Today is the little boy in Haiti’s birthday. The boy who may or may not come to live with us forever (in a year or two) is now one year old.
This is a day for reflection. I have been down this road several times, this road of celebration for the children I hope to love and cherish on this earth, but sometimes never come home. I have always felt that these moments need to be marked, though, because what if it does work out this time? In that case, of course, we will want these memories to share with him.
I made an ugly cake. I didn’t mean for it to be ugly, but it just didn’t work out the way I planned (and welcome to the rest of my life!). The love behind the gesture will just have to be enough. And you know what? I think it is enough. I started to realize this cake, with the swirling blues and splatters of gold balls, kind of looks like a globe if looked at lovingly with a lazy, far away glance (or maybe this is just me…but try to go with it). This cake – with the land masses sprinkled in the wrong places and the not-so-tidy or realistic purple border – seems fitting and even unitive (and what a joke it would be if I showed you the cake decorating ideas I got off of Pinterest for this attempt!).
Yes, this cake is a cake of love. This cake is a cake of connection. With this cake, I am celebrating the life of a boy I’ve never met…and hoping he won’t be too upset if one day he has to make a big trip (across golden land masses that look very different than the ones on my cake) and becomes part of our family. There is perfection in this imperfect sign of longing and invitation. Happy birthday, little guy. We love you already.
Stealing Nectar 
Personally, I love this. I firmly believe that it’s the thought that counts. You took time to plan out what you wanted to make, then you took great care to make it. The cake is made of perfect colors and decorations for a 1-year old. It represents your love for this child beautifully. Thanks for sharing.
Aww, thank you SO much!!! 💗
Awww Happy birthday little man! What a gift for him to have two people across the world celebrating their love for him. A special moment no matter the outcome. Love this and that cake is beautiful.
Thank you! It’s special to have all of you celebrating with us too! Swoon! Xo
I have a tear in my eye as I read. Happy birthday to your little man and I am so excited for the day you can share birthday cake with him! And I think your decorating skills are awesome.
Thank you! Hopefully this is the one. It was so fun to celebrate him and spend more time thinking about his life yesterday. Wouldn’t it be lovely if next year at this time we were both home with our kids? We shall see! 🙂
Both of us at home with our children sounds delightful! Here’s to hoping!
Love this cake! And it’s way better than any cake I would make. Happy birthday, little buddy!
Aww, thank you! It will be a great memory to share with him one day! I hope he enjoyed his bday from afar. Thanks for joining the celebration! 🙂
Happy birthday little guy! And the cake is beautiful!
Thank you so much! It was fun to celebrate! 🙂
(Almost) 28 Weeks Update – Stealing Nectar