It has been two years since we first learned of a little girl in China who had just celebrated her 1st birthday. It's incredible to think that 2 years have already passed. I often think of that silent prayer I made for that little girl who's 'just right' for our family and how incredibly blessed we are. On her birthday especially, I think of the family somewhere out there who does not know this wonderful little girl and, more than likely, never will. It's amazing how a simple thought can provoke such conflicting emotions. I hope my thoughts can somehow find their way into the mind of her birth mother. I'd want her to know how smart, beautiful, happy and loved our daughter is. I never in my wildest dreams thought this adoption could have such a happy ending. And as we all know, age 3 is just the beginning!! Happy Birthday, Sweet Emalie!!!! We love you!!
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| You've never seen a child so tickled about receiving cards!! |
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| Cousin Emily-- we read this wonderful book for Emalie on her birthday (as we will each and every one to come!). We have a few other special adoption books we bring down from the shelf and read to her on special occasions such as this. They make me cry every time....... |
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| Can you see Emalie in the oven reflection? She's watching her cupcakes bake. |
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| This smile always turns my frown upside down! |
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| "Pinkalicious" is one of Emalie's favorite books these days (thanks, Chrystale!). What's more appropriate for the birthday girl than pink cupcakes? (Of course, they had to be chocolate on this inside because she LOVES chocolate!) |
It was humorous watching daddy try to light the birthday candle on a windy afternoon!
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| The wind or the wish-- we'll never know! |
I know photos of presents being unwrapped are not the most exciting. However, we are grateful for the gifts sent to her and wanted you to share in the experience! Thank you!
And our grand finale gift for her.....her very first keyboard. We haven't yet regretted that decision as much as the singing Elmo birthday card. LOL....
Emalie's learning the words to Happy Birthday in English and Mandarin. Here is her rendition. It makes me think of you, Kyla, because it sounds like "Happy Birthday, Kyla...."!!
