I celebrated my birthday last week at my sister’s house surrounded by family (except Tori and Zach … miss you guys!!). It was great to get together with everyone, but as I get older, birthday celebrations become less and less important. Chris insisted on buying me a fabulously decadent cake. It was absolutely gorgeous, so gorgeous I had to take a picture of it. It was 9 layers of alternating chocolate cake and chocolate mousse, topped with chocolate dipped strawberries and chocolate jimmies. It weighed a solid 25+ pounds and took our family 3 days of constant effort to consume. Well, I did save a chunk for Tori and Zach. Who loves you, baby? I’ve been thinking a lot about my life, as one has a tendency to do at birthdays. After bringing home two precious daughters from China I wonder, what does God have planned for me? I know He intended for Isabelle and Sophie to be our daughters as much as our beloved biological children. Does He have any more suprises up His omnipotent sleeve? When we first arrived home with Sophie I told all my friends “If I ever talk to you about wanting to adopt again … remind me of how difficult this is!” Well, here I am, exactly 2 months after I met Sophie for the first time, and if I felt God leading us to adopt again, I’d do it. Without batting an eye. As tough as it’s been parenting solo, listening to Isabelle or Sophie cry because I have the other sitting on my lap, and as much as it pains me to miss out on some things with my older kids because the girls need me so much right now. Why? Because at the end of my time here, I won’t be wondering “Was there something I could have done to do more? Did God have a job for me that I didn’t try to do?” I know I don’t do an awesome job at mothering, but I get in there and get my hands dirty. Some days I have to grit my teeth and tell myself to put one foot in front of the other. Some days I am certain that I am the most blessed person on the face of the earth. And knowing that I had a hand in raising two baby girls from China to know love, to know a family, and to know God, well, it doesn’t get any better than that. Unless you’re talking about raising three baby girls from China…
Hi Stefanie,
I love reading the updates on your blog and seeing the pics of your kiddos. I, too, feel extremely blessed to be parenting two little girls from China and often wish I could go back for “just one more”. Not sure how I’d swing that one though……a single mom of four???? Am I crazy? 🙂
Shannon
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Stefanie!!!
This entry was incredibly inspiring to me! WHat an awesome mom you are! Strong, loving, kind, with apparent boundless energy…I have to tell you that, on the days I feel discouraged, doing the mom thing for the first time, I think of you & get completely inspired!! GOD BLESS!!!
You ROCK!
HUGS…
Patricia/NYC
Of all those I have come to know, you are the person I’d pick first to just keep going back for “just one more”… you have a truly amazing family, and your lives NEVER cease to inspire me.
Happy Belated… wish I could have been there for a chocolate covered strawberry! : 0 )
Kris
Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday, sweet Stefanie!!!!
Happy birthday to you!
How about adopting a little boy? There’s one I am head over heels in love with and we just cannot do it now, but I’m sending you his picture and information. I so desperately want this sweet, funny, spunky little boy to find a cool family like yours. OH — and the agency says large families may apply. Totally meant for you! I’m going to email you next!
Happy Birthday! And what a MAGNIFICENT cake! I need one of those chocolate rushes right now (day 69 of the TA wait). :o)
It’s a wonderful place to be in, to know that God brought our beautiful kids into our lives because we listened to that Voice calling us to China…Blessings to your family.
Happy belated Birthday! I loved your thoughts, they brought tears to my eyes. Having both biological & 2 from China, I can so relate!
Tammy Cotton
P.S. that cake looked soooo yummy!
AH! What in the world are you talking about?!? You are the greatest mother EVER!! Why would you think that you aren’t an awesome mom? You are the most loving and unselfish and big-hearted person I have ever met. I can’t even imagine how you could possibly become a better mom. You are perfect already.
Love,
Tori
OK, Stef….
I have always loved reading about your daughter and then your daughters…….but the post at the bottom from your daughter Tori is the ultimate compliment and a great testament to your mommy abilities. Six children walk this earth better off because you are their mother. You ROCK
-Anna B. (janfebdtc group)
(who still wants to “talk” to you about SN kids)