Happy Birthday & Match Anniversary Anna!!!

Three years ago today...actually probably right about now, I had put my three boys down for bed and was lying in bed with my mind racing one million miles per minute! We had offically been matched with a little girl in China, Hai Zhi Yi. Ironically it was also her first birthday. Although this had been in the works for a week, only my husband, my sister and myself, along with the agency of course was aware of the match in the making. I had gone to a local bakery, gotten a small cake with "Happy Birthday Anna Mei" written across the top. Gotten pictures of our daughter developed and was on our way to share the news with our families.

Fast forward 36 months...I have just put down my 3 boys and 2 girls for bed, all with their bellies stuffed full of Anna's favorite foods including cupcakes with sprinkles. Her "Happy Birthday" tiara is in the floor beside her bed, her Cinderella card proudly displayed in her window sill and she has had a wonderful 4th birthday.

She has come in the last 36 months and we couldn't be any prouder of her. She has brought our lives so much joy, laughter and excitement. We are blessed to have been given the opportunity to raise this little girl as our own, our daughter. We are grateful to her birthmother for allowing Anna to have a chance. We don't know the circumstances, but we believe with all our hearts she was loved and it is a great honor that we have been able to love her as well.

Happy Birthday Anna! We love you very, very much!!

Daddy, Momma, Carter, Jacob, Parker & Elli