WEE LITTLE GIRLS!!!

TWO OF EM!!!

Gotta go visit Deb at Sugar & Spice

and

Kris at Tell Her This

(I did say, I'd come back for very special occasions?!!)

CONGRATULATIONS to both lovely ladies and their families! So So GOOD!

Its been four months!

Time's flown, yet on the other hand, it feels like Tiny has been with us forever. Its been a truly remarkable four months. We've seen Tiny really blossom, and show us who she really is (including her incredibly stubborn side!) As with any toddler, there is the good, the bad and the ugly - although for the most part, its definitely pretty good! :) And look! her hair is growing!!! Our little peanut, is also getting a little taller, she's actually wearing some size ones (or 12 mth size) now!! WooHoo!! She's almost 21 months old, and is talking alot more too! She's also decided as of last weekend... sleeping isn't her thing - which is really starting to tick me off! Especially when she lulled me into a false sense of security, by sleeping 12 hours straight every night (for the last 4 months!) - so what's with this screaming half the night, now?!!!

Just wanted to shout out to two incredibly precious families, who've travelled along with me on my journey, and I with them. Huge hugs to BellaLuna & to PugMama - I am just so so happy for you - I could burst!

We're all well (except, my hacking cough), happy and well adjusted. Life is good.

The time has come?

I guess you've been waiting for it? I've been thinking it for a long while. Its time to close this chapter.

I had great intentions of journaling / blogging our new life as a family of five. But I just don't seem to have the time, and everything seems so mundane! We live a very busy life, of just doing life. I can't seem to keep up with reading all my fav. adoption blogs. Or even surf the net.

Tari isn't a figment of our imagination anymore. Our long awaited and dreamed about child in China. She is living and breathing in our family. She IS us. Our journey is no longer about "adoption", rather living and enjoy life.

I was told, before Tari came home, that its not really about "adoption", its about your son or daughter. I heard it - but it didn't feel like it, because she wasn't in my arms. It WAS about adopting a child from China. I knew that child was my son or daughter... but it was about waiting, process and Ch!na Ad0ption Affairs.

Now, she's Tari. She's our daughter and our sister. She was born in China - but long long before, she was born in our hearts and our dreams.

My newest hobby is to digital scrapbook, and it's pretty much all I've been posting anyway - so I've created a new blog, for my pages. There won't be chit-chat - just pictures that tell a thousand words. So, if you want to still see us - we'll be at
www.scrappy-bug.blogspot.com

I may post here, at Aust2China every now and then - so keep me bloglined, (or not!) ~ I just don't want to feel like I must post something, at regular intervals!

Lastly, THANK YOU, to my regular readers, and an incredible network of friends that I've met through blogland. Your comments certainly pulled me out of some pretty dark moments over the last four years. They've made me laugh, smile, and feel loved.

THANK YOU.

Couldn't stop!!!

Some days, I got 'nudda'. Now creativity at all.

And then other days... I just can't stop!!! I downloaded that latest two freebie kits (see last post for links) - that lead me to Enchanted Studio Scraps - where I picked up 3 more kits for only $1 each!

I just realised, I have done two "birthday" pages, of Miss M, in a row (by accident!) This one is on her first birthday...
This one is her birthday last year...

3 months

... since our dreams came true.










So how did we celebrate our "3 months together" anniversary... we went to the hospital and had blood drawn (well Tiny, did anyway!) Poor darling. Screamed like a banchee. Thankfully, the nurse was awesome, and hit the vein first go, and the blood flowed. Took about a minute!

Just a quick note, to visit Stacey for her new freebie kit "Space Cadet" and then head on over to Mel's Lightbulb Moments or Color with Caryn or Scrappyweiss for their new collaborative kit, "Make Believe". Awesome stuff, girls!

Tiny speaks

Tiny has just started saying "Chewy"... and it sounds so cute! You also get bonus footage of my son, picking his seat!

Hope you all had a Happy Mothers Day! I was pampered all day, got special handmade gifts, cards and poems and Miss M asked Mr T to buy me a couple of "Will0w Tree" Statues. I got the Mother & Son one, and the Mother & Daughter one. A beautiful addition to my growing collection!

I entered this page into a competition, I'm not that keen on the layout, but love the photos! Tiny was fully checking out Miss M... I mean, EVERY orifice!!!

And I made this one, just for fun! Tiny LOVES to rip up tissues or pieces of paper into a thousand pieces... usually just after I've vaccuumed?!!

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!

The last few Mother's Days, there was something missing. THIS Mother's Day, I couldn't feel more complete! We are all doing very well, albeit ultra busy. Prioritising has become the key, to getting through each day. Slowly but surely, things are getting done.

Here's a little montage of pages, reflecting my "motherhood". My hearts are with those of you, who are celebrating their first Mother's Day with their child/children and especially to my dear friends, holding onto their dreams, of their waiting child/children. Blessings to you ALL.

And to my wonderful Mum... I love you, wish you were here.

Sw!ne Flu

Here in Adelaide, my home City, we have lots of brass statues and "arty" sculputures up our main shopping street... apparently Adelaide is also home to a few comedians?!!

Cracked me up!!! We are very serious about flu prevention here!!!

Tonight, I snuck into Tiny's room, while she slept, and snapped this gorgeous photo, of my angel, snuggling her "Tuli Cat". So sweet... I've never seen her cuddle anything before!

I also whipped up a couple of pages for the newest Digi Chicks Challenge. I couldn't decide if I wanted to do Grunge or Shabby Chic, so I did one of each!

My Shabby Chic page, features my niece (who took the "Captivated" photo of Tiny, below) - I love this photo of her.

Also, Stacey has a new freebie kit out! Love Pink & Navy!

All I do is scrapbook?

Quick update on family news: We are so busy!!! I'm slowly getting my head around, all that needs to be done each day, and prioritising certain days, to get certain things done. I guess its a start?! I've got so much bookwork to do, but I'm getting there. This week I started a "one sleep" a day routine, with Tiny. The first couple of days, she only slept just over an hour. She's getting better, I think the longest she slept was 2.5 hrs. (thats more like it!) Tiny has had a few tough days, this last week. She truly is an amazing little girl. Not sure what brought on the little tantrums, maybe it was the kids going back to school, after 2 weeks of holidays? I'm finally taking Tiny to the Paediatrician this week. That'll be fun, I'm sure!

Miss M had her sports day, on Friday. She did really well - didn't come first or anything, but did a great job anyway! It rained (again - it rains at her sports day, every year).

Before the kids go to sleep, I say prayers with them. H-man tends to have bad dreams, so he's taken to asking God for particular dreams! (ie. "Dear God, I pray that I dream about playing soccer and playing with my friends etc). Well the other night he prays "Dear God, I pray that I dream about my friends having a sleepover, and Miss H* (Hman's teacher), can sleep in that bed over there"!!!! (he has 2 beds in his room!) Oh gosh, took everything within me, not to pee my pants laughing.

OK, so you're probably thinking, all I do all day, is sit around scrapbooking?!!! Its not true!!! I do spend about an hour or so a day (more, if Mr T is out late) putting together special pages for my kids. I love the challenge of a blank page (and a new kit)!! Sometimes when I take a photo - I already know, what kit I'm going to use, to present that photo!!! Oooo - I got it bad, don't I?!!!

Well the juices most have been flowing on Thursday night (while Mr T was out late!) and I whipped up a few more pages!

Photos - no dribbling!

No dribbling on... just gorgeous kids, today!

This is my favourite. My 14 yr old niece took this picture - isn't it beautiful??

Attachment issus etc

Of late, I've read on several of my fav. blogs, how life with an adopted toddler can not only be hard, but throw all sorts of "curly" ones at ya! Stuff that isn't "common sense" to us, Western Folk! I read a dozen books, on attachment / bonding / adoption "blues" etc, before we brought Tiny home. Of course, things are always different when you have a "real live, in-the-flesh" baby or toddler at home! I'll admit, I'm naive. I've never been one to claim to have it "altogether", or sprout knowledge on parenting. I do speak from my own experience, and my thoughts. Well, the more I get together with fellow Mum's, the more my thoughts change! That's normal, right?! I tell ya, when I do talk with my Mum friend's - I certainly walk away, thinking I'm a moron, sometimes!!!

What am I prattling on about? I'm a bit embarrassed to say, I was one who thought "How on earth can a newborn remember his or her beginnings?" Coz that made sense to me. Now, after many hours of talking and reading, I DO believe that its possible. As I said before, I don't claim to know everything... not very much at all, in fact! But I want to know more. I want to try to understand. I get very confused, as I get told "but my 18 month old is doing that, and she's not from an orphanage" so I struggle with what exactly is "normal" and what is not?

Our baby girl has only been with us 2 and a bit months. Its very very early days. I've got no idea what the future holds - I can only pray that Tiny grows up to feel loved, secure and protected. Take each day as it comes.

OK, I've done waaay to much thinking - here's the good stuff! Another free kit, at Stacy's blog (and links to 2 other blogs from there!) Mr T was watching some "shoot em up" thing on tv last night, I wasn't in the mood - so it was a good excuse to hit the scrapbooking!

I designed this page for a friend's little girl, and loved it so much, I had to do one for Tiny too!

More pages, more freebies

This first page is made with the freebie kit (all except the wings on Tiny) See the links below

A couple of these, I did a while ago, but can't remember if I posted them?! I found another freebie kit, if you're interested, on Loucee Creations blog & Vicki's blog (they did a collab-kit).

My washing machine, appears to be working normally... for now! At least the repair dude, didn't charge me for the last visit. He said "the belt had partially come off, that doesn't normally happen".... of course not! it would only happen in THIS house!!!

What's the go? I have a new baby in the house, I'm completely exhausted, don't get anything achieved all day - I mean NOTHING! I start a thousand things, but nothing actually gets done. What is most ridiculous, is I have two children before Tiny, and I'm still shocked at all this?!!! How quickly I forget. Due to the exhaustion (that I feel very embarassed about, because tiny is a GREAT sleeper), and the frustration that I'm not achieveing anything, and the pressure of another person relying on me to meet their needs... I had a bit of a melt down this week. I feel so pathetic, as I've had 2 other babies, why aren't I more prepared? Because nothing prepares you. Not even past experience. I chucked a huge wobbly at Mr T, I cried, I threw stuff, I had lots of "I'm so pathetic" thoughts. I am OK. I'm just trying to find my groove. I'm just a little "derailed" at the moment. I know I'll pull it all together. The seams just exploded this week. For whatever reason, I felt so under pressure, so many people relying on me.... and can't get things done.

Ahhhh. I guess there's always next week.

When I look around me, I know I'm blessed beyond comprehension. I have absolutely nothing to complain about, whatsoever. I pick myself up. And I will try again.

Kits & Bits!

I've quickly put together these two pages, from the new freebie kit from Stacy. The kits are only free for one week - so get over there and download now! I use Photoshop Elements, then download or buy kits online. Kits are usually around $1-$6 if you want to buy. Here are a couple of great stores: Sunshine Stuidos, Groovy Scraps, Scrap that idea, Peppermint Creations, Lilypad, Free Digital Scrapbooking, And then there are the blogs that offer free kits - see a my post from last week for links. Its easy-peasy, and I love it!

This first page, is from our Bali holiday in 2004, H-man had his 3rd birthday in Bali! We went on an "Elephant Safari" - was really cool!

This next page, was from our last trip, in March, we visited the new Bali Safari Park, and got to pat a real live lion (albiet I'm pretty sure he was totally wasted on some kind of sedative!)

My Washing Machine. Ahhhh, my beloved machine. It pooped itself again, on Easter Sat (why does it always happen on a long weekend - then I have to wait four days before I can even ring anyone, let alone have someone come out and fix it?!!) The repair dude, took my (rusty) little motor away, and said it'll either be the brushes ($165), or the motor ($380). A week later, my (rusty) little motor was returned, with new brushes. Its all fixed. Its still screaming like a banshee, but it working, so I'm happy. Well, kinda happy. I can't believe the amount of washing we stack up in 10 days! Our little weekend trip away, added to the carnage, because we had a bonfire too! Nice. Nothing like smoke to go through an entire bag of clothes. I managed to get about 5 loads done yesterday. I reckon there's another 10 sitting on my laundry floor! (no kidding!) I'd just stripped all the beds, the day the machine pooped itself too - so there's sheets and towels everywhere as well. And you people thought it couldn't happen - but Tiny HAS run out of long pants (that fit her). Truly. So we're down to a bit of a mish-mash ensemble today, of a mini skirt and stripey tights!

WASHING MACHINE UPDATE (5pm Wed) - Would you believe, it's shat itself again?!!! Un-freakin-believable. This time, the repair dude thinks it sounds like the belt, its either busted, or just slipped off. OH FOR PETE SAKE!!!! WHY THE HECK DIDN'T YOU CHECK THE "WHOLE" DARN MACHINE, THE LAST 3 TIMES YOU'VE BEEN HERE?!!!!! I'm really really not happy now. Still got about 5 loads on the floor - one wet one in the machine - and he's coming back in 2 days. Thankfully, I have a wonderful neighbour, who's letting me wash the "wet load" in her machine. Think I'll be visiting the laundramat tonight, to get the rest done. I'm TOTALLY sick of having piles of laundry all over my house. Oh yeah - is forecast for 5 days of rain. Typical.

And I've said the best til last:

HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to my wonderful QLD friend's who finally their beautiful children in their arms. Thinking of you all, as you and your kiddies work through these initial days. No, its not really easy for anyone. But it gets better (and then it gets worse) then it gets better again! (once you're a parent, this cycle happens forever, I think?!!! Biological or not!!!)

River Weekend

I was going to make a slideshow, but that sounds like, all a bit too much work, tonight!

Tiny had a ball, exploring all the sticks, bark, leaves, bottle caps and even the odd cigarette butt (ewww!) Here she is proudly presenting a big piece of bark she thought was very valuable!

Just clowning around (who else thinks she looks "cute as" in this outfit?)

Sunrise, on the river. God Bless Mr T, for getting up, and taking a very vocal Tiny out for an early morning (630am!) stroll along the river!

Mr T even took Tiny on the Ferry!We're all up - time to chase Tiny! (yes, she's still in her PJs!)

Going back for a re-run... of course, there were fierce arguments over, who actually won... I was too busy trying to take the photo, I didn't see!

Father & Daughter. Mr T decided to go all "Grizzly Adams" for the weekend! (note: stubble)

Father, Son, & "youngest" daughter! (Miss M took this pic.. isn't it great?!)

H-man digging his way to China?!

Watchin' how the big chicks do it? Do you dig it?!
H-man has an unusual take on "boat ride"! And there's no show without Punch - Tiny goes in to inspect!

Drive home... 1.5 hrs.

We had a great weekend. Tiny slept well, in her porta-cot, and even napped in her pram.

Just had to say a HUGE THANK YOU to Old Uncle Tommy and Hot-Mama Auntie Linda (didn't think you'd appreciate "Old" Auntie Linda!), and to your wonderful "River Friends", for being awesome hosts. For feeding us. For taking us out in your awesome boat. For "accomodating" our children! For "going without". And for just being great friends. THANK YOU. (now, that I've kissed your butt - I imagine the pay rise you expect is off the cards?!!)

Also, as you know, I'm a bit addicted to digital scrapbooking. I've stumbled across some fantastic blogs that offer free kits. So I thought, I'd let you know when a freebie comes up. Stacy has one this week, called Cirle of Life. Great for all those Zoo trip photos! I'll post some of my latest pages tomorrow. If you're into gorgeous kits - you should also check out SCRAP THAT IDEA store, they have loads of super cheap ones, and very reasonably priced new ones.

Gone...

Up River!

See ya next week!

Love n Chocolate

(Overload of the elements!)

Just had to show this one... I thought she looked uber gorgeous today in her blue dress and white headband! (which she surprisingly kept on, most of the day!) I also found a baby hairbrush, which Tiny loved, and kept trying to "brush" the headband!!!

Just had to add one of H-Man too... (back in the day, when he was a different super hero, everyday!)

Spending my time..

SCRAPBOOKING! Its 11:10am Good Friday, and I'm still in my PJs!! Excellent!!!

While Tiny had her morning sleep, I thought I'd mess around with my digi-scrapbooking (again!) - its very addictive you know!! Anyway, here's what happened...

I think this one is my favourite~

I really like digital scrapbooking!

Happy Easter to you All

If not for Christ, I would not have everlasting life. I'm forever thankful, for Christ's sacrifice ~ just for me. May God richly bless you, this Easter, and always... I know He has blessed me, beyond my comprehension.

This Easter I'm so aware of God's goodness, as I look into my daughter's eyes. He's answered every prayer, and fulfilled every dream. I love my family. I'm so blessed.

Progress Report

Firstly HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO: this lady, this family & this family! I've followed these wonderful women, for about 3.5 years. I've seen them go through good times and bad. All the while holding on to their dream, of a daughter. At last, that dream is fulfilled... well, almost! In less than two months, these families will have their daughter's in their arms. I'm so so happy for you guys! Gives me goosebumps, and brings back so many wonderful memories of my own. It still boggles my mind, how I could feel so close, to so many "strangers" that I've never even met, who are so far away. I'm blessed to call the girls, my friends.

A friend emailed me, and asked how Tiny was going - so here's the skinny (I'm feeling extremely lazy tonight, so I've just copied and pasted from my email to her!!)

Well you know she's walking on her own now. Doesn't crawl at all now.
Knows her "nose" and "ear" and points to them when asked
Knows her name & our names (although doesn't say them, she'll look at the person if you mention their name)
She gives kisses now, when you ask for a kiss... awwww... its so sweet!
She's not a "cuddly" girl though. Will have a short cuddle when she wakes up, but she is definitely little Miss Independent!
Freaks out when I leave the room... even if she can see me, but can see I'm leaving, she starts a whiney-cry!
She loves Mr T now - and the kids, and doesn't like going to other people, even women.
She says Ta
She's eating steamed rice again (she refused to eat it once we left China!) but only if it has soy sauce on it!
She LOVES sweet stuff - especially CHOCOLATE!
Eats just about everything, but doesn't like tomato (or pasta with tomato base sauce)

Prefers "soupy" kind of food
Shes VERY loud!

She gives Milo a run for his money, in the pooping stakes!!!
Loves her bath - any water, for that matter!
Not so keen on the dogs. Is getting better. But TOTALLY let the "I've never been more scared in my life" scream when they first came near her.
Hated grass, but if ok with it now.. still not her favourite thing!
Haven't taken her to the beach yet... so the sand will be interesting!
LOves music, and dance when she hears it (even if its just one of her toys!) - she even bops along in the car!
She waves her fingers in the air, and sings... that means she wants you to sing twinkle little star
Loves books.
Not interested in TV - not even Wiggles etc
Not interested in dolls or teddies at all, but loves to push her own stroller, and dolls strollers
Doesn't like things on her head or in her hair - is keeping them on a little longer now, maybe 15 mins.
She laughs out loud, often - its the sweetest sound!

So thats about it, rivetting stuff, hey?!

Here's a movie, from tonight. Mr T found if he stomped hard on the floorboards, they made a loud sound, which totally enthralled Tiny!!! I just love her laugh, its contagious. She totally looks like "Happy Feet" at the end of the movie!! And Mr T looks like he's from the "RiverDance" troop!! (PS sorry for the crap heap looking lounge room... ironing board is out - high chair is out - magazine on the floor!!! Where the heck are those cleaning fairies?!!)

Here's a couple of pics from today... I just can't get enough of this face!!! She pulls 100 different faces everyday! She cracks me up!

And here's the finale.... I WANT YOU TO GIVE ME A CAPTION FOR THIS PHOTO - leave it in the comments! I'll pick a winner in a few days... you won't win anything, other than the satisfaction that you're a witty, clever individual!!

Milo's birthday

Its Milo's birthday today, and to celebrate, our friend (who owns Milo's Mummy and Dadd) threw a first birthday party, at the beach, for the 6 puppies! It was hilarious! We got official invitations on a photo of the Mummy and Daddy dogs. We were set to have coffee at the Kiosk on the beach, at 830am. When we got up, it was pouring with rain! Not great beach weather (particularly with 3 kids, and 2 dogs!)

Here's some pics:

"Good grief! Do you know what time it is... on a SUNDAY morning? And you've dragged me down to the beach, in the wind and rain? What sort of Mother are you, anyway? I'm ringin' the social worker."

Miss M gives Milo a walk before the rest of the party goers arrive


Chewy prefers to run

Windy Beach

CHAOS!!!If you can believe it - Milo's Mummy and Daddy are both very curly Spoodles... I think Milo was the milkman's puppy?!!

I wanted to get some nice pics of the three kids together, for a gift I'm making for my Mum and Mum-in-law for Mothers Day... thought they were really good (finally! a decent pic of the 3 of them together!!)