Now You're 3

This weekend we celebrated the 3rd birthday of a great lad...

Jonathon!

Jonathon's birthday was on Sunday, May 6th, but we partied on Saturday. In the morning two of Drew's fellow MBA candidates, their husbands and children galavanted around in the woods with us. Jon likes going outside, evidenced by frequent pointing to the door and efforts to collect his shoes from the cabinet.

I instructed the children in the delicate art of cake decorating: Do you know what this is? A construction site! We need trucks, diggers, dumpers, rocks, hills, logs, sand...GO! They did a wonderful job creating a unique cake for Jonathon, and judging by his reaction, "Whooooaaahh!" I believe Jonathon thought it was fantastic!

In addition to Drew's classmates' families that I already mentioned, we invited four other neighbor families; altogether we were twelve adults and eight children -- all present to honor Jonathon.

Jonathon's special red birthday outfit was a wedding gift from my friend Michelle, "In case something happens."  Something happened Michelle. Three times and counting.

Michelle's gift was also worn by both of his brothers on their 1st birthdays. Although this was Jonathon's 3rd, it was his first with us. It was the first time in his life for Jonathon to celebrate his birthday with his family. 

I removed the special clothes prior to letting him loose on the cake.

Once every month we join a fellowship of other foreign workers in Changsha. That day happened to fall on Sunday, Jonathon's birthday. We brought root beer floats to celebrate. Everyone gathered around Jonathon and prayed for him -- an invaluable birthday gift. Drew and I were immensely encouraged. I hope that Jonathon senses how many people care for him. I hope that Jonathon feels the love of the Father.

Jonathon... ah, we treasure that little boy. He has the warmest, most jovial personality. Everybody falls for his charm. I always tell people that he's the handsomest and most well-behaved child in our household (this phrase rhymes in Chinese, it's catchy). He is a living testimony of God's mercy. I feel so thankful that we get to share life with Jonathon each day.

Jonathon... an intense challenge for me. So many unknowns. So little support, comparatively speaking, in terms of coping with his development and attachment difficulties. It's been hard.

Jonathon... we're going to stick with you little guy. We accept your struggles along with your many, many delights. You're priceless. Happy 3rd birthday.