One Happy Birthday Girl

Someone turned nine, 9!

Traditional breakfast table decorations happened.

Birthday card from the mail and note left by Dad were opened.

(Hovering sister caught her hair on FIRE!)

You, our savory girl, had homemade mac and cheese for breakfast and lunch.

We squeezed our crew into a packed third grade classroom so you could show off your siblings (a request higher on the list than the sweet treats to share).

Your teacher has now officially seen us all.

Your courage finally matched your longing this year...

You indeed look much older with your ears pierced.

You ate more pasta for supper, the creepy-spidery-looking-threaded-through-hot-dog kind, which your dad spun to be girly...

"They look like Rapunzel with pigtails!"

Grandparents came through with the doll of your dreams.

(American Girl has the best marketing department. You must have a new no-name doll in order to log on to their virtual world. We've heard about this for many, many months.)

Remember the fallen cake? It was even redeemed with the best icing ever and some preciously resurfacing creativity.

"I am the only one who's ever had a cake with flowers in the middle!"

Indeed, we had one happy NINE year old!

And one thankful mama, for our restoration baby,

who has thrilled us with so many firsts.

I've never met another with such a love for people, tastes, smells and fun. You are my sanguine counterpart. I can't wait to see how God uses you to grow and nurture His kingdom. For starters, my guess is that you are going to be one amazing mama. I smile as I imagine your described future family, brown biologicals and a few light adopted kids.

And just for good measure, since you love to hear the story, it was actually November 3rd, on a Sunday afternoon, when we got the call: "We didn't want to give you another false alarm, so we waited until all signatures were obtained to share the news. A baby was born two days ago. Your family was chosen by the birth mother. How do you feel about adding a daughter to your family tomorrow? She has the most perfect rosebud lips. I can't wait for you to see her."

We couldn't wait either! We drove to South Carolina and met you on my birthday but the doctor decided you had to spend one more night in the hospital.

It was torture leaving you there but we came back to claim you the moment they let us. 

You beamed your way through your ninth birthday, so confident in how special and loved you are by your forever family. Sophie, we are blessed to be yours!