Just A Year

Sophia modelling her new swimsuit in 2006 (left), and today she is still able to wear it. (We do remove the pants before swimming )

Neighbourhood walks have a whole new meaning in 2007 (right picture) vs. 2006 (picture above).

Nonno can manage to hold only one the girls on his birthday in 2007, which in this case is Alyssa. In 2006 Alyssa uses a pacifer, today she uses her thumb.

When we were waiting for our girls, a year was an eternity. Now that we have our girls, a year was like the blink of an eye. This is absolutely the truth. If you are a family-in-waiting I encourage you to really enjoy those long luxurious baths, the walks with your husband after the sun sets, the romantic dinners, the uninterrupted "quiet" times with your spouse, spontaneous get-aways, and visits with friends. Maximize and relish those trips to the hairdressers, manicurists, pedicurists, unique gift shops and especially the MALL . Yes, even the visits to the doctors, dentists and other such appointments need to be appreciated. Because I am telling you that the word spontaneous as it relates in your present world will not be the same after you receive your little one. Double this if you are hoping for multiples. Your lovely child (ren) is /are going to be all consuming and you, who used to be first, will now somehow become last on the list. And when you get your child cherish every minute because they will grow up so fast right before your very eyes. If you can stay at home longer, (and that is your thing), do it. I did and I am not the SAHM type but I saw every little developmental milestone that S + A experienced. I don't regret it for one minute. I feel that I deserved to be a full-time SAHM longer as my justification for the rivers of tears I have cried trying to get to our two angels.

Our trip to Collingwood last year, precisely one year to the weekend this year...exemplified that time is clearly flying bye and just how quickly our girls are growing up.

Last year the girls were mainly crawling everywhere, standing up with assistive devices, taking a few baby steps, napping twice a day, not eating on their own and not talking. Fast forward to this year, the girls are walking, running, jumping, talking (2-3 word sentences), singing, eating on their own crawling out of their Pack N' Plays, napping only in the afternoon, drawing, colouring, blowing kisses, giving bear hugs, and the list goes on.

They are truly toddlers now, no longer babies and a part of me misses the babies I once had. This stage is also fantastically fun and entertaining but I just wish time would slow down, (sorry to all the waiting parents), just a wee bit for these little tykes Too much "growing up" for mommy to handle in "just a year".

Wordless Wednesday

This yellow "tulip" sits all by itself in my front garden by the walkway. It is a one-of-a-kind anomoly and I had to beg the girls to stand beside it (were they afraid of it?), so you could get a better perception of its size. I know this is supposed to be a wordless entry, but this is pretty much wordless for me.

Motorcycle Mamas

I hope this isn't an indication of the future. I just love these pictures in black and white...taken at the germ pit (to borrow a freinds expression), when said friend was absent. Missed a great opportunity, friend. Sophia is the front "mama" and Alyssa is on the back.

The Jury's Still Out

A "rare" and coveted family photo taken in The Village at Collingwood.

At the top of the mountain, after a scary gondola ride. Alyssa makes a break for it! Thankfully she went in this direction................

At the splash pad in the village. I like the pictures through the water. The girls so wanted to jump in. Sophia got the wettest.

Sophia proudly displays her Christmas coaster that she brought all the way from home. See how organized my mommy is ....she is all ready preparing for Christmas! lol

Mommy and her babies ...this too is a rare photo as Mommy is usually the photographer.
More splashin' fun. Alyssa and Daddy pointing at Mommy.
Sophia is the one who looks like she is getting drenched in this photo.

The truth is that I started to prepare for this weekend last weekend. Yes, I so foolishly did, and I guess the police officer who pulled me over to give me a "failure to stop at friggin stop sign" ticket thought that I was foolish too. He was especially empathetic, for all of his 20 years on this planet knowing just how hard it is to load a car with all of the essentials, including two 2 year olds but he still slapped me with an $85 ticket anyway. ( Insert many expletives here, and a heavy dose of sarcasm) . I trudged on in a much altered mood, to meet DH in the designated place to continue our journey together. Things went smoothly, DH had a great time at the Bounce N' Play with S + A ,(see earlier post). I didn't even comment on the fact that DH was spoiling all of Mommy's previous training by being so engrossed with the Chicklets that they would expect the same trend from Mommy the following week. (sigh). After ensuring that the sleep factor would kick in on the way up to the chalet, we left very hopeful and looking forward to our little get-a-way. Here's the kicker, I finally realized, yes, the heavy traffic was the give-away, that I had mixed up the weekends!!! A mother of 2 year old twins cannot make these kind of mistakes EVER! Especially in 24 weekend traffic for nothing! ( For my U.S. friends our 24 weekend equates with your Memorial Day weekend). How did this happen? I used to be a very organized and in control kinda person...you know "with it". I personally blame the police officer! hehehehe

After our unplanned "trial" packing fiasco, we did make it up this weekend to the Chalet. I christened the light biege carpet immediately upon entering the premises by smashing a glass bottle of Budweiser on it. Not to fear, had lots more! Besides I drink Coors Lite, Hubby is the Bud guy. It was SO much easier this year with the girls than last year, however the jury's still out whether a repeat weekend get-away is in the future. Probably leaning more towards a 5 - 7 day get-away, or maybe not at all. However, we did get a rare, coveted family photo and Sophia got a chance to show everyone her Christmas coaster that she brought with her all the way from home! What a hoot!

We Made It

I sitting here typing this post from our chalet in Collingwood. It's early, the girls got up with the roosters. At 5 am, the girls set a new record ---they USUALLY get up somewhere between 7-8 am and on occasion have been known to sleep even longer. Thanks girls for helping Daddy and me maximize our weekend getaway. Not really. Right now Daddy is doing a Starbucks run, I am SO in the mood for a biscotti and latte. Daddy is the best.

These pictures were taken last night, after a full belly and the girls were finally settling in and enjoying their new surroundings. Love the kissing one!

Oh yeah, seems the only thing I have forgotten so far is MY toothbrush! Yuck!

"Feeding Time"

"Feeding time" at the zoo is by far a unanimous least favourite activity to do with the girls. Except for maybe Nonna who was put on this planet for the sole purpose of making sure that everyone within her reach gets enough food in one day to last a few days should a war break out, a blackout, all of the grocery stores run out of food, or all of the above. God bless that woman who has the patience of a saint and has been known to be at the "feeding trough" for an hour with S + A! But for mere mortals such as myself and hubby, feeding time is something to be avoided if at all possible. This is just one reason going back to work is joyous ..one less meal per day to prepare and feed to the little dahlings.

Alyssa (top photo) and Sophia enjoying a rare breakfast of frozen fruit and toast...need I explain why this is a rare breakfast???? Berries stain and the little tots rip off their bibs...think: stains, stains, stains! Before children I thought that laundry detergent worked perfectly fine! Now that I have been enlightened laundry detergent is the biggest rip-off on the market. Why should I have to soak, and pretreat dirty clothes? What is the detergent supposed to do? All this time I actually thought that it was cleaning my clothes, apparently not. I don't prewash or handwash ANYTHING....if it can't go in the machine I don't buy it. Poor S + A will have to wear stained clothes, unless my faithful readers can give me some EASY laundering tips. Sorry girls that you have such an inept clothes laundering Mommy.

Wordless Wednesday

Oranges are clearly multi-purpose, certainly help with the "wordless", or in S + A's case, "whine-less" Wednesday.

Just Rewards

Here my friends are the long awaited pictures of S + A! They are extremely busy with their newest endeavour--doodling with pens in notebooks. Sophia, (bottom photo), looks contemplative as she briefly pauses in her task. Notice the typical strangle hold of the pen? Alyssa, (top photo-2nd to last photo), holds her pen like a pro however, she usually ventures off to tackle something else much soooner than her industrious sis. Sophia takes her doodling very seriously!

A few more photos of the girls and Daddy at Bounce N' Play, which I affectionately refer to as the "Bawl N' Pay" place since that is precisely what S + A would do there. But we perservered, with encouragement from the other moms, I was doubtful, but..........here is the proof ....

Okay, I guess I am just a wee bit out of practise posting pics. and referencing them. The bottom 2 pictures were supposed to be first and then the others were supposed to follow the above paragraph. Oh well...it's late and I am just happy to have my computer back!!!!! G'night all and enjoy!

7 Things

I have been tagged by Rony to divulge 7 things about "moi".

1. I was on "Tiny Talent Time", twirling a baton.

2. People tell me that I am a "fast" talker...literally. I have a tendency to talk quickly I guess it comes from being the only girl in a family with 3 brothers...no one seemed really interested in what I had to say so whatever I did want to say I had to get it out quickly.

3. I took acting classes 2 years ago and actually auditioned for a local play...didn't get the part. But it is a secret passion of mine that I wish that I had pursued when I was younger.

4. I went to "Mr. T's" wrap party with a date, (who was an extra on the show), in Toronto, many, many moons ago. Was duly impressed, but wasn't interested in my date, ended up marrying DH and have been married for nearly 11 years.

5. I was always against international adoption because of the need, I felt, in my own country, that was BEFORE snort,snort, gag, and nearly vomiting, I met the SW, CAS people etc. etc. Who seem to think they have omnipotent powers and were selected by the Father Almighty himself.....can you tell I am just a wee bit jaded??

6. Have been teaching for 21 years........probably the longest serving teacher ever to take a maternity leave!!! Have been a SAHM since we got S + A ..about 18 months now and will be returning part-time this September! Yippeeee love my girls but...never thought a SAHM was THIS difficult!

7. Was a VERY rebellious teen....really, I know it is hard to believe. Just one antic that I can share is that as young teens we used to sneak out at night and meet up to go skinny dipping in unsuspecting people's pools. S + A will definitely have a hard time pulling "the wool over my eyes". But really, deep down inside I don't think ANY parent thinks that their little one (at this stage) is going to be pushing the limits in an unmanageable way. I sometimes think a higher power saved me from myself by not allowing DH and I to procreate!!! *Wink*

I'm Still HERE!!

Yes, I am still here.........however, am still using hubby's computer which isn't as regularly available as I need. Next week my d*m computer is supposed to come and I PROMISE to post LOTS of pictures of the girls....and 1 or 2 of DH for his fan club! hehe I know you can all appreciate my frustration...thanks for caring (as if).
Anyways, thanks Sen for clarifying the difference between Canadian VERSUS American adoption...To reiterate in Canada we DON'T readopt we just have to satisfy the Chinese requirements to ensure that their lovely children are in good homes and are thriving. No such thing as a Canadian birth certificate for our China girls, BUT the 6 month and 12 month post-adoption forms are so IMPORTANT because if they are not completed the agency may have difficulties with the Chinese government for future adopting moms and dads. The trust issue between China and CB could be at risk if people didn't follow through with these forms. I could have said STUFF IT, they are mine and you can't take them back anyway, (nah,nah,nah), BUT a little thing call CONSCIENCE and MORALS drove me to complete them in spite of a lackadaisical SW and a FULL plate called TWINS. So it was a HUGE relief to lick the stamps, and drop them in the mailbox. You are so WELCOME, future mom and dads and thank you to all former Mom and Dads for completing their forms too. And while I am at it HAPPY BELATED MOTHER'S DAY to everyone.

An Alyssa Story

The other day Alyssa runs up to me excitedly exclaiming, "shims, shims, shims". I smile and pretend to understand her and say the usual words of encouragement, "yes, good girl, and good talking". I think they have figured out that I really don't have A CLUE what they are talking about when I use those type of fake words, hehehe. So little Alyssa continues, very excitedly, chanting, "shims, shims, shims", and runs to the table where she has placed 2 identical penguin stuffed animals (just in case you thought they were real, ha ha ), "shims, shims". Light bulb goes on for Mommy (finally) and I realize that she is saying, "twins, twins, twins"! Now how smart is THAT???

Post Partum Depression

Post Partum Depression Forms, aka Post Adoption Placement Forms........the all too familiar 6 and 12 month PAPF are officially done and in the mail. Yipee....happy dance..........all paperwork is over!!!!!!!!!!! Think double paperwork for twins and then you can appreciate my exuberance...............I know, I know, the 6 month is WAY late...I'm blameless......social worker even included blame on herself in the report. Pre-adoptive moms and dads make note to self to get a FAMILY picture of ALL of you at the critical 6 and 12 month time. Not always on the list of priorities but important for your post partum depression forms.

Incipient Echolalia

"Incipient echolalia", don't ya just love the sound of that rolling of your tongue? I stumbled across this beautiful phrase reading my second Kurt Vonnegut novel, (since he recently died, I thought I'd better read something of his before the value of his novels went up...just kidding, only happens to artists work apparently, so there was no anticipated line up at the library of anxious wanna be Vonnegut readers). Anyways, I loved this phrase he uses in his book, but I am not fond of his novels, but I ploughed through 2 books (everyone deserves a second chance), without particularly enjoying either. They did however help me fall off into la la land .................................
"Incipient echolalia"is the beginning phase of repeating other peoples words. Ya know, the toddler syndrome. Incipient echolalia is exactly what S + A have right now and I was happy to find a term that adequately described it. Of course they usually repeat a word that I don't normally use (honest). You can figure out what those WORDS would be...no I do not have potty mouth so the words are pretty lame, but words I would rather not have my children repeating and strangely, they usually hear them when Mommy is driving. If I emphasis to my protegees that they shouldn't really be saying that word the "echolalia" intensifies. So no longer are lengthy explanations necessary the next time your toddler blurts out something ........simply smile and say, "She/He has incipient echolalia". Hee, Hee, Hee, I love it.

Hats Off.........

I am lucky, I have a supportive and loving partner who adores his children and will do anything for his family. My DH believes that if I'm happy he's happy...he is a smart, good man. However, there is ALWAYS room for improvement and I can certainly drum up a few pointers that DH's could review.

1. Try to remember what drawer your socks, underwear, and t-shirts are in.
(for Rony)
2. Close above mentioned drawers, and cupboards
(Think: inquisitive toddlers)
3. Check the weather report, or think about the anticipated destination before dressing toddlers to go anywhere.
4. Stop pretending that DW has superior olfactory senses and face the inevitable dirty diaper change like a true soldier. I've been suckered in with ....."I'm not sure, I think she pooed do you want to smell her bleep bleep and double check?"
5. Don't expect a pat on the back, or payback , or ANYTHING if you do something unexpected that you don't normally do.(without being asked). Think: JUST DO IT.
6. Please understand that your break was AT work and that SAHM needs a break and you have to give her one.
7. EMPHATIC NO! Nap times are NOT a break for SAHM.......must make all phone calls, do meal prep, tidy up, blogging, AND have my own nap in what 1.5 hours on a GOOD DAY!

8. Just LISTEN to your ventin' wife without passing ANY judgements or try to fix ANY problems...just listen, nod sympathetically and when appropriate use the following phrases: "you poor thing, you must be exhausted, I don't know HOW you do it". Followed by, "Here's a nice warm tea laced with cognac and your meds and I'll take over with the kids".

The last weekend in April was role reversal weekend for DH and I. So I made coffee and read the paper , and was able to drink the entire cup before it got cold. Then I had "private" time which included a long hot shower (minus the 2 staring toddlers sitting on their step stools), did my hair, face etc. and put on unstained, matching clothes WITH accessories. Yes, I did all this and said goodbye to the family and fled out the door with car keys in hand and hockey bag slung over my shoulder and went to the rink and played hockey, all day, with nary a care in the world except how I was going to manage the next day when the lactic acid set in. I didn't change diapers, or make meals, or do any clothing changes or referee any disputes involving whiny 2 year olds. It was a glorious beginning to a great weekend.

DH dealt with S + A from the minute they uttered their first word Saturday morning until they laid their precious heads to rest Sunday night.
He was a SAHWD (Stay at Home For The Weekend Dad), and he did great. Let's keep it real though and examine exactly how DH dealt with his girls.
He hired chef NONNA came to do Saturday lunch feeding. Daddy was smart...
He took the girls out for 2 other "feedings" which involved meeting Mommy at the arena between games for a bite. Daddy was VERY smart.
No Home-Cooked meals were served, why have perfectly good left-overs go to waste?
No other domestic duty was attempted ....conserving energy for the wee tots.


DH shared his thoughts about being a SAHWD.
Least favourite activity was "feeding time", (surprise, surprise). DH thought, and I quote, " I thought that they would just sit and eat"(Ha, Ha, Ha!). DH said "their feeding time behaviour was unpredictable and they have a very limited menu". "It was controlled chaoas ( controlled only because they were in their highchairs),"and I thought they would just sit and eat"
My DH realized that meal times are lOOOOOOOng and frankly, boring. The girls can take up to 40 minutes to eat 1 slice of pizza. I really don't know how they are going to survive in daycare.
Nap times and bed times were DH FAVOURITE times. (go figure)However, he was so tired after taking care of the girls all morning that it took an hour just to recoup.


Daddy realized that the only TV station allowed on in the playroom is TREEHOUSE. Alyssa made sure that Daddy fully understood this by turning off the TV whenever it WASN'T displaying TREEHOUSE.

My DH truly got a glimpse of what it is like in my life on a daily basis. He was admittedly humbled and finally agreed that going to work was a break compared to staying at home with S + A . As wonderful as they are and the infinite love that we both have for them doesn't take away from the fact that they are exhausting.
It was a great weekend, one I would love to repeat soon, but I'm not too sure DH would agree.

The Love Birds

I am an avid sports participant, not so much an observer, which I am sure will change once S + A get on some teams. I was and still am, even at my advancing age, active in sports. My first love was Ringette, a modified version of hockey for girls, which I played for at least 10 years at the highest level possible at the time. I played competitive baseball throughout my teen years and continued to play in my adult life on ladies teams and with hubby on the co-ed circuit. In high school I played volleyball, field hockey and was also a cheerleader in grade 13. I taught aerobics since I was 16 for nearly 20 years at the local fitness clubs. I worked at many fitness clubs throughout my university years. I was a "gym rat" and was encouraged to compete in body building competitons (which I declined). I love to run and was a member of the local running club. I have raced in some 5k's and my goal is to run in the "Around The Bay", which if you are a runner you have probably heard about since it is the oldest running race in North America (Check it out Dirk). In my mid- thirties I was encouraged by a friend to sign up for women's hockey, so I did. And I fell in love with the sport. I loved playing hockey so much that I decided to get qualified and referee it.... for 4 years or so.

Which leads me to my life today after twins.....I still play women's hockey every Sunday night. The only running I do now is after S+A, but I still manage to do a H*lluva LOT of refereeing, only not on ice with skates and a black and white vertically striped jersey and NO whistle. I spend a HUGE part of my day referring my 2 angels from China...........I am tempted to pull out the black and white jersey and the whistle and start using the couch as a penalty box.
2 minutes Alyssa....... interference. (blocking Sophia's view of the story book)
2 minutes Sophia ....... unnecessary crying.
2 minutes Alyssa ...... unsportsmanlike conduct.(throwing a tantrum)
2 minutes Sophia ..... unnecessary whining.
2 minutes Alyssa ..... unnecessary roughness (wrenching toy from sisters hand)
2 minutes Sophia ....... unnecessary crying.
2 minutes Alyssa ............illegal conduct.(stealing sister's food)
2 minutes Sophia .........unnecessary whining.......

And so it goes............

Today at dinner these 2 arch enemies morphed into love birds. They were kissing and asking each other for kisses. Alyssa was lovingly "pretend" feeding her sister. They were reaching for each other and hugging with exclamations of "ahhhh". Basically great dinner entertainment for everyone and it sure beat the alternative. They looked so darn cute.....makes you forget ALL about the other stuff..That's what life is like with twins...has to be...or you wouldn't survive, they give you these precious heart-stealin' moments like none other you have ever experienced and you forget. You forget about how many diapers you've changed that day. You forget about the number of clothing changings you've made, or how tired you are. You "forget" how messy your house is so you can enjoy some precious moments with your daughters. You forget that you thought you were crazy to adopt twins. You forget that non-twin moms are enjoying a Mom and Me class that you can't go to because you have 2. You forget that other Mom's are taking their one child to a swim class and you have to wait for someone to help you. You forget just how confining life can be with twins and everyday you feel blessed when you get a chance to have a heart-stealin' moment with your special twins.

Weather......and Purple Nurples

Nope, not yet, no computer and no pics. My life lately has been one big frustration after another starting with this computer thing. Congratulations to Rony who managed to get one the other day, but no not me, just stealin' moments whenever I can on hubby's work computer. It's quite funny actually that he asks me when he can use his work computer, because like I am doing really important stuff: congratulating total strangers on their referrals, visiting my favourite blogsites, lurking on others and basically doing nothing it terms of contributing to the income of our household. Gotta love that man! He knows the wrath of a woman without modern technology!

The weather..........today...........was...........sh******tty! Figures that yesterday I packed up anything and everything fleece or wooly in anticipation of frilly dresses, no socks, sandals and being barefoot on the beach. Hubby takes fric and frac outside after dinner and they come in with icicles for hands! It was that cold for the little Chicklets. So off I go upstairs and pull out the crate of clothes that I thankfully, hadn't hauled downstairs to storage yet, and pulled out (sigh) their pink, fleecy, penquin p.j's.

It's a strange day today, here I am b*tchn' about the weather and people in blogland in general are being overly mushy. It could be because the looong awaited referrals are coming down the pipe for the parents-in-waiting, (Congratulations!), or it could have something do do with Donna's fff challenge to try on Gotcha Day clothes. (By the way some of you bloggers have way tooo cute outfits from China...even empress-like clothes...but not so for my angels...only wooly, itchy leggins and the most absurd colour selections ...I think ALL the colours of the rainbow were in their outfits somewhere). I WILL pull them out, torture the kids,(no, I won't really torture them, silly, trying anything on IS torture for them),and put them on and take pics.....and hopefully post them when I get a new computer.

So here I am complaining and everyone else is feelin' the love. Sorry :(

Ever do something like paint the kitchen and then realize that you have to redo the floor, cabinents, get new dishes, t-towels, accessories just to match the darn nice paint job that you did? That is what it feels like for me.....I made the girls their curtains for their bedroom, and then realized I needed to paint their window frame and then it snowballed to the family room....painted the crown moulding AND the window frames there........can someone please STOP THE INSANITY??

I will end this dreary blog with a Sophia story. Be forewarned words such as nipple and breasts will be featured. Sophia has discovered the breast, not so much the breast, but more precisely the nipple. She displays no gender preference for breast nipples, male and female are fine, but almost absent-mindedly, she will take her little index finger, (the same one she uses to tattletale on her sister), and thumb and squeeze the nipple, she actually rolls the nipple between her fingers, .....and darn it HURTS. Hubby has also experienced this nipple squeezing from Sophia..........Strange.......... but true..I have the purple nurples to show for it!