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9.09.2010

"Wif spuh-RINK-uhls peas!"

Today was a special day in our house.


It marked a mini-right of passage for one of our children.


Today our wee one celebrated her first half birthday as a member of our family.


And she knew exactly what that meant.  She now gets to answer, "I'm free ana haf" when someone asks how old she is (admittedly I had to do some coaching to remind her today at first) AND she was the reason we were headed out for donuts after dinner (no coaching necessary, she KNEW that one was coming).


Ian and I found ourselves pretty much in awe of this little lady and all the growing ~ both physically and mentally ~ she has done since we celebrated her third birthday (five days after she came home).


And I found myself reminiscing on how I shed tears last year on her half birthday in frustration that I couldn't get a notary in time to have some papers on their way to be authenticated.  A year ago today I was devastated that there was one more day of delay in having our dossier complete.  That day I remember feeling like we'd never get her home. 


But tonight.  Tonight she was here.  Sitting beside me.  Scarfing down a donut like she's been eating them her whole life.  Laughing with her siblings.  Smiling at her Daddy.  Fitting in to our crazy family.

Happy 3 1/2 baby girl!

17 comments:

The Ferrill's said...

I just love that you celebrate half birthdays! Donuts are a GREAT way to turn that extra half year!
Your family is adorable.
Will you adopt me? ;)

Laurie said...

She is TOO CUTE!! I think it's really cool how you celebrate the 1/2 mark- kids love that! I will have a "free ana haf" one myself at the end of the month- too fun!

Ann Marie said...

So sweet! 1/2 birthdays are a big deal around here too...we do not celebrate them...but the kids are so glad to be able to say they are so many and a half years old!

Heather said...

Love this! What a great way to make each child have a time to be singled out and recognized as special!

Rachelle said...

Happy 1/2 Birthday!

Nancy said...

Yay! Happy First Half Birthday, sweet girl! Its so amazing how much things have changed in 6 months and a year.

Cindy M said...

She really is so darling.

Love you, Darcy!! I forgot to remind my Abby that yesterday was her half birthday, too! She's 15 1/2!! :-) Thrills her to pieces to share a birthday with you!

Andrea said...

A very happy half birthday to Darcy! She chose my favorite flavor too.

Grandma Shultz said...

Happy 3 1/2 my sweet Darcy. Your donut looks really yummy. I love you.

Anonymous said...

Adorable!!!

Jenn said...

She knows how to pick the best donut! She looks WELL celebrated!! Sweet, darling girl!

Lisa said...

Lovin' your half birthday tradition!
Happy 3.5 Darcy!

Deborah said...

I am blessed everytime I read your words. Thanking Him with you for all three of your little miracles. I can't wait to watch my two (three, four??) scarfing down donuts like they've been eating them all their lives. Your journey gives me hope my friend. Thanks for sharing.

Kathy said...

Happy 1/2 birthday my dear, sweet Darcy!! I know how important that 1/2 year is so I'm glad you celebrated with a donut. You bring such joy to our family, what a blessing you are.
Love, NaiNai

Our Journey to China said...

Woo-Hoo, a 'half' birthday! I might just have to use that one. :) She is so sweet and has grown so much. Love her smiles! Love you guys too!

Glenda said...

I remember all those delays. They are now a distant memory (easy for me to say, huh?). I'm also astounding at how Darcy has grown and developed. She's a sweetie pie! Happy 1/2 birthday, Miss Darcy!

Traci said...

Happy 1/2 birthday to you Darcy Q!You'll have to keep this tradition on the down low! Aunt Cici isn't organized enough to be able to keep up with Maylin and Pierson's 1/2 birthdays! :)