Happy Birthday Mihret!

Today Mihret turns one.  Well, she actually started her birthday late last night, given the time difference.  As we did with Mikiyas, we had a little get together with friends on Sunday.  We had an open house filled with food and drinks and lots of conversation.  Mihret received some cards and even a few birthday presents.  

Thank you to everyone for celebrating our passing of court, MOWA and Mihret's first birthday!  Thank you to those who brought food, plates, cups, cards and presents.  We appreciate every ounce of kindness from you all.  To know that you all hold Mihret dear to you already means so much.  One day she will know of your kindness too.

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Mihret, we love you so much.  We are sorry that we are unable to spend this special day with you.  You are growing up so quickly.  We're getting your room ready for you, and it was filled with more treasures and girly clothes on your special day.  It was only a few days ago that we learned we received our MOWA Approval.  I know you don't know what that means, but it was the best birthday present ever!

Mikiyas can't wait to play with you, show you around your bedroom and teach you so many things.  He's a wonderful teaching and you will learn so much from him.  Mikiyas loves you incredibly.  He is so proud that you are his sister.  He spent your birthday wearing his favorite t-shirt "Mess with my sister, you mess with me."  Each day he prays for you and asks God to bring you home soon.  Mikiyas is learning and preparing himself to have you join our home forever.  He asks lots of questions about what you will be able to do with him, and how the best way to help you and teach you is.  You are loved by your very protective and caring big brother more than you could ever dream.  You are so lucky to have him to watch over you.  I think one day our whole town will know to never mess with you or they'll be chased down by Mikiyas.

Papa misses you a lot.  He thinks of you everyday.  He remembers your touch and how you felt lying in his arms.  He remembers your alligator tears and wishes he could wipe away every one of them.  Papa loves the big curls in your hair.  When he talks about you, he lights up.  He misses you and loves you so much that he hasn't once told me to stop buying things for you and your bedroom.  He's even finding little pink shoes to be cute!  Each day I know it breaks Papa's heart that he can't be with you still, and that it's taking as long as it is to have you home with us.  You are forever special to him.  You will always be his amazing, gorgeous daughter.  He is doing everything he can to get you home.  And I'm pretty sure he will do anything for you once you are home.  I'm pretty sure you'll have him wrapped around your finger pretty quick.

I think of you every day too, Mihret.  There's not a day that goes by where I'm not wondering what you are doing, how your health is and how you are growing.  I've been planning your bedroom, but am leaving a lot of the finer details for you to plan out as you grow older and express to us the things you love most.  I'm picking out lots of clothes to surprise you with in Ethiopia.  I hope you like purple and pink!  They are the colors of the little toy your darling big brother bought you so I'm sure you will like them.  I love looking at your picture and imagine holding you, doing your hair and giving you lots of snuggles.  I can't wait to kiss your cheeks and whisper I love you.  God could not have made me happier when he blessed my life with you for a daughter. 

One day soon we will be with you.  It won't be too long now.  Two of your Grandmas will come with us.  They can't wait to meet you either.  They're feeling pretty special that they get to travel half way around the world to meet you soon.  So hold on tight ... we'll be there soon ... and we'll have an even bigger party when you get home.  All our love to you!