Today was our daughter, Lulu's, 8th birthday. It was a wonderful day, and one I hope she will remember for a long, long time. I always find myself feeling a little emotional on my kids' birthdays, and especially on their first birthdays. In many ways, today was Lu's first birthday.

Over the last few days, most of my children had come to me privately to ask what their dad and I had purchased for Lulu's birthday. We normally don't share such secrets because they tend not to stay secrets for long, but I was struck with their reasons for wanting to know. Each child expressed in varying ways that he/she wanted to make sure this would be a really special birthday, since Lulu likely never had presents, a cake or a party in Haiti. The kids took up something of a collection amongst themselves, and before I knew it, a treasured GameBoy and six or so games had been gathered and added to the small group of gifts. I was touched that they would part with such precious things in order to make sure their new sister's birthday truly was a special one.

Although I was initially aghast at the thought, Lulu requested a Sponge Bob birthday cake and I acquiesced. The Sponge Bob idea grew on me because he and I spend about three hours together every Saturday, as I braid Lulu's hair. This has become precious bonding time for Lulu and me, and Sponge Bob has become an integral part of it, bless his hole-y little heart. I can't help thinking about how I've taken over the role that Lu's birthmom once had, and I wonder if she enjoyed the task or found it difficult to carve out the time as I sometimes do.

I thought often today about Lulu's birthmom and how this must be an especially painful day for her. I took oodles of pictures for her, and will get them in the mail soon. I want her to see our happy little girl, dressed in her new Sponge Bob jammies, and simultaneously licking frosting from her lips and playing her new Leapster. I want her to see what a beautiful young lady Lulu is becoming, and I want her to see how much she's loved - not only by her parents, but by a gaggle of siblings who will sacrifice their most prized possessions for the sake of her happiness.

(Just three months after my twins' baptism, now I've got another to plan. Anyone want to volunteer to sing? Bring a plate of brownies?) ;)