A little Birthday Celebration

We celebrated Zaine's birthday last week.

We do not know his true birthday.

We were able to choose his birthday within the month we were given.

When we received his referral in December, 

I never dreamed he wouldn't be home to celebrate his 1st birthday with us.

Not gonna lie, celebrating his 1st birthday without him here was h.a.r.d.

 I kinda wanted to curl up in a ball and cry but instead I decided we'd party.

I made a big Congolese meal for dinner and my family joined us to celebrate Zaine.

Akara Awon - Black-eyed pea fritters with okra

Mwambe Beef

Plantains

Had to buy some Fanta to drink.

Fufu - this is commonly used to soak up the juices from the plate.  We kinda thought it tasted similar to wall paper paste....

Mimi, my mom, made a lion cake for Zaine. 

We bought some gifts for Zaine:  

The monkey in the far left of the picture is a special gift we bought for him.  There is an organization that supports different causes each week (Sevenly) with each purchase and the week I bought Zaine's monkey was focused on feeding children in Congo.  

The rest of the toys we bought to take with us and donate to his old orphanage.

My parents also missed my brother's birthday when they were adopting him.

They chose to wait until he was home to have a small family party with a special cake and a few presents once they knew what he was going to like.  They have insisted they will have a small party for Zaine when he's home so we can celebrate with him and watch him enjoy his cake and gifts.

We received a special book in the mail from another adoptive momma who completely understands missing your little boys birthday.  Lindsey, this book is so very special and will always be cherished.

Another friend got Zaine this shirt to wear home to his airport celebration.  I was trying to think of something special he could wear when we brought him home but this cuteness far surpassed any ideas I had.  Thanks Beth - can't wait for you to see him in it!

It was a rough day but we got through it.  

Zaine, you're one loved little boy and many friends and 

family made your first birthday very special.  

Oh, and by the way Zaine... you're gonna have one crazy 

2nd bday party to make up for lost 

time!