That depends on your definition of "Happy"

Happy 1st Birthday, Lulu! That is, if you can call a cough and a fever happy.

Jack has been sick with said cough and fever for the past 4 days. Emmie was home today with a cold. And since it is virtually impossible to keep the older kids from lovin' on their baby sister, it was bound to strike little Lulu too. We managed to hold it off for most of the day. Thankfully, we had great success with having her first year photos taken. I hope to post them soon.

And had some play time...
Along with the daily "walking practice" that she's so proud of...
Despite her generally good spirits, Lulu wasn't quite herself. I tried to make the occasion festive, despite the cloud of malaise floating above, with a few little decorations...
And a cake I attempted to decorate with sprinkles in the shape of Africa...
Lulu hung on through dinner...
Mac and cheese is a new found favorite. Here she is rummaging in the bib for extras...
And she started into dessert with enthusiasm...
But before too long, the fever got the best of her and Lulu's birthday became anything but happy...
Poor baby.

But the picture actually illustrates how conflicted I feel on a day like today. Like the smiling three older kids, I feel so joyful to celebrate the day this precious child entered the world. I could not be happier to know her, to love her, and to call her my daughter.

But, like the crying Lulu, I am also sad. I have been struggling with the other side of her birthday. Not the presents and the candles and the cake and the singing part. This day is worthy of them all. The reality is that I know very little about what this day was like one year ago for a young Ethiopian woman and the precious child she gave birth to, my daughter...
Today I grieve the Ethiopian Mommy who named you "Blessings" even though she would not be able to receive the blessings of who you are for very long. Today I grieve for the Ethiopian Grandmother who must be thinking about her Rediet today. She cared for you so well. She is always in our hearts and our prayers. We honor these women who were there one year ago today, when you entered the world.

And we joyfully receive "Blessings"...the blessings God has poured out on us through you, our Luci May Rediet. We look back to the blessings of His faithfulness to you, and to us, over the past year. And we look forward to the blessings He will bring to this world through your life.

Happy Birthday, sweet baby. You are loved.
And get well soon.