Happy 4th Birthday Katie Starr!

I cannot believe our precious daughter is four years old today! It always sounds so cliche when people talk about how fast the time goes with children but cliche as it sounds, it is true. I need time to S T O P and freeze for just a bit longer. This is such an amazing time in Katie's life. She is so aware yet so innocent. She is a sponge that eagerly slurps up any bit of info that you provide to her. She is so loving and we are her world. Most everything she says and does right now is adorable and elicits a giggle from this mama. Her loving honesty is more than I can bear sometimes. It makes my heart burst with joy. The world is so full of promise for this child and yet before she is able to realize that promise I would love to be able to shelter her from the crueler side of life. I know as the time ticks away her awareness of many aspects of her life, including how she came to be a part of our family, will slowly come to the surface. I hope and pray that I can find the "right" words that will help her to find peace in the knowledge of her own story. I also pray that the woman that brought this slice of heaven into the world, knows peace in her decision and that somehow that peace follows her all of her life. I also say the same prayer for her foster parents that loved her and nurtured her before we were united as a family on Mother's Day 2006.

On a lighter note, her birthday was spent at school (we brought in a Passover friendly cake that was delicious. This is no small feat:) and then later with family celebration and more cake. She is also having a party this weekend with a few of her closest friends. She is easily overwhelmed by social situations, so I do not want to stress her this year and that is why we are keeping it small.

I will sum up the day with the last thing that Katie told us before she fell asleep tonight. "Mom and Dad, this was the best birthday ever...in my whole life!!"

I am posting a few pics of our big girl and I promise to post some video tomorrow.

Munching on her Matzo during lunch at school

The birthday crown her beloved teachers made for her

Having her cake and eating it too

Opening some presents this evening

A present that Judy's mom sent to her

Second cake of the day..cakes are big in this house!

Blew out all of the candles. I pray all of her wishes and dreams come true.

Our happy birthday girl!