Aaaaat Laaaaaaast….

I have had Etta James’ song in my head a lot this week.  It isn’t because the songstress legend passed on recently.  It isn’t because I’ve been feeling a little romantic around the edges with Valentine’s Day just around the corner.  Nope.  It’s because of Samuel.

When we were on our adoption trip to bring Samuel home last year this time, his first string of words to us that made us truly chuckle were, “Happy Birthday to Yewwwwww!”

He said that sasme string of words again and again throughout the past year.  In doctor’s offices.  To confused relatives.  Every S.I.N.G.L.E. time one of his siblings, cousins, uncles, great grandparents (you get the picture) had a birthday.

Finally – AT LAST! – today is his big day!

I hear him giggling upstairs waiting not so patiently with his Dad while I make breakfast (okay, type this post, but the bacon is still in the oven, people).  The balloons are ready.  The presents are stacked on the sideboard.  A whole host of his favourite things are on the agenda for today.

And then I remember Hannah’s Facebook post this morning.  Her little Pumpkin has a birthday today too.  And a lump forms in my throat and I stop and pray.  I’m so thankful that my little Xiao Ba is here with us.  But Pumpkin?  She still waits for her own special first birthday home with her very own family.  And I pray some more.

She is every bit deserving.  Every bit as loved as her “big brother” Samuel.  Because it wasn’t too long ago that folks said the same thing about him.  So cute.  So sweet.  Oh I wish someone would step out in faith and make him their own son.  I should know – I was once the one saying those words.

And now?  I am so very blessed.  He is a delight beyond measure.  A delight to His Father too.

Just like Pumpkin.

Click here to read all about Miss Pumpkin and to wish her a Happy Birthday too.