Hudson and Solomon are only 4 months apart almost to the day.  Yesterday was Sol’s birthday and they’re back to being the same age again.  So we celebrated turning 6 again.

Sol is a planner and he knows what he likes.  Hudson will change his mind 5,000 times, but Sol is pretty dead set on his decisions…once his mind is made up, there’s usually not much wavering.  He cracks me up because when faced with choices like what he would like for breakfast or his choice of dessert I can read his little mind.  Donuts for breakfast for the rest of his life.  I laughed because as he’s eating his birthday breakfast donuts he said, “Next year I’m probably going to choose…donuts.”

Amharic is the main language of Ethiopia, so this year I went with an Amharic numeral 6 for his birthday topper.

Every year we decorate the birthday kid’s door.  This has been quite the fun tradition in the Kelley household.  We have had so many fun doors.  Every birthday is different and year after year Josh Kelley brings his A-game birthday eve night.  This year was nothing short of the same.  Solomon and Hudson were both thrilled with the Star Wars Rebels themed door.

His day was pretty easy going and low key with a fun day at home just hanging out and then super bowl watching at Josh’s parents house last night.  He did request a brownie icecream cake which I doubted if I could pull off.  I’d like to thank my cheesecake pan for making his request come true. (details later)  He was thrilled.

Being this kid’s parents is an honor.  Adoption is hard and messy and full of grief and brokenness.  I hate we don’t know what all took place on the day this magnificent little boy entered the world, but I know how magnificent he has made our lives and our family.  We’re still learning everyday how to parent him best through his loss.  The not knowing and not having all the answers is just flat out hard and I beg God to be what he needs…to be his answers…to be his assurance.

What I do know is we love him madly and wholly and nothing will ever change that.  He is a gift.  We are blessed and honored.  We are humbled to be his Mom and Dad.

Solomon Kelley you are a gem.  We love being your parents.  We love your heart.  God has a mighty plan for your fierce little soul.  You’re going to change the world and we cannot wait to watch and cheer you on.  Happy 6th birthday!