Happy 5th Birthday, Elle!

We usually decorate the dining room with all-things birthday just to see their faces when they discover it in the morning. This year, it did not disappoint our Elle-Belle, who decided she wanted a princess theme. During this past year she discovered Cinderella -- the book, movie, music -- and it's been all about dressing princess and roll-playing the drama. Eric has become quite good at playing all the parts while Elle dashes about in her pink and blue gowns. You'll often hear Eric yelling out, 'But wait, please wait...your shoe!'

So, Elle's big day had finally arrived. Before Daddy left for work, we all enjoyed eating Elle's requested chocolate chip pancakes, and watching her open up a violin that she's been wanting for months (ever since she played one at her friend's house). She even let Zane try it out. But the biggest joy of her day was when she opened up a package of gum and had her very first chomp of the cinnamon sweetness. It's a five-year-old privilege in the Wolfe home and she's been counting down the days for over a year. It was everything she had dreamed of, and she only swallowed one piece between breakfast and lunch.

Zane LOVED the pancakes too!

Elle's first piece of gum!

After much gum-chewing and talk about gum-chewing, we met Daddy for her requested lunch -- pizza! We stuffed ourselves and had more talk about gum and how life is so much better now with gum. Noteable was Zane's behavior at lunch; he has definitely found a new peace about food and we are seeing far fewer temper tantrums over finishing a meal. We still have to have verbal preparation to transition away from meals, but his new attitude has definitely made eating-out much more enjoyable.

Then it was home for naps, play and more gum-chewing before friends and family arrived for a chili/cornbread dinner. Now Elle had been anticipating her fifth birthday since she turned four. There hasn't been a prayer of hers -- and she prays out loud at least three times a day -- that hasn't started with 'thank you for my birthday'... for a year's time! It's like she has just always known that she should be five! :) I really do believe this will be a BIG year for Elle and you can tell she is glad to have 'arrived' and happy to be living in the moment, finally! Has to be the gum, everything truly is better with gum.

Party friends.

The evening concluded with her requested chocolate cookie and ice cream cake, presents and pictures with her buddy, Isaac. Isaac is a dear friend, who has been on furlough from Africa (with his parents) for several of Elle's birthdays. Elle thinks it's very cool that Isaac was born in a far away country like herself.

It's hard to believe that our baby is five. Seems like yesterday that God performed a miracle and placed her in our arms. She is our perfect match and we are amazed by His spirit within her. There's something very dear, kind and soft about her nature, her care for others and love for Jesus. We are so grateful to watch our precious child grow in His grace.

Before putting her and the day to bed, we talked about her birth story, God placing our family together, His special plans for her... and, of course, gave thanksgiving for gum. Glorious gum!

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

Happy Birthday Grandpa & Benjamin

Elle held up a balloon for Grandpa on his birthday, but I never got it posted. (See excuses posted below.) Since then, Benjamin's birthday has come and gone.

Birthday, smirthday - we celebrate you both everyday! xox