No, it's not really her first birthday... she's actually turning 9! But orphanages in China rarely know a child's real birthday, let alone celebrate it. So this year is the first time she has ever had a cake, presents, and someone singing "Happy Birthday" to her.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5db08b3127cce918abd94523200000016108QbtGTdwzZW

She really wants some dresses and night gowns, but since she can only crawl around on the floor a dress is not an option. I made her a pair of jammies instead... ones that have lots of ruffles and are pretty frilly. (Sorry, I'm just not really into lace, LOL):

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5db09b3127cce918362852a2e00000026138QbtGTdwzZW

I also made a matching set for Margaret, without the ruffles on the shorts...

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5db06b3127cce9180594f052800000016108QbtGTdwzZW
Sorry, bad photo!


And since I am sure someone will ask... we have not adopted her. She's still living with us as a foster family, and I do not know what the future holds.

:)

aww that is the sweetest thing I have ever heard. I bet she was just beaming with happiness. May I ask why she isn't able to walk? I totally and completely admire foster parents who actually care for the children they are fostering. It melts my heart. We need more mommas like you and Melony in the world!! Hugs and Happy 9th birthday to Ling Ling. :heart: Those jammies are the awesomist.

Oh, it just thrills my soul to see Ling Ling having a birthday! :happy: How absolutely wonderful for her, and what special memories she will have.

The sew and shows are cute, but I just love seeing those two girls and the HUGE cake! :)

:heart: That warmed my heart. The jammies are cute. The look on the her face is priceless. And oh my, that's one big cake!

May I ask why she isn't able to walk?

She was born with spina bifida and has very little function below the waist. She has had several surgeries this year and has begun therapy, but the field is very new in China and even the "experts" know little more than I do. She has (and will continue to) faced incredible challenges that most of us could never even begin to imagine. She is one tough little girl!

:)

Oh my goodness, look how wonderful she looks! Healthy & beaming! I'm so happy she had a great birthday :) That's a fabulous cake and really cute jammies, my girls would love those too. Big HUG Serena :heart:

:balloons: :anibirth: ;partyhat: :balloons:

Happy Birthday Ling Ling!!!!

Aww Happy Birthday Ling Ling! :anibirth:

Cute sets, and the cake is gorgeous too! :happy:

Those are awesome! Great cake! :) Tell her "Sheng r kwai le" for me. :)

:heart: How special for her and for you. I'm sure no matter what the outcome, you have changed her life for the better already. :)

Those jammies are very cute! And that cake looks yummy!! :balloons: Happy Birthday Ling Ling!!!! :balloons:

That cake looks so yummy! And Ling Ling looks so happy :)

:balloons: Happy Birthday Ling Ling! :balloons:

What cute jammies, and I love the cake, it beautiful!

I hope you all had a wonderful celebration :)

So many comments on the cake... I have to say that I did NOT make it. I'm not that talented ;)

So many comments on the cake... I have to say that I did NOT make it. I'm not that talented ;)
Maybe we are all just hungry tonight. Yummmmm cake sounds good right now.

Happy Birthday Ling Ling :singing: :balloons: :anibirth: Hope you had a wonderful birthday!!

Serena...love the outfits...very, very cute!!!!

Thank you for informing me Serena. SHe is a sweeetie and so lucky to have you ! As I amsure you feel lucky to have her :)

:heart: That warmed my heart. The jammies are cute. The look on the her face is priceless. And oh my, that's one big cake!

:ditto: :) :happy:

:heart: How special for her and for you. I'm sure no matter what the outcome, you have changed her life for the better already. :)

:heart:

Happy Birthday Ling Ling!! :anibirth: :big hug: :balloons: :singing:

Wow, this post just melts my heart. She looks so happy, and the cake and jammies look awesome! What a wonderful gift you've given...all around.

What a wonderful thing you have done for her. You and your family are really special people. :)

The jammies are adorable!

:heart: That pic is priceless... and her jamies are awfully cute!

Love Val

Wow Serena, the outfits are very cute, and GOSH, she looks so happy. I am glad to hear she is still with you. I think you are the best thing for her. As far as adoption or foster care, it does not change how much you love and care for her, so Kudos to you for opening you heart and home so her.

S~

:anibirth: :balloons: :singing: Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear LING LING, Happy Birthday to YOU!!!!! :singing: :balloons: :anibirth:


Cute jammies! Did you do those appliques? Very nice. :)


BTW, great to see you posting an update on Ling Ling! I've been keeping her and your family in my thoughts. :)

Love the purple jammies especially the ruffled top. Very girly and pretty. I wish I was at that party! Happy Birthday Ling Ling. :happy:

What a beautiful cake for a beautiful little girl! Ling Ling looks soooo happy! I bet she LOVES the gorgeous jammies you made her!!! And Margaret must LOVE her pair, too!

Very nice, Serena!!!

HAppy 9th Birthday Ling Ling!!!!!!!!! What a beautiful outfit and cake! :)

Looks like you had a wonderful birthday celebration!

:anibirth: Ling Ling!

The jammies turned out very cute! :)