We're Out of Review!!

It's hard to believe it but it's absolutely true...we're officially out of the Review Room! This means that in the eyes of the CCAA we are good to go!!! Of course our dossier moves on to the Matching Room and waits (and waits) on a shelf until they hit our LID date. Right now the CCAA are working on files logged in after December 14, 2005. It's a slow process but it does happen. I'd like to think that next Christmas would find us only a few short months away from holding Layla in our arms but I think that's extremely unlikely. All I can think is that there's a plan that's set out for Rob and me...one that we have to trust and follow. It's probably best to follow Denver's lead and relax when and where we can!

Wow! It's Our 13 Month Lidaversary!

I cannot believe that 13 months have passed since our file was logged into the CCAA's system! I figured that 13 months would take FOREVER to go by but it really has been a whirlwind of activity. I hope the next 13 months go by as quickly so that Layla will be in my arms for Halloween 2009!!!

Our amazing Secret Pal strikes again!!

Our SP always outdoes herself but this time she blew us out of the
water! She is beyond generous with her thoughtful gifts and words. I
found this month's theme difficult but our SP sure didn't. We received
a gorgeous diaper bag stitched from Chinese fabric that is pastel green
with purple and gold blossoms. My breath left my body when I saw it.
I've been carrying it around the house and looking in the mirror.
Inside this marvellous creation was a "Ouchie" ice pack mouse that you
keep in the freezer, a Fisher Price cell phone, a pink fleece blanket
embroidered with the words "I love Mommy", a pink Munchkin shopping
cart cover and the book "Shaoey and Dot." To top it all off her
little girl drew us a butterfly on the outside of the box (a definite
keepsake for the SP scrapbook). SP, you touch our hearts with your innate ability to charm a smile from us even when we don't feel up to it. We are forever grateful for your kindness.

"The Secret" really works!

In my last post I discussed the book "The Secret" and how I was going to change my way of thinking. Well, I did and it worked!! My DH was offered the position we were praying and hoping for. It means we don't have to move which in turn means it won't affect our adoption process!!! I am so happy. If you haven't read this book go and get it NOW!!!

I'm Changing My Way of Thinking

I am in the midst of reading "The Secret." It's basic theory purports that we attract everything in our life through our thoughts, no matter if it's good or bad. "Thoughts become things." The book rules out notions of luck, chance happenstance, wrong place at the wrong time and so on. It's pretty much a life altering notion...you can ask for your deepest desire and you will receive it. So I've decided that I'm going to apply these principles to Layla's adoption process. Positive thinking from here on in! Btw,the calligraphic characters above are Layla's name in Mandarin.

The past and the future

It's a glorious day here in my part of the world. I just finished a lovely walk through the city's largest park. The public pool is open and peals of laughter were abundant as I passed by. Of course I had to take a trip down memory lane and think of all the days I spent splashing around in the very same pool. After that reverie I started to think of the future. Will Layla make memories in that park? Will we enjoy sunny afternoon picnics under the shady trees? Will I hear her squeal with delight and ask me to push her higher on the swings? I can only hope that these wishes come true. I believe deep in my heart that Layla will join my family;it's just a matter of when.

Canada Day at the Cabin

What a scoff we had yesterday! There we ten of us at Mom's cabin who chowed down on deep fried turkey,egg salad, mustard salad, beet salad, beet and corn salad, macaroni salad, coleslaw, corn chip salad, bow tie salad, Mediterranean salad, citrus salad, rolls, ice cream sandwich dessert and a Canada day cake. Whew! It took long enough to write it so can you think of how long it took to prepare? It was delicious!!! We all had a plate or two plus we all took home doggie bags. I even brought home a plate to my Dad and his girlfriend. Guess what? We could still feed 20 more!
To top off the evening we had a lovely fire by the pond and we set off 15-20 fireworks. We had a blast!

Goodies From Cousin Sarah

Layla's big cousin Sarah who we'll probably end up referring to as "Auntie Sarah" couldn't resist purchasing a few items. Now truth be known Sarah loves to shop for herself but she is very generous too. I've never seen a 20 year old with such a solid head on her shoulders (Not even myself). I have the teeniest feeling that Sarah will give Layla her penchant for 'the good stuff'...the pink jeans are Tommy Hilfiger! I love the little dress and tshirt too. My daughter is going to be one stylin' baby.

My Secret Pal Does it Again!!!

This month my SP sent lovely things themed around travel. She gave me a folding bag,aluminum luggage tags,an aluminum sewing kit, a passport holder, a card game called "52 Fun things to do on a plane" and a gorgeous travel journal with the Mandarin calligraphic symbol for JOY etched on the cover. Of course the note she included was so thoughtful. My SP is spoiling me and I am loving every minute of it! Thank-you SP whomever you may be. :)

A belated thank-you for my Mother's Day gift

My secret pal is wonderful! I received a beautiful pendant and matching earrings for Mother's day. They are the Chinese characters for mother. I was so delighted and continue to be deeply touched by this gift. I apologize to my SP for being so late with my gratitude.

Loot from Vegas

My mother went to Las Vegas in April. She had a marvellous time! I can't post everything she brought back to me because you'd say I'm spoiled rotten. I'm spoiled, I admit it but I am not rotten. Actually I can be quite nice when the mood strikes me :) I am posting the items Nana brought back to Layla from Gymboree.The loot included a reversible blanket, shoes, socks and a bib. All are done in a ladybug motif.I gotta say if I ever get to that store my Visa will probably burst into flames.

Thanks Jocelyn!

This gorgeous picture frame and a handmade card were sent to me by my dear friend Jocelyn. She is such a wonderful person! She thinks Layla's picture will look marvellous in the frame. I'm sure Jocelyn hit the nail on the head and there's no doubt Layla will be spoiled (But definitely not a brat). I wish Jocelyn and I lived closer to one another. It would be so much fun to shop, go to movies and have girl's night out with each other in tow. Most of all it would be amazing to raise our girls together. I'm thankful Joce is such a good friend. I value her friendship even if she didn't send me lovely gifts.

To My Outstanding August/Sept.2006 DTC Secret Pal

I've signed up to be a secret pal with another group of individuals whose files were DTC (The date your dossiers went to China)in August and September 2006. We agree to send gifts bimonthly based upon a theme through to June 2008. This month the theme was bathtime. Well, I hardly know where to begin with the descriptive praise for my secret pal. To say she is generous is an understatement. I am still overwhelmed by the thought and care that went into each and evry part of Layla's gift. She even wrapped all the gifts! You can see the ducky paper in the background of the pictures. Even the card is so cute with the the bums on the babies. The message inside her card said:
Krista,
I am so very excited to be your secret pal and be sharing this wait with you! Layla is such a beautiful name and I look forward to shopping for and showering her with lots of goodies! Wishing you a wonderful April...Your Aug./Sept.2006 Secret Pal.

The level of gratefulness on my part is not measurable. Secret Pal, I am blessed. Not just because your package held so many treasures but because your words and heart were in each special touch. Grazie,Merci,Thank-you.

My Winnings!

I received my second installment of Jocelyn's Workshop In a Box yesterday. The pages are phenomenal! You can tell she creates them from her heart and treats each set with the utmost thought and care. In my box was a prize I had won for correctly guessing the answer to a trivia question on Jocelyn's website. It's a set of lovely Stampin' Up Chinese characters(stamps). I cannot wait to use them in Layla's OHGWQ scrapbook. Merci, Jocelyn!!!

Thanks February Cyber Shower Pal!

This is late I admit it but the appreciation is still new. Layla received a beautiful princess frame from LaDawn Tucker in Missouri. I think a photo of Layla in a tutu will look so cute in this frame. Thanks a bunch LaDawn!

Thank-you April Cyber Shower Pal!!!

This adorable hooded, froggy towel was sent to Layla by Keri Young in Ohio. I think it's so lovely and I cannot wait to wrap my squirmy, wet, little girl in it. She also sent a lovely card which said:
Krista, Best of luck to you as you await the arrival of your precious daughter. The wait is so worth it! Hope she enjoys this cyber shower gift.
Thanks so much Keri!

30 Months

The latest rumour on the Rumour Queen site is that a European agency has told their clients that the wait will extend to 30 MONTHS!!! Deep down I knew it would probably be this long for us to hold Layla in our arms but never thought it would take this long just to see her picture. I don't know how to respond to this speculation. That time line would put us at the 4 YEAR mark for the adoption (not from LID). I feel helpless, it's out of my control. I gotta admit, I just turned 34 on Monday and this is not how where I thought I'd be at this age. I thought I'd have 3 kids by now. Who knows,maybe an adoption fairy is looking out for us and will light a fire under the butt of the CCAA and the stork will bring us the twin daughters we've requested.

Steven Curtis Chapman's "When Love Takes You In"

Get your tissues ready!

Music Video:WHEN LOVE TAKES YOU IN (by Steven Curtis Chapman)

Music Video Code provided by VideoCodeZone.Com

AAH! Spring has sprung...I think

"It's a beautiful day in the neighbourhood, a beautiful day for a neighbour. Won't you be, won't you be, please won't you be my neighbour?" Okay, I'll admit it the sun does wild and wacky things to my brain. I feel like dancing in the meadow, frolicking with puppies,kissing babies (preferably my own). Wait a minute, yes that's right, how in the heck am I supposed to kiss my baby when the CCAA only refers 2 DAYS of LIDS!!!! Don't they know that spring is a time for renewal, optimism and joy?
For those of us who continue to wait and wait there seems to be very little of that going around. How do I communicate this asinine time frame to friends and family? I am eating, sleeping and breathing the wait and I can barely grasp the WHY behind it. I'm fairly educated and I've read all of the potential reasons why the time between LID and referral continues to widen...in a nutshell it doesn't matter. All that matters is that Layla should be in my arms pronto!

Books are brain food...pig out!

I received my order from Amazon a few days ago. I am totally impressed with their service and the quality of their packaging. Everything I ordered came to $93.00 and change. I've been soaking up the new stories and Chinese lore. I know I need to become more knowlegeable about Chinese customs and history in order to communicate it to Layla. It's important for us to start using some of the traditions so that they become part of our lives even before Layla arrives. I know we'll go with the mainstream celebrations but I think the ones which are not so obvious we'll celebrate once Layla arrives.
If you have a chance purchase one or two of the books. The message in each one is beautiful. I'll let you know about the DVD later. I'm going to watch it at some point during the weekend. I know, I know, you don't need to tell me about the wild weekend I have planned. :)

Beach Baby?

This is the towel I mentioned in a previous post. My mother purchased it at Costco. Don't be fooled by the photo. The picture only shows 1/4 of the towel! It was a real steal too. It would make a perfect snuggle towel for the beach but the quality is so amazing I might use it as a mat in Layla's room.

Layla's Goodies

Make your own | Click to play

Thanks Lorraine for your advice. I hope for my next slide show I can figure out how to put comments with the pictures.

High Fashion

This is the purse Bernie bought to go with the first pink outfit. He had no idea that his friend would pink out the second outfit in China which matched the purse perfectly.

This outfit came Bernie also. It was the first Chinese related item we received for Layla. Bernie's friend went to China on a buying trip in February 2006 and Bernie asked him to buy a few things. This gorgeous suit was one of the items we received as a surprise.

I have more to show you but I really need to figure out how to do a gallery. Does anyone know how to do this?

Layla's Goodies

I'm in the process of creating Layla's Lifebook through Jocelyn's Workshop In a Box (See link on the right). I will post pages later but man, oh man are they wonderful! If you are considering doing a lifebook for your child-to-be then definitely use Jocelyn's services.

Layla has so much STUFF already that I can't imagine what it will be like when she's finally "In the house." I think she's going to be spoiled just a tad! On the right I want to create a link to her stuff. Then you could click it to see all the goodies I mentioned in my previous posts. Does anyone know how to do this? Help me please! I'll try to upload all the pics but it might take a little while. Denver was in the thick of things while I was clicking away so I thought I'd include this pic. Is it a sign of things to come?

It's been a long time

Hello there cyberworld! It's been a long time since I've posted but that's how it goes sometimes. There is so much to discuss. For example, Carolyn received her referral!!!! Her family was referred a little boy whom they have named Daniel. He's 3 years old and they will probably travle to China in June to adopt him. Check out the link to their blog on the right.

Mom's boyfriend Bernie went to Florida and brought back the most marvellous gifts for Layla! A tea set, 2 silk pyjama outfits, a purse, and a medallion for long life and good health. He also had his friend at work who just came back from China buy him a quilted, pink outfit. I can't wait to take pictures and post them. My mom went to Costco and bought Layla the most amazing beach towel, well it could really serve as a rug it's that big and plush! It's covered in ladybugs!! I will post pics...hopefully this weekend.

Gong Xi Fa Cai

Better late than never...Gong Xi Fa Cai...which is pronounced as "Gung Hei Fat Choi." This is used to wish friends and family a Happy New Year in China. It's the Year of the Pig. It began on February 4th with Chinese New Year Day on February 18th.
The pig is one of 12 animals on the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac. People born in pig years are polite, honest, hardworking and loyal. They are also lucky, which is why many Chinese like to have babies in a pig year. You never know, Layla could be born this year!!!

Happy Valentine's Day!

I can hardly believe that V-Day is here again! It was a lovely day. First of all it's also teacher appreciation week so the PTA organized lunch for us and they did our lunch supervision too! They gave us a smorgasbord of delights for the palate. It ranged from Baked beans to Pea soup, Caribou Burgeon to Chili and Curried Carrot soup. YUM!!!! Then my secret cupid left me another beautiful gift. She gave me Laura Secord chocolates in the shape of ladybugs which were wrapped in printed ladybug foil paper. I also received earrings from her. My mom, myself and three of her friends went to Taste of Thai for supper and boy, oh boy was it ever scrumptious! I highly recommend dining there if you live in my area. My mom gave me jewelry and the rest of us exchanged chocolates. Rob and I exchanged cards. We'll wait until we're together again to celebrate. Here's to hoping that next year the world will be closer to the love and sense of peace I have today.

OHGWQ

Layla's quilt is really coming together. Don't get me wrong...I haven't cut or stitched anything yet. BUT the plan is in the works and I begin physically working on it on Monday, February 12th. It's very exciting! I can hardly believe that I'm going to be making a quilt for my DAUGHTER! Okay, so today is a happy day...take advantage of it...there will be not so happy posts as the wait wears on. I'll try to post pics as the quilt takes shape.

My Bum Hand

I haven't been posting as much as I would like to because I have a bum hand. I went to my doctor yesterday and the verdict was Tendonitis. She told me to keep wrapping my hand and to take an anti-inflammatory. You'll never guess why I have the bum hand. It's the result of shovelling so much snow! I will gladly admit I almost NEVER shovel. Rob does that job and I give him full credit for it. Since he can't do it now either Bernie or I manage to shovel the white stuff. Bernie is going to Florida next week to see the Daytona races so I have my dad on standby. I can barely hold a pen let alone lift a shovel, maybe I need a trip down south myself!

Referrals are Here

There are a lot of happy people out there because the CCAA posted this notice on their website. They have finished the review of dossiers registered with their office before March 22, 2006. Also, they have finished the referrals for families whose dossiers were LID before October 13, 2005. Congratulations to all of the new moms and dads!

Referrals

So far referrals have been received by people who are LID up to and including Oct. 13/05. This is really good news but we're still holding out for LIDs up to the 16th (Cross your fingers).

Deb and Kirk have Olivia now!!!! Check out the link to their site.

Layla's OHGWQ

I would only be so lucky for the photo above to be Layla's completed quilt! However, the plan for her OHGWQ is starting to come together. There is a lady at my work who is more than willing to help me out with piecing the quilt together so I have to take her up on the offer. She actually made a completed quilt square that simply blows my mind. It's a panda bear which has been sew together from little pieces of B&W fabric. The background has a green leaf pattern and the border has a bamboo pattern. Talk about hidden talents! I think I'd be crazy not to have her involved in the planning and sewing.
For those of you who still haven't sent me your fabric and wish...the deadline is Feruary 9th. All of the fabric needs to be washed and ironed so I have to stick to that date. I must admit that everyone who has taken part has sent me the most wonderful wishes and beautiful fabric. It is a lovely tradition to welcome any child to a family.
Check out the link below to view completed quilts and possible patterns(None of which are mine).
http://www.originalquilts.com/

More Snow and Rumours

I'm currently basking in the glow of a SNOW DAY! Mother Nature got it right this time. Tell me, is greed a bad thing? I can't help it! The endorphines that run through my body when I hear that magical phrase "All schools in the metro region are closed for the day" are very addictive. Hmmmm, I wonder if I should seek therapy? Two weeks down South might be the perfect Rx.

I want to start posting some pics of the clothes I have for Layla but that would require me not being a scatter brain. Every time I go to mom's I forget to take the bleepin' camera. Is my subconscious trying to tell me something? The fact that I indulge in a smidge of procrastination every now and again couldn't have anything to with it, could it?

Have you checked out the Rumour Queen site? It's listed under my favs to the right side of the screen. It's a VERY ADDICTIVE site. She is giving an R3 rating for October 14, 2005 to be included in this batch of referrals (fingers and toes crossed).

Another Storm???

Okay what's up with Mother Nature? She has her timing all wrong. Snowstorms on Friday nights and Sundays are wasted storms from my perspective. As a teacher any storm that doesn't come on a weekday and start around 5:00AM is a wasted storm. Now we are supposed to be socked again tonight! So Mother Nature has it half right...it's a weekday but the storm will end at 6:00AM. That kind of flurry activity makes me nervous. I will be antsy all night wondering if tomorrow will be a snow day. Oh well, things could be worse.

Be sure to check out Deb and Kirk's blog. They arrived in Beijing today. They will finally have Olivia in their arms on Wednesday evening!

Carolyn gets full bonus points for her guess re:What is a Prickly? It's similar to a Minnow but it is smaller. The photo is a Minnow. If I can get a picture of a Prickly I'll post it later.

My Baby Girl Denver

I have a baby girl, her name is Denver. She is of the feline persuasion. I thought a cat would be a nice Christmas gift for Rob a few years ago. We picked her up on New Year's Eve 2004 and it's been love ever since. Don't get me wrong, she's by no means the type of cat who lets you maul her. She is a DIVA! If she wants you to touch it's fine BUT if not watch out! She hisses and growls! Then again, she is a sook. When I come home at the end of the day she beats it down the stairs and winds herself around the legs of the table until I pick her up. She lays on top of the computer table while I type and stays with me in the basement while I do the treadmill. Like I've already said, she's my baby girl.

I think Miss Denver knows how to WORK IT too because she actually poses for pictures. I may create a gallery for her. I've got to do something to whittle away the months before I see Layla's picture. So, I promise I won't be Crazy Cat Lady but indulge me if I post every now and then about my first baby girl.

Is the Roof Comin' Off Her??

Holy Toledo tah Betsy! It is sooo windy outside!! I keep thinking that the roof will lift right off the house...no easy feat considering my roof is FLAT!

Deb: good guess about the Pricklies! I really like your explanation. I'll give you half a bonus point. I cannot believe you will be on your way to Olivia in less than 48 hours!!! You must be jumping out of your skin. I'll say prayers for good weather...no delays.

Anyone else out there willing to take a chance and guess what a Prickly is?

What is a Prickly?

So I still have electricity, thank goodness! I would be a sad girl if I lost electricity and I couldn't play around with my blog tonight. I know I should do some housework but life is too short to worry about that, especially when it's Friday night. Which brings me to another issue. This stinking storm didn't give me a day off work (I'm being greedy I know) and it ruined my plans for a lovely evening with some girls from work! Oh well I guess I can't have my cake and eat it too.
Quick question: Who knows what a prickly is? Bonus points for those of you who guess anything that isn't R-rated!

Another Storm and My Mom's Cooking

If you live in my province...have you looked outside? Unbelievable! We are currently in the midst of another snowstorm. I just arrived home from a scrumptious turkey dinner at my mom's. I have to admit that the roads are not too bad nor is it hard to see the vehicle in front of you. The most snow I've seen is the stuff on my walkway which is waiting for my shovel to appear. I will concede the point that it is nasty outside, no doubt about it. Nice weather for cuddling up with a good book or an interesting movie. Who am I kidding? I'd gladly cuddly up with the Enquirer and a B-rated movie if it meant I didn't have to be out in this blowing mess!

So back to my mom...she is an amazing cook! Sure, I'm a little biased but anyone who eats from her hand will tell you it's true. The taste she can put on a meal whether it's beans and toutons or chicken cordon blue is like nothing else in this world. That's her in the photo at our cabin having a flick. She might be traumatized that her photo is on the Net but it's a distance shot so I hope she'll forgive me.

AAH! The lights are flickering! Oh no! Does that mean I'm going to lose the power? I have to run and look for candles and flashlights....I'll check in later on.

YAHOOOOO!!!!!

Well I got my wish at 6:12 AM today! I rolled over turned on VOCM and heard the announcer say "All schools under the Eastern School District are closed for the day." I did a silent happy dance and thanked all the gods in the universe! Needless to say I'm one happy girl.
I didn't count on all the shovelling I would have to do. Since Rob isn't able to do it for me Bernie has been helping me out. Today was just too much to expect Bern to help me so I trudged outside and needless to say my arms are sore. I wish I had my digital camera to post a picture of all the snow. I must try and convince mom to loan me hers...hee! hee!
What's this? More snow for Friday? Egads! One snow day a week is fine with me. A girl can't be too greedy.