Ava's 2nd Birthday

It is so amazing to realize what a difference a year makes and how many changes can occur in that year.  One year ago, we celebrated Ava's 1st birthday with her picture, a cupcake and a few presents.  

Fast forward to today, and here she is sitting at this same table, between her brothers and excited to blow out her two candles!  What a blessing!

blowing our her candle...wish I had gotten a better angle.

We are having a party with friends next weekend, so a left over brownie had to suffice for today.  She didn't seem to mind.  She cracks me up in how she mimics her brothers....

I can stick my chin out just like Trevor

After her little treat, it was time to open presents!  She definitely understands the concept of presents and opening them.  We started with Grandparent gifts first.  Meemaw and Papa sent her some undies and two wooden puzzles.  Girlfriend loves to play with puzzles and is quite good at them!

Opening Meemaw and Papa's present

Nana and Grampa Dennis sent Ava this gigantic box which included this awesome Dora the Explorer ball pit and a cute top.  The ball pit was a huge hit!

This looks like fun!

Can I have some more presents?

Next came presents from Mommy and Daddy.  We might be sorry we got her this doll that giggles and moves it's head.  Luckily, baby has an on/off switch.  She loves it.

I can finally have her...baby has been sitting
in our pantry and giggles every time we turn
the light on or off.

Necklaces and sunglasses to accessories when she goes shopping

Trevor had to accessorize too.  

Mommy worked very hard on a special book for Ava called a Lifebook.  A Lifebook tells the child's adoption story and is a tool to help them understand their past and to celebrate who they are.

Lovin' on her new baby

Daddy got the ball pit put together

One tradition we want to do every year is to release a Chinese Sky Lantern to honor Ava's China birth parents.  They have been on my heart and mind over the last several weeks.  Working on Ava's lifebook brought them to mind often as I thought of them and the sacrafice they made in placing their daughter to be found so that she could have medical help.  I wish they could know what an amazing little person she is.  How smart she is.  How caring.  How loving.  She is an unbelievable blessing. 

Lighting the lantern

Waiting for the hot air to fill the lantern

Thank you China Mama and Baba for choosing Life!

There is an adoption quote that sums up my feelings.  It says "A child born to another woman calls me mom. The depth of the tragedy and the magnitude of the privilege are not lost on me." - Jody Landers

We praise God for the work He has done over the past year to get us from a picture of our daughter to having her safe at home and in our arms.  May the Lord gives us wisdom and the right words to help Ava understand her past, how He protected her and made beauty from ashes.  May she come to understand that she is not defined by her past.  We love you Ava Ruthanne Longfeng!