Happy Chinese New Year!

Hi Everyone,

Alex is in meltdown as the new school year kicks into gear with the boys all at the new school - no ties no notebooks - all missing - all on the first morning... and more... sigh... (I was sad - yet glad to be at work and hearing about the mayhem from work :-)

However, Sharon and John kicked off the new year for us with an invitation to the Chinese Association of Victoria New Year dinner. Althugh Sharon, John & Jessica could not make it in the end, 20 month old Jade loved the Lion dances and the Chinese dancing and the Tai Chi - she joined in arms and all. It is the first time she has been in a Cheong Sam - and although it was totally soaked with her molar breaking dribble, I think you'll agree she is gorgeous - slight bias here... (& Aussie thongs excused)... But with hair nearly ready for pigtails!!

Taylor is doing well settling into a new routine & at a new school and we are hoping to have his 'lows' under some sort of control soon. Thanks to everyone who has sent him well wishes... It's a tough time for a teenager....

Cheers,
Cindy...

Happy New Year !!

Happy New Year everyone!!

This photo is from Josh's Deb August 2008.

What an end to the year for us! It was soooo exciting to have our first Xmas with Jade - it made it very special. She is talking baby talk rapidly and gleefully and is managing to get her point across - we have had a few tantrums (over not having a handbag! or being asked to say "Ta"), she is so strongwilled. She has also started using the potty successfully!

However, the focus was really on our dear Taylor this year, as he was unexpectedly diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes - only 2 days before Xmas. It has been a rapid learning exercise for all of us, and I am just so grateful I have had a few weeks off work. Luckily the Hospital discharged Taylor on Xmas Eve, and we have tried to keep things as 'normal' and as enjoyable as possible. Taylor has an extreme needle phobia, poor kid - but he is doing really well with his 4 daily insulin injections and the 8 or so daily Finger pricks required from now on.

2009 is going to be a great year with all three boys now moving to Kardinia International College - a big year for Joshua in his final Year 12 - Josh should be getting his own room and ensuite built on our property, so Jade will move into his room and we will extend our parents bedroom into a bit more of a 'retreat'.

My current contract with ANZ continues until June, and we will be hopeful for a 12 month extension at that time (all going well in the financial sector :-)

Alex and I plan to give each other more time to be creative (him with his watercolour and me with Photography and scrapbooking - I must get the China trip done !!) - although I am really looking forward to Jade being able to get involved in this with me more during the year.

Our Social Work visits and final report to China should be finalised early this year, and Jade's Australian Citizenship (& passport) should come through. We are looking forward to celebrating our first anniversary of our allocation day in February.

Take care everyone - may your 2009 be filled with many blessings.
Cheers,
Cindy...