I Love Skating!

On Saturday we took Maya skating for the first time and she loved it! Near the end, she didn't even want anyone to hold on to her. (Of course we still did.) We were supposed to see Santa at the outdoor rink, but unfortunately he had already left by the time we arrived, which was disappointing. But, we managed another skate on Sunday and got to see Santa for the fourth time! Maya loves her bob-skates and did very well on the ice. We still need to get her helmet adjusted before we take to the ice again. Can't wait! Our backs, on the other hand...

Pictures with Santa

Maya has been fortunate to have had her picture taken with Santa three different times. By the third time, and only because the other kids did it, she finally got brave enough to sit on his knee by herself. She was actually quite content and would have sat there for quite a while if I hadn't coaxed her away.

Maya AND Mom on Santa's Knee at the Mall
Maya with Dad BESIDE Santa

Maya Taking a Good Look at Santa

Maya Checking Santa Out at Church

FINALLY, Brave Maya ON Santa's Knee

Taking Another GOOD Look at Santa

Decorating the Christmas Tree and My New Bed!

On December 1, the day after we got home from Grandma and Grandpa's we pulled out all of the Christmas decorations and the tree and got busy! Maya loved it and was a wonderful helper!

Maya and Dad

Maya in her new bed December 7, 2009

Nigh-Night...

November Days

Maya with Grandma Pat on her Birthday
This pool was just perfect for Maya
(Click on the photos to make them larger)

November has turned out to be a very busy month. It started with our first snowfall of the year on November 1. It didn't last long and soon melted away. We has some beautiful, mild days that followed where we were able to get out for some last stroller rides.

We celebrated Grandma Pat's birthday with Aunty Wendy and Sonja. Dad and Papa were out of town on a Guy's weekend with the rest of the men in the family.

Les and Maya spent the weekend together while I snuck away with a couple of girl friends for a shopping spree and found some adorable boots for Maya, (one of many purchases I have to admit - it is soooo much fun shopping for little girls!!!)

Maya and I travelled to Grandma and Grandpa's for the last part of November where we stayed for a week and a half. Dad had to stay home and work so he missed out on all the fun times that we had with family there. We watched two of cousin Nick's hockey games, cousin Sarah's volleyball game, went bowling with other adoptive families from the area, saw 'Little Bear' in concert, stayed in a hotel with cousin Ashtyn, went shopping, watched a Santa Clause parade, played and visited with family and friends and entertained Grandma and Grandpa. We had soooo much fun!

Here are a few pictures of our fun times throughout the month.

Maya's first snow


Ready for Grandma Pat's birthday

New boots

Dancing to Grandpa's music

Grandpa Dave and Maya

Cousin Sarah

Cousin Nick

Aunty Deanna

Grandma Shirley and Maya

Mom and Maya

Two Bums

Nick

Sarah, Maya and Uncle Terry

Maya's First Hockey Game

Mom and Maya at Little Bear. Maya slept through the first half of the show which turned out well because then she was content and interested for the second half. She loved the singing and dancing.

Maya, eating cheese puffs and happy to be back in a crib (for the moment), in the hotel. Maya decided that she would not sleep in the playpen at Grandma and Grandpa's. So, guess where she slept? That's right! With Mom. Guess where she still naps at home? That's right! With Mom. I cannot get her to sleep in her crib, but Dad can when he's home at night. She's got us figured out! (And yes, I do try and try and try...)

Mom and her little girl

Family in the big pool

Last Saturday Maya turned 22 months old and as of Monday, November 30, has been part of our Forever Family for six months. I am so glad that I am at home with her these days because I would be missing out on so much. I look forward to these next five months before heading back to work in May. Thank goodness for unemployment and parental leave!

On December 1, we had another snowfall and it looks like this one is here to stay. We have decorated for Christmas and Maya had a blast helping to decorate the tree. Now on to the baking and Christmas cards!

Maya's First Halloween in Canada

This witch dress was given to us from a friend who's daughter had worn it and the boots we had just received as a gift today. We thought we would try this on her for dress-up. Les took these pictures . She looks like a little model. You can click on the pictures to make them larger. (And yes, she has a bit of a fat lip - she had a fall yesterday. If I could turn back time...)

This is what Maya actually wore Trick-or-Treating. She decided today that whe would not nap - first time since we've had her. She just wouldn't fall asleep in her crib and didn't seem tired. Soooo, the Smarties came out a few times in the van while Tick-or-Treating just to keep her awake so we could get to the houses we needed to visit. Once we were home, she was wide awake, until...her body met her crib, then it was lights out!

Our Little Ladybug!

This is what we handed out.

This is what we brought home. We spent more time driving around town than Trick-or-Treating...We have tons left from our loot, too!

Out of everything, Maya loves Smarties the best!