A Whole Hand

One whole hand.  I can't believe it.  My first born is 5 fingers, er I mean years, old.  I knew this day would come but it always seemed so far away.  The day she turned 5, the year she goes to school.  How did it arrive so fast?

This year Avah chose Minnie Mouse as the theme for her birthday party and it was the first year we did a girls only party.  Here are some pictures of her special day...

Painting pottery.

 Her birthday cake.

 The birthday "kids" blowing out their candles.  I think this might have been the first year that Avah wasn't too shy and actually blew out her own candles.  :)

It was a celebratory weekend full of lots of great memories with family and friends.  First a party with friends at Make it Yours Pottery, then home to celebrate with family for dinner and dessert.  The weather was unbelievable a balmy 70 degrees, which for a March day in Michigan is unheard of.  I think they even set a record high for temperatures this week.  

Back to the topic at hand...Miss A's age.  Can you believe it?

My oh my have you grown baby girl.  This year you...

• Still adore playing with your baby dolls and beg to play in my car so you can pretend you're a mommy.
• Favorite food is candy and anything that is sweet and frozen (i.e. blueberries, popsicles, ice cream).
• Practice gymnastics almost everyday.
• Are very practical and health conscious - always asking if things at the store are on sale or if a certain food grows from the ground because you understand anything that comes from the ground is healthy.
• Insist that a fan must be on in order to fall asleep, and are still comforted by your pink blankie.
• Like to do girlie things like shop and paint finger nails (each nail usually is painted a different color).
• In your eyes, skirts trump jeans, dresses trump skirts, and leotards reign over dresses.
• Dread having to do your hair in the morning and ask if Pat can do it instead.
• Are not a huge breakfast eater (unless I let you sneak a piece of candy).
• Would wear flip flops year around if we let you.
• Think that a band aid heals all wounds and cures pain instantly.
• Learned to tie your shoes!!!
• Have expressed a strong desire to learn how to read...we're working on this.
• Enjoy helping me clean and do chores almost as much as pretending and playing with your toys.

Finally, you are mommy's little helper, my companion, and my joy.  I'm so thankful for each day we have together.  I love watching you grow and experience new things.  Happy 5th birthday sweets!