Birthday Boy!!!

The closer I got to Ethan's birthday, the more sentimental I got. I had random thoughts like this, "I can't believe how big he is now!?!  I can''t believe my baby is all grown up! Then I got thinking...I bet his birth family is thinking of him. I pray they are doing well. I wish they could see how happy he is, and I pray that someday they will. I think of them so often. All those thoughts caused me to open up a word document I created a year ago as an on going letter to our son. As I re-read the letter I had written to him on his birth day, and the story I recorded for him...his story, I lost it. It brought back such emotion. During such joyous moments, there was definitely grief. And, there still is at times. What courageous, selfless sacrifice... And, re-reading his letter, spurred me on to add another "chapter."  And, after a little hesitation on whether or not to share what I wrote...here it is:

July 26, 2012

My Dear Boy,

As I sit here to write you, my mind is flooded with reflection over this past year. I can’t imagine my life without you. You have been such an amazing addition to our family, immediate and extended. I can’t believe how much you have grown and changed over this past year! The one thing I found myself saying over and over was, “this is my favorite stage.” I feel like with each new thing you learn how to do, and each new sound you make I am more in love. I have to admit, going back two nights ago when you were feverish with teething and shots made me think that the sleeplessness of the first few weeks of your life didn’t bring out the best mama in me, but hey, at the time, I loved spending that feeding time with you- no matter what time of night. Even through these past few nights, with you waking up in the middle of the night, I remember thinking, I love holding you and feeling you sleep on me. I feel like I know you so well, and I am So SO thankful for this summer home with you. I also want you to know that I recently sent a few pictures to one of our adoption workers, the one who brought you to us from the hospital, Heather. She wanted to let you know that you look like your birth mother. Oh how I wish I knew her. I know you must have been on her mind on Tuesday, your 1^st birthday.  There are so many things I want her to know. You are loved, just as she had wanted you to be. You are prayed for multiple times daily; you are a joy and bring a smile to everyone who sees you. You are beautiful, inside and out. I am so thankful for her gift of your life, and cannot imagine how painful her sacrificial love was and is to her. I also want her to know how much you and I have prayed together for her, and your birth grandparents. I pray we will have a big family reunion in Heaven someday and am excited at the thought. Ethan, as you are 1 year old now, and as today marks your 1^st Forever Family day, I wanted to take a moment to reflect, and to let you know how much I love you!

Now that I got the "sentimental" out of me...

Our baby boy is 1!! Where has the year gone? Our once little baby...

In "newborn" clothes that swam on him...

 Is not so little anymore!

 Climing up his new slide at his party

Oh, that smile!!  How I LOVE that smile!

Since we invited SO many of our friends and family to Ethan's recent dedication, we decided to keep Ethan's birthday a little "smaller" and just invite immediate family. After putting together the guest list, we were surprised- our immediate family is 35 people!! Crazy! So, our not-so- small birthday party planning began. I discovered pinterest, and began searching for Mickey party ideas. A good friend of mine at work had just had a Mickey party for her 1 year old daughter so I was able to steal borrow a lot of ideas and even a few decorations from her! (Thanks, Nikki!!) I had a blast putting on my craft hat (one I haven't put on for a while...gotta work on that- it was fun!!), and began making some decorations. :)

Yum!!  Cupcakes!!

Birthday Banner

Birthday cake and cupcakes

Oreo cookie Mickey favors!

Happy Birthday, dear Ethan....Happy Birthday to you!!

(see below for the cause of his "stunned" face...) :-)

Yes...there was a LOT of family and cameras in his face!

 Happy 1st Birthday, Ethan!! We LOVE YOU!!!