Motohs and pickies

We've had some great weather the past couple of days. So the kids were out on the deck and asked if they could clean off the dead leaves and brush. Well, yesssss. In the process, they discovered the bikes and so out they came.



Gaelle calls her bike a "motoh". They both have a blast being outside and it's been great to see Peter just pick up and ride a bike. He has a little trouble getting started and he has a bit of a problem steering. Today he ran into Gaelle and knocked her over. I gave a bit of a gasp but she calles out, "It's ok. It's ok Peterson!" And up she got.



Peter said, "Joyce would be so happy to see me ride a bike." He will be zipping around before we know it. And not knocking down innocent bystanders.



Yesterday we took the kids to Dr. Lewis to get some shots. The kids call them pickies. Needless to say this was not a highlight for Gaelle. We told the kids what we were going to the Dr for and they just love Dr. Lewis, but not enough to trust her with the pickies. Well, Peter was a brick. He told us he was going to cry but he took his 2 shots like it was nothing. The second he was finished Gaelle started her act. We had to hold her and just get it done. 2 pickies down, 3 to go. But we have a month's grace.



After the pickies we took the kids to a restaurant. The kids did great with the wait and praised the food. So I think we ended the day on a high.

Still getting to know the ocean

Peter is so funny because he is just adamant that he won't be swimming in the ocean. But it's all around us and it's always fun to visit. The weather was beautiful today so Robin took the kids and the dog into Point Pleasant Park in Halifax. This time they found sand and of course they rediscovered the joy of throwing rocks in the ocean.

Starting school

We've said that we'll take things day by day with Peter and Gaelle. It's so hard to make a plan because we've never been in this situation before. We really don't know what's just around the corner. So for right now, we've decided to send Peter to the local elementary school.He started on Thursday and will continue going mornings for this week. Next week is March break and then he'll probably transition to full days.



Peter getting ready to head out the door on his first day.



His new teacher.



He really is excited altho I'm not sure this photo shows that.



We all know it's really just all about the playground and Peter is pretty happy with this one.

New routines

Obviously with 2 little kids added to our family, things were going to change in a big way. We can't just leave the house whenever we want. An adult has to always be there for the kids and this is probably the biggest thing people mentioned to us. (But quite honestly.... not the biggest change for us... that would be the lack of sleep!)

"Why would you want to adopt now? You're somewhat independent! Your kids are almost grown up! What a change this is going to be!"

And it is. Just take running. I can't seem to get out of the house for a run more than 2 times a week. I just feel badly walking through the door after work and then heading back out. I'm trying for just 2 times through the week and once on the weekend. So far I haven't hit that but hopefully I will manage and balance things and it will work.

But for now, when it happens, I tell the kids that they can run with me when I get back. So the second I walk through the door after my run, the kids put on their sneakers and a vest (It HAS to be a vest.) and we head up the street hand in hand. They don't make it far but they have big smiles and are full of enthusiasm. And for now, it's just the way things are. And that's ok.

Catching up

This past weekend the kids had the chance to skype with Molly and Joyce back in Haiti. They were both thrilled and just lit up when they heard the familiar and beloved voices. They also were able to see the kids left behind who are going to France and some of the nannies. Technology is just amazing and such a blessing. Every day since then Gaelle has come to the computer and asked for Molly and Joyce. Still not quite sure why they just don't appear when she commands them to. I took a few video clips of them talking and they just light up all over again to hear the voices.

Sticking with the computer. We had a quiet weekend not leaving the house except for church. But Robin was determined to watch the final hockey game between the US and Canada. He sold Peter on the idea of a "Hockey Party". Orange pop and chips and Peter was right there cuddled up with Robin in the chair.



But what to do with Gaelle? She hasn't met a button she doesn't like to push so Robin went out and bought a Disney Princess computer game. I (Beth) was assigned the task of monitoring the button pushing. Fun, fun, fun. It was a little tiring to try and help her work a computer game but she was thrilled even if she couldn't do anything. She designed her black princess complete with accessories and then Princess Gaelle was off on her journey...pushing every key on the computer without being told, "Pa touche!!!"

That completely occupied our time until the end of the game. When Canada scored the final goal, Robin's shouts and cheers completely threw the kids for a loop. They just stared at him. Finally Peter joined in the "Go Canada" chant and Gaelle continued to just look bewildered. It was too funny.

Robin also introduced the kids to a few of the puppets we have in the house. I really wish we had gotten their reactions on film. Gaelle was terrified and Peter's burning question was "How is the puppet talking?" Robin was not even hiding the fact that he was the one talking. We found a couple of puppet videos that we have and let the kids watch the puppet shows. Again... Peter just couldn't comprehend how the puppets were singing and moving. It was so cute.



And again what's a post without some mention of the crazy influence from Kaylin. We took this picture while she was teaching the kids how to pose. Peter likes to call the girls "crazy" and we love to call him "silly".

Sweet 16 and Sweet 75

We had 2 birthdays this week. It's so hard to believe that Kaylin is 16. She's not our baby anymore... literally. She now has to give up her baby status to her litte brother and sister. This was a huge concern for our social worker, but Kaylin is doing great. I'm just loving the young lady she has become. She has always been kind and loving but she is developing a graciousness and empathy for others which is great to see.

We had a party with Grammy because she has a birthday on the same day. She came over and did well even though quite often, she doesn't deal well with evening activities. It's just too much. The kids were full of joy and fun and we all had lots of laughs.

Peter and Gaelle decorated with Robin and they even hauled out the princess cup for the birthday girl. It was so cute. Kaylin requested cheesecake which was yummy and a hit with all of us except Gaelle. That's ok... more for us. And Peter and Gaelle showed us how they eat avocados. You just mash them up and add them to rice and beans. Who knew?

Mr. Mom

Since Robin is taking family leave and I'm still working full time, people are always asking not only how the kids are doing but how Robin is doing. Well, he's doing great. Really. I am so impressed!!!! He was determined to stay home full time once the kids arrived and just enjoy the experience. And what an experience. He takes the kids to their medical appointments, to the market, to the playground, to school for an evaluation, to playgroups. He gets up with Gaelle in the middle of the night and teaches Peter how to count money and do his math. He translates for the kids for the rest of us... because moms always know what the kids are saying.



He keeps the house clean. He almost borders on obsseive. It's great!!!



And he introduces the kids to all these new experiences but he does it in just the right way. Always making sure both kids feel safe and secure.



He makes sure both kids have a chance to run off their energy in so many fun ways. Thanks hon. I'm so proud of you. Keep it up.

Jouer

It was great to finally get a nice good snow storm so the kids could really go outside and experience snow. We had so much snow Wednesday, Kaylin had off school and Beth didn't have to go to work. Time to play.



Gaelle didn't think much of the snow and cold when she first arrived but she loves to be outside now and doesn't seem to mind the cold at all. It was cute to watch her "help" us shovel. She does like to help with all tasks and is just as happy shoveling as sledding.



Peterson has embraced the snow since he first arrived and so nice fresh packy white stuff was great fun. I just love to see his smile as he totally engages in activity.



Robin decided to purchase a good wagon to help with Gaelle when he is taking the kids places. We don't want to be that parent that drives their child everywhere but the reality is that Peter will need close supervision for quite a while so it will be helpful to have the wagon.



Both kids "helped" Robin put it together. It was quite the project.



This has become quite common place here. Kaylin gets on her silly face and Peter and Gaelle are more than willing to act like crazy kids too.

Big sister

People are always asking us how Kaylin is doing. She's amazing. She is so good with the kids and is a huge help and they absolutely love her. I think they completely understand her role as big sister and they love it. We have had a few issues with her bedroom and yet I know the kids will learn to knock on her door if it's closed. We've all had a few chuckles as we try to get used to little people surprising us by opening closed doors. I guess that's why they made locks.

More swimming fun

We took the kids to the family swim in our community on Saturday night. Kaylin came along and took pictures for us. It went better than I expected. Peter just LOVES the water!!! He told Robin that he wasn't allowed to go the pool without him.



It's so funny to watch Peter because he's in constant motion the entire time. He seems totally oblivious to the people around him. He tells us, "Watch me. I swim like a dolphin." And then he jumps off and splashes around.



As soon as we arrived he saw the slide. It's not big and could easily be in somebody's back yard pool so he decided to try it. Robin was in the water to "catch" him but when his head popped back up he said, "That was not fun!" We chuckled. Apparently he didn't like the feeling of going down so far in the water. Maybe next week.



We gave ourselves a time limit of 1 hour and Gaelle sat on the side of the pool for about 45 minutes. She splashed us when we came by but she would not come with us in the water. She didn't want a life jacket and she DID NOT want to be in our arms. A couple of times she started to slide her legs in the water, but then she quickly scooted out again.



Eventually she got her nerve up and she slid into my arms and away we went. She clung to me but she would lean over and dip her head into the water. She will get the hang of it pretty soon and I think she'll love the pool.