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Happy 1st Birthday Sweet Angel

Sunday, June 3, 2007



Today is Kate Emerson's first birthday. I am filled with so much emotion and love for her that it overwhelms me. I cannot imagine what it was like for her one year ago today. A brave woman in China gave birth to my angel and made a very difficult and courageous decision. I thank that woman for leaving Kate in a safe location so that she could be found and brought into our family. Over the three long years that we waited for Kate people would often say "God is making sure you get the perfect child for your family." I know people meant well but I grew really tired of hearing that because I thought any child would be just fine with us and I didn't want to wait any longer. But now I know that God did have the perfect child in mind for our family. Kate has blended into our fold as though she has been here all along. She could not be a more perfect fit. I think in a way our family is even a bit surprised at the immense love that she has brought out of our hearts. We knew we would love her. I just don't think we realized how much we would love her.

I wanted to write down a few things about Kate on this special day so I don't forget them. Kate is extremely cuddly and affectionate. From the moment she came into my arms, she has loved being hugged and held. She loves to listen to music and bounces her little head to the beat. Kate has a great sense of humor and plays lots of games with us. She is actually funny in a way that most babies are not.

Kate is not phased by much of anything. Loud noises, big dogs, the pool, large crowds don't seem to bother her at all. She did not even utter a sound when the water was poured over her head by the priest today! She looks around intently and takes it all in but she doesn't get worked up. She seems as though she can really adapt to most situations. I love that about her.

Mostly, Kate Emerson is simply sweet. She is happy and affectionate and easy. I prayed for these exact traits and God answered my prayers. Today at her Baptism, I felt this more than ever. I have so much to write about Kate's 1st Birthday and Baptism but I still have family in town and I am waiting on the amazing photos that my dear friend Elissa took. I think there will be a birthday/baptism series coming soon.

Happy Birthday Kate Emerson Ru! We love you and we could not imagine our world without you in it.

Love,

Mom, Dad, Will, Harry and Scout
P.S. The cake was made locally. It was delicious! Many people have e-mailed me about it. Click here for the website.

31 comments:

  1. Happy Birthday little one - yes, every year I get kind of reminiscent at well - a lot had to come together to make them ours - it is so special!

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  2. Wow a 1st birthday and a baptism. How wonderful to celebrate these two very special occasions on the same day. The cake is beautiful! I would expect nothing less with your wonderful taste. Wishing Kate a very Happy 1st Birthday and may God continue to bless her and your family always.

    Valorie
    www.ourtwolittleblessings.blogspot.com

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  3. Happy Birthday Miss Kate! Beautiful post and wow, the cake!

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  4. I can't wait to see pictures! The cake is just beautiful!

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  5. That was a perfect post! Congratulations on her 1st birthday and getting baptized. I always marval at how perfectly God's hand is at work in placing each child with a family. As I read your words, I couldn't help but relate to feeling the same way about LiLi. What a blessed weekend you had!

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  6. Happy Birthday Kate Emerson! What a gift you have been to your family from the moment God chose you for them. Blessings for a wonderful year!
    Love,
    Diana & Ruby Mei

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  7. Happy 1st Birthday beautiful Kate!!! How wonderful to celebrate both your birthday and your Baptism today! Like your Mommy says, you are beautiful, sweet, and so much more! I cried when I read this tribute your Mommy wrote to you because it reminds me so much of my love for Sophie Lu... it's an amazing love- we are two lucky Mommies!

    Can't wait to see all the photos!

    Love, Shana :)

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  8. p.s. I LOVE the cake! It's just beautiful!

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  9. Happy Birthday Kate!! I hope you had a wonderful day.

    The cake is wonderful.

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  10. That is a beautful cake! Did it taste good too? It's so great to hear your comments on your daughter, and how she fits into your family. It gives me hope! Happy Birthday Kate!

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  11. I have to tell you that YES-- the cake tasted as good as it looked. It was a four layer chocolate chip pound cake with chocolate buttercream between the layers and under the fondant! It was FABULOUS!

    She also make Kate her own little cake to match and cupcakes for the kiddos with edible pearls (Kate's birthstone.


    Kim

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  12. Happy Birthday Kate! What a wonderful weekend of celebrations. Congratulations.

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  13. Kim,
    What a beautiful post for your sweet girl!! For those of us waiting, it's so good to be reminded that GOD places a child into the family where they belong and it's a perfect fit!
    I'm sure it was an amazing and special day for all of you, the cake is so beautiful~it took my breath away!!
    Happy 1st Birthday Miss Kate and congratulations on your baptism!!

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  14. What a happy day !!
    What an incredible cake !

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  15. Hi Kim~

    I have never introduced myself to you but I've been lurking for a while. I can't even remember how I found your site, but I see you are friends with a special friend of mine-Diana...

    I have truly been enjoying reading your journey. I know this is not a revelation to you but God has certainly blessed you with such a beautiful family.

    I am so happy you had Kate with you to celebrate her special day.
    Congratulations to your family, Kim, and Happy Birthday, Kate Emerson!!!!

    All the best,
    Lisa

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  16. Happy First Birthday Kate Emerson! Your wonderful life is just beginning with your amazing family!
    Kim, your write up brought tears to my eyes. Your precious daughter is so lucky to be so loved. She is a very special girl.
    The cake is amazing! Wow! We were thinking of Kate on her very first birthday. We wish her many happy days in her 2nd year of life. With love; Elaine, Michael and Amanda Lo

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  17. Happy Birthday sweet Kate. I hope you had a wonderful day with your family.

    That cake is gorgeous Kim! I love it! The post was very sweet too. Can't wait to see the photos.

    Danielle

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  18. Happy Birthday sweet girl! Kim, your words just made me feel 100% better about this wait--thank you!

    Love the sunglasses and the cake is adorable!

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  19. A VERY happy birthday to you Miss Kate! What a wonderful blessing you are. May all of your birthdays be filled with love and happiness and pure joy!
    Kim and Katie

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  20. Your post brought tears to my eyes. I found your blog through Amy's blog.

    Thanks for sharing and you are an inspiration!

    ~Michele Houston

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  21. I forgot, the cake is AMAZING! LOVE IT! ~Michele

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  22. Kim,

    A very happy birthday to Kate Emerson! And what a special day for her baptism. Thank you for sharing from the heart - this post was so very special. I remember so clearly the first birthday we celebrated with our Adrienne - it was actually her second birthday, as she was just over one year old when she was placed in our arms. We thought so much of her birth parents that day, and were overwhelmed with emotion. They come to mind often on special days.

    The cake is incredible, and I can't wait to see photos from this memorable day!

    Jennifer, mother to Adrienne
    and waiting for Baby Sister
    joejen92@yahoo.com

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  23. Happy Birthday darling Kate! And also, Congratulations on your Baptism. Two very special occassions!

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  24. Happy bithday Kate!

    ~What a beautiful post and an amazing cake!~

    (I'll be saving the link for when the time comes to celebrate our daughter's b-day, thanks!)

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  25. Happy Birthday to your beautiful princess!!! The cake is perfect for a princess party!!!!

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  26. HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATE EMERSON!!! What a wonderful post :)

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  27. What a beautiful cake. Happy 1st Birthday sweet Kate.

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  28. Happy First Birthday Kate Emerson!

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  29. Happy Birthday sweet Kate. She is beautiful and the dress and cake are just lovely.
    Thanks for sharing photos and special moments of your beautiful baby girl with us.

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Thank you for your kindness.