36!!!!

Most of you know because of glorious fb that today is my birthday! I have been blessed to have been given 36 marvelous years with the last six being the best of my life. I celebrated 30 being nine months preggo with Gavin about to embark on my first life changer. Two years later I celebrated 32 10 months pregnant with Ethan Paul giving birth to him just seven days later. And finally, at 35 I opened an email to find the face of my precious daughter. I am highly confident 36 won't bring another baby whether by birth or email:), but I am looking forward to a year of a little more time to breathe. With no new babies, trips to China, or surgeries scheduled there may be just a little more time to enjoy instead of constantly trying to keep up. We spent yesterday at the Magic Kingdom just the five of us! It was such a fun, easy day! One of those days that it just felt like we have 3 kids instead of 8:) Things went smoothly and we all enjoyed a day just being together. Chloe loved her first trip!! And I loved watching her! Funny how birthdays change once you have kids...my birthday delight came from enjoying my kids delight. Here are a few pictures from our special day.

Two strollers...genius move:)

Pooh

My ride mate, Ethan:) he always wanted to ride w me!

Nap time:) Mommy got to relax with a Dole Pineapple Whip (soooo yummy and worth every second of the long line)

Waiting for Dumbo! All three loved the play area while you wait

People Mover relaxation

Parade amazement

Fun times!

Cherished

"Children will not remember you for the material things you provided, but for the feeling that you cherished them." -Richard Evans

Every so often there is a moment when I fight back tears watching Chloe do something new. Today I had one of those moments. Nothing monumental occurred....it was just a swimming lesson, but it was a first lesson and she did so great. In these moments, I reflect back to sitting on her orphanage floor with so many little ones, her friends, and wonder does she have any memory of her life before love, and a family, and swimming lessons. Does she remember that she spent most of her time in her crib? Or that a mama didn't greet her every morning? That she didn't have toys or swimming lessons? Swimming lessons may seem silly, but this is just one of the moments in these last 8 months that take my breath away. I love that we can provide for her and love her, but more importantly cherish her and each of these moments. 

But my tears also stream for those that I played with on that orphanage floor, her friends. Will they ever know what it is like to feel loved...for every single thing they do to be special?

Eight months home and the firsts never get old. Today was an exceptionally special day....we all cheered as she braved the pool and put her hands up and shouted yay with each swim. I cherish these moments...

Her biggest fans and the two best brother swimmers

So excited its her turn

Celebrating eight months