we played "Pass the baby..." I wanted pictures of Nora with everyone, so thanks to everyone for that. :)

This is a new lady at the church, named Ruth. (Correct me if I'm wrong!)

Here's Kathy, also an encouragment to me during the wait and while I was doing my nursing course...

Meeting Monica for the first time was a real joy!

Here's sweet Collette, whom I always enjoyed accompanying her singing with the piano. I miss your harmonies!

Lovely Barbara... always with a word of encouragement. Miss you!

Joyful Erin, can't you tell her by her beautiful smile?

Sweet Peggy and Irene, both such gentle women.

Compassionate Bev, always ready to share a tear with me... we're scary together that way! :)

Two more tender-hearted women, who love children, always serving others.

I certainly miss you all, and those that weren't in attendance that morning. You all walked with us during our wait for Nora, and other life events. Greeting you each Sunday morning, hearing your encouragement and sharing hugs is something irreplaceable. Please know that you are loved~ hope to see you again soon. :)

Oct. 24th Weekend Highlights

Friday morning, we had a wonderful surprise visit from my Uncle Paul, just in town from Alberta. In true "Paul" style, he called me on the phone to say, "I'm standing at your front door!" I opened the door so that Nora was only showing, and she immediately reached out her arms to Paul to be picked up. I guess I should discourage that behaviour, but he's the perfect person to do that to... how'd she know? :) Of course, Nora still had to check him out like she normally does to everyone... I love these kinds of surprises!

After naptime, Nora and I joined friend Sherrie for lunch at a Taiwanese-style restaurant called "Bubble World". I have a lot to learn about, especially how to use chopsticks. Sherrie had to ask for a fork for me, just like the last time we tried Vietnamese food. Fortunately, everyone is very gracious. Nora received a lot of attention in the restaurant. The boys enjoyed the flavoured cream-puffs that I picked up later at the Chinese Bakery with Sherrie. Was a fun afternoon outing... Thanks! :)

The next evening, we went out (without the older boys) to our "first" meal out together, which really wasn't Nora's first meal out, as she'd eaten out with us in China right from the start. We convinced the boys to try the local Greek restaurant, and despite a lot of initial complaining, they actually really enjoyed their meals. We were thankful for the quiet atmosphere, and being placed in our own corner.

Nora did well in the highchair, although thought it was fun to throw Cheerios on the ground...

I was happy to get out of the house... a rare picture of us together....

Nora goes to Cross Country...

Seeing that it was a beautiful day, we headed off to our local  park to watch Thomas and Lewis compete in the annual Christian School Cross Country meet race. Once I found them in the crowd, we had fun cheering them on.

A teacher snapped our photo and put it in the school weekly newsletter... how fun!

In between races, Nora made some new friends like Jill...

and Elly, one of the teachers at school that is a fellow quilter. :)

It was really enjoyable to get out... Nora seems to enjoy meeting people, and it's good to get out of the house.

More new friends...

Just catching up on Nora's latest visitors... Lynn and her son popped by on Sunday to take Lori to the ferry. It was really cute watching him meet Nora.

 It was even more amusing when Nora went straight for his nose...

  

 Lynn practiced doing some "Baby Signs" sign language with Nora. She's provided me with many resources to start teaching this, but I just need to find the time. It looks fun!

  

Lovely Laura was able to come over for coffee today, along with Heather... Sadly, they had to make the coffee themselves as I still don't know how! :) By the way, it's really fun to say "Laura and Nora" together... 

I sure am enjoying the opportunities to catch up with all my favourite people in the world.

 

Yeah, our wonderful neighbours are back home, and they were so sweet to knock on our door to meet Nora before they got down to the business of unpacking the RV. They had left the day we arrived home...

Sharon is a natural with babies.. she had Nora making "rasperries" in no time..

See how red Nora's ear is? I ended up taking her to the walk-in clinic this evening as I feared an ear infection. Turns out it is eczema, and it's slightly oozing. Very uncomfortable for Nora, but at least now I know what it is. Didn't stop her from being friendly, just not a happy camper with taking her bottle...

Mike did well to hold Nora, as he considers himself not to be a "baby" person. Didn't matter to Nora, she still reached out to him to be held. She must know he's a very sweet Grandpa already. Glad you two are home!

Post-shower Fun!

After the baby shower, Lori and I had some fun showing Nora her new gifts. (All very lovely, thank you!) We found out that she's not too fond of hats or hair accessories yet... not that that will prevent me from putting them on her when needed. :)

Next up was the wooden sushi set from Auntie Ann... very fun, but I wasn't sure about the cleaver... Hmmm.

Did you notice that she managed to keep the barrette in her hair for more than 2 minutes? There's just not much hair for it too hang onto yet, but she's definitely making progress. Loved this smile!

After the barrette fell out, we tried out this very cool headband. I think it'll have to wait until she has long enough hair to hide the back part of it underneath. Our own karate kid...

 Nora somehow reached around to pull it to the front...

Lori thought Nora was hilarious... "Just like me!" (Since she has known me since I was 9 years old, I reminded her that I was never particularly "humourous", rather more of a "spaz".) Regardless, Nora is very fun, and definitely a good sport!