Happy Birthday Mia!

Our little Mia turned FIVE today and had a wonderful day celebrating her first birthday with her forever family!  We started the day {way too early} with birthday singing from Caleb, Luke and Chloe to their little sister... who was still resting in bed.  Sleeping or not, Mia was thrilled to finally hear the birthday song with HER name in it.  Next came a special breakfast made by Daddy where Mia was seated with her birthday balloons.  Grandma & Grandpa V. had flown in a few days earlier and were there to help us celebrate too.  Mia opened some presents from Aunt Kathy, Uncle Mark, Rachel & Auds and from Uncle Craig, Aunt Leslie, Ryan, Tyler & Kylie.  She LOVED every minute.  We spent the rest of the morning getting ready for her party and playing with her new things.

At noon, Mia had 5 little pals come over {in addition to her siblings} and their mommas for a special birthday party.  We enjoyed lunch, making candy necklaces, playing together, "going fishing" for goodie bags and opening more presents.  It was such a joy watching Mia take it all in.  Mia was coming down with a cold and had been fighting a fever for days, but nothing was going to stop her from enjoying these moments.  After the party, Mia crashed for a few hours on the couch...preparing for the next round of celebrating.

For dinner we met Daddy at our favorite Chinese restaurant at the exact same table where we had celebrated one year before in honor of Mia's 4th birthday but without Mia.  We are so grateful that the Lord has brought her home.  We ate lots of yummy food and opened her family presents from Mommy, Daddy, Caleb, Luke & Chloe and Grandma & Grandpa V.  The server brought her a mango sorbet with candles and we sang again.  I really think that was Mia's favorite part.  She never grows tired of hearing her name in the birthday song.

It was a great day.
Thank you Jesus.
It was a little bit emotional too {big surprise}.
It is wonderful to FINALLY have Mia home.  We are so grateful to pour out our love on her in ways that she has always deserved.  At the same time, my heart was heavy for all the moments that we have missed.  I long to know all of her history.  I spent time praying for her birth mother.  I wondered if, for her, today would be a difficult day.  I pray that she knows Jesus.  I am forever grateful that she chose life.  I pray that she has a supernatural peace and understanding that her baby girl was found and is finally home.  And loved.
We love you Mia Jane Hui.
Only Jesus can make beauty from ashes.