Life in the fast lane!

To say that we've been busy in an understatement. Our lives are filled with so much that the blog has taken a total back seat. I am not happy about this. I think it's important for Lauryn to have something to read that's all about her, and how she came to be and what her firsts were and what, as a family we have to look forward to! So, I promise to be more diligent.

August in review:
My uncle passed away on August 10. He was far to young and it was a very sad time. His death was sudden, and it made me realize many worries that mothers face with a young child. Not only did I have to coordinate a sitter for Johnson, but we had a child to worry about. Kyle was on a business trip, and there was a bunch of things that all needed to fall into place!
I felt it much to early for Lauryn to attend a funeral. Thankfully, a very good friend of the family was able to watch her with her cousin Reid and I don't even think she realized that Mommy was gone!
At the end of August, Lauryn had her cleft palate repaired. She came through with flying colours. We stayed in the hospital two nights. Since then, every day is a little better. That was the big news in August! Lauryn had arm splints for three weeks. She was a trooper. She figured out how to play, eat and totally didn't let the arm splints get in her way. She is a pretty amazing kid! She was also restricted to a diet of pureed food. We are counting the days until she can have a unrestricted diet!

September in review:
September was spent helping Lauryn recover. She is a determined little girl. We spent some time at the park and Lauryn loves to climb and swing! Her aggression is coming to an end. She sometimes (very rarely) will bite. She sometimes hits, but is quick to follow with a kiss better. Her sleeping habits have improved, but still are not consistant. I took Lauryn to my office to meet the friends who are more like family. We had a great time. She loved the Go train and everybody was so happy to meet her. It is amazing the reaction that Lauryn gets. She's a beauty who loves an audience! We went to my Aunts house and she had a ton of fun playing with Sierrah who is three. They kind of played together, but kind of played around each other. Lauryn is a total copy cat and loves to imitate! She was pretty jealous of the time that I spent with Sierrah and didn't like to share her mommy. We worked through it and I now realize the importance of Lauryn spending time with other kids. It's crucial for her! She learns so quickly from other children. With Lauryn in arm splints for most of September, we really established our home time routine. It was nice to be with her at home and get a regular schedule!

Lauryn had her first speech therapy session yesterday! The Therapist, Melissa was impressed with Lauryns understanding. The way that she can follow direction. We can speak to Lauryn in sentences. Things like - Sit on your bum, take your shoes off and put them away. Lauryn will happily do the tasks. What we need to work on is her communication. She will readily immitate anything, we now need for her to vocalize this. We have been teaching Lauryn sign language. Very basic. Kyle and I are by no means fluent! However, the words that Lauryn can sign, help her communicate her needs. Now we need to introduce the words to make sure that Lauryn is also verbalizing these things. Its an important step in her development and one that I am trying my best to find overwhelming! Kyle and I both want so badly to give Lauryn everything. What parents don't! However, Lauryn will learn at her own pace with us providing a consistant routine that will allow her to reach her own potential! Right? lol!
So... there you have it. This is what we've been up to!
I still find it hard to believe that she is ours. The love that we feel in watching her grow and how our family dynamics have changed is pretty incredible.
A blogging friend of mine and her husband leave tomorrow for China! Wishing them all the love and luck in the world. It's an incredible journey! Safe travels.

Keep Happy!
xo

Life with Lauryn is

L - Loving every hug and kiss!
A - Always keeps me on my toes!
U - Unbelievable that shes all ours!
R - Really? I'm a mom to a beautiful two year old?
Y - Yawn... yep, ready for bed before she is...again!
N - Nothing beats waking up to hear her giggle!

Our little lady is two today!

What a great day we all had today. It was non stop celebration today. Today Lauryn turned two. It was just us, Daddy, Johnson and Peanut, and it was a great day.
We had a family party for Lauryn on Saturday. It was simple, fun and the perfect afternoon. We had ice cream, cake and lemonade and Lauryn had a ball! We were at a playground by the lake for a good portion of the afternoon and I don't think I saw Lauryn more than 5 mins. Our families and friends have taken so strongly to Lauryn that every chance they get the are just lovin her! It's awesome! We can't remember what life was like without her. I can't imagine what we did with all our time!
Thanks to everyone who was able to come and join us in the park! We had a great day.

To our little lady,
Words can't describe how you've changed our lives! Mommy and Daddy are so pleased that you are home safe and sound and are thriving. We love to watch you play and laugh and learn each day.
Don't know who is responsible for us meeting, but we both feel blessed beyond measure to finally call you our daughter. You are everything that we've hoped for. Our dream come true. Each day gets better and everyday we love you more. You have completed our world and have added so much love to our lives.
Happy 2nd birthday to our little lady! We love you so much!
xo

The cake...

So far so good. 4.5 hours of intense cake making and I am exhausted!

A buffet of updates!

Well I have slowly come to realize that this blog is becoming low on the things to do list. I hope that this will change and slowly but surely things have been returning to a new normal.
Lauryn is a bright eyed spunky girl with a quick smile who has warmed our entire house. She is clever, funny and ... pretty much perfect! The last month has taught us all a lot about ourselves and our girl!
Canada Day was a huge success. Our neighbours had fireworks and Lauryn was sleeping... Kyle and I ( well, I!!!) woke her up to celebrate. She wasn't sure what to think at first, and then she was ooooohhhing and awwwing and WOWing... pretty cute!
She loves to swim. Daddy bought her a pool that she is in almost everyday. The problem is, you can't get her out!
She is a great eater and will try anything once!
Johnson and Lauryn our becoming fast friends. Johnson loves to greet her in the morning with a big kiss and she doesn't mind at all. I am not sure who drools more!
We had our appointments at sick kids. Lauryn's palate will be repaired in September. Although I can't imagine how heart breaking this will be, we all know it's a necessary procedure to correct her speech. She has come a long way and we couldn't be more proud. Bedtime is still an issue. She doesn't like to be in her crib by herself. We stay in her room with her for a bit and then slowly try to make our exit... fireworks aren't helpful! LOL!
The summer to date has been very good. We have had a lot of family and friends stop by. Lauryn will be two on July 12, so we are busy planning her birthday party! We will do it in a park with cake, ice cream and lemonade. Something simple and good old fun. She has a room full of toys, and plays with certain things a lot! We keep some toys in our family room that our her current favourites and just keep renewing the stash! We put some away and bring some new ones downstairs. This has worked really well! Kyle's Mom bought Lauryn an electric jeep for her birthday! Can you believe it! She saw it last weekend and thought it was pretty cool! We will bring it home with us after her party!
Other breaking news... My parents bought Lauryn a potty and guess what... she peed! This was a total coincidence and my Mom says she was totally surprised when she actually did it. Too funny!
This week will be spent trying to make a 2 year olds birthday cake and party a success! Wish us luck!
Keep Happy... our hearts have never been more full!
xo

Home is totally where the heart is...

We are home! We love being home! We love our home! We love our home! There is no place like home!
After an amazing adventure we are settling into our new life. Lauryn is a blessing beyond measure.
The airport was great! We had many family and friends who travelled a great distance to celebrate with us. Lauryn was all smiles and had a great time meeting her new family! Thanks so much for being there! It made coming home that much more special.
Our first Saturday home, I got a call from a dear friend who told me to get the paper outside my door!?! I did and there was a message to look at page B5. There it was... Lauryn's adoption notice! Awww! I can't tell you how special that was! Thanks SOO much for everything. You guys are just amazing.
My parents had stocked our cupboards and fridge with every necessity and indulgence that we needed. I didn't sleep at all the first night.
Lauryn has visited with many friends and family and there is still so many more to meet. She is doing fantastic! Everyday we notice much more about her as she discovers the world around her.
Sorry it's taken so long to post, there has just been so many things to do!
I promise to be more diligent! LOL!
Nap time is coming to an end. Gotta run.
But first... Thanks to everyone for making our home coming special. Thanks to my parents who have gone above and beyond! Thanks to Kyle's mom for the cars are the airport... they were and still are a hit. Thanks to Kyle's sister Auntie K for dinner on Saturday... we missed Swiss chalet! thanks to Auntie S for putting the wine in the freezer. Thanks to Uncle T and Aunt J for driving our luggage home. Thanks to Auntie D and Auntie S for coming to the airport and hanging helping with the car seat lol! Thanks to cousin Claire and her parents for being extra helpful at the airport with Lauryn! Thanks to Auntie A and N for a nice home coming dinner and cousin Declan and Alister for the play date! Thanks to Auntie N and Uncle D and Mom for the birth notice. Thanks to Gramma for having the kleenex ready! Thanks to everyone for all the well wishes. Telephone calls and emails have been coming at a rapid pace. We love you all and are so happy to be sharing the home coming of our little angel with you.
We have another shower tomorrow in Burlington. Can't wait to introduce Lauryn to these fine friends who are more like family!
Such a wonderful feeling!
Also thanks to our travel group! We met some amazing people! Looking forward to catching up with them soon.
Keep Happy!
xo

all is well in China...

Just had a quick note from the Thomson family to let us all know that everything is great and they can't wait to be home. The past couple of days have been very busy doing 'touristy' things with the other families. By the time they get back to the hotel, the business centre is closed so they have been unable to email and update us in detail.
Looking forward to their arrival on Thursday - Air Canada / Terminal 1 at 6:45pm.
Signed, a very proud, excited, anxious Nana!