I said this in a public Facebook post, and I'll say it again here: "Holly and I are in disbelief... Our baby is FOUR! She is strong, feisty, fearless, funny, sensitive, strong, creative, full of love, wise beyond her years.... Happy birthday to our amazing daughter!"
You are amazing. You are awesome. You are one of the coolest people I've had the pleasure to meet, and I can't believe I have helped make you. You are four. And many people want to celebrate with you.
For that very reason, you've had four - so far- birthday celebrations!
#1. With Mimi and Pops! Hot-tubbing and present givering! So sweet and magical...and regal! Once you had that costume on, you never took it off the whole night, and walked very royally, as if an imaginary book were being balanced on your head!
#2. With Yaya, Baba, Aunt Sham, and Uncle Joe! Bike riding, singing, cake, amazing regal gloves and pearls and magical bell-balls. So sweet! We gathered to do a joint celebration for your birthday and Mommy's. There was a special dinner cooked by Yaya and Baba, delicious strawberry cake for you, lots of cuddling and hugging and playing, and some very sweet and thoughtful gifts.
Aidan helped mommy blow out her candles.
Yaya MADE and painted you a bed for your baby doll, "Strawberry." She made blankets and pillows and got you a few little outfits for the doll. Plus a milk and juice bottle. You were SO excited to go home and "set this up!"
Aunt Sham got you some very regal gloves and pearl bracelets along with some lip gloss. How sweet!
#3. With Mommy, Aidan, and Me! A Daddy-and-Kids day at the zoo, followed by dinner out with all of us, and dinner and presents the next day...
They sang to you at the restaurant which, as you can see from the video, totally freaked you out!
But I think they won you over with the sopapilla and ice cream and honey...
The next day on your birthday itself, following a celebration at school, just the four of us gathered 'round our kitchen table and sang happy birthday to you once more. Aidan was very pleased to give you the "Princess and the Pony" book you loved so dearly from the library. Mommy and I gave you flowers and a special diary with a plume pen. You immediately wanted to read the book and work in your diary!
Glitter Pens from Aunt Deborah
Shimmer and Shine Genie Gauntlets! Yes, Aidan was wearing pants!
We tucked you in that night by singing Happy Birthday once more, and by singing the song we sang when we brought you into the world.
#3. A Celebration of Life At school with your buddies! Mommy and Daddy got to come to your class room as you celebrated your birthday with your class.
You - the earth- held a candle and walked around the sun (miniature; not full size) 4 times, to represent the four years you've been on this earth. At each year, your mommy and me (and Aidan) got to share a picture of you at that age and tell a little bit about you!
Then you and two special friends- Matilda and Ella- handed out the treats Mommy made...
...you got to ring the bell and say "Bon Appetite, now you may eat!"
Yum!!!
Then it was play time!
#4. Family Birthday. With Mommy, Aidan, and Me! A Daddy-and-Kids day at the zoo, followed by dinner out with all of us, and dinner and presents the next day...
They sang to you at the restaurant which, as you can see from the video, totally freaked you out!
But I think they won you over with the sopapilla and ice cream and honey...
The next day on your birthday itself, following a celebration at school, just the four of us gathered 'round our kitchen table and sang happy birthday to you once more. Aidan was very pleased to give you the "Princess and the Pony" book you loved so dearly from the library. Mommy and I gave you flowers and a special diary with a plume pen. You immediately wanted to read the book and work in your diary!
Glitter Pens from Aunt Deborah
Shimmer and Shine Genie Gauntlets! Yes, Aidan was wearing pants!
We tucked you in that night by singing Happy Birthday once more, and by singing the song we sang when we brought you into the world.
"I'm gonna watch you shine, gonna watch you grow. Gonna read the signs, so you'll always know: as long as one and one is two, there could never be a father (and mother) loved her daughter more than [we] love you!"
One of my favorite moments to come out of your birthday week was what a humble, modest, thankful young lady it proved you to be.
You accepted gifts gracefully and gratefully. Later, in a quiet moment, after Yaya and Baba's house, you came up to me and said "That was so nice of them to get me those presents!"
That shows grace and style and wisdom beyond your years.
Later, on the way to your birthday party at the Little Gym, you asked me and mommy "Will I always be your kid?"
Yes.... you will always be our kid; but you are growing up to be such a remarkable young lady. Happy Birthday my darling kid. Happy Birthday.
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