Fabulous Four

Today we celebrated DD’s 4th birthday! I can’t believe that she’s already four years old. She has grown so much over the past two years, not only physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. I can’t help but wonder how she would be celebrating this day if we had not been blessed with her. Even in a typical family, I don’t think the Chinese make a big deal out of most birthdays. From what I can find out, the first b-day is very special and is celebrated by all the friends and relatives. After that, the next important birthday to be celebrated is the 60th, then the 70th, 80th etc. Of course, in China, everyone becomes a year older during the Chinese New Year, regardless of the date of their birth. I think I like it better the way we do it. Friends from DD’s play group were invited to her Little Einsteins b-day party to help her celebrate. I am so glad that I was able to find some designs on e-bay to decorate her cupcakes and cake. Almost everything else was homemade, since there are no LE birthday products available.

The girls enjoyed playing Pin the Tail on the Donkey, Musical Squares, eating birthday cake and opening gifts. DD really enjoyed having her friends over. We missed you Cheerleader.
The highlight of the party, though, was Daddy Darling. He’s so crazy. It was just like having another 4-year old to play with. He kept them laughing most of the time and had a great time, himself. The party may be over, but the balloons will be fun for a few more hours! We have really enjoyed having Desheng Darling in our lives. I guess we should celebrate everyday because we are truly blessed to have her.

As happy as we are on this day, I know that there is another mother in China who is equally sad, knowing that 4 yrs ago she gave birth to a precious little girl who she couldn’t keep. Regardless of cultural differences and circumstances…there’s nothing like a mother’s love. Giving a child up for adoption is never easy. I just wish that there was a way to let DD’s birthmother know that she is very happy and is loved greatly by her forever family. I pray that God will comfort her during this time and give her a feeling of peace about this precious little girl that we call ours.