Our little Amazing Grace is two today. She has been proudly saying 'TWO' all week as she holds up two fingers. She is such a smart little girl - counting (last night up to seven as we played hide and seek), she is trying so hard to finger spell - she moves her fingers and jabbers at the same time, and she continues to take in everything around her in every way she can.
I've looked back on what we were doing two years ago. I had just returned from a conference in Boston on March 3. On March 6, 2007 we attended a LifeSource training about organ donation. There is no way we could have know that our daughter was born that day. It was on March 7 that we got the news we had an offer on our house, so that was a very busy time for us. On March 8 (the day Nana Jane and Papa Ron picked Grace up from the hospital) we had Carson's Kindergarten parent/teacher conference and my note is they were great!
We had no idea of God's plan for us to expand our family. We had no idea there was a special little girl now in this world who was welcomed into the home of two very loving and caring people. They would nurture her, love her, encourage her and fight for what was best for her during their 17 months together (and of course they continue to love her!!!).
There are many ways it is hard not to have experienced that with Grace. Sometimes it is hard to think about the milestones we didn't see her make. When I was shopping for birthday invites, I found myself in the first birthday section. Since we hadn't experienced her first birthday, my mind (on autopilot) was drawn to that section first.
Last night Nana Jane and I had a good visit. Among our many topics, I asked if she knew what time Grace was born. We've not yet received Grace's updated birth certificate, so we don't know. It seems like such a small detail, but yet it is important. I'm always very reflective and sentimental before Carson's birthdays and think about the details surrounding his birth day. I don't find myself grieving the fact that Grace's birth wasn't a biological birth in our family. I'm at peace with that. It's that we don't (yet) know details surrounding her birth. We look forward to learning more as we correspond with her birth mother.
But it is also with peace and love that I think of the time that we didn't know about Grace. Even though we weren't a part of her life, God was working in all of our lives. He was setting the stage for what was to come. Yes, we missed milestones those first 17 months, but they were well documented by Nana and Papa. Grace will know her story and see the pictures that go with it. It is a beautiful story of love. We may not have experienced it first-hand, but to know that all Grace has ever known is love is powerful. It is evident watching her that love has surrounded her all of the days of her life.
Happy Birthday, Grace. You have changed our lives so incredibly. We can't believe we've known you for seven months already! We're so proud of you and we love you so, so, so much! Happy Birthday, Sweetheart!
9 comments:
Happy birthday Grace!!!! I hope you have a wonderful birthday with your wonderful family. You are a very lucky girl and they are very lucky to have you!
Happpy Birthday, Grace! I'm thinking about you and ALL of your amazing family today and sending big hugs (as I wipe a tear off my cheek, thanks to your amazing Mama!)
Love you all~
Ange
Good Morning Birthday Girl. We wish we could wrap our arms around you and give you a big birthday hug and kiss. A year ago today we were staying at the St. Paul Hotel again as you also stayed there the first two nights out of the hospital. This year Papa Ron was staying with the Cathedral Hockey Team at the Crown Plaza because Cathedral was in the tourament. We got to spend time together that day as our hotel's were only a few blocks apart by skyway. Ruthie,(my friend) Papa and Nana had a fun day with you and in the evening you got to celebrate your Birthday again with your special friend Caden,coach Eric and Michelle's son. You and Caden are only a few weeks apart in age. Gracie we celebrated wonderful you and your health. You were always so happy and fun and so smart. We loved so much being your Foster Parents! You bought so much love and joy to our hearts. We thank God for each day we shared together. Have a Wonderful day with Mommie, Daddie and Brother Carson.
See you soon.
Happy 2nd birthday, Grace. You are a very blessed little girl, and your family is very blessed to have you in their lives. It feels like we have known you forever, and that makes us blessed too. I hope that Brother Carson decided that it is OK to go to school on your birthday. You will have a wonderful celebration when he comes home. Love Auntie Diane
Happy Birthday Little Gracie!
You are such an amazing little girl. As mommy said, God has always had a plan for you and for your family the Kitch's. This is a day to celebrate your birth, and to thank God for giving you to the world. Your mommy and daddy will look back at your 2nd birthday and remember your cake, your elmos, your smiles and those images will forever be frozen in time because not only is this your 2nd birthday, but it is your mommy, daddy, and big brothers first celebration of many more to come with you. You are so special little one, never forget that. Love your Godmother, Danie
Happy Birthday Miss Grace! Sending love and hugs to you and your family!
Happy Birthday Grace!
I hope you have a wonderful day! I'm sorry that I wasn't at the clinic Wednesday night. The flu got the best of me :( Still not quite on my feet today. My next evening at work is Tuesday and every evening the rest of the week. Hope to see you soon, Nancy
We are writing this to you but it is from Ruthie and Greg who live in St. Cloud, Minnesota.
A very Happy Birthday Sweet Grace. You are a precious child. We wish you a beautiful 2nd Birthday. You bought so much joy to our lives. The memories will always be in our heart. Nana Jane and Papa Ron share with us all your new and exciting things you are learning. I hear you can count to seven and are signing lots. We look forward to seeing you, Mommie, Daddie and Carson soon. Love you, Ruthie and Greg
Happy Birthday Grace! You are one special little girl that is so lucky to be with a very special family. You are so very loved! Hope you had a great day:).
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