Teddi is 7!

Today we celebrate the seventh birthday of our youngest treasure.

Our Theadora Fu Xiao.

Theadora means Gift of God.

Fu is blessing or fortune,

and Xiao (shee-ow) in Teddi's case

(as described by her nannies) is smile.

Teddi is indeed our gift from God.

Our smiling treasure.

It's who she is.

It's part of her DNA.

Teddi is a happy girl.

Today while we were driving my sweet girl told me that they remember her birthday in China--"because they miss me . . . so they remember my birthday". When I asked her whether she meant at her orphanage, or her China mommy, she very confidently answered, "Everyone in China."

Sigh.

My heart hurts.

Somewhere there is a birth mama who had to kiss her precious girl goodbye. We can speculate why--but we have no answers. There probably never will be answers this side of heaven. As Teddi says, "God knows, cause He knows everything."

I am fairly certain that there is a mama in China who remembers this special day. Oh if I could only let her know that her baby girl is safe-- and sooooo excited to be turning seven! If I could let her know that her baby girl is smart, and compassionate, and more ticklish than words can tell. If I could only thank her for the gift of life she choose for her daughter . . . so that she might be our gift.

If only . . . I could let her know that she is happy.

It's part of her DNA.

It's who she is . . .

If only . . .

For now, I will rejoice. I will rejoice enough for two mamas. Our gift, who celebrated three birthdays in China, will celebrate today for the fourth year at home. The scales have been tipped. Her birthdays as a daughter now outnumber her birthdays as an orphan. Thank you God for this indescribable gift.

Happy Birthday Theadora Fu Xiao.

You are loved . . .

all the way to China . . .

and back.

We love you!

Mommy and Daddy

Bryce, Taylor & Frankie,

Brady & Sloane,

and your best friend and brother

(and fellow seven year old) Brogan

Blessings from my nest ~

Tina