Hanna's Home

We're back!

Hi everyone,

We're back from our travels across the prairies. Hanna was a great little traveler, and made the holidays for me extra special.  Having her around made me realize how many other previous holiday celebrations I had checked out of, emotionally that is.  I was present at them - and yet I wasn't.

I think what set the tone for the holidays was a wonderful visit with Hanna's birth parents. Tears welled in my eyes as I watched Katie run to greet Hanna, and Hanna return her excitement with big smiles  and lots of jumping for joy.  The birth parents and grandma Judy showered Hanna with hugs, kisses and a trunkful of amazing gifts. Hanna is truly blessed to have a wonderful connection with them. I only wish I had remembered to take pictures.

I also realize how much children add new dimensions to Christmas.  My nieces and nephew were busy preparing food for Santa and his reindeer and tracking their progress online across the globe.  They'd let us know when he landed in "Ven-zoo-ala" and Mexico, up to Newfoundland and then straight across.  They took note of his signature on the letter they left for him and saw that the milk and cookies were almost entirely eaten.  They were pretty sure he'd had a busy night.

Family gatherings are always filled with good food and plenty of laughter. Over time, we have learned to appreciate the amazing connection we have as a family unit, and to honour the unique differences we each possess.  I am very grateful for my family.

Have a Happy Holiday

Hi everyone,

We are off on a road trip for the next week with lots of exciting visiting in store.  First, we head to Edmonton to visit Hanna's birth parents whom I can't wait to see.  They are eager to see Hanna as well. Then, off to Saskatoon to visit my father. And then, more driving to Yorkton, SK to celebrate Christmas with the Danylchuk sisters and families.

A safe trip to all who are traveling during the holiday season.

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas,
Paula, Brad & Hanna

P.S. Stay tuned for many more stories in the new year.

Hi Santa

This past Friday night,  Hanna and Brad attended my Christmas show at the Centre for Spiritual Enrichment.  Despite never stepping on stage, Hanna was quite the performer, attracting much attention from the audience. We couldn't keep her on Santa's lap very long as she was more interested in jumping around. In fact, during one of my songs, I looked into the audience to see this little Santa hat bouncing up and down as Hanna danced around on Brad's lap and watched me perform.

I could also hear her blowing bubbles in the crowd with her mouth - her new favourite pastime. So much to see and do these days, I tell ya.

Momma on the other hand didn't mind sitting on Santa's lap.  She asked him to deliver love, joy and peace to all this Christmas.

Reflection of Beauty

Hanna loves to look at herself in the mirror. She sees herself and smiles. She coos. She and I sit on the bathroom vanity and gaze into the reflection of beauty. She is completely captivated with herself. So am I.

But as years pass by, something changes.

What happens to girls as they grow up, such that looking in the mirror isn't as rewarding as it is for Hanna right now? How many of us can look at ourselves in the mirror from all angles and smile? What are we telling our little reflections of beauty? What happened to the child within who adored herself in the mirror?

Each day, I make a point of telling Hanna how beautiful she is... not in comparison to somebody or something else, but just as she is.  Uniquely beautiful.

As I do this, I remind myself the same is true for you and me. No exceptions.

All I want for Christmas is...

my two front teeth...

Well, my first one poked through yesterday and mommy can feel the next one right around the corner. No wonder my cheeks have been so rosy lately.

Decorating the house

Momma unpacked her Christmas decorations and I found myself a new friend.  He's dressed nicely and his rosey cheeks match mine. I tried talking to him, but I think he's kinda shy. He didn't make a sound.

One swift swing of the arm though, andI can knock him over... no problem. I think he needs to start eating the same rice cereal I am. I wonder if next year, I'll have grown taller than him.

We propped him up by the fireplace to stay warm.  I say hello to him everyday.