Amy-isms

Amy has figured out that Robin and I have names other than Mama and Dada. Last night, she was arguing with me about only having two books to read before bed, when she decided to get Daddy's opinion. She went to the top of the stairs and called, "Dada. Dada." When Robin failed to respond, she hollered, with much more determination, "Robin!".

The other day we were in the kitchen and I moved the tower, not realizing her toes were still in the way. Instead of crying about her stubbed toes, she simply gave the tower an annoyed look and said, "Tower Clara".

She is very excited about our upcoming trip to Ottawa and Toronto. We now have only two sleeps before we leave. Every time she sees a airplane go by overhead, she proclaims it to be heading for Toronto. She now is absorbing the fact that we are flying to Ottawa, which she pronounces "Ottawaooha".

The Train

On Sunday, we went to the park to see if the old steam train (that I have many fond memories of from my own childhood) was still running. Indeed it was, so we hopped on for a ride.

Amy was very excited as she hung on to the tickets to give to the conductor. She spent the ten minute ride turning from side to side, not wanting to miss any lions hiding in the bush and grinning from ear-to-ear every time the whistle blew.

Apples

Amy was asked to bring an apple to school last Thursday. Some of Robin's favourite memories of his childhood involve his Grandfather's apple orchard. We just happen to have an apple tree in our back yard, so he decided that he and Amy should pick a fresh one for her to take in.



He showed her that they were indeed edible . . .



. . . but she didn't think they we all that sweet! That said, she did devour it, making a face after each bite.



When Robin dropped her off the next morning, he proceeded to tell Ms Laura about his Grandfather starting from scratch in creating his orchard, how apples are so meaningful to him, how he just happens to have one tattooed on his shoulder, and how this apple came from our backyard ... the usual speech (I may be exaggerating slightly). I'm sure she displayed a great amount of interest at 9am as all 24 children were coming in for the morning!

Poo

Amy can pronounce the "T" sound well, but can't seem to pronounce "too". It comes out as, you guessed it, "poo". We, therefore, brush our teeth with our "poobrush" using "poopaste". And it is possible to have "poo" much of a good thing.

Amy's Car

Amy certainly loves her car. She is forever driving to Safeway with her purse and a baby flung in the back and never drives without first putting on her "tend" seatbelt. The other morning she proved my theory wrong about not being able to drive in heels.

When Robin leaves for work in the morning, Amy always insists that he take fruit or a muffin. After insisting that Robin take an apple as he went to work yesterday, Amy announced she too was going to work, grabbed an apple and hopped in the car.

Baseball

Robin's firm has an annual summer tradition of a staff baseball game. Unfortunately, the night it was scheduled for this summer was rained out, so it was held tonight. Robin raced home to change and collect Amy for her first baseball game.

According to reports, she played outfield with Daddy and enjoyed blowing dandelions seeds once Ken, who was playing centerfield, taught her this fine art (sounds like a face paced game!).

After the game was over, Amy got up to bat, hit the ball and even ran around the bases before joining the group for a drink at the bar! It was there that she was given the award for the "Sweetest Player" of the night and collected her prize - a huge stuffed giraffe.

She was so enamoured with her new friend that he got to hold the books she was reading at bed time, was introduced to Tigger, Puppy and the Gang, and even got to sit on the potty while she was using the toilet. He is currently tucked into the crib with a smitten little girl curled up beside him.

Notice the big smile in the picture. This is the first time I have said "smile" to her before taking her picture and she actually complied!

First Day of School

In February of this year, Robin and I went to a few open houses for Montessori schools in our area. I was planning on going back to work half time, but after observing the two year old classes, it bothered me to think that Amy was going to experience this without me. I had been waiting a long time for my little girl and I wasn't that keen on being separated from her so soon. At that point, Robin pointed out that I didn't have to work and that it was fine with him if I wanted to take another year off work.

After making that decision, we still thought it was important for Amy to have a social experience with others her own age. This was when the decision was made that Amy would go to school two mornings a week, Tuesday and Thursday.

Friday, August 29th was Amy's Open House at her school. We went thinking we would only be there for less than an hour, but Amy enjoyed exploring, playing with others and engaging in some of the activities so much, that we ended up staying for longer than two hours. We both agreed that seeing Amy enjoying herself so much dispelled both our fears about the beginning of school.

Tuesday, September 2nd was the official first day of school. Robin and I both went for the drop off. Amy was just fine until we got there, when we discovered a little guy who was busy wailing away. This set Amy on edge, but she still did not cry. Ms Laura, the head teacher, opened the door to collect her and she went willingly.

Robin headed off to work, only tearing up slightly, while I raced home for the forgotten snack - novice parent! I arrived back at the school just as the snacks were being distributed and spent the remaining 30 minutes chatting with other parents.

At 10:30, Ms Laura brought out Amy, who whimpered when she saw me, spurred on by the other crying children. We quickly gathered her things and left before she began to cry.

Today was her second day and Robin dropped her off on his own. He made the mistake of peeking in only to see her begin to cry in Circle Time, with Ms Laura quickly swooping in to comfort her. This, of course upset him and he had a very difficult time leaving. Once hearing this, I was fully prepared to be there for the 10:30 pick up, but upon arrival, Ms Laura waved me off, saying she was just fine. As I drove off to enjoy a coffee all by myself (!!!!), I passed by the playground and saw her going down the slide, laughing away.

Returning at 11:45, she was brought out by Ms Laura, went straight to the cloak room to retrieve her shoes, grabbed her art out of her cubby and we took off. I think she has the routine down pat and will, I hope, be settled for next week's return to school.

So far we have discovered that, in addition to Ben and Gillian (yes, the Gillian from China seen in the earlier posts) in her class, there is also Joanna, adopted three months before Amy was born from the same orphanage in Fuzhou! What are the chances of that! She also knows Laleia from Kindermusic last winter and Jerzy, whose Mom worked at Robin's office.

The Year in Review

It has almost been a year since we arrived home with Amy. Much has changed in this year, mostly with Amy. She has blossomed into the most beautiful little girl imaginable. We've been to the cardiologist and it has been determined that the hole in her heart will grow over. She will (we hope) not have to undergo any treatment. Her language has increased incredibly to the point where she can express herself with little frustration and she has proven to be one independent (and stubborn) little powerhouse.

One of the biggest changes in the last few weeks has been the departure of Amy's beloved Krissy. Kristin has moved to Toronto to pursue life in the Big City with Sean. While Amy misses Sean and talks about him all the time (yesterday she blamed Seanie Amy Clara for something), not having Kristin in the house has been very different for her. She talks about Krissy and Duck (Kristin's boyfriend Doug) frequently. Every time she sees an airplane fly overhead, it's going to Toronto to see Seanie, Krissy and Duck.

I thought the feeling must be mutual, so I thought the best way to communicate Amy's daily activities was to reactivate the blog. Here we go.

Just to give an overview of the year, here are some of the highlights . . .

October

Our adjustment to life as a family went surprisingly well for all. For me, the biggest challenge was the absence of time alone and for Robin, it was having enough hours in the day for everyone. Amy was just fine, although she couldn't understand at the end of the month why Mommy was insisting she put on a mouse outfit and walk around outside at night! Thankfully, Krissy came to the rescue and wore the ears for her.


November

Getting used to the colder weather was a bit of a shock for her. Amy quickly learned the word 'hot' as we used it to refer to her food. On one of the first colder days in November, as Amy and I went out into the garage, she was shocked by the freezing temperature and declared it to be "hot!". As you can see by the picture, she was never sure how to move in the many layers of clothes that were required.

December

Christmas was an especially exciting time for all of us this year; Amy had everyone mesmerized with her expressions and antics. She was quite overwhelmed by all the excitement and gifts and actually took all day to open her presents. One of her favourite gifts was from Uncle Ric in Ottawa - a piano. She loves to go to Grandpa's farm (where it was left after it was determined the cows didn't mind the continuous music) and play this a lot (thank you Ric).

January

As the cold weather set in, we became involved in programs to get us out of the house. Amy enjoyed Gymkids, Kindermusik and swimming lessons. She also exhibited her talent for baking, cooking, cleaning and setting the table on a daily basis. Such a big help for Mommy!

February

February brought Valentine's Day and with that came cookie making and decorating as well as creating Valentine's cards. Amy especially loved decorating the cookies and sampling them before I could grab them from her. Most people didn't mind receiving a slightly used cookie!

March

Amy's second birthday was in March and I began planning her party weeks in advance. We invited family and a few close friends and ate Amy's favourite food - noodles. I made a cake with a small edible version of Amy on top, wearing the same clothes she was wearing to the party. She was a little overwhelmed, but soon got into the groove of opening presents.

April
With the weather warming up, we tended to get out more. One of the biggest highlights for Amy was the discovery of carnival rides. For awhile, it seemed we were going to one almost every weekend! A bit hesitant at first, she would insist that Daddy come on the rides too.

May

More rides, swimming in the pool outside, going for walks to the park, swinging on swings and sliding on slides all make for a very active little girl. One of her favourite past-times was to go walking in the rain (or overcast - close enough!) with her raincoat, boots and umbrella.

June

The Marathon took place this month and Amy participated in two categories. First was the Mini Mites which was a 50 m dash for children under the age of 5. After getting up at 5 am, Amy wasn't sure of this crazy notion her parents had, but she put forth a brave face, until the gun went off and she lept into my arms! (Note for next year - be sure to talk about all the sights and sounds at the Marathon.) Following that excitement, Amy and Mommy took part in the 10 k walk with someone promptly falling asleep in her stroller.

Amy and I headed for my Grandma's cottage at the lake this month for the first time. This was a new experience for Amy as she had only swum in pools before and had never been on sand or experienced the gradual incline of a lake. The first time seemed to be a little disconcerting for her, but she grew to love this over the summer. She now flops down on her tummy, touches the bottom with her hands and kicks her feet . . . minus her water wings if she can get away with it!






July

This was a very busy month for us. Robin, Amy and I flew to Toronto to visit Sean in his new condo. Amy loved spending time with her big brother as he took her to the zoo, accompanied her as she went on a horse, and was willing to get soaked (in jeans and runners) at a splash park with her. Most importantly, he stocked his freezer with a few containers of ice-cream, just for her.


We spent some time with Amy's friend Izzy and her parents at their cabin one day. As you might notice, Amy is not big on wearing clothes when she swims.


Amy and I drove with my brother and nephew to Banff. We 'climbed' mountains, went on hikes and drove to Lake Louise. Of course, all that Amy was really interested in was ice cream!

Amy's second car (see referral pictures for the first) was bought this month. Nothing seems to make this girl happier than grabbing her purse, putting on lip gloss, combing her hair, and hopping into her car for a quick jaunt around the house! What a woman.

August

After I got a pedicure one day, Amy insisted that she should have blue toes as well. He put up a good fight, but Robin finally relented after much nagging on Amy's part and allowed her to have her toe nails painted. We've since changed colours numerous times.

(send picture to be inserted here, Kris)
Kristin's Grandmother was the Fjallkona at the Islendingadagurinn (Icelandic Festival) on the long weekend. This, of course, meant that Kristin was the Princess for her Grandmother and participated in official events that included the parade. Amy and Robin headed up to watch Kristin (and take in some rides!) for the afternoon. All Amy could talk about for days following was the "pretty dress" that Kristin got to wear.


We attended a picnic put on by our adoption agency one Saturday. Of course, Amy felt the best part was getting her face painted.


Heading back to the lake for some R & R was on the agenda at the end of the month. Robin, Amy and I hung out at Grandma's cottage, roasted marshmallows and did some gardening. It was a very relaxing way to end the summer.

Amy-isms

Amy's acquisition of the English language surprises us everyday. Here are a few of the cute things she has said lately.

Amy is very possessive about her possessions (as well as other people's possessions that she perceives to be hers) and will often proclaim them to be "mine's" or "my's". While on holiday this summer in Banff with my 15 year old nephew Scott, she would instruct him to "No look mountains Scotty! Mine's !". She will often reprimand Robin for touching or speaking to me by telling him "No talk (or touch) Mommy Daddy! Daddy talk (or touch) Amy!

When I am frustrated with her, I tend to call her Amy Clara. I realised this yesterday when she had spread her magnetic letters from the fridge all over the floor and I asked her who made the mess. To this she replied, "Daddy Clara" and extended her arms in annoyance.
Amy was in her tower in the kitchen when she spotted the picture of our family in front of Mao's portrait at the Forbidden City. She pointed and said, "Home!". My heart began to melt as I thought she must somehow remember China. Then she finished her thought with, "Home . . . Home Depot!" as she pointed out the orange flags in the background.