Happy Birthday, Son!

JM is seven today. We can't celebrate mainly because he is still coughing so hard, I am sure his lungs are swollen. We have a big roller skating party set for Sunday, let's hope that this is all behind us by then.

This is a picture of him when he turned one. Love his signature tuft of hair on the top of his head!

Happy Birthday, JM. Seven years ago today, I had no idea you existed, I didn't know that for 2 1/2 more weeks, when an adoption worker called me to tell us about you. Five days later you were in our arms, and we haven't looked back.

You are a gift from God. You have brought to our lives something we never thought we would have, the chance to hear a child's voice call us Dad and Mom.

God has huge plans for you. As we watch you grow it is amazing to watch the gifts God has given you grow. Trust me, we know your huge stature is not from us. Your affinity for music and ability to replicate songs you hear, that is not from us. We pray that you take those gifts and invest them wisely in your future as well as eternity. We pray you have a fun birthday this year and that you are feeling better soon. We thank God that he chose you to be our son. You are such a light in our lives, there are no words to describe.

As we celebrate you, and your milestone, we also celebrate your birthmom out there. She is remembering you today as well. She is wondering what you look like, how you are, what school is like for you, etc. She made it clear that after we took you into our family, she didn't want any more contact with you until you were older, and that is fine! She has her reasons, and we need to be respectful of that. But that doesn't mean we can't pray for her. Lord, touch this woman's heart today. Please give her peace to know that her flesh and blood child is doing well. Give her peace that her decision to place her child for adoption was a good decision. We also pray that her decision has given her opportunities. Opportunities to further her education, to raise her other children well, to find a great husband, to look to her future. One thing I have always wanted to do is give her a huge hug, please give her that for us today. Give her Your extra measure of peace and joy today, as we all celebrate JM's birthday.

As we wish you a Happy Birthday, and celebrate another year, your dad and I are reminded of something very simple. You are a gift to us, and we are eternally thankful.