Dear Carter.

Dear Carter,
Four years ago today, you were welcomed into this world in a hospital somewhere in Kiev, Ukraine.  You were placed in the arms of a mama who was so excited to meet you.  She desperately wanted you - her first born baby.  She loved you the moment she saw you.  She gazed into your eyes, and nursed you late into the night.  I'm sure of it.

Your mommy & daddy took you home from that hospital as excited new parents.  They undoubtedly showed you off to their friends and family - so proud of the beautiful little boy they held in their arms.

For three months, they loved you and cared for you.  I'm sure you remember their touch.  I'm certain you remember their love. 

And after that, well, I'm not really sure what happened.  Nobody really knows.  But I can tell you this:  You did not disappoint your mama.  You did not let her down.

Her culture let her down.  Her society let her down.  But you, sweet boy- you did not disappoint her.  She wanted you desperately, but knew that somewhere - somebody else would love to be your mama, just as much as she did.

That 'somebody else' was us.  

The Lord called us to a little boy in Kiev, Ukraine.  And we listened.  He led us right to you.  He knew you were there.  He was with you every moment that you spent in that orphanage.  And he knew that you would fit right in to this funny little family.

It was clear on the first day that we met.  It was clear that you knew we were there to take you home.

And since that day that you came home for good - you haven't looked back.  You know now, without a shadow of a doubt.  You know that you are home.

Happy fourth birthday, Carter Benjamin.  Our lives would not be the same without you - and we are so, so glad that God chose us to be your parents.  We are so, so glad.  Thanks for allowing us to love you and hug you and kiss you every single day.  Thanks for loving us in our shortcomings and failures.  Thanks for being you, buddy.  Here's to new beginnings.  Fresh starts.  Year number four - starting off right.

We love you more than you'll ever know!

One Thing I Know For Sure: First ever 'happy' birthday.  Good stuff.

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