We celebrated Britton's second birthday on January 8! Since we were suffering from some serious jet lag and since we all had terrible colds, we just had a small family party. We found a local bakery to make Britton's allergy-friendly "cake" and had fun celebrating our little boy (before we all crashed in bed by 8 p.m.).
Our happy, sleepy, sickly family! I can guarantee you that we looked better than we felt.
Britton has become really good at opening presents. He celebrated three Christmases and one birthday in the span of two weeks.
Lia Kate amidst the chaos.
We've been waiting to give Britton this Cozy Coupe for several months now. My sister assembled it while we were in China and it was hiding in our closet. Britton got a sneak peek of it accidentally one day and was really excited, so as soon as we brought it out on his birthday he was super excited!
The first thing he did was get in and out of it, in and out, in and out. So cute!
We were so glad to be home with our boy for his big second birthday! We have been blessed with two wonderful years with him -- years we came so close to missing out on. We are forever thankful for our boy!
Britton spent his birthday morning going out with Daddy to get doughnuts and then playing outside in the snow flurries. It actually was flurry-ing when we took these shots, although you can't see it in the pictures. It was also fuh-reezing outside. I think the temperature was 16 that morning. I have no idea why Britton wasn't wearing a coat either! Oops. We were not outside for long.
Two years ago this morning, our little boy Britton was born. We are reminded every day what a miracle he is. But especially on his birthday, we remember all that we have been through and we give thanks and praise for our little boy. You are such a blessing, Britton. I love hearing you say "two" and then hold up one finger!
When our son was very sick in the NICU, a friend monogrammed his initials on a blanket for us. As she stitched the letters B - G - D, she thought of the phrase "By God's Design" ... as surely our son's condition did not take Him by surprise. Even as our son came home and has continued to thrive, and as our family has recently grown by adoption, we rest in knowing that all of this has been By God's Design.
Britton
Britton is our little miracle boy! He came into this world on his way out of it. Born without a heartbeat, he joined the land of the living when he was nine minutes old. He has made an amazing recovery since, and is truly our beautiful, little miracle boy … our gift from God! He spends his days learning to be a sweet big brother and just generally being ALL BOY. To catch the beginning of his story, click on his picture.
Lia Katherine
Lia Kate is our precious chosen child! She was adopted from China over Christmas '09 and we are loving life with her. She is our girly girl with a particular affection for all things shoes, dresses and baby dolls. She is full of joy and laughter and our lives are richly blessed with her in it. Click her picture to read her adoption story from the beginning.
Caroline Collins
Collins is our sweet 7-month-old in China! We can't wait to bring her home. Maybe another Christmas in China?