12 days in Arizona as a family of three

Rachael and her Mom and Dad have really enjoyed escaping the cold for 12 days. Rachael has had a new found freedom here in summer clothing. She learned to walk on our second day here. It helped that there were four of her cousins walking and playing around her. Rachael was walking around furniture at home and sometimes in between the two of us, but often would just lazily sit down and crawl instead. We were both surprised on our second day here when she shakily stood up and walked about 8 feet. We captured it on video. Since day 2 she has been walking around everywhere and is now quite a bit more stable. Our trip is winding down with only 2 full days remaining. We make our trek home to Regina early Thursday morning. It will be a long day as our flight is not direct, we have a 3 hour lay over in Calgary. Later I will attach some pictures.

Family of 3 hit Arizona

We have a very early start to our morning tomorrow as we have a flight to Arizona at 6:00am. Doug, Rachael and I are headed to visit the Tolson family. My sister is married to Graeme Tolson and they have 4 children between the ages of 6 and 15. They will all be meeting Rachael for the first time, except my sister, who came to cold Regina for Rachael's welcome home party. Tomorrow we will be in about a 50 degree temperature change. We will love not bundling up in winter gear for 2 weeks. We hope to enjoy some fun in the sun with the Tolson family. Rachael's first time to the states, and Doug's first time to Arizona in about 10 years. We 3 shall have a great time. We will post pics here when we take some.

Changes Changes

For about a week now Rachael has been babbling away. Her words include, baby,cookie,HI very exhuberantly, she will say hi to anyone who makes eye contact with her, Momma, Dad-ee, ball,and baba for her bottle. She is such a delight, mainly happy. She has also been taking lots of steps, although not consistently walking, so close though. She gets so excited and proud of herself after taking her steps. She looks so cute upright because she still is so tiny for a 16 month old. We are venturing to Phoenix Arizona this coming Saturday for 2 weeks. We are all very much looking forward to this as our winter has been so long and cold, with no end in sight. Rachael gets to meet 4 more of her cousins and spend time with her auntie and uncle in the sun yeah!. I will add pictures when we are in Arizona.

7 Weeks at home and things are going great!!!

February 2011 Rachael's first visit to the Lake

Doug, Rachael and I headed out to the lake to relax at the cabin for a few days. We had a nice time outside and visitting family and friends. Luckily we experienced some warmer winter weather. Rachael loves being outside. She laughed as the snowflakes fell on her cheeks.

January 2011 with our Fairy Princess

Good times hibernating at home.

Our little Rachael is thriving at home. We are having a blast with her. She is a delight every day.The last few days have been bitterly cold so we have been playing together lots in our cozy home. Rachael at 15 months still loves bopping around in her jolly jumper. She loves jumping out of her little green chair in her room, she loves playing with her dollies, she loves her bath time, and dressing up in her princess fairy outfit. Oh how we love life with Rachael. Tomorrow we hope to try swimmming again.....

Rachael's first Swim at The Lawson Aquatic Centre

This afternoon after a long nap Daddy and I took Rachael swimming for the first time. It took Rachael awhile to feel comfortable but by the end she was laughing away. The pics are not the greatest but nevertheless mark the occasion. A good time was had by all of us.

Pics from Auntie Danielle's visit

Thank you Ruby!!!!

Ruby, my sister in law brought me a present tonite and it was from you.  Thank you so much.  We love the soft cozy sleeper and the piggy bank is awesome too.  Ruby has followed our blog since the beginning and has supported us with all kinds of inspiring commments.  Thanks Ruby.  We truly appreciate your thoughtfulness and kindness.

Jana, Doug, and Rachael Toth

Rachael's coming home party/shower

Wow  were we ever treated to a wonderful homecoming party.  Thanks goes out to Rachael's auntie's, Deanne, Danielle and Carla for organizing.  The venue was beautifully decorated and the food was delicious.   An extra special hug goes out to auntie Danielle who flew in from Arizona for the weekend and Martine and Wendy who surprised us and came from Calgary. Rachael's cousin Taline made a beautiful lady bug cake.  It was awesome and tasted very yummy.  Also thank-you to our friends and family members who were able to attend.  Rachael is a very lucky little girl.  She received loads of wonderful gifts and many hugs and kisses that day.  Rachael and mommy both wore our chinese dresses.  By the end of the shower Rachael started to hit the wall so mommy took her home for a nap.

One Month ago today was Gotcha Day

One month ago today was our Gotcha Day in Chongqing, China!!!  Where does the time go?  I find it really hard to believe that we have been to China already and returned with our lovely daughter Rachael Marie Kai Toth. Gotcha Day was the Day Rachael was placed in our arms for the very first time.  It was a day of all kinds of emotions.  Our five year wait was finally over.  Nothing compares to that first moment your baby is placed in your arms, they look into your eyes and your hearts and souls and connect so deeply.  I cannot remember our lives without this little girl. It's like she has always been with us. She is truly amazing.