On your last day of being one...

Well I know one thing for sure... her love of cake was evident, even at a younger age :)

I can't believe that our precious girl turns two tomorrow. She has grown all too fast and these months have just flown by. Wasn't it just yesterday that we got "the call" telling us that there was a sweet just turned 15 month old who needed a family? And it wasn't that long ago that our precious 19 month old was placed in our arms. Yet now she is turning TWO! What a big girl she is!

I wonder, as so many do, what her birthmother is thinking. I only pray that she knows how adored, loved, cherished Kate is. I pray that she knows that she has a forever family who loves her beyond belief. I pray that she is comforted this day and always, that she knows that she will always be a part of Kate's life, even though Kate will never know her. She made a decision, two years ago, that eventually made Kate a part of our family. I thank her for choosing life for her baby girl. I thank her for caring for Kate for two months even when her phsyical appearance was looked down upon in China. That shows me that she loved Kate. And even more, I thank her for leaving Kate in a place where she was sure to be found.

And, of course, I cannot help but wonder what her birthday was like last year. I am so sad that we were not with her on that day. However, I am so thankful that we have these two pictures from her special day. And maybe she didn't have a pretty party dress, an abundance of presents, and the normal things that one year olds have on their first birthday. But I can tell you that she had a house full of people to celebrate with... a house full of ayis and kids that sang her happy birthday.

So this year, her first birthday home, will be different. She has a pretty birthday dress to wear, quite a few presents waiting to be opened, candles to blow out, a delcious dinner, a family party, a FAMILY to celebrate with... she'll turn two like most American babies do. Yet I'm not sure a birthday will ever go by where I don't think about the first two birthdays she had... the day of her birth and her first birthday. We weren't there for those, but we have the honor to spend every birthday to come with our precious girl! Including tomorrow, which makes her TWO years old!

Happy second birthday, my precious Katie Mei! I love you so much! Always have and always will. May your first birthday at home is fun and everything a turning two year old could ask for. Also, sweet Kate, may you never forget your prior birthdays... and the special people that were a part of them!