Yesterday, the 20th of September, my birthson turned five years old. One of the perks of our open adoption is spending birthdays with him, however bittersweet they may be. I’m usually good when I am with him and then break down later. I’ve had a hard time writing the past few days while riding this emotional rollercoaster.

While it is still fresh in my memories, I thought I would recap the birthday visit.

Typically in the past we have gone to their house or met in a restaurant. Charlie’s adoptive mom had suggested meeting in a restaurant again to my husband but he knows how I dislike restaurant visits. The kids usually don’t behave as well and it is just not as personal. My husband invited them to our house. At first, I was a little annoyed. Mainly I think because I felt like I had no control in the matter. (Yes, I am a control freak.) But after I had time to adjust to the idea, I was open to it and thought it would be great.

Charlie, his adoptive mom, dad, and sister all came up yesterday evening. I had bought balloons for Charlie’s birthday and a cute table cloth for the table. It was bittersweet as I was setting everything up. Bittersweet because I was able to do this for Charlie this year, had never been able to before, and wasn’t sure when I would again. I also had a few presents for him and made a birthday cake. It wasn’t the best looking birthday cake, but Charlie loved the sprinkles on it and gobbled it up!

I think his favorite part was probably blowing out the candles. Or maybe opening the presents? He sat in my lap to do this. That was special. He loved the Clemson sweatshirt I gave him, along with a few books and a talking Lightning McQueen car from the movie Cars.

I got to have some good conversations with his Mom and Dad and was finally able to show them the slide show I had made for the Adoption Conference back in May.

All in all it was a pretty nice birthday visit. Something that I hope Charlie will remember and cherish as much as I do.

After they left, I was a mess for a little while but was thankful for the time I was able to spend with him.