Monday, August 20, 2007

Look At Me! I Just Turned Three!!

Oakley's first birthday celebration -- I wanted it to be special for her, but not overwhelming. We decided to keep the festivities small and just invite our extended families over for ice cream and cake. Those of you who know us realize that it's never a small occasion when our families get together. Mike and I both have lots of siblings. And collectively, they have lots of kids. So there really is no such thing as a small family gathering, but rather a boisterous bunch, which suits us just fine. It seems to have suited Oakley just fine, too, and I have no doubt that she knew she was surrounded on her very special day by those who love her the most.

We talked for days before her party about her birthday -- the words cake, ice cream and balloons caught her attention quickly. Mention cake and ice cream, and this little girl is ready to party! Let it suffice to say that she was excited about the prospect, even though she couldn't yet grasp the concept of a day dedicated to celebrate her birth.

We gathered around the table as Oakley prepared to blow out candles on her very first birthday cake. As we sang Happy Birthday to You, she gave us a "look of disgust". I know this to be her nervous, embarrassed face. I've seen this look several times, but not many other people have witnessed it before. It is hysterical, and just to make sure I captured it on film, we belted out another rendition so she would do it again. So here it is, for all to see. Honestly, the singing wasn't that bad! And yes, she made this face through the entire song. Twice.

She thoroughly enjoyed blowing out her candles (so much so that we had to do it twice, too).

Every child deserves to be celebrated, and although I was not there for Oakley's birth, I celebrate her life every day. I am thankful and honored that I was chosen to be her Mama', and that I will be the one to love and cherish her, encourage and comfort her, teach and guide her.

I pray that I can provide her the love and security she needs in order to grow and find her wings. And I pray that her birth mother, whom I know is loving her from afar and praying for her well-being, has peace in her heart. Her decision to give this little girl life is our greatest gift.

Our baby girl is officially three years old, which she will show you as she holds up both hands and displays three fingers on each.

She was thrilled to discover (on her own, I might add), that three fingers also closely resemble the letter "W", which just so happens to be her favorite letter.

i have no idea why.

She is obsessed with the letter "W" and searches for it everywhere -- on road signs, correspondence, magazines, books, cereal boxes -- everywhere. I digress. I suppose Oakley's obsession with the letter "W" deserves a post of its own, so look for that later:).

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET BABY GIRL!

16 comments:

All 4 My Gals said...

Well perhaps the W closely resembled the N for Nicole. :) Love that girl! She's just too dang cute. I'm going to put all my pictures on dropshots and you can gather any that you want there. I'll email you the link. SMOOCH
PS How did school go?

Stefanie said...

Happy Birthday Oakley! She is just beaming, she is obviously so well loved! I love the pics, especially the embarrassed face...she looks like she is quite a character :)

Anonymous said...

How is she liking school and
being away from Mom?
Mary

Anonymous said...

Wow! Look at all those presants!
She looks like such a wonderful, happy, lucky, charming, beutiful girl! I can't wait to watch her grow! [I also can't wait to hear more about the "W" obbsession]

MomOf4 said...

Such a beautiful little girl! It looks like she had a blast on her big day! The look she gave you during singing Happy Birthday is priceless! Happy Birthday Oakley!

Mom 2 six said...

Happy Birthday to Oakley !!
"w" I think she is looking for Mia "W" aala....
:)

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday to my Best Friend Forever!!

Love,
Caeleigh Whitt

Beckyb said...

What an awesome post - you captured the feelings of an adoptive mom well - every birthday I go through those same feelings. Happy Birthday Oakley - 3 is good!!!! What we want to know is - HOW LONG did it take to open all fo those presents!?!?!? :)

The Ferrill's said...

Hey Jana!
And Happy Birthday Oakley! I love her holding up her three fingers! SO cute! You should have a Wacky Wednesday since she loves W so much! Have watermelon, wear watches, watch the wiggles, wash windows, and learn to wink!
(Can you tell I used to be a kindergarten teacher?)
Love,
Laine

Jennifer said...

It was worth the wait to see that adorable face! HOW CUTE!!!! t looks like she had a very big day. What a wonderful blessing for her - her first birthday HOME!

Isn't that just SO AMAZING???? A year ago ... and then NOW... what an amazing little girl - and what an incredible journey for you all!

Leslie said...

Your just so precious Oakley. I glad you had a wonderful birthday party. You deserve it all.

Lilly said...

She is so beautiful! Happy Birthday Oakley, your family is so blessed to have such a precious girl! I love her birthday dress, it is gorgeous.

Lilly

Cynthia said...

I just wish I had sent her a present or two so she would have SOMETHING to open.........she is one loved little girl!

Love you all!!
Cynthia

Robyn said...

Happy 3rd Birthday Oakley!!

Robyn & Gabriella

Lori said...

Happy Birthday Oakley! What a wonderful celebration, it looks like a beautiful party!
I love her sweet party dress, she looks like a princess.

Ken and Mystina said...

Happy Birthday Oakley! We hope it was lots of fun. You have such a beautiful smile and are growing so much. We hope this year is full of wonderful new discoveries!

Blessings thru this new year,
Mystina, Ken, Micah & Olivia