Little Bitty is Three Years Old.

We've had 4th of July, Little Bitty's birthday and a trip to The Country since I've last posted on this blog. The 4th was really a non-event as far as celebrating our country's Independence Day goes - but we had a great little family celebration for our now three year old daughter. Our Little Bitty. Our crazy, dramatic, sweet, hilarious second child.

She got a big girl bike for her birthday. And my husband called it - it took her about thirty minutes to get the hang of it. She, of course, has training wheels - but she transitioned very quickly from the tricycle to the big girl bike and is very proud riding along. At one point she peddled down the sidewalk shouting, "Watch out. Here comes a three year old!" Here are a few pictures from her birthday.

A tea party later in the day with a new tea set.

After opening the gifts, she very coyly asked "Will you sing to me now?" So we did. Both then and later with cake. The day and party was kind of fragmented and nontraditional as far as a birthday party goes - but we had a blast just the four of us. We are now enjoying spending time with family and I'll post those pictures soon. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Every year on certain days I reflect a little on our lives and our children and how it's all come about. Birthdays - of course - are a big day for this type of reflection. With Little Bitty it is a little different than with Brother... because when I think about the day she was born, the 4th of July, I remember that I was floating in a pond on an inner tube drinking a beer (classy. I know.) I had no idea that my daughter had been born a little after midnight that morning. I found out 5 days later. And because of this - I know - beyond any doubt - that giving birth is not what makes you a parent. It's some stronger force that brings a child to their family. Of course, we filled out the paper work, fuund an agency, put all the steps in motion to bring a child into our home through adoption... but it was a miracle, some stronger force that found our Little Bitty for us. It can't be coincidence that this child was "picked" for our family. It seems cliche when I write it but I know anyone with a child through adoption will say the same thing. And that is further evidence of the miracle of adoption. It starts with the one true miracle that we witness everyday - a pregnancy - and then takes it to a whole different level when the child of that pregnancy finds their family, whether it be down the street, across state lines - or even across multiple international borders. Somehow you find each other and the love and connection is as powerful as that when connected by genetics. I'm protective of my daughter in a different way than I am my son. I know that she'll have questions and face situations that I have never experienced. With Brother I can see some of his tendencies that come from me or his daddy and I feel a little prepared to help guide him and talk him through certain anxieties he may face. But with Little Bitty I sometimes want to freeze her little three year old self - her confidence, her sassiness, her self-assurance that makes her so comfortable and happy - and have her never ever have to face the tougher questions and circumstances. Since I can't do that - I just continue to love her, listen to her, share with her, guide her and celebrate with her the miracle that brought her home to her family. Through this, we'll continue her growth into this beautiful and special child that is first and foremost part of Team T. She has my whole heart. All of our hearts. She's perfect and we love her. It's only been three years - and yet - it's ALREADY been three years. Let the adventure continue! We're ready.