Happy Birthday, Jake and Bella!

Happy birthday, my precious little ones.

Jake, I cannot believe you are 8 years old already! You are growing into such a wonderful young man. You make me laugh everyday. You are the light of my life and my heart. You are smart, kind, witty, and very good-looking. I admire your faith and ability to see the good in everyone and everything. God has BIG things in store for you and it is such a blessing to watch it unfold and be a part of helping you find your destiny in Him.

Isabella, I cannot believe that a year has already passed. We were hoping you would be here to celebrate your first birthday with us. We have missed so many firsts in your first year of life, but God has begun to show me the many more He will give to us. I do not understand His plan-- the whys of you not being here today, but I must trust that this is how it is supposed to be. God brought you into our lives and He will bring you home to us in His perfect timing. The thing that breaks my heart most is that you will be in the hogar in another country while we are here celebrating without you. But, my prayer is that God will wrap you tightly in His arms and love on you by His sweet Spirit in our stead. You will be here soon and we will make up for lost time. I have only been with you 3 short times, but I have fallen head-over-heels in love with you-- more each and every time. You are the daughter I prayed so long for. I know that today will be hard for your birthmom. I pray that the Lord gives her comfort and lets her know that you are loved by many and will be forever. God has BIG plans for you, Bella, and Daddy and I feel privileged and blessed to be able to guide you into your destiny. We are coming to you soon, my baby girl!