I can almost hear you say "Finally she has a blog up for me to read!" So sorry for the 3 month leave of absence....motherhood has been busy but a delight and Miss Gabriella is growing up so fast as you can see from the photographs below. Even since my last post in December 2013 she has changed so much and is hardly recognisable from the little girl we brought home six months ago. She is now 11.1kg, 85cm tall and has 16 teeth. However the most notable difference is the twinkle in her eyes. She is full of life, mischief and she has a smile that would 'warm the cockles of your heart.'
As a family the 14th March 2014 was always an important milestone and her birthday celebrations were wonderful and truly memorable. However on the morning of her birthday I am not sure who was more excited, Gabriella, her parents or indeed her grandparents! The day started with a parental rendition of "Happy Birthday to you" but Miss Gabriella (who takes some time to waken in the mornings) was not overly amused as the photograph below shows :) However the prospect of a hearty breakfast soon cheered her up. After breakfast she enjoyed opening her many birthday cards and presents - given the generosity of everyone around her, this is a task is one that she has become very good at since she came home in September 2013.
After a bath and pamper session she was taken outside where the fun really started. Mummy and daddy had got Gabriella a 'surprise' playhouse and her reaction to it did not disappoint! Gabriella has since spent her time up and down the interim ramp and waving out of the window shouting Hi and Bye! Granny Beattie bought her lovely furniture and her teddies have enjoyed many teddy bear picnics to date. Nana and Grandpa Haddock bought Gabriella a beautiful wooden swing, and unlike in China, the tears now flow when has to come in!
The focus of Gabriella's birthday was her party which started at 6pm. The theme of her party was 'Belle and Boo' and once the table was set everything looked beautiful as guests started to arrive. Together with family members and close friends Gabriella became the 'belle of the ball' and was not at all phased by the occasion. She is a very sociable little girl and enjoys a good party. Her hearty laugh and wonderful smile created a radiance within every room. The highlight of her night was blowing out the candles on her TWO cakes!! She had a 'Belle and Boo' decorated sponge cake, courtesy of Crumbs Cakes (Belfast) and a Chinese birthday cake that was made by our good friend Mrs Wendy Poon. What a feast!!
Gabriella kept going all evening and demonstrated great stamina but as soon as the lights were dimmed in her room, prayers were said giving thanks to God for such a wonderful occasion she soon drifted off to the land of nod where hopefully she enjoyed many sweet dreams of her first birthday celebration. Mummy and daddy certainly did :)
A snapshot of a wonderful day
Daddy's Girl...last night as a one year old (13th March 2014)
...always was - but what a change in stature since those early days in China!
Ole faithful...just loves panda
Happy Birthday Gabriella - wakey wakey rise and shine
Just wanted to say 'Thank you' to Craigavon Borough Council for cleaning the street on the morning of Gabriella's birthday ;)!!
Time for present opening...just a snapshot of some of Gabriella's beautiful birthday gifts
Mummy & Daddy's surprise birthday present....
Granny Beattie bought me this lovely furniture
Nana & Grandpa gave me the lovely wooden swing with a special toddler seat... I am safe!
Please let me have one more go....pleaseeeeeeeee!
"Happy Birthday to Gabriella" My Belle & Boo Cake
"Happy Birthday to Gabriella" Mrs Poon's cake
On Saturday I went to Funky Monkey's with my special friends Poppy & Molly...we had a great time and I loved going down the big slide with daddy...
Mummy enjoyed the slide too....and screamed in my ear!!!
On Sunday my friend Ruby came over to wish me a Happy Birthday and we enjoyed more special cake
On St Patrick's Day mummy, daddy and I went to Tannaghmore Gardens and I enjoyed it very much
I even spotted some Chinese Geese!
...we then went to get some yummy lunch in Moira and daddy snapped mummy and I enjoying a special moment together
Will post again but hope you enjoyed my birthday as much as I did....lots of love Gabriella xxx
