July 2010

July was a busy month, lots of things going on, but one of the highlights was the 2nd Annual Ottawa gathering of Vietnamese born children. Once again, my sister Sandy and her husband John opened their home, yard and hearts to us. A good time was had by all, and we were thrilled with the number of families that attended.



Here is Macy and her friend Ben enjoying a laugh on the deck.



Another highlight of the month was the Turning Two get together held by the family of children Turning Two.

Macy is enjoying a slide into the pool



Let me try out my balance act on this bike!



MMMMMM yummy cake, but I think I am pondering something serious.

Two Years Old

Two years ago, give or take a few days, a unknown woman across the world, made the decision to give up her newborn daughter. I will never know the circumstances of why, but each and every day I am Thankful. Because of her, I have Macy.


I read something recently about adoption.

......It is not that I have saved my daughter from a life of poverty in Vietnam, it is that she has saved me from a life of ordinary.

Life with Macy is never ordinary
Life with Macy is EXTRAORDINARY

One Summer Day

We spent the morning at the Twin Valley Zoo. It is a small local zoo, but it is a great place. We had lots of fun, and Macy was able to pet a few small animals (sorry no pics as there was no one with us)


A big hit was the play area


Hey, you are not MY Mom, Quick, back to the one I belong to!


They can't get me if they stay in the cage!


I love the Zoo, and I love this stroller.

More Canada Day Pics

Canada Day 2010

We decided to venture out and enjoy the local Canada Day Celebrations. Great weather, great entertainment and a great time.

Moose??? Where is there a Moose?

Another Milestone

May 27, for me was another important day. It was One Year ago that Macy arrived in Canada. We were met at the airport by wonderful friends and family. Macy has grown and changed so much since that day, it is hard to imagine it is only One Year. I can only hope that the next 80 or 90 years will be wonderful for Macy.


Macy enjoys any type of water activity, swimming, bathing, water play.




Macy loves bikes of all kinds, motorbikes, motorcycles, and bicycles.

Happy One Year Anniversary

One year ago today, Macy and I became a Forever Family. Yesterday we returned from a Wonderful 3 week vacation in Vietnam. What more can I say, LIFE IS GOOD!


A wonderful relaxing day with Mom and Aunt Kathy at the Diamond Bay resort in Nha Trang Vietnam




Enjoying lunch in HCMC

What a Difference a Year Makes

One year ago today, Kathy and I were on a plane, anxious to get to Hanoi, even more anxious to finally meet the little girl who would become my daughter. I remember thinking how lucky I was to be able to have this opportunity to have a daughter in my life. I had no idea how truly blessed I would be. Macy has enriched my life beyond my wildest dreams. I had no idea of the fun that we would be able to have, including this recent trip back to Vietnam. We have been able to explore HCMC and a few surrounding areas. We spent 5 relaxing days with Kathy at a resort in Nha Trang, relaxing by the pool and and on the beach as we gazed at the South China Sea. (Kathy's husband and son went to Angkor Wat in Cambodia) I actually drove a motorbike here in HCMC without falling off and hurting myself. Tonight is our last night in this wonderful country. We leave tomorrow night, May 2 at 11pm. Last year, in the early wee hours of May 2, I arrived in this country, eager to begin the next stage in my life. This year, as I was last year, I am sad to leave. I know we must go home, but I am sad to leave this wonderful, beautiful, lush, tropical place that allowed me to have a Forever Family with my wonderful Macy. What a Difference a Year can Make.


Just a few shots of our trip

The Beach in Nha Trang



Bamboo along the Saigon Rivers edge


A Day at the HCMC Zoo


A fun day with Macy

Cu Chi Tunnels

I originally wrote this on Sat Apr 23, but could not get it to post.
On Friday, Kathy and I left Macy at home with Ron and Devon and we headed up the Sai Gon River to Cu Chi. Cu Chi is the area north of Saigon that has approx 250 km of underground tunnels that were used during the Vietnam/American War by the Viet Cong. We were thrilled with the trip. The tunnels themselves are amazing, the trip up the Saigon River by boat was a great treat and our guide knew his history. The tunnels are so very small, made for the physical structure of the Vietnamese, and the whole area is an amazing place to visit. We were both so glad we went.

Two of the many river views as we motored up the Saigon River to the Tunnels





A daring visitor trying out the tunnels for size



And there he goes!!!!

School Fun

fun with hoola hoops


petting the goats with Aunt Kathy


Macy with Aunt Kathy's Grade 1 class at the Zoo


the view from Stella's restaurant in the Backpackers district

What a Wonderful Week

We have had a wonderful week. We started the week with our trip to Vung Tao. On Tuesday we headed to Ben Thanh Market to do some shopping. It was fun. Lots of questions about Macy. I am sure most thought she belonged to Devon. At one point one of the ladies asked Devon if Macy's mother was Vietnamese, he shrugged his shoulders and pointed to me and said, that is her mother there. We figured they thought that Macy belonged to Devon, but when they realized she was originally from here, they were all smiles. I didn't buy much, just a few small things.
Wednesday late morning we headed to Kathy and Ron's school. Macy and I spent a few minutes in Kathy's class. The children were wonderful, very respectful of Macy. They were quiet and let her come to them, and very quickly she was happily wandering around the class, checking everyone out. The children were thrilled. She amused them with the words she knows, and the children all drew pictures for Macy. We had lunch with Kathy and Ron and a few of the other teachers, hung out in Ron's office for a bit where Macy had a blast playing with balls and the hoola hoops before heading home. The other PE teacher,Kathryn, a wonderful lady from Montreal came for dinner, and of course Macy entertained us all after dinner.
This morning was Zoo Day. We joined Kathy and 3 other teachers with their classes at the Zoo. Again Macy was great with the kids, and she was thrilled with the animals. She was petting goats and sheep in the petting area and was all Oohs and Aaw's when she saw the elephants, zebra's, giraffes, ostrich, monkeys, etc.
Devon, Macy and I had a great lunch in the backpacker district while we watched daily life in Saigon. Kathy and I are heading up the Saigon River by boat in the morning to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Macy is staying home with Ron and Macy. I'll let you know if I actually get near the tunnels, as they are veeeeeery small.

Pics

I finally got to edit the blog. Here is Devon enjoying the shade of the trees in the afternoon.

We had a wonderful time in the town of Vung Tao.

check out the last line of the sign. It is great to know that some of the businesses support the orphanages.

Macy catching a nap under the shade of the tree.

Here is Macy enjoying a laugh with her cousin Devon.

Another Wonderful Day in Vietnam

Sorry for no pictures but the image loader will not work here today.(It is hit and miss what loads and what does not, and if it does not work now it probably will work sometime later, so check back for pics later.

We had another wonderful day. Today, Devon, Macy and I visited the small coastal town of Vung Tau. We travelled by hydrofoil down the Saigon River to the South China Sea. Even the trip there and back was interesting as there was an assortment of ships, boats etc to be seen along the way. It was a beautiful weather day (as most seem to be) and we took advantage of the ocean breeze and wandered along the road until we found a nice little place for breakfast. It was so nice to sit and relax, watch the water and the world go by. After breakfast, we wandered around, enjoyed the scenery, and finally ended up in a park where we joined the locals in bit of relaxing time. We picked out our little shady spot under the trees and were ready to spend more time watching the world go by. Macy napped, Devon read and I just relaxed. After a couple of hours and a bit more people watching we headed back to the same cafe for a late lunch. We ended the afternoon with a great time laughing and being silly, a great day for sure.

Greetings from Vietnam

Greetings, Macy and I arrived here in HCMC safe and sound. The trip was not bad at all, we were able to get some sleep on both flights as we had several seats to stretch out on. We have been relaxing, Macy is still jet lagged and awake almost all night, but I am hoping for more sleep at night tonight. We have been out for a few meals, and as usual the food in this country is amazing. After a wonderful lunch out, Kathy and I treated ourselves to a pedicure this afternoon before we got a few groceries and Macy came home with Uncle Ron and slept the afternoon away at home. Here is a picture of the round about in front of Ben Thanh market, (a building full of small stalls selling clothes, hats, etc. etc.) And yes of course I purchased a few things.
Here is Kathy and Macy grabbing a cup of coffee to go.

Here is Macy enjoying her croissant and her mango smoothie while out for lunch with Mom and Aunt Kathy

Aunt Kathy and Macy as we stroll along a city street in District 1

Tomorrow is Sunday and I think the plan is to go to a downtown hotel for Tea and cupcakes.
On Monday, Devon, Macy and I are headed to Vung Tau for the day. It is a little beach town from the 50's that we get to via hydrofoil. Lots of suncreen will be needed. The rest of the week is not planned yet but I hope to get to the War Remnants Museum on one of the days.

It's warm here, or as my brother in law Ron says, Summer Time, Summer Time, All the Time All the Time.

Vacation Time

I know I have said it before, but where does the time go? Macy is changing so quickly, it makes me sad I cannot stay home and just watch the changes. But.... vacation time is upon us, and Macy and I are off on a jet plane to Vietnam. I will have 3 weeks of 24 hrs a day Macy and I cannot wait. Yes, I am travelling to Vietnam, with a 21 month old, and no other adult, ( I don't think I can count the others on the plane as they may not be inclined to pitch in and help keep her entertained) We are going to visit my sister Kathy, and we can hardly wait (well I can hardly wait and I keep telling Macy we are going on a plane, but she just laughs and smiles) We leave in less than 2 weeks. This time last year, I was still waiting for the Invitation to Travel, so I find it hard to believe it is already time for another visit. I know I am so lucky to have a sister living in the country that gave me the opportunity to parent the fantastic little girl that is my daughter. I am so lucky to be able to experience another part of the country. I will try to blog when we are there ( I have been told I better blog at least a few times) In the mean time, enjoy a few recent pics of Macy.

Fun Times

All ready for a trip to the pool for a swim and taking the new bike for a walk.

Many New Things

I admit it, I am a lazy poster. It has been far too long since I last posted. Time just seems to fly and there is never enough time. Macy is now 20 months old, and continues to amaze me each day. since I last posted, we have had an exciting time. We spent one night admitted to the hospital with breathing issues, the week after that Macy did a flip off the bed, landing on her neck with her head bend back, so that involved an ambulance, a neck brace, a backboard and a trip to the ER. After getting all checked out, and finding out all was well, we were free to go. The following week I got a call from the daycare, could I come and get Macy, she had a temp of 104F. which is just over 40C for all the metric types. So, a trip to the walk in was involved. While at the walk in getting her checked out, I happened to mention to the DR, (one of the docs that I know from work) that Macy has been scratching at her skin, and getting the odd hive or two. The next morning when I saw him when he was at the hospital, he mentioned that children her age should not be getting hives and referred us to the paediatrition. We have since had that appointment and I was told Macy has a food sensitivity and I should try taking a food group away to see waht happens. We are now off all milk products and so far no hives and no itching.
We have also been having lots of fun. Lots of walks, rides in the wagon, a new bike, she would not put her helmet on so I would not let her ride it. She spent the time taking it for a walk up and down the side walk in front of our house.
We were sad to miss dinner this past Friday with other adoptive Mom's and children but the 1.5 hr drive in good weather was too much for a little one when the weather and traffic would have made it well over 2 or 2.5 hr one way, I just could not do that to her. Hopefully next dinner we will get there.
We are looking forward to going to Vietnam to visit Aunt Kathy, just not looking forward to the flight.

18 MONTHS

My Little Princess is 18 months old today. Happy 1.5 years to you my Little One. You are the Light of my Life. I am so lucky to be your Mom.


Macy recently enjoyed her first sleigh ride,








and continues to love her wagon.

EIGHT MONTHS

Christmas morning was lots of fun, Macy may not understand the Christmas Season, but she sure understood the presents part of it.













A few weeks before Christmas, Macy was busy wrapping her dolls in the bags for her bottles.




Macy enjoyed the Christmas Party at Mommies work. Santa brought her a big box of blocks.

It is almost impossible to believe that it has been 8 months since my Princess Macy was placed in my arms. She continues to amaze me each and every day. We had a wonderful 1st Christmas and New Years. Kathy and Ron were home from Vietnam, and Macy was happy to charm them each and every day.