Behavior Lessons...

Yes..Behavior lessons, discipline..I suppose it all means the same..
As much as I would love to continue telling you how sweet, good, well mannered, and intellingent Olyvia is...so-so days are becoming more and more frequent with our little angel..However...she is still all of those wonderful things and more!

From what I read in the books..she is testing us..learning to express herself...seeing what her boundaries are...I confess, she has had limited boundaries...I am terrible at discipline, and honestly I always have an excuse for her..such as, "She is still a baby", "She has attachment issues from adoption", "With all she has been through, I cannot possibly enforce rules".."I will start next week"...ect..ect...ect...Although, all of my excuses are true..I do not want "that" kid...and we all know what "that" kid means...So...I must fight back the tears, hold my head up high, be consistent, and set boundaries..Gosh..I sound like my mother!

I have decided to begin a sticker chart, a basic chart, perfect for a two year old..It will hopefully allow Liv to follow simple daily tasks, and begin to follow directions..(She doesn't do that so well either)..I have begun the process with only a few tasks, brush your teeth, comb your hair, wash your hands, pick up your toys and take a nap...we shall see...

It has been entertaining watching how she "debates" with us on everything..She is very strong willed and I am hoping that what they call "The terrible twos" will soon change to the fabulous threes!!

Happy 1st Birthday Sweetheart!

Fairy Wings and Goodie Bags...Party Dresses and Hats....Nothing says "sweet" more then the perfect accessories!

Preparing for a 1st Birthday!!

When I think of Emsley..so much goes through my mind...I will never forget the day I found out I was pregnant with her, June 6th, 2007...It was the same day we saw Olyvia's sweet face for the very first time...This day will always be embedded in my memory...I also tearfully recall June 26th, 2007..the day the doctors told me we would lose our baby and immediate surgery was necessary...I was heartbroken...another child lost...

June 28th, 2007...at my post-op appointment, blood work confirmed an active pregnancy, and once again, the doctors were wheeling me in...With the swish of a wand...a tiny heartbeat in my uterus...The doctors were wrong..Science was wrong...our baby was..a tiny shadow of what appeared to be a "peapod"...but there, a surprise to all..the beginning of a life.

Emsley, your life was saved for a reason..I believe this..From the very first stage of "life", yours was compromised on so many levels. Yet...through all of the obstacles you faced beginning at only 5 weeks of age..you succumbed all doubts and continued to flourish..I remember my morning sickness (oh to well), I remember watching my tummy grow as you grew..There are times I feel a twitch in my stomach, and it reminds me of the first time I felt you kick...

If there is anything I want you to grow up knowing, it is that you are HERE for a reason..God has great intentions for you...He saved you. When Science said you were no more and took you from me, somehow your life was gently placed safely in my uterus..It was here for eight months you grew..until January 25th 2008...you ARE a miracle my love...and there is nothing that will ever convince me otherwise..

Sunday marks such a milestone in all of our lives...You have brought me so much happiness. In a way, I believe you saved me...After so many losses, you came..at the right time, when I had just begun to lose all hope. You came..You make me smile everyday...You are the highlight of your fathers day, and you are and will always be my baby...

From pink, green and lavender decor..to the sound of laughter that surrounds the Children's Museum...to the family and friends that will surround you on this wonderful day..and with all of the kisses and hugs you will receive..I wish you nothing but happiness, and I can only pray you will continue to feel the love that surrounds you......

Cold, snowy days and a packed schedule!! Welcome January....

The winter has arrived, and oh my!! The snow seems never ending, and the cold...FRIGID! As outdoor play has ended for several months..we are keeping a very busy schedule...
Olyvia continues music class and gymnastics, but has added Chinese language Classes to her week!! Yes, "Mamma Frances" and Lilly (2 years old) spend enjoyable days with Olyvia keeping her busy. From tea parties to Handy Mandy, the trio enjoy a few hours of play and learning the Chinese language...Mamma Frances and Lilly are from Guangzhou, China where Olyvia spent the first nine months of her life!! I am very excited Olyvia has an opportunity to spend time with others from her Country, and more importantly learn the language of her culture. So cool!

Emsley was enrolled in a music class for the first time!! This will be a trial period for her, as I am taking it slow...I hope she loves it!!
Speaking of Ms. Emsley...she will be turning one in just a few weeks! Unbelievable! This little gal came into this world almost a month early, and my goodness...she is a "little person"...a toddler...She is almost ONE!! I am steadily preparing for her first birthday party which will be held at the DuPage Children's Museum...From presents to decorations, to the perfect cake (Her cake is going to be a replica of the one pictured above, thank you Cake Girls!)...I am ensuring a perfect day for my baby....More on Emsleys first year of life to come!!

Happy January to you all!!

Sisters are best friends, brought together by nature...

Playing together, fighting with each other, hugging and kissing each other, falling asleep on the floor together, and just...watching each other...what a great age Livy and Emsley are in...They actually stand in their cribs looking at each other laughing and babbling...Sleep schedules are a little altered right now, but is it worth it!!
I have to tell you watching how their relationship is blossoming is just..pure excitement for me! They are both developing such awesome personalities, and luckily thus far, they do not clash with one another...
Two and a half years ago I prayed to be a mother, I longed for a child...I loved my family and husband with all my heart...but never did I prepare myself for the LOVE I would ever have for my child...As these two beautiful spirits grow, my heart just fills more and more with affection and wanting to give it all to my children...
This year I have so much hope for Livy and Emsley..I have so many prayers I am sending to the universe to ensure that every day of their lives is filled with nothing but pure happiness and love. Every day I will wake loving them, and every night after storytime I will kiss them tell them "I love You", and fall asleep loving them even more...
My girls...well I am sure they will fall asleep loving each other....Sisters...there is nothing like it!