Mama? On this day am I four?

I heard that question every morning for two whole weeks before she finally was indeed, four years old.

And then the day I finally got to say “Yes, THIS day you are four,” she kind of slept in. I had to practically sit on Emmy to keep her from going to wake Ad up, she was so excited.

Addie finally sprung out of bed, threw on the dress she had picked out three days prior for her birthday, and clamored downstairs to get the day started.

First stop – she “hugged” her pinata to check if Mama had filled it with candy. I had, and she could barely lift it.

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Next, she checked out her chalk-card in the courtyard.

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And then we opened some presents! I think one of her favorites was a pettiskirt that I had bought for her almost 2 months ago. It went on straight-away.

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We got Em off to school, and Daddy off to work and then we went to finish up last minute party preparations. And had a little birthday lunch – noodles at Corner Bakery – Addie’s choice, of course. (If I had known we were going to try to do a little self-portrait, I might have put a spot of makeup on. And a different lens on my camera. Next time…)

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Then Em came home from school and we waited for the bounce house to be assembled.

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And waited for our guests to arrive.

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We were ready.

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Finally the guests came, and we jumped…with the pettiskirt, of course! It did not leave her body and looked gorgeous bouncing around all day.

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Even when the bouncing turned into tackling.

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We discovered Daddy’s hidden talent of making balloon animals. He figured it out, kinda on the fly, and then all the kids waited in line for a balloon creation.

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We did a little craft, the kids all decorated their own frames to take home.

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We ate some pizza.

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We waited patiently for Daddy to get the pinata hung up.

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And, after all the kids had a whack at the pinata, Addie took a second shot at it. With a little help from Daddy (and some strategically placed cuts), Addie finally freed all of the candy.

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And on top of all that sugar, we needed just a little bit more. Time for cake.

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Hey, that’s me in a photo! Thanks to my friend, Kristen for the photo, and J. for the video.

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Can I have one more cupcake, Mama?

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Overall? I think we did ok.

Addie told me when I was tucking her in, “Today was my best birthday ever, Mama.” I know she really only remembers two, maybe three, birthdays – so that isn’t saying much. And it is a lot of work and effort, but I think I’m going to strive to hear her say that every single year.

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It is so worth it.

7 thoughts on “Mama? On this day am I four?

  1. Thanks for this post. I feel like I was part of her 4th birthday! I’m glad she enjoyed it sooooo much. Love the cake, all the cute details you pay attention to and I LOVE her skirt =) Good find mom!

  2. Two favorite things: that glorious pettiskirt, and the chalk-cards you guys do for every special occasion! Looks like a great party, and I see all sorts of fabulous craftiness. I think the “best birthday ever” is my goal for N each year too. :)

  3. So….where to begin with the comments on this most excellent post! Addie is precious and that earnest little face and those beautiful eyes are so captivating!!!

    That cake – good grief woman – that is amazing!!! I saw the link to the sample cake you posted previously but WOW – not sure you were making the whole thing. So impressive!!!! :)

    The skirt is too cute for words! :)

    WELL DONE, MAMA!!!! What a day worth remembering for a beautiful 4 year old!!!

  4. You absolutely need to print these photos and words out and make a mini-birthday-book for Addie. I can imagine her reading it to her kids someday.

    “And look at the cake. Mom made that herself, even the little blue fondant birds!”

    Such a wonderful day for her, and for you too I’m sure. And it was great to see you in a picture too!

  5. Now , THAT looks like the perfect Birthday ! Happy 4th Birthday Addie -
    Carrie you are an amazing Mom !
    Love to you all,
    Always,
    Michelle

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