My birthday man

Josh's birthday was last week. And somehow I didn't blog about it. I think because we postponed his party to this weekend that it didn't quite feel like his birthday. We are doing a pool party and the time that it was supposed to be was rainy and kind of cold. Which is really, really odd for Suzhou at this time of year. It is going to be this Sunday and I have hopes for better weather. We shall see.

Last week, he opened his gift from us.

doesn't his face say it all?

And then a package that had arrived from Grandma. Packages are the best.

He kept saying, "what's inside? what is it?"

BOOKS!

And more BOOKS! The perfect thing for our little man.

We have started a tradition of going to Coldstone for birthday ice cream. This is a tradition that I can wholeheartedly support.

After much deliberation and several samples, he finally decided on bubble gum with M&M's.

Then the next day I took cookies in to share with his class.

I think there is not much better as a parent than watching who your kids are becoming and then really enjoying the person that they are. Josh is our easy-going guy and can sometimes get overshadowed by his more exuberant and intense sisters. But of our three kids, he is our feeler. He can be so sensitive (in a good way) and has such great empathy for others. He is so smart and loves, loves to read. I think he has read every age-appropriate book in our house. (And quite possibly, a few ones that are a bit beyond him) It becomes such a challenge to provide him with new reading material. Makes me miss the library! But over the last few years, China has been good for him. He gears up with excitement for each of our adventures. We have also seen him become more comfortable with who he is. While I am sure that this would have happened if we were still in the States, I think being here has expedited the process. 

Happy 8th Birthday, Josh! We love you and are so glad you are part of our family.