No Place Like Home

Ahh..I'm back. Whew. What a day! Last night we had a huge Chan family feast. In typical fashion it was a traditional Chinese dinner. There were 25 of us in attendance and the food was never ending. We literally closed the restaurant! Christopher was SUCH a good boy. We were so pleased and proud. He smiled and blew kisses to everyone. Not one hint of a temper! Whew again! He really loves all of the traditional Chinese food. He ate so well up there. I think the cold weather makes him more hungry as well. Anyway. I am BEAT. I will update you all more later! I hope everyone had a great holiday and Rob and Ann-Marie, SO SORRY, that we couldn't be there for Cooper's big day. :(

Hello From Toronto!

Wow, 2008 is almost here! Hard to believe! But when you look at this picture of Britany and Hope, it sure is a reality check. Look how mature Hope is looking these days!

Well, things are crazy, so I can't write much. Look for my post-holiday novel in a week!

Happy Birthday Christopher!

Well, two years ago today, God sent me my fourth angel! I can't believe he is already two! W*O*W!!!!!!!!!!!!

Merry Christmas

Well, I am back at home again. This time, I have mixed feelings. It is certainly a relief to be home. Christopher was sick with a raging fever during most of my trip. Poor thing. It isn't easy taking care of a sick baby when you're 1500 miles away from home. Away from the comfort of his own surroundings; the familiarity that is comforting. Not to mention, a daddy who is a doctor and right there to lend a helping hand! When a sick baby is up half the night, you worry about how it could affect your host family. Anyway, we are home. And it feels good. I miss the girls, but this last visit really confirmed to me that they are doing well there. They are busy with their lives and friends and school. I would rather they spend every waking moment with me, but, I had to face the fact that they are growing up. It is a hard reality. Now, I look forward to their visit here in February!

Have A Great Day!

Well, I'm off again! I am positive this will be a great trip! I think I've packed plenty of warm clothing. I can't believe I'm going to have to actually wear shoes and socks! I am so used to my flip-flops!

Christopher had a much better day yesterday! Colin and I are just trying hard to see the world from his perspective which makes a HUGE difference. It has to be frustrating for him when there are so many things he wants to do and so many things he wants to tell us, but he just doesn't have the words yet. Poor baby.

His mind is advancing so rapidly. He is learning his physical capabilities while playing at gymboree and he wants to climb and jump at home too, but of course it's not safe. He doesn't understand that obviously, and so, when he hears "no", he acts out. Then, when his best buddy comes through the door at night, he has so many things he wants to tell daddy about his day and so many things to play all at once, and when he can't communicate it all, he just gets upset.

We decided that as soon as Daddy gets home, we just scoop him up and take him outside for a walk. He absolutely loves that. He wants to see the moon and throw rocks into the water. After we go for that walk, he is much calmer inside for the remainder of the evening.

It is the little things in life that bring the most joy! So, enjoy all of life's little treasures! Have a GREAT day!

The Terrible Two's Have Arrived!

Well, it's official. Christopher has entered that beautiful phase of toddler hood affectionately known as "The Terrible Two's".

It's weird though, because I swear it seems like he just woke up on the wrong side of the bed one week ago today and has just stayed grumpy. Don't get me wrong, he has had little tantrums here and there before now, but last Wednesday, something changed.

Whereas before, the tantrums were sporadic and predictable; now, he just flies off the handle over everything. I just don't understand it because it just seems like it kind of came on suddenly out of the blue sort to speak.

So, I am "google-ing" every parenting website known to man and later, if he takes his nap, I am going to sit down and enjoy a DVD by Dr. Harvy Karp called "The Happiest Toddler on the Block". Wish me luck!

Countdown To Christmas!

So, has everyone finished their Christmas shopping? I think I'm close. I am extra early this year, because for me Christmas starts this coming weekend! Yep, I'm "on the road again..." I'm heading to NH for Christmas with the Calley girls! My girls! I can't wait. True to form, I will also be squeezing in two birthday celebrations while I'm there! Britany will be 17 on December 14th and my little man turns 2 on December 19th! Wow. That's all I can say. "Wow". Any-who, here we go again. Then, I'm off to Toronto to celebrate with Colin's side of the family. After that, I, hopefully, will be able to stay put for quite some time. The girls are coming down here for February vacation. Well, stay tuned! I'm sure I will have 200 pictures to download when I get home and I'll be sharing them here! Merry Christmas To All!!