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!

Maya Playing Outside

Well, Photobucket did not work for me, so I went with Blogger...

Overwhelming Feelings

I quite often think about Maya's life now and just how fortunate we all are. Maya is sooooo affectionate and loving that I really can't believe it. Maybe many other children are and have been at this age and I have just never seen it. She will voluntarily give me a kiss at any time, just on the cheek, or will smack her lips for kisses. She even comes up to me and blows raspberries on my neck when I'm down low near her. Of course we are very affectionate with her, but it still amazes me that she instigates these actions on her own, frequently. Her latest thing is "Up, up, up," and I usually do pick her up when I can, and she wants a hug or a cuddle. I think that we have grown closer because of this and because I take the time to show the affection that is needed. And no, I don't think that I am spoiling her. I am rewarded by her actions just as much as she is mine. If she wants hugs, cuddles and my attention, I am going to give it to her when and while I can. We do a great deal of baking and meal preparation together - even the dishes. Les tries to have his turn with Maya and keep her occupied when I'm busy, as much as he can, but after a while, she's right back by my side. I imagine that this is natural since I am with Maya all day, every day.

I haven't gotten to posting that video yet. Tomorrow is Better Beginnings at one of the schools AND we get to dress up for Halloween for the first time, which should be fun! My mom and I spent most of today booking our trip to Cuba for January. Wahoo!!! Right before Maya turns two, so she goes for free! The three of us and my parents will be going. The rest of the week looks pretty busy with appointments and Halloween preparations.

Maya turns 21 months on Wednesday and on Saturday we will have been a family for exactly five months. Wow! The time sure has flown by. We had our Home Study visit from our Social Worker this past weekend because she's going on holidays for two weeks and has to have the report ready to be translated and sent for sometime in November. Hope she relaxes on her trip before she has to tackle that job!

Happy Halloween everyone - enjoy it! I can't wait!!!

Lori

We had our 6 month home study with our social worker yesterday. We had so much that we wanted to share with her and seemed to jump from one thing to another. I hope it wasn't too confusing for her! I expect a phone call in the future clarifying information and making additions to fill in the gaps. We sure wish the visit could have been longer...

I tried to upload a video but it must have been too large of a file - I'll try out photobucket and see if it works.

Pictures from Grandma's 85th Birthday Party

Grandma Shirley and Maya - getting ready for the Tea, at the tea and then playing in a box during the birthday supper. The kids played with this box all evening.

Photo Shoot

Here are some pictures from Maya's photo shoot on September 23, 2009. We had her in three different outfits, two of which she is in below. The third outfit was a pink and gold Asian dress and was very pretty. I'll post pictures of her in this dress later on, from my grandma's 85th birthday tea. Maya looked very cute in her sundress below, but looked adorable in the Asian outfits. I am definitely going to purchase more Asian outfits online for the future. We don't have all of our pictures back yet, but do have the collage below to show.
With the days being colder, we've begun the winter dressing ritual to go outside. Maya is not crazy about this and it's only going to get worse. We haven't even attempted ski pants yet! She looks so cute all bundled up - I'll post pictures of this later on, taken with my new Nikon D3000. Wahoo!