Eva didn't have a clue. She stumbled back and screamed when everyone jumped up and yelled "Surprise!" Then she read the banner and the look on her face instantly changed from fear to utter joy. It was priceless. We started singing "Happy Birthday" and Janine brought out the cake. It was a luscious chocolate ice cream cake, complete with raspberry filling and cherry sprinkles. By the time Eva blew out the candles, she was grinning from ear to ear.

The place was strung up with streamers and balloons and we wore cute little birthday hats. Quite a difference from the birthday parties that we usually throw. Strictly PG, no alcohol or lingerie or anything sexually related. Heck, we didn't even give her a birthday spanking.

We had the cake along with Eva's other favorite foods: pizza, mac-n-cheese and tater tots. After the cake and gifts, we had a slumber party where we did up Eva's hair and makeup and gave her a manicure and pedicure. Then we spent the rest of the night eating popcorn and watching movies.

It was a fun night. I think the best part was when Eva came into the kitchen and hugged us. It was very emotional. She was crying. She said that she was so happy that she couldn't help, but cry. It was a special moment because it was the first time that she hugged either of us without flinching or tensing up. She just melted into our arms.

It felt so good and meant so much to us, that Janine and I cried the next morning. We've been waiting for a sign, something to validate the path that we're on and that hug was pure neon. After six months of living with us, I think Eva is finally starting to loosen up and let her guard down.