A visit to Deanna's

The girls had visit today and early in the visit Taiya tried planting a kiss on Deanna, but she wanted nothing to do with it. But it didn't take long before Deanna was just coming up behind Taiya and trying to kiss her head, back and even got pretty close to her behind. I think Shannon has some of these shots.

This was a balloon from Deanna's first birthday 2 months ago and it's still quite full of helium. Being the little brute that Taiya is, she managed to pull it from the string and before long it was floating far above us, up near the ceiling of the second level. This girls were a bit fixated on this, as they continued to point and say "balloon" or something that meant balloon...I swear these are the best gifts ever - who needs toys anyways.
Matthew was part of the visit today and had fun exploring all of Deanna's toys. Deanna also had fun chasing after him, as he pushed the grocery cart and other toys from one end of the room to the other - she's a quick little one!. In this picture, the girls were trying to make animal sounds matching the animal figurine they were holding.

Twins!!!

Taiya is a proud Mama of baby boy and girl twins!!!!!

Baptism Pix

Father Joe and Taiya after she was Baptised.
Andy and Michelle Marshall - Taiya's God Parents.
A photo with Nono after the ceremony.
Just a cute picture of Taiya in her dress.

Time to Dress Up

All dressed up and ready to get Baptized. She looked so sweet in this little dress...even if she was chewing on her tights hanger.

Forever Buds

Matthew and Logan's funny faces for the camera. Logan is one of our friends' (Michelle and Andy) sons from London Ontario. We had the pleasure of staying with them for a few nights.
These two loved each other like true brothers. One minute they were fighting and the next they were playing together like old pals.

The Norman's

One of the many talents of little Sadie Norman - standing on her head on command!

Sadie and Taiya playing the piano.
You can't tell in this picture but Sadie did really take a liking to Frank.
These two were rarely side-by-side as they were very busy moving about, but we were able to capture a "fixed" shot of them sitting together in their PJ's.
Sadie has many "tricks" and seems to really enjoy showing her talents. In this picture she is pointing to her Grandma and her Mom, and as she is doing this she has a very distinct difference in the way she says "Ma" for both of them - very cute!

Maltby Playdate

Friends of ours have two little ones very close in age to our two. Charlotte is such a beauty with big blue saucer-like eyes. She very happily followed me around and it sounded as though she was calling me Ma Ma.
Evan is just a few months older than Matthew and the two of them had fun playing together with all the great toys. It was difficult to get a picture of them both, as they decided they didn't want their picture taken...well, of their faces anyways!
There's my little Yangxi girl making tunes and having fun grooving to them!
The ball barn...Oh yes, they had fun with this...but didn't really use it the way it was intended for. If you can imagine all the balls being thrown out one by one and scattered everywhere. Of course this was very fun at the time, but when it was time to clean up...suddenly that game didn't really seem like such a great idea afterall. The boys struggled with this - but got the job done slowly but surely, pretending to be construction workers while filling and dumping loads from a Dumptruck.

Sunday Lunch with the Serratore's

A visit at the Serratore's (close family friend's of Frank's parents). Mrs. Serratore cooked a fantastic traditional Italian brunch with several meal courses...enough to make anyone explode!
Taiya had lots of fun playing with Anna-Maria, and kept her busy while they cruised the house holding hands.
Matthew had a blast with the Serratore's grandson's - George (left) and Bruno (right). They played like long lost pals.

More Nono pix

Some more pix with Nono and his Grandkids!!!

Kisses to Nono

Taiya wanted to take a good look at Nono. It was sweet to see them both gazing into each others eyes.

Taiya was a little hesitant at first but quickly warmed up and gave Nono a big smooch as well. It's funny we have almost the identical photo of Matthew from two years ago during his first visit with Nono.

Our first day visiting Nono at Longworth. Matthew was not shy at all, giving big kisses and cuddles willingly. If Nono could only speak to express his feelings, I'm sure he would have said how proud and happy he was. His eyes literally told the story each time we visited as he watched his grandson run around, laugh and play etc.. It was good to see that sparkle in his eyes...that sparkle we always saw when he was around children.

Sad Girl!

This was only moments after she was busting a gut laughing in the playpen (as you can see below). I was really trying to get some things done, so I kept calling her to follow me...she'd come and then I would continue onward again...after a 1/4 marathon around the house and climbing the stairs she had had enough...Poor Girl!

Only a mother could really love this face - what do you think?

Prison Alert!

Sometimes there's just NO WAY to contain them!

Well, at least Taiya seems to be getting a kick out of it.

O.K., we don't really use this as a method (although....it kind of does look like it would really work...Hmmmm???), it was only to get a bit of a chuckle out of her. But as you can see, we got more than a bit of a chuckle, Taiya down right thought this was a hoot!

Feeding Baby Miller

After Matthew had spent some time feeding the baby, Taiya came over for a visit to check things out. Taiya has been known to feed this baby as well, but at the same time take a few sips out of the bottle in between the baby's feedings. This baby bottle was one that was used when Matthew was first born. It is so very tiny and was used to "top" him up with pumped breast milk, as breast feeding was not a smooth experience for us.

Matthew has became more paternal these days. He is always watching out for Taiya and pulls her away from things she really should not be getting into. As well, this was a baby that was purchased for him when he was smaller so that he would learn to be kind and gentle. He named this baby "BABY MILLER", we have no idea where this came from, but the name has stuck. Out of the blue, I caught Matthew attempting to feed Baby Miller and thought it was the sweetest thing. He really does have a kind heart - luv you big guy.

1st Portrait Pictures (January 2006)

Our annual family picture with a new addition this year.... one little girl, that we are so very proud of.

Our very beautiful and smiley Taiya, just shortly after her 1st birthday.

What a terrific shot of Matthew! The best ones always seem to be when he's not really expecting it. Matthew is so proud to wear this outfit. He has worn it many times including Taiya 1st birthday, Chinese New Year's Celebration, and on many days to daycare.

Our two beautiful kids all "snazzed" up in their traditional Chinese clothes, from the Silk Factory in Beiijing.