Preschool

My girls are starting preschool in ten days. I'm so nervous about it. Not really sure why. Livi loved preschool for the five months that she went last year.

I think the wild card here is Sofie. I'm worried for how successful she will be. Originally, I wanted to hold Sofie back a year and start her now in 3 year old preschool... but that can't happen with the way the funding works for an assistant. CDC covers an assistant up until the child reaches 5 years old. The school system takes over funding an aid at 5 years old. If I was to hold Sofie back and start her in 3 yr old preschool now that she is four, no one would fund an aid for her at 4 year old preschool, when she would be 5. Confusing, right?

Basically, what we decided is to go ahead and put Sofie in with her sister in to 4 year old preschool, 2.5 hours three days a week. Next year they will both go to kindergarten, in separate classes. I've already registered them for kindergarten even! I want them in a choice Fine Arts public school so we had to register really early. Sofie will then repeat kindergarten. I need to fight for this because the school board doesn't want me to hold her back but the principal is on my side so I WILL GET WHAT IS BEST FOR MY GIRLS!

I'm very stuck on Sofie being held back for numerous reasons. She has had little to no early intervention in her life. All the child development books talk about how important early intervention is. I figure, Sofie is going to benefit from developing in the younger grades than the academic senior grades. Plus, special needs kids frequently get to do a grade 13 at the end of their school career. This is because CLBC doesn't start funding support until they turn 19. I figure, Sofie is going to benefit more from an extra year in the beginning than in the end. Sofie is also, technically, ESL. I think an extra year to learn the language better and understand social cues a bit better will also be crucial at this point.

Another huge factor in this decision is the fact that I don't want to "twin" my girls. Livi is our first child. She is developmentally older than Sofie as well. I want her to feel like the "big" girl we talk about her being. I want them to each have their own friends. I don't want Livi to feel extra responsible for her sister. That will probably be a natural outcome with the way our family is, but I want to limit that as much as possible. I also don't want other kids and teacher to rely on Livi to take care of her sister.

So, both girls are starting in a preschool that is known for having "high expectations" and kind of more "academic" if a preschool can be academic. I think Livi will flourish. She is so ready to start reading. I just haven't had the energy to start that with her. I think preschool will give us the extra push we need. Sofie is ready to have more expected of her. She needs a change of environment from being just at home with me. There is only so much a mom can do sometimes. I'm excited to see how preschool helps with her vocabulary and social skills... hopefully.

September also means the beginning of gymnastics, which Livi has been talking about for months! Sofie is also going to be doing a Parent and Tot gymnastics class. I actually foresee her having a lot of fun with this. The classes are back to back so I don't know how well the waiting period is going to be for each other. And, we are so excited to get to go back to the music class that Sofie LOVES! A new teacher but the same program which I am so happy about because it is inclusive of all ages, infants to school aged. I'm also taking a speech therapy class to be able to help Sofie communicate better. I've heard good things about it so I'm looking forward too it.

It's going to be a busy fall! Before I'm ready Christmas will be here and then a new baby! I can't wait to see how much we all grow as a family in the next few months. It's going to be good!

Day Trip Weekend!

We had a last Hoorah! a few weekends ago to say goodbye to the end of the summer. On the Saturday we took the girls and E, a little girl I do some behavior intervention with, to Science World! The older two girls had a blast, Sofie was very over stimulated, and Jon and I were hyper vigilant for fear of losing a child. I think we did okay though :) There is so much to see there!

The prettiest Mona Lisa I've ever seen :)

Sofie loved the water table, of course.

The Monday of the same weekend we went to the PNE! SO MUCH FUN! It was really an awesome day. Both girls did awesome. Sofie was still a few inches too short for the rides but Livi was VERY excited to go on her first roller coaster. She was convinced she was going to go on the upside down coaster, despite us telling her she was too little. "I'll ask the worker" she told us. She pointed out every upside down ride there, asking to ride it. I think we will be going to Playland next year and getting her an all day riding pass.

On her first Roller Coaster. She was nearly in tears of happiness getting off it. 

"THAT WAS SO MUCH FUN! I WAS SO BRAVE!"

There was a fountain area beside one of the stages that the girls got to cool off in. I think this was one of the highlights. Livi kept running up and down the stream screaming "This is the best day ever!" Both girls got soaked but I had a change for each of them.

She was also screaming at one point "It's fun to get wet and make mistakes!" 

Sofie trying to see the dancers on the stage.

Chowing down on some mini donuts! A PNE must :)

We all had a lot of fun. Even with so many people around I don't think any of us got too over stimulated. We just had a really awesome family day. I love my family. I am so blessed. We had an end of the year BBQ/Open house for family and friends too. We have so many things to celebrate in August we thought we'd just have a big celebration evening and show everyone our new digs. It turned out really well and was nice and laid back, just the way I like it. 

Now we are looking towards September! I can't believe I just registered my girls for kindergarten next year! It's early for us because I want them to go to a fine arts public school that fills up really quick. They are going to three half days of preschool a week starting Sept 10. I'm so nervous. Livi is very excited. I should probably make another post for that though :) I'm also meal planning again. I really need to stay on top of this. We save so much money when I do it properly. Sept 1 is the start date!

Enjoy your last few days of summer! 

Livi's 4!

My baby is 4 years old! How did that happen? I feel so lucky to be her mom. She is truly an awesome kid. I don't know what I did to deserve such a smart, confident, fearless, imaginative, vivacious, funny, dramatic, articulate little girl. She keeps us on our toes! I love being a mom to my Goober. She is such a gift.

Good Morning Birthday Girl!

How old are you?

Livi is knows all her letters and she knows most of the sounds for the letters too. She recognizes some words like 'Stop' and 'Happy Birthday' (surprisingly). She is starting to sound out a few small two and three letter words too, like Mom, No, and Dad. Livi can count to 30. She does skip a few of the numbers in the teens though. She has begun to add and subtract too! It started with bites at dinner but now she is playing math games online with Curious George!

Livi has a amazing imagination and actually has an imaginary friend named Monster. He is blue and a good monster. He does, however, have friends, some of which are bad. Monster protects her and teaches her things... like Spanish. Not sure if he is the best teacher but I like his effort :) 

Livi is a sponge. She can tell you about things like how it rains, echolocation, camouflage, and how to grow things. Her memory is amazing too. She finds things better than us. She remembers things vividly from over a year ago. While at Metrotown for the second time in her life she told her Marmee all about how she went to Build-A-Bear to make bunnies for herself and Sofie, then had a tea party with them that Mrs. Jenn took pictures of. That was last July and September... how did she remember that? 

Livi is officially night trained now too! Day training was so easy over two years ago I expected night training to be just as simple. It has been a bit of a process but no more diapers for her! She rarely wakes up herself to go pee but we just take her to the bathroom before we go to sleep and she is good until morning. I'm still a little scared to remove the soaker pad that I have under her sheet though. She does have the odd accident, usually before we go to sleep though. 

Livi is now 40.5 inches tall and weighs 39 pounds. We switched her to a booster seat just a few months before she turned 4, which was a little early but she was tall enough for it and it is just so much more convenient! She didn't like it at first but I let her choose a princess one and that helped with the process. She is a healthy, active little girl sitting nicely in a large size 4T or very small size 5T. I keep thinking it is time to take out her size 5 stuff but it is all just swimming on her. 

Livi is rather controlling and bossy which we are working on it. I think she comes by it naturally with me as her mom though and her being the big sister. She doesn't like to admit that she is wrong and covers it by saying "It's my choice to do (it) my way." Cheeky little smart ass... who I love to bits. I think we've given her too many choices! She has also taken to not liking her picture taken. I think this is common for this ago though because I've noticed a few of her friends being the same way occasionally. There was a lot of bribing needed for her 4th year photo shoot.

She comes out with some awesome sayings too... which of course I can't remember half of them right now. I need to write them all down! 

After getting her hair cut in to a short little bob she spent the evening walking around with a little head turn saying, "I'm so fashionable."

While being allowed to play in the water fountain at the PNE she ran around screaming "This is the best day ever! It is fun to get wet and make mistakes!"

The doll house we had been given broke a few weeks before her birthday. 

Since both girl played with it EVERY day we had to get them another one :) 

Good thing it fell under as a birthday gift!

Things Livi Likes:

Kraft Dinner with peas in it - I am thankful she likes vegetables.

Conquering new accomplishments - She just beams. I love it. 

Dirt - She loves to play hard and doesn't mind getting dirtty.

Imagination - Livi loves making up stories and tells us tales of mermaids, monsters, pirates, caterpillars and giants. It is kind of awesome.
Cartoons - She loves her veg time. I love it too because then I get a break :)
Collecting - Livi likes to have little bowls, teapots and jars of her collections consisting of bobby pins, coins, and random little things she finds.
Roller coasters! - Her new favorite thing.

Things Livi Doesn't Like:

Being told "No" - She is vary articulate and can make very compelling arguments for why the answer should be yes. 

Sofie taking her toys - Oh the hardships of a first child.
Being pushed in to things - Livi is generally a daredevil, but the odd time she doesn't want to try something she needs her own space and time to figure it out or she will bunker down and freak on you.
Tomatoes - This is pretty much the one food Livi consistently doesn't like. I'm fine with that since she is such a good eater. Not generally picky at all.

On her actual birthday Gramma and Marmee came over for some cake. She was very excited :) I don't have the cake making skills of my sister but I think Livi was just as impressed with my number 4 as with her aunties Hello Kitty cake :)

We had a little party for her a few days later. Just a few friends with some games. I had read some where that Pin the Tail on the Donkey and musical chairs was a good game for 4 year olds. Musical Chairs worked well, but Pin the Tail on the Donkey didn't go over so well. Only one boy was willing to put the blindfold on. We also decorated cupcakes which was fun with four year olds. I completely understand why people hire business or entertainers to host their kids birthday parties!

One Year Home!

I know I'm late with this post! Sorry! I'm sure that some how makes me a bad mother and a horrible person... Oh well, I've been accused of worse. It has been a truly busy month and even crazier two weeks.

Any ways...

August 14 was Sofie's one year home anniversary! We got home late that night one year ago, so I kind of count the morning we woke up as a family and crawled in to bed together for snuggles as our real day to celebrate! Really the whole first two weeks of August are a celebration of thankfulness with Sofie.

August 1 is the day we met Sofie for the first time! August 4th is Gotchya Day when we took Sofie out of the orphanage forever! August 14 is when we got home to Canada and our beds! August 15th is when we woke up for our first family snuggles. It was such an incredible, humbling, stressful, thankful two weeks. And now looking back at the past year is so much has happened this year! I can't even imagine where our family would be if we had not adopted Sofie when we did.

I tried to think of some profound post to commemorate today but I can't. I think Sofie is profound enough. Adoption is amazing. Seriously. Before I go in to all the updates on Sofie I do want to encourage any and all of you readers to seriously consider adoption. There are so many innocent children in every country that need a family. Why not yours? Truly. Why not? Money, birth children, hardships, etc..., just aren't good enough reasons not to adopt to me anymore. I've looked in to the eyes of children who are waiting. They wanted to be held and played with. They were broken. Children under 3, broken. Ignored. Dying. Forgotten. Can you imagine?

I don't think that I usually get on my soap box about adoption but it really is something that is very close to my heart. There is no reason to have a handful of birth children anymore. The world is overpopulated. There is birth control options. There are over a million orphans waiting, available, needing families. And don't even get me started on the idea that it is more important and special to have a birth child “of your own”... That is crap and a damaging view to hold. 

Back to my own amazing daughter!

She is flourishing! She is a different kid from a year ago. She is alive now! We literally got to see Sofie break out of her shell. I didn't really know what that statement really meant until I got to walk along with Sofie as she broke free.

One year ago Sofie was a shadow. She cried and complained so quietly. She rocked (self-stimulated) ALL THE TIME! She woke up crying numerous times a week and was inconsolable. Truly inconsolable and writhing. She barely drank. Her eyes had dark circles under them. Her hair was life less and mousy. She had a bald spot on the back of head from rocking. She was 19 lbs and just under 32 inches tall. She was skin and bones. She had a terrible rash on her bum that was raw and open.

When she got home she pulled hair. It hurt and even made me cry. She hit. She threw everything and held nothing. She didn't know how to play... at all. She just didn't explore her surroundings but just sat and watched. She couldn't handle new experiences like grass and large groups.

Now? Wow. She jumps in to new surroundings, unless there are tons of people, then she stays close to Mommy or Daddy, which is awesome by the way! She is fully attached to us, but still fearless. She doesn't pull hair anymore although I am still watching for it. She still hits a lot but it is more behavioural than instinctive. She still throws a lot but not as much. She holds things now, examines them and plays with things! She has even lined her toys up in a row... which is huge! She doesn't really play with other kids but she will play beside them and parallel play, which if I remember right is pretty on par for the 18 month developmental level I think she is at. She still doesn't love grass and large groups but doesn't let that stop her from exploring and doing what she wants.

She cries now, loudly, and makes her frustration known... to everyone! She rocks rarely, only when she has had an extremely overstimulating day, like spending all day at the PNE, and even then only for a few seconds. It used to be hours at a time. No more dark circles, unless she ids really tired. Her hair is full, shiny and perfect! She has chubby cheeks and squishy thighs. She is still hanging around 27 lbs but she did grow! She is 34 inches now!!!! 

Sofie has many new accomplishments too. She now sings along with songs regularly. She does somersaults. She tells me she loves me, even unprompted! She can close doors from the outside now and is getting dangerously close to opening them. I am not looking forward to when she masters this! She has begun throwing temper tantrums which may not be a desirable accomplishment but it is a developmental one that is very noteworthy. She is SO close to jumping. Sofie babbles and talks so much now too. I'm sure she thinks she is talking English to us and sometimes I'm sure she actually is... I just can't always understand it. She still uses some signs but words are definitely replacing them rapidly.

Things Sofie Likes:

Music! Particularly fast and loud!

So You Think You Can Dance and her play list on YouTube. Sofie will sit and watch these over and over if I let her.

Dancing. This kid is so touched by music.

Wiping things. She likes to wipe her mouth while she eats and is great at cleaning my shower doors and bath tub!

Water! Sofie is a water baby. She dunks herself and plays under water with out a second thought. Splashing is one of her favourite pastimes too.

Cuddles. She loves to sit with Mommy on the arm of the couch or with Daddy in bed under the covers and just cuddle. 

Being able to keep up with her sister. This does frequently lead to frustration if she can't keep up with Livi but when she can she is in heaven.

Things Sofie Hates:

Not getting her way. She is very controlling and demands things the way she likes. We are working on this.

Fruit. She doesn't like the wet texture of fresh fruit. I have to cook them or hide them well. 

Bedtime. She isn't terribly difficult to get to put to bed she just fights us the whole way.

Below is a comparison of "then and now" pictures almost exactly one year apart. I am so amazed how much healthier and alive she looks....

Sofie - You are incredible. You have already impacted so many peoples lives and are going to continue to amaze everyone. You have crashed down walls and broken stereotypes just by being you. Never stop being you! We are so thankful to be your parents. You inspire us. You are beautiful. You are perfect and we love you. 

A year in pictures :)

Oh Baby!

It's been no secret that I've had a hard time with this pregnancy. It was a shock. This baby was not planned but I know "it" is meant to be. I want him/her so much now!

This pregnancy is completely different from my pregnancy with Livi. Basically, in comparison, I'm convinced that Livi miraculously appeared in month nine and was flown out of my womb by pink fluffy butterflies. I had next to no symptoms with Livi. That pregnancy was so easy. This one is not. I have had EVERY symptom in the book. Maybe that is because I'm having a boy, which is my prediction, or maybe that is because I am 4 years older and in my 30's. Whatever the case, I'm thankful this is my last pregnancy!

* Warning * Honest and blunt symptoms of pregnancy in the next paragraph. * 

I figure every birth mother has to go through it so deal with it and read on!

I started out in April with shock, fear, and honestly, a little resentment. I was not ready for another baby or pregnancy. My boobs got bigger, were sore and now they're even leaking a bit! Gross! I was tired ALL THE TIME, nauseous, gassy, moody (which is a nice way of saying I was a TOTAL bitch), and uncomfortable in my own skin. I got carpel tunnel in my hands in the first trimester, which happened when I was pregnant with Livi too but not until almost the third trimester. I was constipated the first month, then plagued with two months of the other extreme. Now my body likes to keep me guessing... Is it going to be a constipated day or a runs kind of day? Won't know until I waddle to the bathroom! Fun! Fun! During the heat wave my ankles and feet swelled, although I think they are back to normal now. If this baby were sitting any lower I think it would be crowning. Getting kicked in the anus from the inside is a fabulous feeling. Sometimes the baby likes to block my bladder so I feel like I have to pee but can't! Awesome. Also, since probably a couple of months in my abdominal muscles feel like they are being ripped apart, I've had to pee every half hour and sciatica has started plus my left hip is in agony some nights. I didn't have any back pain with Livi, amazingly, despite my herniated disc. I'm scared that this is going to get worse with this pregnancy since I'm already having some pain. This is a HUGE concern. If my back goes out, I can't function. Pray this doesn't happen.

Pregnancy isn't all bad. from about 17 weeks I've been feeling the baby kick and move. I think I actually felt it earlier than that but I was confused as to whether it was the baby or gas! Now, at 20 weeks I'm sure what is the baby and what isn't. I think I can almost feel it kicking on from the outside too now! Hopefully Jon and the girls will be able to feel it soon! Livi keeps trying to hear the heartbeat and Sofie gives my belly kisses.

I'm starting to get excited to hold my baby and see the first smiles. I want to hold him/her and smell the top of its soft head. I'm excited to see Sofie give him kisses and Livi rock him to sleep. I'm excited to win the battle of breast feeding this time! I'm still quite terrified of how I will manage three children 4 years old and under. I know Livi will be a huge help to me but it is a careful line with that. I'm very conscious of trying not to put too much responsibility on her, although I'm realizing it is a natural progression of family dynamics for the oldest child. I am working extra hard to ensure it is her choice to help and not that she feels the responsibility on her shoulders.

I am half way through this pregnancy! On Friday I reached 20 weeks. We had my 20 week ultra sound today. I was really hoping to find out the gender but the lady said she couldn't see... I don't think she really looked. Oh well, I'll find out in 3 weeks when I get to go for a 3D ultrasound! Livi was very excited to see the baby today! As far as I was told baby is looking good! 143 heart beats per minute and measuring at 21 weeks. I've only gained 2 pounds so far. I gained 15 with Livi but lost 5 pounds after Dad died at 37 weeks then ate lots of shortcake to gain a few pounds back! In the end I only gained 12 pounds and I think I'm pretty on target so far too!

 My prediction is a boy, born no later than January 5 (due Dec 30 from the 6 week dating ultra sound, 28th based on my cycle). I was a eight to twelve days over due with Livi depending on what due date you look at. And I predict a 10 pounder! Livi was 9 pounds almost 12 ounces. What are your predictions?

I've been cleared of gestational diabetes for now too! My original midwives referred me to a specialist who agreed with me! My numbers are high but not at the gestational diabetes stage! Stupid midwife! The specialist called it Impaired Glucose Tolerance. Basically borderline gestational diabetes. He wants me to do the regular 24 week glucose test when the glucose intolerance typically peaks. I'm so glad to have my own research validated by a specialist!

I switched midwife groups and returned to the practice that I was with for Livi's birth. They have one doctor and four midwives now! I have opted to only see the midwives but do know the doctor since he is the one that was there for Livi's birth. I'm very happy and confident with my decision. Although it means I can't have a home birth in my home I could have it in the town the practice is in... at a friends or sisters house maybe? I actually think I'm leaning towards a hospital birth right now (still hopefully in the water) but I have a few more months to decide :) Not sure how I'm going to survive the 20 minute drive to the next town, especially if I have back labor again. I will have a doula to help, who I haven't met yet but I've heard fabulous things about! Jon's aunt was our doula for Livi but she is an hour away now and we thought that was a bit far.

I think that's everything so far! I'll update you on the gender and the name as soon as we find out!

I'm 30

I finally joined the club! Turning 30 really isn't that big of a deal to me. I'm too busy with little ones to care! I do look in the mirror every once in a while and think that I look so much older than I used too. This is probably amplified by the fact that I rarely wear make-up, usually just have my hair in a pony tail and am wearing sweats frequently covered with kids slobber or food. Oh well, that's my wonderful life right now!

Livi and Jon went and picked out a purse for my present. They did pretty good too! Maybe not the color I would choose so Jon has the receipt if I want to exchange it. Not sure if that would hurt Livi's feelings or not. Jon said she didn't really pick it out because the ones she wanted to get me were over $100 and covered in bling. That's my girl! Expensive taste :)

We had to change the plans for my birthday around a little since I went and got myself knocked up and can't drink. For my birthday best friends from college and my sisters are coming out for dinner at Moxie's tonight. Yummy food and good friends can always make an evening fabulous. Then, one of our friends were able to get a posh cabin in Hemlock for free for us to hang out at. The boys will get drunk, the girls (half of whom are pregnant) will laugh and talk and snack. One sister can't sleep over but she is sending my birthday cake along to enjoy. Delicious!

Thanks everyone for making me feel so special with all your comments on Facebook!

Stay tuned for my baby post tomorrow... I have my 20 week ultrasound and I'm really hoping to find out the gender! There is an official policy that doesn't allow them to tell but sometimes, if you get a nice technician, you can get around that by asking "should I keep all my girl clothes?" If not I'll have to wait until September 1 when my mom has booked a 3D ultrasound. The 3D thing is really for her. I could take it or leave it but I think my Grandma is going to come and it is going to blow their minds :)

Bad Blogger

August is always such a busy month for us so I don't get a chance to blog but it is the month where there is so much to blog about! We have Sofie's Gotchya Day, mine and Jon's anniversary, mine and Livi's birthday and Sofie's Home Day! Plus it is usually the month when we go on vacation and some day trips too!

This month I had an extra special treat! One of my best friends, Alana, from college who lives in Winnipeg came out to see me and brought her handsome little man! Alana and I were Maid's of Honor at each other's weddings 7 (I think) and 8 years ago. The last time we saw each other was 3 years ago when I was given a fabulous gift to fly out with Livi and see her! This time was her turn! I got to meet her one year old son finally and she got to meet Sofie! Not sure when we'll get to see each other again since we'll both probably have another kid in the near future. Maybe we'll have to plan a girls trip to some where exotic and kid free once the kids are old enough!

Girl time is definitely different with kids! It consisted of hanging out with toys at home, nap time, kiddie pool time, and a dairy farm and petting zoo trip. We did get to go shopping with only one kid though! I haven't been shopping in years! She came over the weekend so Jon could stay home with the girls. We even got to go to a movie after the kids where in bed! So wonderful to be able to see her and meet her not so little baby!

Then Jon and I got to celebrate our anniversary! We have been married for 8 years today! My sister babysat while we tried a new restaurant called Seasonal 56. It tries to use all in season and local food. The chef was very talented and I love the premise of restaurant. We had a coupon from Living Social that got us a chef personalized 4 course meal for 50% off! The delicious food and wonderful date was made so much better that we got it for such a good deal!

Doesn't the food look pretty?

We forgot a picture of dessert because we just started eating it :)

I love my husband and am so blessed that he loves me back. I think we are an unlikely, wonderful match. We are so different but have almost exactly the same priorities in life. I love being his wife, the mother of his kids, and his friend... most of the time :) Love you babe!

Summerland 2012!

We were again blessed to get to go to the property in Summerland. The property is owned by the only son of the family who sponsored Jon's Grandma's family over from Holland. The son has no family left so we get to use the his property. Jon has been every year of his life I think, and I've been going with every year since we've been married. Livi's gone every year since she was born and this was Sofie's first year! It is actually where Jon's Dad died 4 years ago of a heart attack and where we became legal parents to Sofie last year.

Bitter sweet but such a special place filled with wonderful memories. It was full circle for us last year hearing the news that Sofie was miraculously ours, but even more this year as we got to bring Sofie there. We had also been able to use the life insurance money we were given to pay for our adoption home study which was the first step in bringing Sofie home!

I feel like Dad is there. He loved it there and was so relaxed at the lake. I remember how he just relaxed reading in the shade, how he BBQ'd and how he would surprise us with trips to town for breakfast or ice cream. I kind of feel like I'm introducing the girls to their only Grampa at the lake. Maybe that is silly, but I am comforted by the thought. Going to his grave is of no value to me. He is not there. He is resting in peace at the lake... a bit of his Heaven on earth.

We stayed camping at the lake for three nights. It is real camping too. No running water and no electricity. Jon's sister and brother in law came with us which was a huge help and lots of fun! I was a little terrified of camping alone with the girls. After everything was set up, our delicious dinner was eaten and the kids were in bed, we got to witness a spectacular lightning and thunder storm. The following night was even more amazing with rains and wind! Thankfully we went out for dinner the second night and missed most of it at the campsite.

We visited Jon's paternal grandparents the first morning, who we only see once a year when we go there. I was, admittedly, very nervous about this visit. Last year when we told them we were adopting a child with DS and in fact just became legal parents the day before, they did not respond well. They were very negative about people with DS and adoption. It went well though. They welcomed Sofie and I hope we showed them how much of a blessing she is. They were not negative about anything too us or in front of the kids which was my biggest fear. They even commented, in surprise, how well behaved the girls were. It was a very successful first meeting for them with Sofie and I'm thankful for that.

After some time in the lake the first afternoon we got to see a small black bear on the hill of the property. We've never seen a bear there before at this time of year. A little scary with the kids but it went away without incident. We had to pack up early that afternoon because of the storm coming. We headed in to Penticton where they have a huge used book store that Jon must stop at each year. There was a torrential down pour as we hid in shops on Main street until we went for our dinner at our favorite restaurant there. We usually do lunch so the dinner menu which was extra special because of a performance there that night. I much prefer their regular lunch menu. Oh well, next year :)

After the incredible storm we slept soundly and spent the whole next day relaxing by the lake. The water was colder because the wind had stirred everything up but the girls and their Daddy still made it in. We packed up early on the last morning but still didn't make it out until 10. We stopped at Summerland Sweets to get Livi some promised ice cream and me some ice wine honey!

It was a fabulous holiday and I'm so glad the girls had fun. We are so blessed and I love my little family. We have a pretty amazing life :)