The Jamaican King turns 12!

Twelve years ago today, in another country, a woman we may never know gave birth to a very special boy. Because she didn't feel capable of caring for him, she took him to a wonderful children's home where he was loved and cared for for the next 8 years.....until God brought us together!  Today is the 3rd birthday we've been able to celebrate with Ian and I say it all the time, but what a joy he is!  He has taught us so much but the one thing we continually marvel at is his contentment.  He can't walk, talk, eat without aspirating, drink, brush his teeth, dress himself, write his name, and of course the list goes on.  And yet, God has given him great contentment and such a spirit of joyfulness in spite of his disability. I recently attended Ian's annual case review for school and the first paragraph of his IEP begins:  "Ian is a very happy and loving young man, and is well liked by both peers and adults.  He quickly establishes rapport with new people. Ian actively seeks attention, is motivated to communicate snd wants to please others....." 

So, it's not just us....everyone who meets and gets to know Ian seems to love him.  We just happen to be blessed enough to be his parents and for that, we are so thankful to our sovereign God. 

Because of crazy schedules, it worked best to celebrate last night so here are a few pictures from the gift opening. 

What you can't see here is the dump truck that goes forward and backward and dumps and makes all kinds of annoying noises.  He loves it!

 A semi that has a tool kit built into it

Rescue helicopter

 Crazy glasses and nose!

This is a picture from Ian's 10th birthday, which was 6 weeks after we brought him home.  Boy, has he grown up and filled out and made so much progress!

Happy Birthday, Ian!  We love you!!!