Our beautiful little girl from China

My friend Gabriella's 4th Birthday Party

2009-06-28T22:00:00.000-07:00

Today we went to Myuna Farm in Dandenong for Gabriella's 4th birthday. We had a fantastic day filled with lots of fun. The party room was beautifully decorated by Leanne (Gabbie's mum). The kids had a chance to decorate their own cup cakes which was lots of fun. Ruby's cup cake was covered in purple butterflies and pink hundreds and thousands. The kids all sat around the table to a feast of food and party blowers. The food was all eaten up and then the kids were of to explore the farm. Ruby could not get past the petting area with bunny rabbits and guinea pigs. Dad tried to show her different thinks but without much success. She had a great time. Then it was on the pony rides. Ruby stayed at the front of the queue waiting for her go. She was so excited about her first pony ride. She asked me if it could go faster the little dare devil. Ruby had so much fun catching up with her friends and a great day was had by all. We would like to thank Leanne, Hao and Gabriella for a wonderful day.

Chinese New Year

2009-01-25T20:37:00.000-08:00

Well we were setting the scene at the house with the chinese new year decorations going up. Ruby helped me put up the lanterns and the lantern lights. As for cleaning the house in preparation for the new year well let's just say nothing about that. On Sunday the 25th we travelled by train to Springvale were we met my Uncle Stu and Uncle Russell and their families. We enjoyed the celebrations along with all the other thousands of people. We watched the lions dance and got very scared when all the fire crackers went off. We enjoyed watching women in traditional costume singing and dancing and even got up and danced with the jazz band they had playing (that was after they had warmed up for about 20 minutes). Ruby went on a few rides with her cousin Jacob and once again it is affirmed that she is going to be dare devil. The weather was extremely hot but we got through and enjoyed an airconditioned trip back to in the train and ended the day with dinner at the Pancake Parlour. We were all very tired when we got home but it will be a day to remember.

A Visit From Cousin Emily

2009-01-11T20:16:00.000-08:00

Ruby had a great time when her cousin Emily came to stay with us for a few nights. We had a fantastic day on the Saturday at Sovereign Hill. The girls and Daddy panned for gold and it took all I had to get Daddy away from the stream so we could see other things. He was very proud of the few specs of gold he found. We visited the Candle Shop and Ruby and Emily made very beautiful candles which was lots of fun. Our day was spent underground doing the Gold Mine Tour, I am sure my daughter is going to be a dare devil as she got really excited as the tunnel got really black and we couldn't see where we going (all I knew was we were going down). She had a great time on the tour and made sure she was up the front the whole time listening to the guide. He would ask questions and she would be the first to put her hand up (even if she didn't know the answer). We had a lovely lunch at the New York Bakery and then just enjoyed wandering around the rest of the town. We finished with a Horse Drawn Cart ride. By the time we left the carpark we had 2 girls fast asleep in the back seat of the car. Dick put Emily to work and she spent most of Sunday afternoon mowing the lawns, I think she had a really good time doing it though. Well it was time for Emily to go home on the Monday and Ruby was most upset. That day when she saw a young girl walking down the street she would point and say Emily. We really enjoyed having you Emily.

A Day At The Beach

2009-01-07T20:55:00.000-08:00

Today we headed of early for a day at the beach in Dromana with Kathryn, Jim and Eliza. Eliza is one of the other beautiful little girls that came from China at the same time as Ruby. When I say we headed of early we did but it seemed to take us so long to get there with traffic, toilet stops etc. They had a great set-up on the beachfront with one of the boat sheds that had a beautiful big tree right out the front which provided shade all day. We could even make a coffee while sitting on the beach. All over the beach were jelly fish that Ruby loved picking up and filling her bucket with and then using a potato masher promptly made them in to soup. At one stage I told her to go and drop one of Kathryn toes just joking and about 20 minutes later she hadn't forgotten and promptly landed one straight on to Kathryn's foot. Ruby and Eliza had a great time playing in the sand and sharing a very big bag of chips during the course of the afternoon.

We then headed up to the house were they were staying and ended the wonderful day with the traditional fish and chips, a must when you have been at the sea side for the day. Thank you Kathryn, Jim and Eliza for a wonderful day.

Our Day at the Ballarat Wildlife Park

2008-12-27T19:00:00.000-08:00

Well Christmas is over and we thought it would be nice for just the three of us to have a day to ourselves so we decided that a day at the Wildlife Park sounded like a great idea. Ruby really enjoyed her day there which involved feeding the Kangaroo's a lot!! She was armed and ready with 2 bags of food and she used it all up within about 1 hour. She loved seeing the Alligator's and especially the wombats (even got to pat one - the wombat that is!). We had a really relaxing day together and a very tired little girl when we had finished. Bring on 2009 we are ready for it now.

Christmas 2008

2008-12-25T18:56:00.000-08:00

Christmas was great this year as we got our very first turn at hosting it. We have always lived so far away that we have had to be the one's to travel. All the family travelled on Christmas morning to Ballarat to enjoy the beautiful weather and a fantastic day. Ruby's day started with getting up and discovering that Santa had left a mess and eaten and drank everything she had left out. She walked staight past the presents he had left and got straight on to the cleaning up and making sure she put all he scraps he had left in the bin and the empty can of Bourbon in the recycling bin.
She then stated she needed a wee and wasn't until she returned that we had to point out about the presents he had left. It was so much fun watching her unwrap each of her presents and the look of excitement on her face with each one was wonderful to see and watch.
Lunch was beautiful and consisted of Beef and Pork on the spit with a traditional roast dinner. Sweets was traditional as well Plum Pudding home made by Ruby's Mummy and yeah of course Brandy custard. The kids had a great time opening all the presents after lunch as well as the adults. With the space we have here it was great the kids enjoyed the sandpit, trampoline and cubby house and played wonderfully together all day without any incidences. I would like to especially thank our Sister-in-Law Wendy who was most affected by the move of Christmas to Ballarat as she was unable to attend her family dinner as she has done every year in the past. Dick's mum (Gran) came along and enjoyed her day out from the Nursing Home she now resides in. She looked totally exhausted by the time we took her home but enjoyed her day out regardless. We hope everyone had as an enjoyable Christmas as we did and wish you all the best for 2009.

Our Budding Artist

2008-11-19T12:05:00.000-08:00

We were amazed the other day when Ruby was doing some drawing. She came up to Dad and presented her drawing stating that she had drawn a turtle. We were both amazed at her attempt. Just thought we would share her first real drawing with you.

Our Farm Stay in Jamieson

2008-11-09T18:00:00.000-08:00

On the 31st October we headed for Benalla to spend the night with Mandy, Col and Meiya. We arrived and the girls straight away hit it off and played really well together. Mandy put on a lovely meal of calamari which was cooked to perfection. Saturday morning we headed of for Jamieson at the base of Mt Buller. Jen had arranged accommodation at a farm stay there. We enjoyed the festivities in Mansfield first as we passed through as they had their annual show on that weekend. The girls enjoyed watching the parade go through the streets and Ruby waved to all the kids in the floats. We then got on our way to Jamieson and found were we were staying. It was a beautiful location and the views were fantastic. The weather stayed very kind to us all weekend and the girls had a great time playing together and getting to know each other that bit better. On the Sunday we headed went to the Mansfield Zoo and spent half the day wandering around looking at Lions, Monkeys, Deer, Camels etc. We enjoyed a picnic lunch together which was nice. Unfortunately 2 of the families couldn't make it. We had a great weekend, good food, great company and fantastic scenery. A special thanks once again to Jen for her great organising skills in putting together another enjoyable weekend.

The Real Birthday Party

2008-10-26T18:00:00.000-07:00

OUR BIRTHDAY GIRL
Sunday the 26th October we invited a few of Ruby's friends to our house to celebrate her birthday with her. We had a few people come all the way from Melbourne as well as some of her playgroup buddies. The kids had a great time enjoying Ruby's new trampoline and a great afternoon playing outside having tea parties in her cubby and digging in the sandpit. We all moved inside to enjoy a game of pass the parcel which was lots of fun. A special thanks to Gran and Pa for the fantastic trampoline which Ruby loves. Also a special thanks to everyone in helping make Ruby's birthday a special day. Every day we see a beautiful little girl growing and developing and we love her dearly. Unfortunately she keeps reminding us lately that she is our big girl now not our baby anymore.

Ruby enjoys another birthday party this time with her cousins

2008-10-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

We arrived back to Melbourne on the 18th October and arranged to have lunch with most of Ruby's cousins so she could celebrate her birthday with them. By the end of this birthday she will think it happens everyday. We organised a lovely lunch of chickens, lasagne, salad and of course birthday cake. Ruby had a great time and enjoyed playing pass the parcel with all of her cousins.

Our Queensland Holiday 2008

2008-10-19T18:00:00.000-07:00

What a way to start the holiday with a baby chino and an iced donut at the airport Ruby was set for a really good time. We left Melbourne on the 6th of October and made our way to Cairns. We arrived late afternoon and made our way to our apartment. We were based only 2 blocks away from the Esplanade which has everything any child would need for a good holiday. There is a place called Muddy's which is a huge park filled with lots of play equipment and jets of water popping up from the ground that the kids can run through. From there you can walk along the Esplanade and end up at the Lagoon. It is a man made lagoon with pools for all ages and white beaches. Ruby loved it and spent every day there during a week in Cairns. We enjoyed going out for dinner most nights and Ruby promptly would fall asleep on the way home in her pusher. We had a chance to catch up with our old friend from Ouyen Luke Weuffen and enjoyed takeaway chinese in our room and a few drinks one night. Our apartment block had a pool and Ruby would call out from our balcony if anyone went in there and tell them to get out it was her pool, thankfully they just laughed. We were able to spend a night with our good friends Andrea and Tim who took us out for a lovely dinner at one of their favourite restaurants. It was very unfortunate we couldn't spend more time with them on this trip due to their family commitments. On Saturday the 11th October we boarded a train to Townsville which took us all day to get there. Surprisingly Ruby really enjoyed the train trip and behaved really well. She managed to get a little sleep while Mummy and Daddy fitted in a movie and a beer. We eventually got to our apartment on Magnetic Island and is was exactly the same as we remembered from last year, it was great we were the only one's there for about 3 days so we had the whole place to ourselves. Ruby once again had complete control over the pool and enjoyed her little trips to the beach. One day was spent visiting the local animal sanctuary were Ruby patted Koalas, lizards and even a snakeWe had a great time in Queensland and can't wait till our next holiday. Maybe next year we will try somewhere new, although we do love Magnetic Island.

The Suixi Girls Enjoy Their 3rd Birthday Together

2008-10-05T19:00:00.000-07:00

On Sunday the 5th October all the Suixi girls and their families gathered in Melbourne at the home of Camille to celebrate their 3rd birthdays. It was so nice to see the girls so familiar with each other and the way they played together is wonderful to watch. Vicki, Tim and Camille put on a beautiful barbeque which was delicious, a special thanks to Vicki, Tim and Camille for the wonderful day. Jen excelled once again and made a fantastic birthday cake in the shape of a 3 featuring all the girls allocation photos and their current photos, it was very cleverly done. The girls played outside in the sandpit, jumped on the trampoline, dressed up dollies and just had a great time together. Then it was time for pass the parcel which now we have to play nearly every day with Ruby as it is now her most favourite game. It was fun seeing them trying to work out what was meant to happen and once they figured out the person holding it when the music stopped got the present it was amazing to see how they adjusted their tactics and just held on to it just that bit longer. Ruby by the end of the day was totally exhausted and I don't even think she made it the end of Vicki's street she was fast asleep. Thanks to everyone for a wonderful day together.

Ebony's Fairy Birthday Party

2008-08-23T18:00:00.000-07:00

I rang Jen on Wednesday to give her the bad news that we wouldn't be able to make it to Ebony's 3rd birthday party but gee I am so glad she talked me in to it, Ruby had an absolutely wonderful afternoon and really enjoyed her catch up with her other 5 Suixi sisters. Ebony had her birthday in the fairy room at Koko play centre in Lilydale. I went shopping to find Ruby the perfect little birthday outfit that would fit in to the theme, the pictures tell the story of my shopping spree, she looked absolutely adorable (I am a bit bias though). Ruby makes me more and more proud with every day that goes by. Ruby is turning in to a very caring and loving child who just loves people. She ran up to Ebony to give her a big hug for her birthday and a kiss it was lovely to watch. She patiently waited for her share of the birthday cake which I have to say Jen you are a very talented person the cake was lovely and very creative.

Ruby of course had to have her go in the fairy birthday chair. Again Camille and Ruby hit it of and enjoyed jumping in to the balls together. Their laughter and giggles were heard right through the play centre. We wish Ebony all the very best on her big day.

Playgroup Family Day

2008-08-10T18:00:00.000-07:00

People from Ballarat would have to be the bravest. We set out this morning for a Family Day with our intercountry adoption playgroup (of course we had to pick a day that there were predictions of SNOW yes that is right SNOW!!!). Did we get it the answer is yes. We went to Donnegan's Farm just a short drive from Ballarat and the kids had such a great day. The owners really got things organised and the kids enjoyed feeding the baby lambs, feeding the chickens, pigs and even the baby cows. As soon they brought the bottles out to feed the lamps Ruby was the first to get in there and get her hands dirty. She quickly snaffled up the bottles and started feeding, she thought it was great. The owners put on a lovely morning tea of scones, jam and cream straight out of the oven and I have to say they definately beat mine but even more they were slightly better than my Mum's which I use to think were the best (they still are really Mummy). I set up an activity table for the kids with drawing, cutting, pasting and building which really saved the day because of the weather. We kept going out to the animals and quickly rushing back to the open fire to warm ourselves again, it was a freezing cold day. We had the pleasure of seeing Bindi again a little girl who recently came out from China at the age of 12 years old. She has changed so much from our first meeting. She is becoming a very confident and happy child which is so lovely to see. Ruby can't wait for her next trip to Donnegan's farm she had an absolutely wonderful day and really enjoyed playing with her playgroup friends.

My Cousin Jamie's Christening

2008-07-20T18:00:00.000-07:00

Today Ruby attended her cousin Jamie's christening. She had a great time with all her cousins, uncles, aunties and of course her Nana and Poppy. Jamie looked adorable on her big day and is blossoming with the best Mum and Dad and big sister Emma. Of course dressing up was the flavour of the day and Ruby just couldn't resist trying on Emma's tutu again. Congratulations Jamie on getting through your big day.

Ruby Loves Dressing Up

2008-07-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

Ruby at the moment is loving her dress-up box. She owns 4 fairy dresses, lots of handbags and packpacks, 3 pairs of shoes and a couple of very special fairy wings as well as fairy wands (oh yeah and Nanna's very special Melbourne Cup Party Hat). The only problem is she likes to put them all on at the one time. She is becoming a very creative little girl, finding solutions on how to do things or how to fix things. She often comes up to me with a broken toy and the roll of sticky tape, she knows what is going on!!! The other morning Daddy was having a shower and when he had finished he came back in to the lounge room to find Ruby wearing nearly every pair of bathers that she owned, the pictures speak for themselves. At the moment she loves trying to put Mummy and Daddy in to the naughty corner and really tells us of as you will see from the photo (Daddy really should not have touched her bottle - he really should know better). Ruby delights us every day and makes every day worth getting up for.

The Chinese Earthquake Appeal in Ballarat

2008-06-22T17:00:00.000-07:00

Today in Ballarat the Ballarat Chinese Association held an earthquake appeal. The Ballarat and Bendigo lion dancers where there to entertain us. When we arrived Ruby remembered them from Bendigo and would not let go of me for dear life, I have never been held that tight she was terrified. They weren't as threatening as the ones in Bendigo and we made sure we sat far enough away from them this time. I think what scares her most is the noise that goes with it, the drums etc are so loud. By the end of the day Ruby warmed to them blowing them kisses and laughing. Ruby enjoyed herself doing some chinese drawing and making a chinese lantern with one of the lady's. We enjoyed eating chinese food cooked especially by our local chinese shop who knows us well. Later in the day they had a choir come in and sing some fair dinkum aussie songs. Ruby enjoyed them and I think they enjoyed her as well. Ruby was up the front conducting the choir which had everyone laughing. I think the choir were watching her more than they were watching their real conductor. The people were really lovely and we are going to become members of the Ballarat Chinese
Association which will be great for Ruby.

Ruby Goes Under General Anaesthetic

2008-06-13T17:00:00.000-07:00

Today our little girl had to go under general anaesthetic to have some dental work done. I have to say she makes us so proud she would have to be the bravest little girl in the whole wide world. We went to the hospital very nervous about the day ahead and not knowing how she would cope with it. She went through the whole day as though nothing had happened. The only time she got upset was when they put the gas mask over her mouth and nose to get her to sleep. I suggested they should have tissues nearby for very upset Mummy's. The nurse looking after her had a new little friend in Ruby. Ruby would go to the door of the room we were in and yell out NURSE and she would come running she was so lovely. Ruby walked with the nurse and myself to the theatre room and then got up on the bed and layed down as though it was nothing. She thought it was great that Mummy got a hat like hers too. She then let them transfer her on to the operating table no problems at all, Mummy was by her side. The most horrible part of the day was going to the recovery room and seeing her lying there still not quite with us yet. Tears swelled in my eyes and Daddy's. I just wanted to pick her up and cuddle her and never let her go. Once again I have to reiterate we would have the most bravest little girl in the whole wide world she is very very special.

Queens's Birthday Weekend in Bendigo with the Suixi Girls

2008-06-10T23:38:00.000-07:00

Well cup weekend saw us in Bendigo with four of the families we travelled to China with. Once again it was great to see all the girls together again, these weekends are something we really look forward to. We stayed at the Central City Caravan Park in cabins. Unfortunately, they were a bit too far apart but we made the most of it and a good weekend was had by all. We visited the Dragon Museum and the Chinese gardens which the girls enjoyed. At the Museum they had the Bendigo Lion Dancers which all the girls were a bit scared of Ruby through the whole performance had her head buried under Daddy's arm. Must admit with a very big Lion looking you straight in the face it is understandable that she was a bit frightened. It was then of to the Chinese gardens where the girls
fed the fish, Ruby enjoyed this and was very considerate to give the fish that looked the most hungry all the food (not that any of them looked hungry they were pretty well fed fish). Each day we would do something in the morning and then the girls would come back for a little nap and then the afternoons were spent playing in the park at the caravan park while mummy and daddy's had a little drink and some nibbles. On the Sunday we took the girls on the Talking Tram ride, I can't tell you about anything they talked about as I was more interested in watching the girls and the fun they were having. Ruby being the seasoned train traveller had a great time on the tram. I have to say she is a very personable little girl and befriends people really easy. Here's some photos of them in the park and the fun they had.

Ruby & Emma The Terrible Two

2008-05-24T13:10:00.000-07:00

Ruby had a visit from her cousin Emma, Nana and Poppy this week and did she have fun. As soon the car pulled in the driveway Ruby ran out to greet them and gave them all big hugs and kisses she was so happy to see them. Emma and Ruby played really well together and we have definately progressed from parallel playing to full on interacting and playing with other kids. They destroyed my lounge room and that only took about 5 minutes (5 minutes after Emma arrived I mean)!!! Nana and Pop had come up to look after Ruby for us while we attended our local adoption education groups on Thursday and Friday. Emma really wanted to come and play with Ruby so she asked if she could and of course we said yes. Ruby and Emma had half a day at Funbugs play centre on Friday which they loved. Ruby is still not 100% health wise but she struggled through without too many hiccups. The days were spent pretend playing, my baskets became a bus, cars and of course boats. They dressed up and danced around like fairies, they sung and danced and had a ball. While I am sitting here writing this Emma, Nana and Pop have left not long ago and Ruby is fast asleep in her bed recovering I think.

The Wiggles and Our Big Trip to Melbourne

2008-05-17T00:16:00.000-07:00

On Thursday Ruby and I headed of to Melbourne on the train for our very first real Wiggles Concert. We met her Suixi sisters there at the Dallas Brooks Centre, unfortunately Meiya wasn't able to come. We all headed inside for a memorable hour of the Wiggles. Ruby got so excited when Dorothy, Wags, Henry and of course Captain Feathersword came on to the stage. Throughout the show Ruby kept pointing to Jeff on the keyboard saying sssshhhhhh because she thought he was asleep and didn't wont to wake him up. The Wiggles were great and Ruby was entertained the whole time. We headed of on public transport with Vicki and Camille back to Ruth's house for lunch. The girls had a great time copying each other in their pushers and laughing all the way there. Ruth put a lovely spread on and makes a really good coffee (which I was in desperate need of by that time). The girls had a great time playing together and sharing fruit, cake and drinks. I have to say those times when we get together are so enjoyable I love just watching the girls interact and playing together. I see there relationship as a relationship for life. I know they will face the same issues through their lifetime and hopefully they will be there for each other as a strong support network to get them through. We will be there no matter what but we can never truly understand how she will feel and hopefully she can share this with her friends (her Suixi Sisters). After the big day it was back on the train this time to Nana and Poppy's house in Dandenong. We got on the train at Clifton Hill Station and headed to Dandenong where we were met by Poppy. Ruby was so excited to see him again another enjoyable moment to watch. We headed to their house and Ruby had a great time with her Nana & Pop. Even though she doesn't get to see them as much as her other Grandparents she loves them so much and is so comfortable with them. We went to see Nana & Pop's new house which is currently being built and Ruby loved getting in to Nana's new cupboards and under the sink and running through the house. Then it was back to Nana's for tea where she straight away got up at the sink and helped Poppy peel the potatoes and other vegetables ready for tea (or should I say hide them in her top). We decided to spend another night with Nana & Pop so it was back home on Saturday on the train and back to Daddy.

Our Trip To The Aquarium

2008-05-12T22:00:00.000-07:00

On Saturday Daddy, Ruby and Mummy went for a very big adventure into Melbourne. We started out at Ballarat and caught the train to Southern Cross Station in Melbourne. Ruby loved her first train ride and be-friended a lady in the seat behind her (the little charmer). The lady gave Ruby a mandarin and later a little freddo frog, she was one very spoilt little girl. She enjoyed watching out the window and telling us when she saw cows or sheep in the paddocks (oh and of course bridges, she loves spotting bridges). We made our way from the station to the Melbourne Aquarium. As soon as we went in there Ruby ran straight up to the big tank in the main entrance and said a very big WOW!!! We weren't sure how long she would last and thought she might of got bored but we were wrong. Ruby enjoyed the 2 and a half hours we were there which was so lovely to see. She was right up the front watching the divers feed the sharks and stingrays and she was enthralled. The stingrays would come right on top of the divers and Ruby was there saying "NOT ME", "NOT MUMMY" and "NOT DADDY", she didn't want the sharks and stingrays to get us. She enjoyed the rock pools where she got to touch a starfish and it was very hard to try and stop her putting her hands in the water and trying to catch the fish. Once we had finished at the Aquarium we headed back to the station for the trip home. We had one very tired little girl but she stayed awake the whole trip home enjoying looking at the window and jumping around. I think she was in the car for only about 2 minutes and she was fast asleep. We got her home and she was even too tired to eat dinner so she was off to bed at about 6.30pm (very early for our little girl).

Mothers Day 2008

2008-05-11T14:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Mothers Day Mummy. Ruby and I were woken at 8.00am this morning to a full english breakfast in bed and a cup of tea, she was already in bed with Mummy as she had climbed in at about 4.30am. I was presented with a beautiful card written by Ruby and a box of chocolates (Ruby thinks the card is hers though and would only let Mummy have a look), I did have to explain to her though that the chocolates were definetely mine and that she could have only one. What a wonderful start to any day. My beautiful husband got up this morning and was working hard in the kitchen whipping up a storm and storm it was. We decided to go for a walk around the block (which is 4 kms by the way) and Ruby was going to ride her bike. We set off and Ruby decided that she was going to check out all the mailboxes on the way just in case there was mail for our neighbours. She is getting so good on her bike now that we hardly have to hold the handle on the back of it, she peddles away like crazy and steers where she wants to go. The only problem is our uneven ground around here and today only brought one spill from her bike so that wasn't too bad. We stopped in on Tania, Scott and the kids (our neighbours) on our way back for a coffee. Ruby enjoyed playing with the older kids and doing some drawing and sticking with them. They are wonderful with her which is so nice to see. The rest of the day will be spent relaxing, doing a crossword or two and enjoying what is left of my day. This is my second Mothers Day with our beautiful little girl from China and I love her more and more every day (she is the light of my life), things just couldn't be any better.

I would like to wish all the mothers out there a very very happy Mothers Day 2008. May everyone's be as good as mine.

Playgroup The First This Year

2008-05-09T18:00:00.000-07:00

Today we went to Funbugs play centre with the kids. We were all amazed at how well the kids played together and there were lots of comments about Ruby and how much she had grown. Tao Tao, Lochie, Jemma, Ruby and Amelie were there and they had such a great time. Amelie got to enjoy her very first playgroup which was nice to watch. Ruby has missed her buddies at Playgroup so it was great fun for her to catch up. We went a week ago to Funbugs and there is a very big slide there and Daddy had taken Ruby up to the top of the slide and was going to go down with her but she decided to go by herself (I think was an accident she got too close to the edge). She got to the bottom very distressed and another mother had to come and get me. I wasn't too worried about her at the time as she was with Daddy. Today when we went all she could do was look at the slide and say "NO ME", got the feeling she wasn't going to be doing that slide for a very long time. She doesn't forgot a thing our little girl.

The Little Girl from Korea and Ruby's New Found Friend

2008-05-06T06:46:00.000-07:00

We would like to congratulate friends of ours in Ballarat Liz & Bill on the allocation and recent arrival home of their little girl Amelie. Amelie is from Korea and arrived home 2 weeks ago. We were so anxious to go and see them so we went over the other morning for a coffee. I quickly snaffled Amelie up for cuddles and Ruby gave her big kisses and thought she was funny. We really wish Liz and Bill all the very best with their new addition to their family. Monte and Belle (the dogs )are just going to have to learn how to share Liz and Bills time, good luck with that Liz and Bill.

Ruby and Her Mate Lochie

2008-05-03T21:22:00.000-07:00

Firstly, I would like to especially thank Mary for stepping in and being the best babysitter out there. Mummy and Daddy both had to go to work and were unable to get Ruby booked in for Day Care so we asked our trusted friend Mary if she and Lochie could look after Ruby for the day. Ruby had a great time with her friend Lochie playing all day. She made her herself right at home and even felt comfortable enough to have a 2 hour nap at Mary's and was even asleep when Mummy came to get her (didn't matter though gave me a chance for a catch up and a coffee with Mary). Mary was also wonderful the other day when we had to attend a Local Adoption Information Session in Bendigo and she was again able to look after Ruby for us which was wonderful. Ruby was not feeling 100% so it was great to know she was with someone she trusted. Again Ruby and Lochie enjoyed each others company and even enjoyed a bath together at the end of the day. Once again thank you so much Mary.

Ruby Gets A Visit From One of Her Suixi Sisters

2008-05-02T05:39:00.000-07:00

Early in April we had the pleasure of a visit from Jen, Graeme and Ebony. It was only for one night but it was lovely to see them again. We were all amazed how a few months can make such a difference with how the girls are now interacting. As soon as Ebony arrived she was taken by the hand by Ruby and taken to her bedroom where Ruby was very excited about picking out a book for her to read to Ebony, it was so lovely to watch. Ebony wanted to pick her own book but was quickly told "DON'T TOUCH" by little miss Ruby (she is known to be a little bit bossy at times). Can't wait to see them together again at the Wiggles concert should be lots of fun.

Nana & Poppy Together For 50 Years "Amazing"

2008-04-06T05:10:00.000-07:00

My mother and father got married on the 22nd March 1958 so you know what that means, yes you are right, an amazing 50 years together. My brothers and I got together and put on an amazing day for them last weekend. We started at 1.00pm and had a cocktail party which went through to 5.30pm. They were surrounded with family and friends and they had a fantastic time. Mum was told to get out of the kitchen and literally picked up by Dick and carried out at one stage. She surprisingly listened to him and enjoyed the rest of the afternoon mingling and enjoying herself without worrying about a thing (I mean to say what did she have to worry about with her
daughter at the realm)!! Ruby had a great day playing with her cousins and especially getting to see her newest cousin Jamie once again. There were lots of hugs and kisses. Ruby was done with catching up and had to get down to business and help Nana open some of the beautiful presents they got, even though the invitation clearly stipulated NO PRESENTS they were still adorned with lovely gifts. It was great to have the family together to help our parents and grandparents celebrate their very special 50 years together.

A special apology to my mother and father that we couldn't hold it on the actual day but how could we let something like that get in the way of Easter (Dick would never forgive me). A week later it was still a very special and wonderful day. We love you Mum and Dad (Nana & Poppy).

Easter On The Murray

2008-04-03T21:02:00.000-07:00

This is the one trip of the year that Dick and I really look forward too. Everything revolves around this weekend and plans are in place months before just for this one weekend. We arrived up the river Friday afternoon to find my brother and his family and our friends already set up just waiting on us to arrive. Ruby immediately took to Lizzie and they became best friends for the whole weekend. Lizzie entertained Ruby in her tent with chocolate biscuits and toys while Dick and I set up camp. Sunday came and so did the Easter Bunny we sent the kids of to see if the Easter Bunny had left any eggs in the bush. They all lined up with bowls at the ready and Ruby really got in on the action this year. Last year she stopped at the first egg and just ate them when she found them. This year we told her she had to collect all the eggs first and then she could have a couple and she listened to us and enjoyed trying to beat her cousin Jacob and get more eggs than him. The picture shows a very proud little girl displaying her find from the bush.
A great weekend was had by all and Dick, Ruby and I stayed on an extra night which was lovely and we had the pleasure of Richard staying on with us. Richard is the son of a friend of ours from Ouyen and he has been coming up the river with us from an early age and still at 16 years old still likes our company which is special to us. He was great with Ruby and all the little kids and really looks out for them. We hope he continues enjoying the river with us. My brother Russell was very creative one afternoon and made a crocodile in the sand which you will see him riding in the next photo. He did a fantastic job and the kids loved it, especially when they were destroying it that same afternoon. Ruby has decided that water guns are fantastic and in the next picture you will see Mummy gets a very wet camera as she squirts me with a full round. Mummy was quick to forgive as my first thought was isn't that going to be a great photo and doesn't she look absolutely beautiful and really enjoying herself. We can't wait till next year. Our camp has been huge in past years but unfortunately a few families couldn't make it so we hope they can next year.

Mt Beauty and Six Suixi Girls Together Again

2008-04-03T20:35:00.000-07:00

On Friday the 7th March we headed to Mt Beauty to catch up with the beautiful Suixi girls from China for a long weekend. It was such a lovely weekend being able to watch the girls over a whole weekend and not just a lunch and afternoon. They have all grown so much and their true little personalities are really starting to shine through. We spent Friday night with Jen, Graeme and Ebony and the rest of the families arrived on the Saturday. Ruby was happy to see her temporary home go up and made herself right at home straight away.
Saturday arrived and so did the girls. Ruby just saw it as wow a lot more kids to play with great!!! Sunday saw us heading to Jen & Graeme's beautiful home and enjoying drinks and nibbles on the deck overlooking the most amazing views (we are very very jealous). You would need a television at their house just open the curtains and presto there it is. The girls enjoyed an egg hunt, as it was only 2 weeks away from Easter and of course every opportunity is taken for a photo shoot this time seeing the girls in their beautiful chinese dress just laying about on the grass.
Ruby just loves water and Ruby and Daddy ventured in to the very very cold stream that runs right through the heart of the caravan park, other children were playing on tyres and lilo's and Ruby thought she might like a piece of the action as well. Ruby is not shy at all and if she sees other children having a good time she wants in on it. A couple of times throughout the weekend I turned around to find Ruby gone and heading of with six or so kids for a play (people she didn't even know), she is one child I am going to have to watch. I remember my mother always telling me she had to watch me because I would talk to anyone and most days she would find me on the letter box at the front of the house talking to anyone who passes (I think Ruby takes after her Mummy a bit). We can't wait for the next catch up with everyone which will be in Bendigo in May, bring it on!!!

My 1st Real Christmas

2008-03-27T22:48:00.000-07:00

Christmas was here which meant that Ruby had been with us now for a whole year, it was so hard to believe. Ruby had a very frightening visit to see Santa and there was nothing I could do to console her she just saw him and decided that he was not very nice and definitely way too scary. I got the photo anyway which I thought she would get a laugh out of when she grows up (perhaps one for the 21st birthday party). We had a lovely day at Nana and Pop's with all of our family and Dick's parents. Just watching Ruby get so excited about all the presents was so nice to see. The way she was now interacting with her cousins and family was fantastic and just watching her through the day brought tears to my eyes.

Happy 2nd Birthday Ruby

2008-03-27T22:36:00.000-07:00

October 27th, 2007 saw Ruby turn a very big two. Ruby had a very big party at our house with lots of her family and friends. A great day was had by all and a special thanks to everyone for all the beautiful presents she received. Ruby had all her friends from our Adoption Education Group, Playgroup friends, cousins, grandparents and all our dearest friends. Seeing Ruby on the day just gave me goosebumps to see what a beautiful little girl she was turning out to be. She has become a very happy child and is so affectionate with her Mummy and Daddy. I think we have truly built a bond between the three of us that will never be broken. Mummy was so proud of her first birthday cake, although I woke up on the morning after decorating it to find little gauges out of the front edge of it. At first I thought Ruby but only to find out that Emma had been up earlier and had had a little play with it. Nana did a good patch job and everything was alright.

My Cousin Emma

2008-03-27T22:31:00.000-07:00

Well Emma would have to be the most loved little girl in our family. You mention Emma's name and Ruby just gets so excited. Every Friday Ruby and Emma have a great conversation on the telephone when Emma is visiting her Nana & Pop. It is very silent but they know who is on the end of the phone and they think it is great. Emma has enjoyed a few visits to our house along with Nana and Pop and Ruby has enjoyed having her as you can tell from the picture. They love being outside playing with Bannor our dog, playing in Ruby's cubby house and sandpit and just in general enjoying each others company. I think these two will become best friends in years to come which I can't wait to watch.

Ruby Starts Swimming, Little Gym & Playgroup

2008-03-27T22:13:00.000-07:00

We started taking Ruby to swimming lessons more or less straight away and she really enjoys it. At first she was a bit apprehensive and wouldn't let go of Mummy but over time she has become the teachers pet and is almost swimming with only the aid of a floating belt. Now when swimming she doesn't need Mummy to hold on to and spends most of the lesson swimming around on her own. It has been wonderful watching her grow and develop her swimming skills.

Ruby also has attended Little Gym which is another thing she looks forward to going to. As soon as we pull in to the complex where it is she points and laughs and gets really excited. She is loved by her instructors who seem to spend extra time with her as she really tries all the activities. She is still getting use to the idea of listening and following instructions which we are sure will come with age.

Ruby loves hanging out with her friends at playgroup. She attends an intercountry adoption playgroup which consists of Korean, Ethiopian, African and Chinese children. She at present is the youngest of them but we are soon to have a new edition from Korea which is fantastic.

Ruby Enjoying her New Surroundings

2008-03-27T20:28:00.000-07:00

We spent most of January and February around home being very quiet and letting Ruby explore her new surroundings. Dick had time off work so she had both of us at her beck and call. Touching grass for the first time was a very exciting thing. Ruby was very quiet at first and very wary of new things or people. It didn't take long for Ruby to form an attachment with us which was great. So much emphasis throughout the adoption process is placed on Attachment and Bonding and we were so worried about it so were very excited when we started seeing signs of her attachment to us. We were visited by our social worker 2 weeks after our return home. She was very pleased with our progress with Ruby and wrote a glowing report to the Department. Ruby attended an appointment with her Paediatrician who tested her for everything under the sun. The poor little thing had to have lots of blood tests which I think was more traumatic for Mum and Dad. Ruby was also tested for Giardia which the tests came back positive for. It took two courses of antibiotics to finally clear it up. About 2 days after the second course we had a totally different little girl who would try new foods and actually enjoy them. Until this time we were really worried about the little amount of food she was eating.

The Kid With Spunk

2008-03-27T20:09:00.000-07:00

Ruby has developed into a beautiful little girl with lots of personality and spunk about her. I wish I had started this blog earlier but time just got away from me.

Home to Family & Friends

2008-03-27T20:00:00.000-07:00

On January 12th, 2007 we boarded a plane back to Australia for Ruby to meet her family for the first time. She was met at the airport by both sets of grandparents and my sister and sister-in-law and some of her cousins. Ruby was so overwhelmed by the big trip home and then all these strange faces staring and googling at her. But being the survivor she is she soldiered on and enjoyed her couple of days at Nana and Pop's house. We had a belated Christmas lunch for her arrival with all of my family and Dick's parents. Ruby was presented with all her Christmas presents and enjoyed trying to open them all at once. We wondered if this was going to be too much for Ruby at the time but decided that a couple more days of tormoil in her life wouldn't hurt her too much and then we could return to Yendon and settle down for quiet time and for her to get use to a routine with us in her own home. We kept things quiet for a while so she could get use to us and her new life in Australia.

3 Weeks In China

2008-03-27T19:47:00.000-07:00

We spent the next three weeks in China living out of our suitcases with Ruby. Three days after meeting Ruby we travelled back to the orphanage to see where she had spent the first 14 months of her life. We had a lovely day with the orphanage Director Mr Han and his staff. First we were welcomed with fruit and gifts and a talk from the Director. He then took us to each of the rooms that the girls had lived and showed us their cots, we weren't allowed to take photos unfortunately. We were all then taken for lunch at the local hotel and then afterwards we travelled to each of the girls finding places. This was a very emotional day for everyone involved but a day that we will cherish forever. To stand in the spot where Ruby's Birth mother had placed her and to think of how she might have been feeling that day is so everwhelming it is very hard to describe. Now being a mother for over a year I can better understand what she might have been feeling that day.

The Day We Met Our Daughter

2008-03-27T19:00:00.000-07:00

It was in Guanghou China on December 25th, 2006 (Christmas Day). We couldn't have asked for a more perfect time to meet our daughter for the first time and start our lives together. We travelled with another five families and were very pleased to have the support of our batch. The day started with Dick and I getting up and starting to prepare her nappy bag with everything from her comforter, toys, the usual nappies, wipes etc, bottles in case she was hungry, blankets you name it we had it. We then decided to have a lovely lunch in the White Swan Hotel for Christmas together as we weren't going to meet our children until later that afternoon. I have to say although the lunch was very nice it was not the main thing on our minds at that time. We were all anxious about the first meeting and I am sure that all of us were only there in body not mind.

It was later that afternoon and we headed for the foyer to meet up with everyone and our guide who was taking us to the official office for what they call the handover. We loaded in to the bus again very anxious and nervous, with thoughts of will we know what to do when we meet her, who will hold her first, will she cry and will we know how to comfort her and lots of other thoughts running through our heads. We arrived at the office and headed upstairs. We had to attend to some paperwork etc and then we were told the order they would be bringing the girls out to meet us. One by one each family was called up and the staff of the orphanage brought each girl in one at a time. Some of the girls cried, some just fell asleep, some smiled and then there was our little Ruby who just poked her tounge out and really was not sure what was going on in her little life. She was the only one of the girls that stayed awake the whole trip back to the hotel, now we know her well this is definately her personality as she is so curious about things and doesn't like to miss out on anything.

We headed for our room which we enjoyed just looking at her and playing with her, giving her a bottle, giving her a bath and watching her fall asleep. I don't either of us slept very well that night as we were constantly wanting to check on her. We just couldn't believe she was ours after all this time. Read on as our journey through to China continues.