Happy Birthday, Kai!!

One year ago today, our precious little boy was born in a town just outside Seoul, South Korea. I don't remember exactly what we were doing that day, but I'm pretty sure it didn't even dawn on us that our son could be entering the world. I do remember as we passed through Feb. 2007, I often hoped and prayed that our child had been born, but I had no way of knowing for sure. It amazes me that on that day, our lives changed forever, and we had didn't even know it!

As you can imagine, today is a bittersweet day for us, as I'm sure it will always be. We are overjoyed at this miraculous gift that God has given us, but can't help of thinking all that he left behind in Korea. Today I have been thinking about his three families. First, his birthmother, praying that she would have peace in her heart that the baby she relinquished is now part of a loving, forever family. Also in my thoughts is his foster mother, who cared for him with a mother's love from the time he was 2 weeks old, until he was ready to travel to us when he was 10 months old. I know he was deeply loved by her and her family. And lastly, our family, his forever family. We feel so blessed that our families have been so supportive of our adoption, and have welcomed Kai into our family as one of their own. 

Our family's love for our son was evident this past Sunday, as they joined in a celebration of his birthday. It was such a special day for us, one we will always remember; at church he was dedicated to the Lord, then after church we had his First Birthday and Dol (or Tol) party at our house. (Click here for more info about the Korean Dol) During his toljabee, he selected the jujube (not the candy, it was supposed to be a Korean dried date, but I couldn't find one, so we used a mini-bell pepper, since it was about the same shape and size), and the pencil. The jujube signifies that he will have many descendants, and the pencil means he will be a scholar. As you can see, he is quite handsome in the beautiful hanbok that his foster mother sent with him. And of course, he loved trying his first piece of cake!! 

Please enjoy the slideshow that Joe made for him!

Happy Birthday, Kai-Kai!! Mommy and Daddy love you lots!!

Kai's 1st Year