Happy 1st birthday ever Kyle :)

I know many of you are reading the title to this post and saying "but he turned 4...how can this be his first birthday?" Then other's of you are thinking"oh its because he was an orphan and never had anyone celebrate him".  Well let me explain. In Chin@ they don't celebrate birthdays like we do. On the Chinese New Year everyone turns another year older. The don't celebrate the date they were born So this was the first celebration of his actual birthday! Let me say we were overwhelmed at everyone who showed up to help us celebrate! We are so honored to have so many people who love him. He had a great time at a simple party at McDonald's in the play area. When we got home he said "Momma, I had fun! I LOVE birthdays!". Such a simple statement that made my heart burst.

As so many of us adoptive Momma's do, I thought about the woman on the other side of the world that gave birth to my sweet boy. I wondered if she was thinking of him? I wondered if the hole in her heart was still empty? I wondered if she wondered where he was? I wondered if she looks at every little boy she passes on the street and thinks of that sweet baby she placed lovingly in that hospital four years ago? My heart aches for her. If it wasn't for her loss, I wouldn't have my son today! As I look in his eyes and look and each finger and toe, I wonder if they look like his mother's or his father's. (everything else is like his BaBa...he is all ALLEN in every other way beside physical traits lol) I wish I could tell her thank you! I wish I could let her know that he is ok. That he is a smart, funny, loving boy. That he has had the surgery he needed and he is going to be just fine. That he is LOVED and is not alone. That he has parents that will teach him right from wrong and will always be here for him. I wish I could hug her and tell her all is well. I know that I will never get to do this BUT I have a God who can.

"Dear Lord,

tonight I pray for my Kyle's tummy mommy. Lord please wrap your arms around her and let her know that Kyle is loved. Let her know he is well. Let her know he has a family that cares for him. Let her know that he is safe. Lord most importantly make yourself known to her. In a country that doesn't believe in you, make yourself real to her. Send someone or something in her life to make her give her life to you. Fill the void in her heart that Kyle left with your love. I may not be able to meet her on this side, but give her the opportunity to give her life to you so I can meet her in Heaven. It's in your precious name I pray. Amen"

Thanks for reading this post and I hope you enjoy some photos from the party! More soon as we celebrate his Gotcha day! Hard to believe its almost been a year!

Love, Charmon