it's a wrap!

well, our final birthday of 2012 has come and gone.  we went out with a bang.  AJ was delighted with turning five and all that goes with the celebration of a birthday. it's the first year he really seemed to get it.  some highlights are the annual tradition of receiving Dutch candy (and the doling out to siblings with a "very-happy-to-be-in-control-finally" tone and "ok, fine..." approach), the opening of presents, the cake with sparklers (aka rocket blasters) and the party with family....it really was fun.  i loved seeing him bask in the joy of it all...so, before the birthday pics are shared, a couple from two years ago for the sake of comparison...

can't imagine life without this sweet blessing...just one click of a mouse on the above "attachment" and i was smitten forever.  staring at the stoic expression of my son, knowing not of the deep dimples that lie hidden on each brown squishy cheek...or the crazy way he'd add pure delight to our lives. 

 

above is our last update picture we received from the orphanage, October 2010.

 

all things considered, honourable mention goes to a big brother who did a pretty great job that day of celebrating with AJ and being happy for him with his gifts.  your birthday is first up next year, Hudson!

 

 

 

 

so, i can breathe a bit again...always a crazy run~ that August-September stretch, yet i'm never without the knowledge that i'm truly, 100% blessed to be able to have children to celebrate with.  to have them reach milestones and get older.  to have them to shop for and plan parties with.  to host family and friends, again and again, to mark the occasions.  it is all great and i'm super thankful~ and maybe a smidge tired. :)  also thankful for a two month reprieve until December...