May 2007 Update - Kenzie's Birthday

Wow! Has it really been 5+ months since we walked into the Civil Affairs office in Hangzhou China and met our beautiful daughter? In many ways it seems like only yesterday and yet at the same time it seems as though she has been with us forever. It has been a wonderful time full of growth and testing for all of us. Will share a lot more details in our 6 month post in a few weeks. Now I wanted to take a minute to recap Kenzie's 5th birthday and very first birthday party.
Kenzie awoke on Saturday May 19th and walked into our kitchen to find that mom had just finished her Strawberry Shortcake birthday cake. It was at that moment that Kenzie said "Is my bursday?" And upon confirmation from Mom and Dad said "Oh yeah! I cited!" It was hard to get things done for the party and to feel the typical sense of urgency becuase there was no anticipation on Kenzie's part until that morning when she saw her cake. It was just a reminder of the difference between her first 4 birthdays and the ones to come.
We got a giant Strawberry Shortcake balloon and all the coordinating party accessories. She had a Strawberry Shortcake cake and a coordinating strawberry party dress. We even had some special hair bows made to match her dress. Pulled out all the stops for our little princess's first party. When the guests started arriving Kenzie's excitement hit a new level. Kenzie had a blast playing outside on a beautiful spring day with her friends. We did a foamies craft and made picture frames, then it was on to the presents and cake. Kenzie now has presents figured out and like a pro went from gift to gift and we barely saw cards to determine who the gifts were from . The highlight of the birthday party (at least for the parents) was a wonderful DVD that was created by our friend Jonathan. The DVD held video and pictures of Kenzie's first 5 months home, set to Martina McBride's "Happy Girl" and the worship song "Everlasting God". It was a teary moment for Mom to be sure.
After the guests left Kenzie took a nap and then we all went to dinner with our good friends Connie, Jonathan, & Lydia. Then it was back to the house for family presents and the special gift from Connie, Jonathan, & Lydia.
All in all it was a blessed day and as special as any "first birthday" could have been. Enjoy the pictures and please check back soon for our next update. We will be completing our first post placement report - again it's hard to believe that it has been 6 months - we are truly blessed to be able to share life with this very special little girl! Kenzie we LOVE you!!