Birthday recap...

Nina has been waiting for her birthday - sometimes patiently, mostly impatiently - for a long time.

The night before her birthday, she wavered - she said that she did not want to have a birthday. That was kind of strange. It was like all the anticipation was just too much for her. At that time I started to wonder how her actual birthday was going to be...

The next morning, she really was not too excited. She acted cranky and irritable at breakfast, but definitely liked to open a couple of presents.

Later that morning her little friends came over: Laney, Lena, Raianna, Raimie and Halle. They all brought their Mom's (or Grandma), little sisters or brother, so there were quite a few little girls running around. I had brought all the play kitchen things in the living room, some dolls and strollers, table, crayons and pictures to color, and the girls just played their hearts out, while us Moms visited. It was so relaxed and low key, I really liked it that way. No tearing through the entire house, because everything was right there. Nina was pretty withdrawn and quiet through it all, preferred to color by herself or dance to the music. One thing I was wondering if all the commotion and all the kids reminded here of the orphanage? Even though she was in foster care for a long time, she may still have some memories.  We had lunch with the whole gang, and then cake, and then it was time for a nap for the birthday girl. After Nico and Elia's swimming lessons, I got ready for friends and family to come over for dinner. I think we ended up being  18 people. Nina was a lot happier in the evening - somehow it was more predictable, with all the people here that she knows so well, and loves dearly. She got SO spoiled on this birthday, with many special present for her to open. 

We got her a Leapster, as she loves electronics, and is so interested in learning. Needless to say, she LOVES it , and she would play all day long if I would let her (but that's where our ticket system comes in handy :-) ). She also got this pretty jewelry box that you see in the above picture - very cute! She received more playfood and a tea set for her kitchen, clothes, toys, games, coloring books, stickers.... you name it. 

I think this was just a special birthday for all of us. Finally she is with us, and we can do all these special things for her. Oh yes, she LOVED her "Hello Kitty" cake! She finally has the family every little girl and boy deserves, where she can grow and learn, and become the person the Lord wants her to be. No doubt he brought her here for a purpose, and we play just a small little part in it. 

Oh, one other thing was SO CUTE... as we sat down for dinner, the kids could not decide which song to sing (we have several "Thank you for this food" kind of songs we sing before meals), so Mike was going to pray. Nina would not have it. SHE wanted to pray. And she did. It was so cute. She has embraced our life with the Lord wholeheartedly, and that is such a blessing to see. 

The total eclipse of the moon was just an added bonus to the festivities - it was so beautiful! It was like the Lord just threw in an extra little bonus for our special little girl!