Happy Canada Day!!!

July 1 is Canada Day. It has been 139 years since confederation. Canadians celebrate this holiday much like many other countries celebrate their national day. There will be celebrations in the parks, face painting, balloons, special sales (for those stores that remain open), flag waving and of course the day will be topped off with fireworks celebrations in every city, town and nook & cranny of the country.

Our family will be celebrating out of town this year. We all have our Canada Day t-shirts and 2 cans of "Canadian" Beer, which is not my favourite brand, but I must conform on this special day.

We leave sometime this morning and are travelling about an hour north to a cabin we have rented. It will be our first family vacation since N's arrival and we are pumped! We have rented a rustic little one bedroom cabin at a small family resort. They have a beach and a pool, no TV (we're missing some major World Cup action, but will have the lap top and some DVD's). We chose this place for the pool, as N can't wear sunscreen yet, the beach is out. We have a special one piece bathing suit and a floating device with a canopy and we have a blow-up pool for our deck as well. He'll probably hate the water, but we're ready in case he can't get enough. Either way, we hope to relax and hang out...just the three of us.

To all my American friends, Happy Independence Day...hope your celebrations are just as eventful.

Happy Canada Day to all my Canadian friends. Oh Canada!

Discoveries

N is in major discovery mode with everything. He has already discovered his hands. He now knows how to use his hands to get stuff in his mouth.

He loves watching TV. He and Daddy watching hockey together.













He has discovered the outdoors and spends every chance he gets gazing out the window.









He has discovered his feet and loves to look at them.












He was recently introduced to rice cereal which he has discovered SUCKS!!!










N has also discovered the object that entertain him. This is how we entertain him during dinner...whatever works, right?











More on discoveries later.

I'm a Technotard

I don't know how to update the date of a post to make it the next in line, so here's a link to one I've been working on...in case you didn't want to miss it.

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to all the Fathers and Fathers-to-be out there.

We had a wonderful Father's Day with C. N & I started the day with a light breakfast in bed. We showered Daddy with kisses and a gift from his #1 son. It was the cutest picture frame with this picture in it...one of our favourites.














We then all got dressed for a 2-hour cruise on the lake in our town. It was a Father's Day Brunch and a tour of the lake. We had a wonderful time. N was great and really enjoyed it too.

We then had a leisurely drive around town looking at houses and rested for the afternoon.

Fathers are special people.

I left my baby with someone else!

Today was the first day I left N with a caregiver. We just started having a sitter come in for a few hours on Fridays. We have known this woman for 5 years. She was the one of the caregivers for my cousins twins. She also used to walk our dog in the last 18 months of his life. She would take him out for a pee and spend some time with him while we worked. So it's not like she's a stranger.

She's been a few times to meet N and two Fridays ago spent three hours here. I stayed at home, and did stuff around the house while she took care of N. He made strange at first, but got comfortable pretty quickly.

Today, I was nervous, I'll admit, about leaving him. I actually felt a bit guilty...I don't know why. I almost cried when I left...how pathetic am I? Anyway, I got some errands done, shopped for myself, etc. I was only gone for about 2 hours and N was good as gold while I was gone. I shouldn't be surprised. I just thought he would have a freak out once he realized I was gone. He's probably too young to realize that anyway.

When I did get home, he was napping and when he woke up, he was happy to see his Mommy and I snuggled with him for a while. I really missed him. What's it going to be like if/when I go back to work...lots of time to think about that I guess.

So now every Friday, I have about three hours to myself and I don't need to worry about N. I could get used to that :)

A Smattering of Kisses

Someone asked me a while ago, while visiting Noah & I, "do you think you can ever kiss him too much?"

What, are you new??? Have you ever heard such a thing in your life? The answer would be a resounding NO!

A kiss means so much to a child, especially when they are little and don't understand your words, your "I love yous". A kiss is affection, it can be playful, it's LOVE and it's needed. I must kiss Noah 1000 times or more a day. You can kiss a baby's head, their cheeks, their little button noses, their feet, hands, belllies...and the list goes on.

There is no such thing as too much love. So if you ever feel you have kissed your child enough, perhaps you don't understand the meaning of love.

Letters to Noah...Road Trip

Thursday, March 2, 2006

Today Mommy & Daddy were going to be able to take you out of the hospital. Unfortunately, we wouldn't be taking you home right away, but we'd be spending the rest of our lives together.

Today would be a day of many firsts...first road trip, first snow storm, first visit to McDonalds, first time peeing on Mommy, first sleep over :(

We were up early...sleep is not needed when you are this excited! We packed the rest of the stuff you'd need in the car and went to the hospital. We were supposed to meet everyone (the lawyer and Sandra) at 10:00 AM, but we wanted a few hours with you on our own. We arrived around 8:00 AM. You were just getting up and were ready for a morning feed.

Daddy had his first feed with his little man.

As we waited in the hospital, we held you and kissed you and got lots of advice from the nurse on the shift. We did not want to leave. Soon though the lawyer and Sandra arrived and we knew we would have to go soon. The nurse started doing her release paperwork and then noted that you were a bit jaundice and she though perhaps too much to leave the hospital today (YEAH)! She called the doctor to check you out and he order tests to check out your levels. The nurse that came to do your jaundice test was not very nice (or so Mommy & Daddy thought) and she hurt our baby! After she was done, Mommy cuddled you to calm you down...I loved that.

While we waited for your test results, we cuddled and kissed you more. We were hoping for an extra day or two. But when the tests came back, you were ok to leave the hospital. Boo, we would have to take you to Foster Care afterall. We started getting you packed up. The nurse gave us everything out of your crib (because they don't use it twice) and she also gave us some bottles of formula...FREEBIES!

While you were getting packed up, Mommy left the room for a few minutes and got lost on my way back. One of the nurses asked if she could help and I said, "I'm looking for my son, Noah." She said, "Oh, I know where Noah is!" Everyone knew who you were and about 5 nurses came by to say goodbye to you and give you kisses. Mommy & Daddy were so touched. We had been worried because we hadn't been able to see you until you were 2 days old, but the nurses were giving you extra love and kisses until we arrived.

Then it was time to go. It was very cold out, so Daddy warmed up the car and pulled it up to the front of the hospital and we all got in for our drive south. Daddy drove and Sandra sat up front with him. I got to sit right beside my little man and hold your hand the whole way to the Foster Home.

As we drove we listened to the news because there was a bad snow storm where we were going. We had all packed an overnight bag just in case we had to stop. As we drove, you slept. you were definitely going to love the car.

A little while after driving, we decided to stop for lunch and you were starting to stir and wanted to be fed. The first place we came to was McDonalds! Although you haven't been since, we are sure you will visit again. Daddy, Mommy and Sandra were able to get some lunch and you were too. When I changed your diaper, you took advantage of the cold air and peed on Mommy's arm...the first of many of these incidents. I didn't mind though and we got you cleaned up no problem.

Soon after we left McDonalds, it started to snow. It snowed HARD and there was lots on the ground. We had to slow down and we started to see lots of accidents. Daddy is such a good driver and was very careful with his special cargo on board. The other side of the highway had been closed because of accidents and as we drove by it started it to open up and there were bare spots under all of the cars because they had been parked for so long!

Eventually we got through the accidents and most of the snow and arrived at the Foster Home. Mommy & Daddy were nervous about meeting the people (F&B) who would provide care for you until we were allowed to bring you home with us. When we arrived, we visited for a bit, asking about when we cold visit you...ANYTIME!!! F asked about you and your birth.

While F&B ate their dinner, Mommy & Daddy changed and fed you. While we were changing you, Daddy said, "I don't want to leave him." Neither did I. We were very sad about this. It is amazing how quickly we bonded and fell in love with you. It hurt our hearts to think that we would be spending the night with you.

After we fed you, Sandra suggested we see your room and where you'd be sleeping, which I'm glad she did. You were sleeping in a carriage! No crib! Mommy was not pleased about this and vowed to change that as soon as possible!

Then it was time to leave. We kissed you and hugged you and told you how much we loved you. We would be back the next day, but it was so hard to leave. Both Mommy & Daddy tried not to cry in front of F&B. We waited until we got in the car. We would be back tomorrow (Friday), so it was very bitter, sweet.

We had a pretty quiet ride home. We stopped for dinner and talked about you the whole way home. We did a little work with Sandra on the way home and finally around 11:00 PM we dropped Sandra off at her car and went home. When we got home, we downloaded our pictures of the day and sent a note to our family about our day.

Until tomorrow little man.

Letters to Noah...Our First Meeting

Day 3 (continued): Wednesday March 1, 2006

Mommy & Daddy met at home around 6:00 PM. We were both so excited about going to meet you! We made sure we had the camera and went to Canadian Tire to buy some batteries...we did not want to run out of batteries on such a momentous occasion! As we drove to the hospital we wondered what you looked like. We were both so excited to meet you!!!

We met the lawyer in the lobby of the hospital a little before 7:00 PM. As we walked to the maternity ward, he was telling us which way to turn and what elevator to take. I hoped Daddy & I would remember this the next day when we were on our own. When we got to the nursery, we found that you were in the NICU (only because there was no room in the regular nursery). Before we could go in, we had to wash our hands. We couldn't see you yet, but we were both wondering which crib was yours.

Then Mommy & Daddy entered the NICU and were introduced to you. We can't describe the feelings we had. We were both so happy and choked up with tears (of joy). Mommy & Daddy both walked to your crib and said 'hi' and touched you for the first time. You were GORGEOUS!!! It was love at first sight! How lucky we were to have you!

We were then introduced to the nurse...she said she was so excited to finally meet your parents. She asked your name and when we told her, she said he looks like a Noah. We thought so too. The lawyer left us with you and we were able to start to get to know one another.

You were ready to be fed so Mommy changed your diaper...it had been a while since I had changed a baby's diaper. Then the nurse gave us a bottle and we sat in the rocking chairs side by side and Mommy fed you. After your feed, Daddy held you too. It was so wonderful to hold you and kiss you and smell your sweet baby smell. We took lots of pictures and some video.

We were only able to be with you a few hours because we had to go out and buy you a car seat and some necessities for your travel to and stay at the foster home. We were very sad to leave you the first evening, but knew that we would be back the next day to see you and take you with us. After lots of holds and hugs and kisses (and pictures) we said goodnight to you, our son.

After Mommy & Daddy left the hospital, we went to Wal-Mart to buy the things we needed. We raced around as the store was closing soon. We got the stuff we needed without any trouble. We did keep asking the sales clerk questions. I'm sure we were delaying her from going home, but she was good to help us with everything we needed.


After Wal-Mart, we decided to get some dinner. We ate at Wendy's (in the parking lot). We decided to make a few more phone calls to tell some people about our son. We had already called Granny and Nanny & Grandpa to tell them about their grandson. We then called our close friends (S&R and V&T). We were supposed to go away on the coming weekend to a cabin up north, but when we told them about you, the were so happy that we were canceling!

After trying to get a few more outfits and things for you at a few more stores, we went home. Mommy & Daddy were so happy...all we could talk about was you!

When we got in, Daddy put your car seat together and secured it safely in the car, while Mommy washed your new outfits and packed your suitcase for your time in foster care. When we finally went to bed, we downloaded our pictures from our first meeting and sent an email to the small group of family & friends that knew about our GREAT news!

Mommy & Daddy definitely had our best day ever!

Letters to Noah...Meeting Noah

Day 3: Wednesday, March 1, 2006

Another almost sleepless night the previous night and Mommy & Daddy are both wired for sound. We were both on a natural high and still running on adrenaline...thank God that's available. We are not sure what to expect today. We had been told previously by our lawyer that we could not visit you until the birth mother had been released from the hospital...her wishes...and he didn't expect that to be until Thursday.

Mommy tried to get some work done that day. I remember thinking this time next week, I probably won't be here. I had a lot to wrap up and was trying to do that inconspicuously. I had a meeting that I attended (physically) and had my Wednesday morning training session with the person meant to replace me...I hoped I was able to do that some justice.

About mid-morning, Mommy's boss came to see her. He had suspected something was up since Monday...darn intuitive HR people! This is how our conversation went:

Mommy's Boss: You look like you swallowed a canary. What's going on?

Mommy: Things are moving along nicely in the adoption.

Mommy's Boss: Are we still talking you leaving in the same timeline, beginning of June? We had sort of guessed that might be the timeline based on Russia and had been working towards it.

Mommy: It's going to be earlier than that.

Mommy's Boss: How much earlier are we talking?

Mommy: Next week.

Mommy's Boss: Congratulations

Mommy: I can't give you a lot of detail right now, but should be able to early next week. Oh by the way, I also need tomorrow off (this was in addition to the Friday & Monday I already had booked).

Smiling, he agreed and walked out of my office. He wasn't exactly prepared for that answer, but has known all along about the adoption and I had been training someone...what are you to do.

Around 3:00, the lawyer called. He indicated that the birth mother had reviewed our profile and had officially chosen Mommy & Daddy as your adoptive parents! She said she liked that we seemed so relaxed and were very family-oriented. That's us. WOOHOO!!!

He also told Mommy that the hospital is full and you were going to be released the following day to foster care in southern Ontario. He told me the birth mother was still in hospital until likely the following day...could we be at the hospital around 10:00 AM? Absolutely we could! We were going to meet our son!

We discussed logistics. He asked if Sandra could be available to drive with us to the foster home? We needed someone impartial. Then it dawned on me...WE NEED A CAR SEAT! We have nothing for an infant...no car seat, no clothes, no diapers. We will need to go to Wal-Mart!

I then called Daddy to tell him the great news! We knew there was a Wal-Mart close to home. Daddy happened to have a dentist appointment that evening. So once again...you guessed it...I asked Daddy if he could leave work early and push his dentist appointment up so we could go to Wal-Mart to get some very important stuff for you. So we made plans to meet at home after Daddy's appointment and get the basic necessities to get our son to the foster home.

I then called Sandra to see if she would be available to meet us at the hospital the next morning and go with us for the day. Of course, she said she would love to accompany us. We were set.

Now I was in speedy mode, trying to get my office cleaned and wrap stuff up, because I am definitely going to be off for some time!

Unexpectedly, at about 5:00, I received a call from the lawyer.

Lawyer: Are you still at work?

Mommy: Yes.

Lawyer: Can you be at the hospital at 7:00. The birth mother has been released and you can see your son tonight!

Mommy: Yes!!!!! We'll be there! My head is spinning, as we have so many things to do...but none of it is as important as meeting our son! The moment we have been waiting for....forever....is about to arrive.

I called Daddy right away...I don't remember how our conversation went...all I remember is the sheer excitment we both had.

On the way home, Daddy called Granny and Mommy called my Nanny and Grandpa. Mommy also called my Auntie Angela, Uncle Andrew and Uncle Mike, as they still didn't know about our news! This is turning out to be one of our best days ever!

The best part of this part of the story will have to wait as "Mr. Toots A Lot" is requiring nourishment. Sorry to leave you hanging, but trust me, it'll be worth it.

Letters to Noah...It's a Boy!

Day 2: Tuesday, February 28, 2006

After about four hours sleep, dreaming about our adoption, day 2 was a lot of waiting around. Had our child been born yet? Had the lawyer been to see the birth mother? When were we going to get the next call?

After worrying myself all morning without a call from the lawyer, Mommy finally called Daddy at noon and we decided that I would wait until 1:00 to call the lawyer. I like to give myself timelines when I'm waiting for something. Somehow, time goes by faster that way.

At 1:00 I called the lawyer. He had indicated that he had been to see the birth mother and the baby had been born the night before and was doing fine. He asked to meet with us that day. So we made an appointment for 5:00.

I called Daddy to ask him to leave early (again) that day to meet with the lawyer. I told him the baby had been born. He asked me if it was a girl or boy? I didn't ask! What kind of mother was I going to be??? Once again I wasn't thinking straight!

At 5:00, we met the lawyer. The first question Daddy asked was boy or girl? It's a boy!!!

We were so pleased! I asked birth weight and time, but he didn't have that kind of detail...a bit too much to ask I guess. He said the baby was doing very well.

As our lawyer went through all the legal mumble jumble, I took copious amounts of notes because I wasn't thinking straight and wouldn't remember what he had said if I didn't. About half way through our meeting, the lawyer talked about his meeting with the birth mom. She had told him that she wanted to choose us as your adoptive parents! Although she hadn't seen our profile yet, we were excited, none-the-less. Of course, we wanted to ensure she was making an informed decision, so it was important to get the profile to the lawyer the next day.

Then, the best thing happened...the lawyer was talking about his OHIP (health) card and said the card would go in our (last) name.

Lawyer: What's the baby's name? Daddy and I looked at each other. We had been sitting on this name for almost two years!

Daddy: We haven't told anyone the name we have chosen.

Lawyer: Well you have to tell me.

Daddy: We get to name our son?

Lawyer: Yes. He doesn't have a name yet.

Daddy & Mommy: Noah Christopher! (I added, "you can't tell anyone")

After our meeting, we were on cloud nine! When we got home, we decided that we should call Nanny & Grandpa and Granny. To date, we hadn't told anyone. We called my Nanny & Grandpa first. They were overjoyed! Nanny cried, so did Mommy. We told them about the previous two days and how everything had unfolded. They loved your name.

Next, we called Granny. Once again, Mommy cried. Granny was also overjoyed! She loved your name as well. Your second name is Grandpa Smith's name and Granny was so pleased that we had chosen it.

Daddy & Mommy worked to touch up our profile for your birth mom. We were both on cloud nine all night. We had a son! Until we meet little man...

Letters to Noah...I should explain

If you are reading this blog for the first time I should explain "Letters to Noah". Even if you have been following since our "Russian to Noah's Place" blog, we haven't posted a Letter to Noah in some time.

We created Letters to Noah to chronicle the events since meeting our son. Our plan is to write them for your readding pleasure, but more importantly for his Life Book so he can read them when he is older. These letters are designed to tell some of his life story. I am going to add in the previous ones written...I'd love to link them to our old site, but they've changed and you would need a password...it's all very complicated, so I will attach them here and write more (I promise).


Letters to Noah: A Miracle Phone Call

Day 1: Monday, February 27, 2006

This was a typical Monday...both Mommy & Daddy had lots to do and a busy day at work ahead of us.

At about 10:15 AM Mommy received a phone call from Dr. K who is a colleague of Mommy's doctor, Dr. J. He introduced himself and started telling me about a patient who was going to deliver a baby that day. His patient had an adoption plan for her baby. Dr. K had been told about Mommy & Daddy's adoption plans (to Russia) and asked if we were interested in adopting his patient's baby.

Wow! What a way to start my day. Mommy was so excited and immediately said yes, even though she hadn't talked to Daddy yet. I was pretty sure he would say YES too!

Doctor: I am a colleague of Dr. J (Mary's family doctor). Have you spoken with her in the past few days.

Mommy: No. I had just been to see my doctor a few months earlier and had some blood work done...was there something wrong???

Doctor: I have a patient in my office right now who is due to deliver today and wants to place her baby for adoption. Dr. J told me you and your husband are pursuing an international adoption. Would you be interested in a domestic placement? I can't quite describe the euphoria. My mind is racing.

Mommy: Yes. I haven't asked my husband, but yes..we're interested.

Doctor: I guess I should have asked if you were sitting down before I sprang that on you. We both laugh...I had been sitting...I wonder if I would have fallen down if I had not.

Mommy was so excited as the Dr. told me what I had to do next. I was taking notes so I wouldn't forget anything. I didn't ask any logical questions...actually I think the only question I asked is 'what do I do now?' I didn't know where you were going to be born, how far along the birth mom was or anything else. I guess I was in shock! We decided that our adoption practioner, Sandra, would contact him and we would get the ball rolling. What a way to start the day!

I immediately called Daddy. I had trouble getting a hold of him. First I tried his office phone. There was no answer, so I tried his cell phone...no answer. I called his pager him...no return call. I tried the office phone again, still no answer, so I dialed through to reception and had him paged. He was not answering the page, so I left a message for him to call me. I wanted so badly to talk to him and tell him our exciting news.

I thought I had better call Sandra to start our adoption. She answered her phone. Mommy was very relieved! I told her about my call with the Doctor. She was so excited too. There were so many things up in the air, things could change as quickly as they had happened. She was going to call the Doctor and the Lawyer and start our adoption.

Finally Daddy called me back! We were both so excited! We couldn't believe it! Just the day before we were planning a trip south and costing out airline tickets to Russia. Life has a funny way of working out.

All day, Mommy was on the phone with Sandra, Daddy and our new lawyer. I got absolutely no work done. I couldn't focus. I was imagining my son...even though at this time you hadn't been born and we didn't know if you were a boy or girl. I guess, I've thinking about a son for so long that my thoughts were automatic.

Later in the day, Sandra called to say that Daddy & I would need a "profile" for the birth mom to review. We had never done one because we hadn't pursue a domestic placement. We didn't even know where to start and we had to have it done for the following day!!! Luckily, Sandra was able to fax me a couple of samples. Daddy & I left early from work to get started...little did we know that leaving work early was going to be a trend that week.

When we met at home, we hugged...a long, happy hug, I cried (tears of joy). We were so blessed to have gotten this call.

We were both recounting the day, as we mixed ourselves a celebratory drink and started on our profile. It took about 5 hours to complete, although we ended up touching it up the next day. I think typically, you would spend more time on such an important document, but time was not on our side and we had a great inspiration to get it done!!!

We finally got to bed, but at about 2 AM we both took a gravol to help us sleep...the beginning of our sleepless nights. I dreamt all night about our baby, so did Daddy.

What would tomorrow bring...

World Records & Other Fun Stuff

We are working on a few things. First of all, we keep the Guiness people's number handy. Our son is trying to be the first baby EVER to put both fists in his mouth...at the same time!







He is also working on his baby potbelly. Our company on the weekend commented how cute his little "big" belly was. My husband asked why noone ever told him his belly was cute???

While Daddy is at work, Noah & I spend our days eating, napping and playing with our various favourite toys. We like to also try to get out for a walk...for Mommy's sanity! I am trying everything I can think of to make Noah laugh. So far he only laughs in his sleep...he sounds like Ernie from Sesame Street...it's soooo cute!


Our newest toy is the Bumbo chair (featured here).



This is the latest and is designed to give babies an opportunity to sit up before they are actually ready, as long as they can hold their head up. Noah quite likes it, as when he is sitting, he can see his toes....and they are the most fascinating things on earth.





The Bumbo people do caution consumers that the Bumbo chair is not a booster and should not be used on high surfaces. Apparently Daddy didn't read these instructions...I was obviously out of the room.












We are all having so much fun!