Well finally getting around to writing another post, eventually I think this blog will be done as most things get posted of facebook. Planning on turning the blog into a book for the kids. We have been busy getting back into the fall routine. Caleb is loving school and Clara has just started daycare and so far she is enjoying going. Clara and I are enjoying our days together and have one more week left. I have really liked being able to walk and pickup Caleb at school. We will try for a full day this coming week so hopefully all goes well. Both kids are loving their swimming lessons although I am not so sure I like getting in the pool early Sunday mornings. Looking forward to Christmas especially showing Clara what it is all about!

Settling In

I know for anyone who checks this I have been very slow at putting up the next post, but I have two very busy reasons why! Clara and Caleb are doing great and I love hearing their giggles and whispers. They are playing together really well for a good part of the day other parts of the day they are like any other brother and sister- driving each other crazy!

Clara has mastered the (well almost) the English language. I am amazed everyday how much she has learned in a few short months! She no longer speaks any Chinese and I wish I had taken a few more videos of her speaking it.

For those that have met Clara you know she is a feisty, spicy little girl! She sure does keep us on our toes and is a girl that knows what she wants! But there are also those moments when she loves to snuggle with her mommy and daddy and gives us an endless supply of kisses!

Caleb is enjoying being home with me all day and loves visits to Mira. He likes fishing with Poppy and even has a pet worm which he named Good Wormy. I am trying to get used to the fact that he will be heading to Primary in  a few weeks. I think there will be more than a few tears shed that day.

This summer we have been busy spending lots of time on the Mira. They both love the water so we have lots of fun in the river. Clara likes going for boat rides but Caleb is still the captain of the ship! Bernie used most of his vacation for our trip to China but he did come Mira with on for a long weekend. The kids loved a campfire and three sunny days on the river! We have had a few play dates with friends and many trips to the beach. It has been great showing Clara all of our favorite things!

Here are some pictures from the last few months!



One Month With Mei Mei

Wow! I can't believe we have almost been home one month with Mei Mei. Not sure where the time went. Seems like we were just in China the other day. Mei Mei is settling in and beginning the process of bonding to everyone. We are still calling her Mei Mei (little sister). Eventually we will phase in Clara. She is picking up a few English words but understands a lot more English than she speaks. It is sad that she will eventually lose her Chinese language.  Ripley and  are her are still best buddies! We had her to the pediatrician and she is perfectly healthy! She will be followed by the cleft clinic at the IWK. Her medical from China said she had a hernia but that was either wrong or has fixed itself.
Her and Caleb get along better each day, they especially get along when they are ganging up on their parents! It is wonderful hearing them laughing together. Caleb is adjusting to all the changes and is beginning to think maybe his sister is not that bad to have around. Although their are still a lot times when they are all very jealous of each other. Caleb continues to go to daycare three days a week and is home with me for two. Mei Mei is definitely Daddy's girl and she loves when he comes home from work.
We are really looking forward to going to Cape Breton on the May long weekend. She will get to see more of her family!

 

Playing with Ripley

 

A street in Wuhan

 

Tiananmen Square

 

Forbidden City



Home Sweet Home!

We are home! As Caleb landed he said,"Grammie, Home Sweet Home". The 14 hour flight was uneventful. Both kids did lots of sleeping and they handled the connecting flights like pros! We got home at 1am and had a quick bite and went to bed.

Clara (Mei Mei) is adjusting great, it is like she was always here. Bedtime is where she only shows any insecurities. So it looks like I am back on the air mattress. Better than the hard floor though.

Ripley came home yesterday and him and Clara are so far so good! I think we can thank Ripley's patient disposition to Caleb doing such a good job breaking him in!

Right now our biggest battle is jet lag. We have daily discussions about whether we should nap, not nap, go to bed early or late. Right now we are just trying to push through it.

Shawn  and LeHoa are up for a few days. We are enjoying having them here and helping us with the first few days home. They are having a great time getting to know their new niece!

Caleb is going great and is getting used to having a sister. He even let her play with his lego today.

I am looking forward to getting into a routine and getting to know Clara better!!

Just landed in Halifax!

Checking out her room

Having a tea party

At the playground with Poppy!



Hi, this is going to be a quick post! We have had a busy few days touring around. Yesterday Mom, Mei Mei and I were lucky enough to visit a foster care for sick orphans who were to ill to be cared for by their orphanage. It was an amazing place. I will write more about it when back home. Yes we are almost on our way home. We leave for the airport at 1pm and our flight leaves a t 6pm. If all goes well we will be in Halifax around 11:30 pm on Friday. The crazy thing is it is already Friday here!
We are all doing well getting a little tired. cranky and are just ready for home! Can't wait for you all the meet Mei Mei!!

Tiananmen square

Tiananmen square

Tiananmen square

 

Shepherd's Field Children's Village

Shepherd's Field Children's Village

Shepherd's Field Children's Village

A little boy who loved Mom

Writing on the wall at the Shepherd's Field



HI, Just time for a quick post today before breakfast. Shopping yesterday was fantastic. We bought lots! Yesterday evening we went to an acrobat show which was great. Clara absolutely loved it  and clapped throughout the whole show!

Today we are going to the Forbidden City and Tiananmen  Square. This was a trip we missed last time so it will be something new for us.

The rest of the day is free. Maybe a swim as both kids loved it the other day.

Here are some pictures!