Our transition home could be summed up in one word---amazing! Gabriel truly makes being his parents an incredible, fun and fulfilling experience.
Since returning home, he consistently fills our home with laughter, joy and the innocent curiosity of a child. As the French would say, he is full of "joie de vivre". As parents, we have been blown away by how adaptive he has been while his entire world has changed! From learning a new language, colours, the alphabet, making his bed, sports, singing and baking, Gabriel approaches every activity with a sense of endless wonder and intrigue. He also has a contagious laugh and personality, is fiercely independent, and is, overall, a VERY intelligent little man! Additionally, he loves cuddling (especially when it is “Mommy time”), and is affectionate and compassionate, especially if he senses someone around him is not feeling well.
We have also been blown away at how quickly he has learned English. He is speaking in complete sentences, and using proper nouns and verbs. Essentially, he has learned a new language in seven months.
We have also been blown away at how quickly he has learned English. He is speaking in complete sentences, and using proper nouns and verbs. Essentially, he has learned a new language in seven months.
(We may be biased, but we are not making this up!!!) Daddy only wishes he could learn French that fast!
An Amazing Family
After our LONG (36-hour) trip back from South Africa, we were greeted by our Ottawa family. (Gabriel slept for most of the trip). The first morning after we arrived, we had a FULL pancake breakfast, at 03:00---we were a little jet lagged, disoriented and really hungry (and Daddy was starting a new job the next day). Over the next month Gabriel experienced a bonanza of presents. In his first month in Canada he received "welcome home" presents, celebrated his third birthday, was blessed with a toddler shower organized by our church family, and then, celebrated his first Canadian Christmas. It would be an understatement to say that he was SHOWERED with love!
In late January, to our surprise a special little stick indicated that our family would be receiving our second HUGE blessing in one year. As a result, we decided that Karyne should return to work in March. Karyne's Mom and Step-dad, who are both retired, stepped in to help. Since then, Gabriel has spent Mondays-Fridays with "Mamie" and "Papa", which has been such a great arrangement for him! Additionally, Wesley's mom, "Oma", has flown to Ottawa twice this spring to spend a week with Gabriel, which has also been wonderful! Other family highlights have included skating and barbequing with Grandpapa, Nana and Auntie Ali, playtime and lunches with Uncle Jeremie and Uncle Brad, and flying to Calgary to spend time with Grandpa and Oma and to meet Auntie Jamie, Scott, Oma Andie and Opa. 
Little Friends
Since arriving home Gabriel has made a number of wonderful friends at church, in our neighbourhood and through the network of families with adopted children from South Africa! There are a number of little boys Gabriel's age in our neighbourhood and Gabriel has become great friends with one boy in particular who lives just down the street. The boys love going to play at the park behind our house, going for bike rides (training wheels and all) and doing all sorts of activities together. Gabriel has also made a number of wonderful friends at our church.
Fun Activities
Throughout the winter, Gabriel thoroughly LOVED the snow. The park behind our home provided a winter wonderland for tobogganing and sliding. Gabriel also did a lot skating, especially with Grandpapa! Throughout the winter and spring, Gabriel was involved in gymnastics classes once a week, where he got to jump, climb and somersault. (We discovered that he is a VERY strong little boy --- and that he can do chin-ups at 3!). Since the winter, Gabriel has also been enrolled in a phonics class, which has accelerated his interest in, and knowledge of, letters. A number of the children in this class also attend Sunday school at our church, which has helped them strengthen relationships as well. To build on Gabriel’s LOVE of water, this spring, we signed him up for Saturday morning swimming classes. He had a lot of fun especially blowing bubbles in the water and performing unassisted jumps into the pool. He has also thoroughly enjoyed his weekly “Sports Ball” program where he learns a variety of different sports including soccer, football, tennis and basketball. It is VERY cute to watch!
Coming Up
Over the next month Gabriel will continue his new adventures. This coming week Mamie and Papa will take him for his first camping experience. He is very excited for go canoeing and fishing (he even has a cute little lift jacket, camping chair and sleeping bag). In preparation for attending Junior Kindergarten in the Fall (en français!), Gabriel will be attending a 5-week pre-Junior Kindergarten program. It is designed to prepare the children for school, the teachers, activities and facilities. He is really looking forward to it!
As you may be able to tell, we ADORE our little man!!! He has transformed our family--- in every way for the best! We promise to write more regular updates on him, on the baby and on our precious family.
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