7 Month Birthday photos

Okay so Matteo might not understand that you don't eat the candles, but he does understand that you're supposed to eat at a birthday...I didn't give him much of a chance as the "cake" was still in the box and the candles were all that he could get at...

Happy Belated 7 month Birthday Matteo!!...Happy New Year, Felice Anno Nuovo, Chúc mừng năm mới

Well we, or should I say, I've been so busy taking care of Matteo, the cats, myself and the house that I forgot Matteo's 7 month birthday December 30.....I remembered it a few days before and made sure to have candles etc...but with all the celebrating going on, and visiting, I totally forgot until the day after....so I will definitely have to make it up to Matteo as up to his one year birthday I definitely want to continue the monthly celebrations!....so pictures to follow....

The holidays have come and gone and while I am still dealing with jet lag I'm sure and so is Matteo, we have done a lot of visiting and a lot of spending time just the two of us....I am looking forward to the days ahead as life will get into a different rhythm, with just the two of us....not to say we still won't be visiting or having visitors over....Anyhow yesterday was a great first day of the year and I implemented our new family tradition....I have wanted to celebrate the first day of the year by having a drop in day for friends and family. This year I extended the invite to families who have or are waiting to adopt and while it was short notice I did have 5 families drop by...It was great to have the house full of people though it was challenging trying to get ready for it while caring for Matteo....but it was nice....next year hope to do it again and perhaps extend the invite to more people and have the drop in throughout the day....we'll see if we can manage that...but I heard about this idea from a friend years ago who said her parents had always had a sort of open house on New Year's day from breakfast to dinner and after, over the years the friends, families, work colleagues expanded...some dropping in for an hour, for a coffee and a cookie, others for a few for more visiting, and still others stay for most of the day....I really liked the idea as I always felt the first of the year was a special day but could also be a difficult day so why not share it with those who you care about....so thank you so much to those families who dropped by...I had planned to take some pictures and made sure my battery was charged...and then was doing so much socializing that I totally forgot the pictures!!(see some pictures here)...anyhow one parent did take some pictures so that was good and will try to post those when I get them...for now Happy New Year to everyone who has been reading my blog, and especially to those still waiting for children, I pray that this year will be your year to be united with them.

Happy New Year, Felice Anno Nuovo, Chúc mừng năm mới

First Christmas for Matteo....

Gift from Maxem




Gift from Vanh


Gift from Isa


Gift from Mommy




Gifts from Shelley








Gift from Steve











Gift from cousin Madeline

Gifts from Auntie Rosalba

Gifts from Auntie Natalina





Gifts from Auntie Maria


Gift from Marsha



Gift from Meg, Pat, and Van

Gifts from Sandra, Phillipe and Mathieu

Merry Christmas, Buon Natale

Well Santa wasn't too happy because Matteo, who loves textures, grabbed onto Santa's beard and wouldn't let go..Santa told me he was in pain and asked for my help to get Matteo's hand loose.....Matteo was just trying to make sure this person was the real thing....he then gave us a smile.....wishing you all the peace and joy of the season...Merry Christmas, Buon Natale to all....from me and Matteo and our cats Michino, Micio e Bice...

One month anniversary from G&R...