One year ago today...

I was with friends in Duvall, WA having a wonderful visit. It was bittersweet in that Marae was recuperating from surgery, I was mourning the loss of my father, and we were reeling from the most recent set backs in our adoption process. All in all, it was a fabulous time with old friends who have been dear to us for over 20 years now. We ate together, laughed alot and the girls even got a little shopping in! While in an antique store, we spotted the sweetest baby book with beautiful illustrations. I picked it up - and again - hoped that one day, I would need one just like it. We also spied an adorable hand-knit baby outfit that possessed that timeless quality, being specially made by loving hands for a hoped-for baby. I thought, if I ever get a baby of my own, I would love to dress him in something from the past, so to remember that babies are special today, yesterday, and always.

While we were sleeping, little did I know, in Newport, Oregon, the most special person was coming into this world and would be joining our family!


The story of how God brought Daniel to us is a miracle. Not to sound cliche, but ALL babies are mircles - each and every one. Labor can be long but the reward is immeasurable.

It's been a year so we had to CELEBRATE!!!!

We had a farm theme for his party and lots of fun games -

"Pin the Tail on the Donkey" - "Egg Toss" - and a fun ruuning relay game of my own invention called "Pen the Pig!"

The party was a group production with many thanks and MUCH credit going to Jim (of course) along with my Mom, my sister Sue and her two "babies," Amber and Joey. 33 adults and 26 kids later, Jim asked, "We're not having a party like this for Daniel every year, are we?"

Daniel has been and will continue to be the greatet joy in our lives. Jim and I feel so blessed to have him. He shows his gratitude for a GREAT BIRTHDAY PARTY! It was a good day.

By the way, my friend Marae sent me that baby book and hand-knit outfit within a few days of bringing Daniel home. Who would have known the hoped-for-treasures were found the very day that Daniel was born.