3rd Birthday Eve

I fully expected to be at least mildly depressed around this particular birthday. Had you asked me a few of months ago, following my most depressing birthday to date, I would have lamented that there is no hope for future happiness, not even on birthdays. You see, I love birthdays: mine, Chandlers, yours, etc. I love the celebration, the dinner at a nice restaurant, and giving the perfect gift.

Mine was the first birthday we celebrated in Africa, away from family and all of the birthday traditions. I was sad and that's an understatement. I was even more sad thinking about how pitiful Waverly's next birthday celebration would be: Snyder, table for three, at Cafe Mom... Oh, and here's a pair of socks, kid. They were forgotten in the bottom of a suitcase when we moved here. They're just like new!

But I've been most pleasantly surprised with the unfolding of tomorrow's events which do include playtime and cake with local friends and a party with family, complete with invitations. We organized a Skype/FaceTime with each of our families and are looking very forward to having three tea parties and A LOT of strawberry cake, per Waverly's request. Just a little pre-planning and pre-purchasing on our part and we will have a celebration to remember.

So, I'm not sad tonight as we anticipate Waverly's big day. And I'm not sad that she is turning three. Maybe I should be since she's our first-born, but I am excited and... Surprised?
Really, though, I can't believe Chandler and I have kept a small one alive for three whole years, even while crossing an ocean. She's a resilient little being; stronger than I have been on some days. Her life was turned upside-down and, although she expresses her sadness at times, she reminds us, in her own wisdom, that we are where we belong.

She talks all of the time and most days we laugh, but some days we nearly lose our minds. She sleeps in a big girl bed, doesn't wear diapers ever, quotes movies like it's her job, loves to dance, loves to eat, and loves to practice her Malagasy, especially when it earns her a piece of candy. She can't sit still. She has a memory like a steel trap. She's a charmer like her daddy. She has a heart full of love and a big, beautiful smile. Quite often, we look at her and have a surreal moment with the realization that she is ours. The Lord has entrusted us with her and, somehow, we've made it three whole, wonderful years. Here's to many more!