Decisions, decisions

Gave my notice in at work today, after 10 years (on and off due to parental leave). Yes, I gave my notice last year as well, but it was more of a leave. This time it's for real. I am very, very fortunate that my husband has a fairly decent paying job (make that 2 jobs). I honestly do not know what we would do if I had to work full-time right now. We have some additional appointments coming up for Brennyn, not going to get into the details right now. It's just a very busy time, and if I was working I do not know what I would do. I am also thankful that we live in a country/province where there are so many services available to help. Yes, you have to do a little digging to find them, but there they are. I love my little girl, she is such a special, beautiful person. I just wish she did not spend the first 2 years of her life in an orphanage (and she was at "one of the best orphanages", whatever that means). To those who think that international adoption is not necessary any longer, I strongly disagree. No child should have to live without a family. My daughter has a long road ahead of her, on top of her rare medical diagnosis. It's not fair that a child should have all these burdens, it just isn't.

Have the camera

We have purchased the new camera, now I just have to find the time to read the instructions and figure out how to take some beautiful pictures. I'm just a little excited. Lot's going on around here. More appointments for Miss Brennyn. Will update soon, I think, if I can find some time, somewhere.

Happy Birthday

I'm 29 again! Sadly, that doesn't even work with my kids anymore. Avery just looks at me and says "no you aren't, you are 38". Busted! The scary thing is, I was telling the girls about a fun suprise party my friends threw me one year and I realized that I am now double that age. Won't be any parties this year, husband is working, Avery has gymnastics and the house needs some serious cleaning. Adult birthdays just aren't the same, ha ha. I do know that there is a cheesecake sitting in the fridge that we will be having for lunch tomorrow between school bus timings. I'll take it!

Soon there will be pictures

My dear old camera has seen better days, and I have been dropping a few hints that I am desperate need of a camera. I guess my husband does listen to me (once in awhile) because he took me camera shopping for my birthday. Now I just have to do a little internet research on cameras. I don't need a super fancy camera (my photography abilities are not exactly great) just want something a little better than my old point and shoot. I can't wait to start taking some pictures again.

Bedtime at our house

Brennyn just snuck out of bed and said "mommy I don't have to go to bed because owls are nocturtles". Avery shouted "you mean nocturnal". I am fairly certain that I did not learn about animals being nocturnal until I was at least in grade 3! Both girls are into animal role playing lately. Not sure why an Owl is the choice, but whatever floats their boat!

Not so easy going all of the sudden

Miss Brennyn has suddenly become very, very strong willed (okay, so she has always been that way but with some easy going mixed in), or as the Sick Kid Dentist said "well, at least you know nobody will push her around, EVER". As you can surmise, the dental visit did not go smoothly this time around. Oh, things started off great, we had a nice visit with our physiotherapist and she wants to convince the doctor to push up the next surgery (we're all for this plan). Things went downhill once Brennyn sat in the dental chair. She told the dentist that she wanted to go back to "her nice dentist in Orangeville", and that "she wanted to leave sick kids now, she was all done". X-rays were a bust since B wouldn't even turn her head to face the dentist or open her mouth. The dentist didn't want to push, but next visit the x-rays are a must. Brennyn's teeth do look good so far, which for a patient with Etodermal Dysplasia this is great news! We just aren't sure what they look like under the gums. At least we will have 6 months to prepare! Oh, and she did not want the x-ray because the bite wings "are disgusting and yucky". I tried to explain that they just came out of their package and were fresh, but it was a no go. Brennyn kept saying "no, nope, not going to do it".

Found all my pictures in the back up hard drive thingy

First moment we laid eyes on Avery! She was one of the last babies brought in that day (she is in the yellow sweater). Poor baby was so hot, scared and overwhelmed! Hard to believe it was over 5 years ago.

This was the first time we met Miss Brennyn. She sure has changed a lot. We did not realize just how sick of a little girl she was at that time (Giardia, staph infection among just to name a few). These pictures make me feel like our time in China was months ago, not years ago. How I long to go back for a visit!