[lisam00]

Today is Ava's 6 month birthday. I woke up this morning feeling so sad that she isn't here with us yet. I can't wait to peek into her room and see her in the crib. I can't wait to push her around the neighborhood in her stroller. I can't wait just sit, rock her, and stare into her eyes.

I'm guessing that we're going to travel soon. As I think about how happy we'll be, I also think about the mixed emotions that her foster mom is probably feeling right now. I know that she will be happy for her to join our family but I also know that she will miss her very much. I think about Ava's birthmom and I pray that she is feeling peace regarding her decision. I think about Ava and how much change will come to her life soon. I pray that she will have an easy adjustment.

I'm thankful today that I live in a country where we have so much freedom. I'm thankful today that I am Ava's Mommy! I'm thankful today for the beautiful sunshine. I'm thankful for this forum and for all of you and the wonderful support!

God bless,
Lisa

[csw]

Hi
Happy 6 month birthday Ava! I am sure she will be home soon..Ava is one of the names I chose for a 2nd daughter!

[Babybmine]

Happy Birthday AVA!!! Dont worry mom-she will be home shortly!
Carla

[jnancynancy]

Oh Ava! Happy Birthday (well 1/2 birthday) I hope you are home soon.

Isn't it funny all the aspects of this that there is to ponder? So many involved in loving that little one. Wow...and she is probably napping and dreaming of fluffy clouds or something. Someday she will know how lucky she is to have all these people love her.

Nancy

[readytobeamommy]

Hang in there Lisa......it won't be long now and you will forget all the hurt I promise!!!! Happy 1/2 birthday Ava!

[AddisonsMommy]

Boy, do I know how you feel! It struck a cord with me, too, not being able to be with my daughter on her 6 month birthday. I really did have my heart set on it. And what's more, Christmas was around the corner and I was really worried I wouldn't have her by then (and indeed, I did not)...

Her 6 month birthday....
It was a hard day but I got through it by CELEBRATING IT, even without her! After I got off work, I stopped at the store. I bought a tiny cake, and when I got home I put her framed photo beside it, lit a candle and sang Happy Birthday to her! Then I took several photos, and I have them saved for her.

One day she will realize that the CELEBRATION of her, had begun long before she came home with me forever.

Call me silly, but it made ME feel better and it made a special milestone not seem to consume me, and it gave my daughter another glimpse into how dearly and deeply she was loved, even from afar, before she came home.

Hang in there, I think you're going to see that precious baby again real soon! Before you know what happened, you'll be in my shoes and wondering HOW on earth she could be a year old already. It really does change...time, that is. It's dragging for you right now, but you wait....when your baby is home, time will move at warp speed. Just you wait and see!

Hugs,
Jen
and Addison Grace, 1 year old

!

[AddisonsMommy]

I looked at the pics, there were SIX candles on that little cake! I can't believe I forgot that. See what happens once the baby is home? All the brain cells go to mush! LOL!

Here's a pic of my little baby-birthday 6 month cake....

I say, even if the day is over, if you still feel it will help you, then DO IT! I've never been sorry. A few people thought of me on that day and knew I would feel sad for not having her with me already...hence, the flowers from a couple of coworkers, that you see in the photo. It was nice to know I was being thought of in that way, and that they cared I was missing my baby so much.

Jen