Daddy and the girls headed downstairs to wrap some presents while I got ready to go out. We decided to visit our new favorite restaurant for lunch to celebrate. But, our time there was not just to celebrate my birthday. The bigger event was the celebration of the Ladybug's Forever Family Day.
Five years ago today, we were in Guizhou, China, and the Ladybug was placed in my arms. Honestly, the best birthday present I have ever received! But despite my joy, the baby was terrified. She didn't know what was happening to her, she didn't know that we were her new family.
This tiny, adorable seven month old baby girl affectionately came to be known all of our fellow travelers as "Baby Big Hair."
Just look at those tiny little fingers.
When we move forward just a few months, the little baby was finding her groove in our family. she found her place... right by Daddy's side! She and Daddy have been inseparable ever since. She has grown into such an amazing little girl who lights up any room with her smile and laughter. I feel so blessed that she is my daughter. We are so fortunate she was chosen to be a part of our family. Simply amazing.
Here is a time capsule of the last few years on this special day. Look how much our precious girl has grown in the last five years.
Forever Family Day, November 13, 2006
Forever Family Day, 2007
Forever Family Day 2008
Forever Family Day 2009
Forever Family Day 2010
Forever Family Day 2011
(You will notice how sleepy the Ladybug looks. That is because Mommy totally forgot about our annual photo until I started working on this blog post, so we had to wake to poor Bug up to get the photo. Bless her tired little heart!)
Today was a glorious day. I love my family, and to be able to spend each birthday celebrating not only my steadfast age (gotta love 29!), but also the day when we first became a family. Such a treasure.
"Happy Birthday Mommy," 2011!
~~Aloha!
