D's Third Birthday

Last year we missed it by fourteen days. My heart ached at the thought of not being able to celebrate my baby boy's birthday last year, especially when we barely missed it. But this year we did not miss it. We CELEBRATED...Thomas the Train style.

my little conductor

so excited about everyone singing happy birthday
(cake from Bellissimo Bakery - awesome and tasted amazing too - if you are in Austin, check them out!)

the party table

We spent weeks preparing and talking about his birthday. D was SO very excited about having a birthday and his party. For weeks he talked to everyone he saw about it. Each time he would bring it up with such excitement. Because we have been home almost a year, everyone in our family has had a birthday and we have been able to celebrate almost everyone with a birthday cake and gifts. D has patiently watched and waited for his turn, and although it was his very first time to celebrate his own birthday, he knew exactly what  to expect and was so excited.

His excitement brought joy to my heart each time he would talk about it, but it was also cause for a few weeks of grieving and sadness mixed with the joy for me. Adoption is wonderful, but it is also hard. It is laced with unfathomable memories of the past and sweet, sweet opportunities to make memories in the present.

The day is hard to put into words for me...I would get caught up in just watching him and thinking way too much. The fact that he just turned three is so exciting and such a fun time, but in the back of my mind I keep remembering the words the judge told us "this baby home is only for children up to three usually..." What if we would have said no? What if he would have turned three there?

I cannot thank God enough for creating our family and that we can now celebrate D's life that He so graciously formed. I am honored and blessed that God has allowed me to be his mother. That I get to spend each and every day enjoying what a sweet blessing he is to our lives.

David is the light of our lives and I am so grateful God chose to bless me with him in spite of myself. Now if time could just slow down...I cannot believe my baby is three!