Happy Birthday, Claire-Bear

Today our Claire-Bear turned two.  Today she received a day's worth of calls from grandparents, friends and aunts. With every rendition of  "Happy Birthday to You" that came through the phone, she got a big smile.  As her buddies and family sang, she blew silent kisses into the  phone.   She received balloons, a mailbox full of cards and had a present left by our door.  Today, for the first time, she experienced what a birthday was like when you are loved by a family.  We are doing what parents do for this special day, and our hearts are full. 

As we prepare for three sets of g-parents to descend for a small celebration, we can't help but be grateful again for this little gift that we were given.  This birthday will be extra sweet. 

At the same time, we are mindful that somewhere in China, is a birth-mother and birth-father who are probably dreaming about where she might be.  What she might look like.  Who might be holding her.  If her cleft palate was repaired, and how she is. 

If only we could tell them that she is here, safe, with a family.  That it is us who hold her.  That she is loved deeply.  That she is adorable, healthy and perfect.  That we are both sad and grateful. 

Happy Birthday, Claire.