Celebrating Zane

(Sorry in advance for the very poor layout, technical difficulties!)

One year ago we were so disappointed to just miss Zane's first birthday by five days, but trusted in God's perfect timing because He has provided our perfect match twice over - how blessed we are!



So this year, it was an honor to celebrate his second (and first) birthday at home, together with family.

The day started with a fun play date with cousin Titus, and friends, Maelynn and Lily (and their Mamas too), followed by a Mexican feast and a birthday present. Zane had no problem getting the concept of present-opening as proven later that evening as well.

With Uncle Kevin, Aunt Alicia and Titus, we enjoyed an Italian dinner, chocolate cake and ice cream.

Zane took everything in stride, accepted the attention and presents with ease and has asked for cake and ice cream after every meal since September 1.

Zane has had an eventful and challenging year.... The first moment we laid eyes on him, he was all smiles, dimples full-on, just like his Dada. He had an instant connection with me and a fondness for Dada and Elle. Zane's deep bonding with Dada happened while we were inpatient due to post-op complications following his lip and palate repair last December. He pushed through the tough surgery, infections and recovery, determined to gain strength, weight (our boy can eat!) and the next milestone. Milestones like crawling, cutting teeth, walking, climbing and wrestling his sister to the floor! And speaking of teeth, he has had a rough couple of months (he can be a bit of a bear at times) cutting in nearly ALL his teeth. He's just now finishing up with his bottom incisors.

Zane is passionate, strong-willed, opinionated, bright, clever, mischievous, inventive, expressive, inquisitive, physically coordinated, friendly, hot-tempered and very loyal. He loves books, food, playing outside, taking baths, going to the pool and sleeping with Mama. He has nearly 75-100 communication words through sign and sound and knows quite a few letter sounds. He has funny faces, gives out fist bumps/knuckles and can melt your heart with his kisses and hugs. Our favorite thing about Zane is everything AND his tender heart that always chooses what is right in the end.

This precious two-year-old is our joy - we celebrate his life and God's provision in bringing him to us. With the pleasure of family here over Labor Day weekend, we remembered journeying to China a year ago and celebrated his 'Gotcha' with humbled and grateful hearts.

Elle and Zane so enjoy their cousins and we are grateful to have family that come together to worship, play, and pray. With five adopted cousins/grandchildren, three miracle labors, and multiple countries represented, we are always looking to Him with anticipation for His best to continue to unfold - He never disappoints! :)

After the pleasure of family, we took some long naps. Zane cuddled right beside me for over two hours and mostly I just looked at his sweet, sleeping face and prayed God's protection over him. Later we went out for a Gotcha Day celebratory dinner and then back home for the remaining birthday ice cream that was still lingering in the freezer.



The first week of September is going to be a favorite - celebrating Zane and God's perfection in our lives. We claim victory in all that He has accomplished and trust that He also has tomorrow in the palm of His hand.

Happy birthday, Zane-O-Boy; you are perfect and we adore you so! Love, Dada, Mama and Elle-Belle