We've got a new computer... does this post look different?

So today was a crazy day! This week has been really busy! I have been fighting a really bad cold, broke down and went to the clinic. Good news... the magic pills are working. I am feeling much better.
Today... we had a wonderful Christmas potluck lunch at work. It's a tradition, and a lovely one at that! Got a call from my darling husband to ask about our computer. It's been really acting up and today... it just gave up. So, after work I went out and bought a new computer. Certainly wasn't expecting that expense! But, we managed to get a pretty good deal. One of those don't pay until whenever things... works for me!
My dear friend came over and set us all up. Hence the post! We are back up and ready to roll! Thank goodness! Kyle was pretty freaked out. He works from home and our computer is his lifeline! So, we are all fixed up, and he is tucked into bed without the headache of lost files, missed emails etc. How did people work without home computers and blackberry's? Seriously!
What would we do without our dear friends?
Tomorrow night we will celebrate an early Christmas with Kyle's Grandma and her husband.
Things just keep rolling right along.
I don't know why but for whatever reason, Lauryn has been on my mind a whole lot. Yes, truth be told, I think of her often. But lately... much more than usual. I got an email from my sister in law saying how excited she is about the newest family member on her way. People seem to really be into this whole adoption thing. I love it. It warms my heart!
There is still the wait, and yes, it's a long long road. However, when our family and friends are making such an effort to make Lauryn apart of our holiday, the wait doesn't seem all that long.
I hope you and yours are enjoying the complete chaos of this season, and take time to realize that everyday brings you one step closer to your little one.
12 more days till Christmas!

The one year mark!

One year ago today we handed in our first application for adoption! We can't believe that it's already been a year. To think at the start of this path we're on we knew nothing! We were a little nervous, scared and totally excited. Now jump ahead 365 days and WOW! We have a little girl somewhere in China waiting to be matched with us. I really can't get over it. A very nice lady gave me a copy of the poem below. I can't think of a better way to celebrate our one year mark! We both know the wait will be long, but some how already a year has passed. We are that much closer to Baby Lauryn coming home. The door is open Lauryn, come on home!

Legacy of an Adopted Child
Once there were two women
Who never knew each other;
One you do not remember
The other you call "Mother"

Two different lives
Shaped to make you one;
One became your guiding star,
The other became your sun.

The first one gave you life,
And the second taught you to live it;
The first gave you a need for love,
The second was there to give it.
One gave you a nationality,
The other gave you a name;
One gave you talent,
The other gave you aim.
One gave you emotions,
The other calmed your fears;
One saw your first sweet smile,
The other dried your tears.
One sought for you a home
That she could not provide;
The other prayed for a child
And her hope was not denied.
And now you ask me
Through your tears
The age old question,
Unanswered through the years.

Heredity or environment~
Which are you a product of?
Niether ~ my darling ~ neither,
Just two different kinds of love!

Thanks to Nana and Auntie D, Auntie S, and another Auntie S

I tell ya something, I think Kyle and I are going to have a very lucky little girl on our hands!
This weekend I went home to my parents. Was able to spend the night at my cousins new house. It was great, we did some scrapbooking, and some invitations for an upcoming family get together. It was a wonderful weekend. My cousins new house is awesome! They have done a great job already... it makes me think that Kyle and I need to get out butts in gear!
While I was at my Mom's house she showed me the booties, blanket and hat set that she is crocheting for Lauryn - it's amazing. Truly beautiful. I can't wait for it to be done. She's so talented. Auntie D. and Auntie S. bought us some safety first stuff and some diapers and a baby doll with a stroller. The other Auntie S. brought us this really sweet barn yard animal thing! It's all plush shaped like a barn, the door opens and inside there are a rooster, duck, cow and pig. When you squeeze them they make their animal noise. Just to cute.
Other than that, nothing new to report. Just another post to thank our wonderful family.
We'd be lost with out all of the love, and support.
xo

Thanks Grandma and Auntie K

This post is a tad over due! It's been one of THOSE weeks. From what I hear MANY other people are going through the same kinda stuff this week.
We had a wonderful dinner with some of Kyle's family last Saturday night.
Just as dinner was ending. Grandma (Kyle's Mom) and Auntie K (Kyle's sister) went to the car and brought back into the restaurant a huge bag!
"We have something for you both" "Well it's really for Lauryn", and "it's for Christmas"!
Kyle's Mom loves Christmas more than anyone I know and everyone knows that part of the curse of shopping early, is waiting so long to give what you've bought! Well, it turns out that Grandma and Auntie couldn't wait. Inside the bag was two BEAUTIFUL Chinese outfits. They are pink and gold and white. One is a pant suit and the other a dress with jacket. There is even a little hat and a purse. TOOOOO cute! They are perfect for Lauryn's first Santa picture.
Wanted to let you lovely ladies know that you made our night. You are both so thoughtful!
Thanks for thinking of us and Lauryn!
I can't wait to see her in them!
xo

Hurry up and wait! Santa's coming!

So, the wait is starting to drive me crazy... again! Therefore, there really isn't anything new to report. I have been on this computer NONE stop... I think that's why the long wait is getting to me again. I've read so many things about the wait and what to do while you wait. I guess I am just researched out. Somethings are wonderful to read and watch. Things like when the family gets their baby, and travel announcements! Then there are the complaints about the wait, the speculations. Things like that.

Christmas shopping is a wonderful distraction! I love Christmas. Need less to say, Christmas shopping is almost done! LOL!

I have also found some wonderful websites that have some great Chinese merchandise. I decided to do some Christmas shopping for baby Lauryn. Not gifts for her (although we've done that too!) but gifts from her. It has been so much fun. I just can't wait until she's home and she can give her Nana & Grandpa, Great-Grandma and Grandma, Aunts, Uncles, Daddy etc. their gifts with a hug and kiss!

We are waiting anxiously for you baby Lauryn where ever you are... you have a very excited Mommy and Daddy waiting your arrival.

I wish all the families waiting for their babies a wait that is filled with happy memories that they can pass on to their children.

To end this post... if anyone has any idea's about how to deal with the wait, please pass them on! Like I said Christmas shopping is almost done!

Remembrance Day

I hope everyone will take the time to remember, because the people that fought for us, they will never forget. Here's an email I got today. It's a pretty incredible story!

THE VETERAN ON OUR TEN DOLLAR BILL ... If you look at the back right-hand side of a Canadian $10 bill, you will see an old veteran standing at attention near the Ottawa war memorial. His name is Robert Metcalfe and he died last month at the age of 90.

That he managed to live to that age is rather remarkable, given what happened in the Second World War. Born in England, he was one of the 400,000 members of the British Expeditionary Force sent to the mainland where they found themselves facing the new German warfare technique - the Blitzkrieg. He was treating a wounded comrade when he was hit in the legs by shrapnel. En route to hospital, his ambulance came under fire from a German tank, which then miraculously ceased fire. Evacuated from Dunkirk on HMS Grenade, two of the sister ships with them were sunk.
Recovered, he was sent to allied campaigns in North Africa and Italy. En route his ship was chased by the German battleship Bismarck. In North Africa he served under General Montgomery against the Desert Fox, Rommel. Sent into the Italian campaign, he met his future wife, a lieutenant and physiotherapist in a Canadian hospital. They were married in the morning by the mayor of the Italian town, and again in the afternoon by a British padre.
After the war they settled in Chatham where he went into politics and became the warden (chairman) of the county and on his retirement he and his wife moved to Ottawa. At the age of 80 he wrote a book about his experiences. One day out of the blue he received a call from a government official asking him to go downtown for a photo op. He wasn't told what the photo was for or why they chose him. 'He had no idea he would be on the bill,' his daughter said. And that's the story of the old veteran on the $10 bill.

Root Canals and Rattles!

What a week it's been. I went back to the dentist today. I needed a root canal. He started it today and will finish it Monday night. Although I do hate the dentist. I do adore my dentist and his team. He was kind enough...well, his wife was kind enough to bring in their baby girl for me to meet today. My dentist arranged for the visit. Let me tell you, she's a doll! There is nothing like a baby's smile to make your day!

As for the adoption front, nothing new to report. The Chinese adoption community is still waiting for the next referrals. I hope its a huge batch, and that the speed up after the Olympics is finally starting to happen.

Again, best wishes to all the families that are waiting for their referrals. I hope we get some news soon!