Happy Birthday, Hayes!

I know, I know...long time no hear from.  But this full-time working and being mommy isn't leaving me much time for blogging.  I'll try to do better.  No promises though!  

Lots has been going on around here lately including our 6 month visit with our social worker, Hayes's first Thanksgiving (spent at the beach!), changes in his sleep habits, and walking.  I'll blog more about those later; I've got exciting news: today is Hayes's 1st birthday!

I can't believe our not-so-little-guy is one today.  We'll be celebrating next weekend with a little party with the fam.  Today the hubby and I are spending a low-key day with our man.  We both took the day off so we could celebrate.  Well, let's face it...Hayes doesn't know the difference, so it's more for us! : )

We don't have any big plans for the day (other than his 1-year checkup where he will have to get a few shots.  I know, not nice mommy!  But I already took the day off, so I figured we needed to knock it out!).  We plan to take him out to eat Ethiopian food tonight since he's never had it before.  It's important for us to remember his birth country and celebrate that too.

This week as his birthday approached, I couldn't help but think of his birth mommy.  How does she feel today?  What is she going through on this day?  Is she thinking of her sweet baby boy like I am?  These thoughts somehow make me feel more connected to her.  Maybe one day I will have the opportunity to thank her for this incredible gift.  I would like to tell her how loved and cherished Hayes is.  That's he's a loving, energetic little boy that's just so full of life.  That he brings so much joy to our lives each and every day.  That we can't imagine life without him.  That our lives have been abundantly enriched because of him.  Those are just a few things I would like for her to know.

Happy 1st Birthday, Hayes!  You are one loved little boy!