Happy, happy birthday to my dear, sweet Noodle! What a fun way to celebrate--surrounded by family (too bad Papa was still in Asia--we miss you!!). Auntie C and Uncle S flew in late last night and so we went over to wake them up this morning. We of course had been up for hours (5:45 a.m. to be exact) and so were quite excited to see them when we arrived at 10. Too bad they were still in bed!! Never fear, the little, live alarm clock made sure they were up once we walked in (standing at the foot of the stairs calling "Uncle, get up! Auntie, wake up now!").
After lunch, everyone departed to take naps and get ready for the party. Lollie, Aunt C, Uncle S, Grandma and Grandpa arrived at 5:15 for some tasty Chinese food and rice (personally requested by the Chinese Noodle), Elmo cupcakes and of course presents.
As always on her birthday, I am reminded that for as much as it is a celebration, it is also a time of mourning, especially for her birthparents. We can never begin to imagine what it took for them to make the choices that they did, but we thank God that they made their plan and left her at the orphanage. He has kept her in the palm of His hand from the beginning and knew that we were all meant to be together. Tonight, on the longest night of the year, we say a prayer for the Noodle's Chinese mommy and daddy and ask that they feel peace, assurance that she is loved, safe and happy and freedom from any kind of guilt that they may harbor. We also give a prayer of thanksgiving and praise that she is part of our family and that God's plan is so beautiful.
3 comments:
Happy Birthday dear Claire.
Happy Birthday, C.! You look so proud to be three now!
BTW, E., I have been following your day-by-day Advent activities and just think this is a great idea. I'd love to "borrow" the ideas and do this next year with AK! This year we started small-- an Advent calendar and a nightly activity we call the "Jesus Birthday Box." Each night we count something in our home that we are thankful to have, and put a certain amount of money per item (e.g. a penny, a nickel, etc.). We will count the money on Epiphany and decide on a charity to give it to.
Love this time of year! Cards are on their way, but until then, Merry Christmas!
Happy late birthday! Just finally getting around to checking in on friends and saw that we missed it! Glad to see it was a wonderful day & can't believe how big she is getting!
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