Happy Victoria Day and 3 months!

To celebrate Olivia's first long weekend, we went down to the Byward Market. Her first visit to the market. It's one of the great advantages of living in Ottawa. The market is great. We strolled down to the Tulip festival only to find all the tulips were gone. sigh. But the weather was gorgeous and we didn't pass up the opportunity to find a patio and have lunch. It was interesting because it was so busy in the market during lunch time that there were no highchairs. Plus, we left the stroller and the hook-on chair in the car. No worries, Olivia sat wonderfully in Papa's lap and had a great lunch. It was so awesome. A bonus to this weekend was the Dellosa's were down, and Olivia got to hang out with Brayden.

Hard to believe she's been home for 3 months now. I know I say this in every post, but it seems like she's been home forever. I guess that's how it should be.

Brainwashed by papa!

Getting ready for the season...sigh.  I mean..papa is ready..he's just trying to get Olivia on board.

Mother's Day

Yesterday (started this post Monday..you know..duty calls and I never got back to the computer)  I celebrated my first Mother's day.  Hard to believe after all these years...I would get some phone calls, cards, and greetings sent my way.  It's still hard to believe  I have these precious baby girl who calls me "Mama".  I'm a mom.

Martin asked me a few weeks ago what I wanted to do for Mother's day.  What have I done for my mom in the past?  What have my friends done for Mother's day?  A spa day?  A girl's night out?  Well...no.  I want to spend it with my baby of course!  :0)  I want to spend every minute of the day with her because on this day, it meant so much more. 

We went to grandmaman and grandpapa's house on Saturday.  On our way back, Martin and I had a talk (which we always do - love road trips because of these conversations).  We talked about the birthmother and even though we don't think they celebrate Mother's day like we do here, I'm sure she has taken some time to reflect on her choices that she had to make.  We acknowledged that she did carry Olivia for those 9 months and gave birth to our baby girl.  And with deepest respect, we thank her for that gift of life. 

To the foster mother who cared for Olivia those past 4 months while she was waiting for us to get her.  She loved and cared for Olivia with the best of ability.  We are forever grateful for being her guardian angel. 

For me on Mother's Day - I celebrated with Olivia...that I have her and she has me.  The day I found out about Olivia was my true Mother's Day because my heart overflowed with love and I made a promise to be the best mommy I can be.  So, I ended up spending the day with Olivia and papa.  It was perfect.

I slept in with Olivia.

We opened our gifts together.

We played.

We played some more.

Okay...papa played too.

It was a perfect day... because I'm a mommy now to an amazing baby girl.

A message from my heart

Hi mommy, it's me Olivia.(thanks papa for typing on the computer!) I just want to take some time out of my (well our) busy day to wish you Happy first mother day.
I know when you learned about me, you started loving me and I got you worried a little.
I know the first time we saw each other you might think we shared different feeling, and we did, but
I want you to know that it was special for me too!
You know it was hard for me, but somehow I could see how special you where already.
Thank you for understanding me the first few weeks and giving me the space to find my grooves..I know you know it was never about you, but i needed to tell you.
thanks you for never doubting me when I was sad and crying and picking me up to console me with a big hug! (oh yeah , sorry about eating your hair!)
It has been 2 months, since we got united together and you became my mommy, and I feel you have been there for me forever.
I just want you to know that I love every moment we spend together, from our morning snuggle, our car rides, our silly girly moments, and when you put me to bed.
I love that you take the time to show me stuff, and make me understand how much daddy loves us.
I just want to say thank you for everything you do everyday for me, and most importantly, I want to thank you for everything you will keep doing. you know, our bond can"t be broken. I know faith brought us together, and for this I will forever be grateful,  thank you for being the best mommy anybody can have.
I luv u mommy..to infinity and beyond!
O.

GO HABS GO

Obviously...she cheers for a real team!!!!!! instead of individual golfers!

Marty touching base...

Hi everyone, things are moving so fast.......I now understand when people are saying to enjoy and cherish every moment with your kids....
I'm seriously thinking to put a video recorder in our room (yes, Olivia does spend some night with us) when I can record those 3AM singing/clapping...and kissing screaming papa, papa!
(after mama told her to go see Papa!) she is just so,  well...I'm the luckiest guy ever.

I remembered in our Adoptalk session when they where talking about the length of time that children take to adapt to there new environment, (out of the stage of regression) and when to start parenting with "stronger" guidelines.

I asked how long it typically takes and when do you know? the answer was usually 4-6 months but this is a inexact science, could be shorter or longer....then I ask well when do you know ? so your are told to be attentive pay attention, and that well, you"ll know......
at the time I was like "well that's a helper!!!!!"
First time parent here! I don't even know why Mel (and women in general I might say..;-) give you the silent treatment!...but guess what?
I KNOW!!!!! Miss O is quite, well how can I say....like papa.
Let's just say that she clearly nows the word "non" (No), "viens ici" (come here) et "ca suffit" (that's enough)..because she does oblige, listen then...
well talk back and tap on her hips!!!!ahhhh girls!!!
I got to say it's hard to keep a straight face because she is so funny when she get' s grumpy!
It's always amazing when I shared with my mom, some of Olivia's little "adventure" how she laughs and tells me I shouldn't be surprise!..but i'm sure I didn't talk back that much!

Just when I think it can get any better...well it does!

Anyway here's some picture we had taken by a professional photographer at the TO baby show....I had to share!...