Twas The Night Before Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas
And all through the house
People were sick
And Dad left the house

Our stockings are hung
by the Chimney with care
Filled up with presents
that we will pay for next year

The kids are all snuggled in their beds
Ya right .... dreams of suger plums will come
after midnight when they lay down their heads

Kids awake at 4:30 to see who's been here
Dads up till 2 wrapping presents and drinking beer
Tomorrow is Christmas
A great time of year.

Instead of snow storm
Its a raining tonight.
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Love ... Steve, Wendy, Paul and Randy.

Sick Again

I can't believe it ... we are sick .... again! We were down in Leamington on the weekend for Wendy's family Christmas gathering. There are 13 neices and nephews on her side of the family all around the same age. The boys had a blast ... especially playing outside in the snow. I felt fine most of the weekend including Sunday night. I went to bed Sunday at my regular time and woke up early to empty the contents of my stomach ... I stayed home from work yesterday and felt terrible all day long. Last night Randy was sick too ... so far Paul and Mom are ok. I'm going to stay home again today. Hopefully I can go back to work tomorrow. I feel much better this morning than I did yesterday.

Itchy Itchy

Randy got the chicken pox ..... a week goes by .... Paul gets the chicken pox ... another week goes by ... Daddy has the chicken pox. Paul and Randy were both ok. So far I am all right but the doctor says that chicken pox can be fairly serious when you get it as an adult. I'm sure I will be ok.

Christmas Concert

Last night we went out to Paul and Randy's Christmas concert for daycare. They were both so cute and did a great job. Randy sang the Antler Hokey Pokey and Paul sang Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer -and- The 12 Days of Christmas. Paul was so tired that he almost fell asleep on stage .. it was a school day for him and no nap ..... so staying up until after 9pm was a little hard on him. After the concert we went to Tim Hortons for hot chocolate with Shawn, Tammy, Braedon and Riley.

On a whole though the evening was very stressful and bittersweet. Paul and Randy's foster parents were up visiting for a week. We saw them at our house for a quick visit on Thursday night and that seemed to go ok. We ordered pizza at home and played a few games together before the boys went to bed. We invited them back for another visit so that they could see their Christmas concert.

It was a big rush to get everyone organized and out the door. We all went out for dinner at a Chinese food buffet place and then rushed off to the school for the concert. To be honest I really didn't want the foster parents to be there at all .... its selfish I know but I resent the fact that I have to "share" them with anyone. I'm not convinced that it is in Paul and Randy's best interest to have on-going contact with them. They are going to have enough trouble understanding how at birth they were taken from their birthmother ...

I don't think they need the added burden of feeling like they were taken from their foster homes (especially since we were the ones doing the taking). Randy seemed ok with the visit (I don't think he even clearly remembers them). Paul on the otherhand had a difficult time and it tears me apart watching him struggle through it.

Busy Busy Busy

Last weekend was my sisters wedding in Waterloo. We had a great time and the boys looked fantastic in their tuxedos. Wendy and I were the MCs and the boys sang grace before dinner ... to the tune of Frère Jacques:

Bless This Food Lord, Bless This Food Lord
And us too, And us too
We are here together, Praising you Forever
Bless This Food, And us too.

Very cute ... they were a hit and so well behaved the whole time. They were even quiet in the church. Grandma thought they need a distraction to keep them quiet and she gave them rubber frogs to play with. The boys played with them alright and made "ribbit, ribbit" noises through the ceremony.

Today was the Santa Claus Parade ... sure was alot different from last year. The boys seemed to have a great time. They seems almost more excited about seeing Batman in the parade than Santa.

Ready for Snow

We had a fun day yesterday at the ski hill. We bought a family membership for downhill skiing this year and now all we need is a little snow. We picked up some ski equipment for the boys and they got to ride the chair lift with us. They seem very excited. The last picture captures Pauls first wipe out ... the first of many I'm sure.

Halloween

Took both boys out trick or treating tonight. Sure was alot different than the last 25 years or so. It was alot of fun and the boys enjoyed getting candy and a few other special treats. Randy didn't last long running from house to house ... he just ran out of steam. Paul lasted a little longer. They seemed to have fun at home handing out the candy too.

Happy Halloween Everyone

It's Early

You have probably noticed that the frequency of postings on here has dropped drastically. I just can't find the time to do it anymore (expect at quarter to six on a Friday morning). I'm getting ready for work and everyone else is still in bed. Our adoption process is almost finalized; we are just waiting for a court date to sign all the paper work with a lawyer. Everything is going good with the boys ... Paul seems to be really enjoying school and I've noticed that both Paul and Randy are changing like crazy. Randy's speach gets clearer every day it seems like and Paul is starting to be able to write his name.

I didn't get to see them last night or this morning because I had to work late and go in early today ... I miss them when I don't get to see them at night. At least the weekend is coming up. I tried to talk to Randy about adoption the other day ... I thought he understood when I told him that he and Paul were adopted. I said that it made him special and it was up to him whether or not he wanted to tell his friends or not.

The next day at daycare he told all of his classmates that his daddy told him he was a doctor.

I don't remember reading anything like that in any of the adoption preparation books?? I guess he will understand more in his own time.

After Thanksgiving

I ate too much Turkey, I ate too much corn,
I ate too much pudding and pie.
I'm stuffed up with muffins and too much stuffin'
I'm probably going to die.

I piled up my plate and I ate and I ate.But I wish I had known when to stop,
For I'm so crammed with yams, sauces, gravies, and jams
That my buttons are starting to pop!

I'm full of tomatoes and french fried potatoes My stomach is swollen and sore,
But there's still some dessert so I guess it won't hurt if I eat just a little bit more!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone

Cleaning the Couch

Welcome to parenthood .... Paul came home from daycare today and decided that it was good time to throw-up on the living room couch. He has been complaining about having a stomach ache for a few days but we thought he was ok (no fever or anything else to go with it). The good news .... after he painted our couch and carpet he said .... "I feel much better now Mommy".

He is back in the living room again but this time with a bucket :)

No picture to go with this post .... I'm sure your disapointed about that.

Fall At The Cottage

We went up north for a short visit this weekend. It was a little cold but we had a great time. We took Wendy's mother up with us and the boys seemed to enjoy having two Grandmas around. We went for a walk in the park and had a campfire in the morning by the like. We also got a chance to take the tractor out for a quick ride. Lots of fun. Hopefully no one will be too cranky.

I like being the one with the camera. I never end up in any of the pictures.

Steve

Apple Picking

We had a great weekend with the boys. We went to Applewood farms on Sunday morning to pick some apples. Randy seemed interested in picking them. Paul seemed mostly interested in eating them. We had alot of fun.

Start of School - Return To Work

Well what can I say other than RATS! Our time off with the boys is over and it is time to step back into reality with every else. Last week the boys spent their first week at day care just so they could get used to it before we start it full time tomorrow. Paul has his first introduction to Junior Kindergarten tomorrow morning. Wendy has been back to work for a week already but I don't go back until Wednesday. I am kind of suprised by how little I am looking forward to returning. Wendy seemed kind of excited about getting back to the grind but I can't say that I feel the same way. The boys were excited about doing something new too ... especially when they found out that they got to where their own back packs.

I doubt that I will be able to blog as often as I have been. Hopefully someday the boys will be able to go through this journal on their own and get a few laughs. We have sure come along way in just a few months. It seems as though everyone is happy this weekend.

Visit With Yogi Bear (and Others)

We had a very busy few days .... on Friday morning we packed up all our camping gear and our camper and headed to Jellystone Park in Amherstberg (near Windsor). We stayed three nights and had a great time with all the activities in the park.

We got to see alot of friends and family that we have not seen in a while. Wendy's brother Tim came for a visit in the park with the twin boys (Gregg and John) and Taylor. They had a great time in the pool and around the campfire.

We rented a four wheel bike and raced around the Park. Wendy and I had to do all of the peddling. It was funny when the boys would immitate us huffing and puffing as we peddled. We both need to get back to the gym.

On the way home we stopped in to see Kevin, Trish and Faith. Kevin and Trish are friends of ours from University of Waterloo days ... we have not seen them in ages and decided to drop in on our way home to see their new addition. Kevin and Trish adopted Faith from China around the same time that we adopted Paul and Randy :) Kevin, Trish and Faith all seem really happy ... lots of smiles all around. Kevin and Trish inspired me to start this blog ... check there's out at http://faithhomecoming.blogspot.com/

We also stopped in to see our friends Kevin and Rodd in Cambridge. They were having a hot tub party.

The boys are driving us a little crazy today ... they really need to catch up on their sleep after such a busy weekend.

Cycling Around Fairy Lake

We had a great time tonight walking with the boys on their bikes at Fairy Lake. I think Paul will be ready to take his training wheels off soon ... next summer for sure. It is hard to keep up with him when we are walking along. Randy is a little slower but he sure doesn't like to let older brother get too far ahead. Randy says high to everyone as we travel around.

Time At The Lake

We spent some time up at the lake with the boys over the past week. What a wonderful time. It makes me very happy to see them enjoying a place that has always been so special to me. It's sad that my grandfather is no longer around to enjoy them although somehow I think he is aware of all that is happening. I see, hear and feel him everywhere when I am up there.
Grandma managed to catch a few fish off the dock with some help from the boys. What a treat :)

We had a great time over the past week with Grandma and Grandpa up at the lake. The boys jumped off the dock about 100 times. We went canoeing together and enoyed the paddle and motor boat. Cousin Jessica and Aunt Kathy also joined us for a few days.

We were also able to spend some time with Great Grandma. It seemed like she enjoyed watching them run around so full of energy.




What a great week .... everyday I think about how lucky we are. They have been with us in person for just over four months. It is strange how it feels like they have always been with us and the rest of our family. They are really a joy to have around.

Steve

It's Raining It's Pouring

Its raining today .... I think this is about the first day it has rained all summer. We had a great time camping again the past couple of nights and went to a family reunion where more of our relatives were able to meet the boys. We have plans to head up north to the cottage but not sure when. Paul and Randy are doing great. We are a little worried about September and how all of us will cope with more changes ..... hopefully we will be able to get into a routine that will work for all of us. Paul seems to be excited about school but I'm not sure that he understands that Mommy and Daddy are not going with him :(

I am going to miss them alot .... its been a great opportunity to spend so much time together as a family. Hopefully we can find a way to do it again sometime before they reach the age where they want us to drop them off at school a block away so that their friends don't see us.

Its raining really hard.

Camping

The four of us camping at Mikisew Provincial Park :)

Time is Flying By

So far we are having a great summer ... one of the hottest on record here. We took off for a week camping with the boys and had a great time swimming, feeding chipmunks and roasting marshmallows. Wendy is looking forward to going back to work more than me I think ... I could get used to the stay at home dad idea I think. We are getting into a bit of a routine and things are going well ... will be hard in September when we are apart from them so much.

Happy Birthday Paul

We celebrated Paul's 4th birthday on Saturday (and Sunday too) ... it was insane .... had a few kids over on Saturday and cousin Charles stayed overnight until Sunday. It was very hot so we spent most of the time in the kids pool and playing with water guns. Turned into an accidental Batman theme party ... Pauls entire room is now decorated with Batman stuff. He is really enjoying a Batman scooter but he has not quite got the hang of it yet. We were worried about Randy being jealous of all of the presents to Paul but he seemed ok.

Suprising how "normal" it all seems ... feels like we have had them all along :)

Fathers Day

Walk a little slower daddy, said a child so
small. I'm following in your footsteps and
I don't want to fall.

Sometimes your steps are very fast,
Sometimes they're hard to see;
So walk a little slower, Daddy,
For you are leading me.

Someday when I'm all grown up,
You're what I want to be;
Then I will have a little child
Who'll want to follow me.

And I would want to lead just right,
And know that I was true;
So, walk a little slower, Daddy,
For I must follow you.

Proud Parents

Our boys finished their first set of swimming lessons today. We picked up their progress cards and they both did great. They have come along way from the first day of lessons ... Randy wouldn't even get in the water at first. Its kind of a neat feeling to be so proud of them. The weather is great and we had a picnic lunch outside .... lots of fun. They both seem really happy.

Victoria Weekend

We had a action packed Victoria Day Weekend. Wendy's brother Tim and Family came up for a visit on Saturday. All of the cousins had a great time playing together. On Sunday Paul and I went for a bike ride in the park ... we cycled along for a while and to our suprise we were stopped by the police ... they had rifles and asked us how we got into the park. We found out that there had been a bear siting and the police and closed the entire park off to everyone (except us somehow). Anyways they eventually captured the bear and everything was ok.

Today we went to a farm. The boys got to ride ponies, milk a cow, ride on a hay wagon, chase after chickens, roosters, ducks, emus, horses, cows, goats, sheeps, pigs etc. etc. They had a great time ... I think their favorite part was talking about all of the different types of poopies all over the ground .... gross!

Our boys on Mothers Day ... we are so proud. 

The Morning After (Mothers Day)

Yesterday was amazing ... Wendy had a perma-grin all day long. We went to a Mothers Day tree planting thing at the park in the morning. Wendy planted four trees with the boys. The local newspaper was there and took their picture ... we will wait to see whether they make the front page :)

Wendy's mother and two of her brothers came over with their kids in the afternoon. Paul and Randy played with their cousins and seemed to have a great time. BBQd hamburgers and corn on the cob ... just had a blast.

It felt like the boys have been here all along.

The Boys Are Asleep

The boys are sleeping .. whenever we are feeling a little overwhelmed you just watch them when they are sleeping .... angels. Things are going great .. swimming lessons every Tuesday ... lots of bike rides and playing at the park. Tried to fly a kite today but it was a little too windy and the kite broke. They are definately testing their boundaries with us .... especially Paul .... it seems like they are responding to us and as long as we are consistent they seem to get it.

Our Boys Are Home

We brought our boys home on March 21st, 2005. What an amazing experience ... our daily lives have suddenly changed so dramatically. I just finished putting out the Easter Eggs and baskets .. can't wait for them to wake up this morning they will be so excited.

Yesterday I went out and bought my oldest son (it stills seems strange to say that) his first 2 wheel bicycle (a big boy bike as we call it) with training wheels. He loved it. We also got them there first wagon. Yesterday we went out to a Maple Syrup Festival where the boys got to go for ride in a hot air ballong, ride on ponies, a trail ride on a wagon with horses and taste maple syrup. We had a great time.

I'm sure there will be many challenges but just hearing them both call out for Daddy makes it all worth it.

Wendy and Steve at Sawyer 

Third Visit - Things Are Really Moving Now

We were up north with the boys again last weekend. Had a great time with them and everything went really well. Stayed at a really nice lodge ... much better then the regular hotel. So much to do before they arrive ... the placement date has been moved up to March 21st.

Things are really happening fast now ... I just hope we can get things ready in time.

Second Visit

We had our second visit with the boys last weekend. It went really well but it sure is tiring. Lots of driving and lots of energy required to keep up with these two. We had them overnight on Saturday and everything went fine. The kids got alot more sleep than I did ... everytime they made any kind of noise I couldn't help but look up to make sure that they were ok. We went ice fishing and pulled them around on the sleigh ... Paul and I went to the pool for a few hours and had a great time.

Tried to go out to a restaurant with them a couple of times ... didn't work out to well. Its hard to get them to do anything for more than about 10 minutes. Can't wait until next time ... the plan is to have them for the entire weekend.

Went out mini-van shopping last night :)

An Amazing Experience

I can't even think of any words to describe the experience of meeting our boys for the first time last weekend. Having them greet us at the door by jumping into our arms as their new Mommy and Daddy was an amazing thing. I don't know what I expected from the first visit but I was really suprised by how well we seemed to fit together.

I was struck by how much they needed us. All along I have been thinking somewhat selfeshly about the whole experience. I wanted a family so bad and I wanted the experience of being a Dad ... I never really thought that I was helping anyone else. It really struck me that the boys need us as much as we need them ... I feel so lucky to have been chosen to be given this chance ... it also feels really good to be in a position to be able to provide them with a good home where they will be loved unconditionally. I feel like I already have a different perspective on why I'm here and what really matters. My experience at work has changed some how ... even just this first week was different .... I felt like it had more meaning .... like I need to get the job done .... I now have the responsibility to provide for these two boys and my family ... it feels good.

I really enjoyed watching my wife interact with them. She has been waiting for so long for this chance to be a Mom and now that she is one everything I thought about how she would be has come true ... she was so good with them. The boys are great kids, full of energy, healthy, smart and loving. We had so much fun with them and I think they had a great time with us as well.

Even after just the first visit it was very difficult to leave them behind when we went back home. I'm preparing for this to get harder every visit. I don't think they are ready to come with us quite yet ... but I know the day will come when they will not understand why we are leaving without them. The next few months are going to be very exciting but very difficult at the same time.

One funny tidbit ... the boys think we live at the hotel. We had them on our own for a few hours and we dropped in to our room to get a few things. Never thought anything of it but after a few minutes the oldest one says "Where's my room?". They are definatelly a little confused and it will take some time for them to understand.

I can't wait to get them home.

Getting Close Now

Its 10 to 7 on a Sunday morning and I'm sitting here updating this Blog that no-one is reading. Only a few days now before we meet our new sons for the first time. We are leaving for Elliot Lake on Thursday for our first meeting with them over the weekend. Feeling really excited and extremely nervous at the same time ... will we be good enough for them. Will they run towards us or run away ... who knows? We were trying to pick out a toy to take up to them when we first meet them .... nothing I saw seemed good enough .... how can you possibily find that perfect gift. I am already starting to think of them as my own .. we have their picture up on the fridge and I can't help but look at it everytime I pass. I am constantly wondering what they are doing at a given moment.

Also thinking about how our lives are going to change ... it will be awhile before we can enjoy a quiet dinner/evening together. We will have to try to make time for ourselves sometime. Time seems to be passing by slowly as we wait for our first meeting.

Have talked to them on the phone already and have heared those little voices say "Hi Mommy" and "Hi Daddy" ... wow ... that was unexpected. We were worried so much at first about how the kids would adjust ... now its starting to seem like its us that will have to do the adjusting.