Happy Birthday Macy Li!!!!!!!!!!!!

Beloved Macy Li,

Today, we celebrate your 2nd birthday.  2!  How can it be?!  The fact that it came so fast is a sad reminder that we missed the first 12 1/2 months of your precious little life.  But since that day they placed you in my arms on July 21, 2008, our family has been given a deeper glance into the "Father's love that He so lavishly bestows upon us, that we should be called sons and daughters of God."  The very word "adoption" now has become the most precious word ever uttered, because it is the very essence, the living illustration, of God's heart toward all of us who are His'.  Because of you, Macy Li, we understand that in a much more profoundly deeper way.

This morning as I woke up, my mind immediately traveled to that little rural village on the eastern border of Jiangxi in southern China, where you were born about this time 2 years ago.  I think about the courageous mother who loved you enough to let you go, so that YOU, my dear, could be given a hope and a future.  I pray for her that she finds peace in her heart and somehow knows you are deeply cared for and cherished beyond measure.  I know that she must think of you always.  I know that as these scorching summer days come around each year, that she's mindful of those in 2007 when she had to make that heart-wrenching decision, which  must have broken her heart.  Forever, my heart will break for hers'.  Forever, I'll love her.  Forever, I'll pray for her.  Forever, I'll be indebted to her.  Macy Li, she loved you enough to give you life, and a hope, and a future.

Today, we all feel like we're the most blessed family on the planet because we were given YOU.  We count ourselves PRIVILEGED beyond measure to be chosen as your family! You have completely rocked our world and forever changed our hearts and forever opened our eyes.  You bring so much sunshine, laughter and love into our world, as well as to countless other family members and friends who adore you beyond belief.  We pray that somehow, you feel the depth of all our love.  

Though we long to keep you little, just as you are, we're excited to watch you grow in wisdom, and in stature, and in favor with God and man.  We know that what God has planned for your life is beyond what we could imagine, and we're so excited about watching that unfold, as we cheer you on every step of the way.  His plans for you are good, baby girl.  

So, happy happy birthday, sweet angel!   We love you to the moon!

Love,

Mom, Dad, Tyler, Nolan and Peyton 

(and Solomon and Freckles!)

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UPDATE:

Well, a few minutes ago, Birthday Girl went missing. Actually, I knew she'd gone into the pantry. But she was very quiet for some time. I figured she was playing in the dog food, which is a favy of hers', though she doesn't eat it, thank the Lord. Anyway, after a few minutes, I walked over and turned the door knob and gently began to slowly open the door, to which it would SLAM back in my face. I'd try again, pushing a little farther and again...in my face! This went on without a word spoken on either side of the door and without either of us laying eyes on the other for a few minutes. Finally, she appeared from around the other side (and of course I'd already grabbed my camera b/c no telling what I was about to find), and this is what I saw...

BUSTED!

Yep, that was an almost finished Milky Way! Now, for a little chick who survives on mere bites a day, I couldn't believe she'd consumed the whole thing! No wonder she was so quiet...she had to work quick! Who cares?! She USED to be an orphan! Today, the princess can have all the Milky Ways she wants!! ;)

Looks like "2" is going to be interesting!