Happy 4th Birthday Madeline!

Over the last few days of birthday fun, I've found myself staring at Madeline struggling to believe that she's already 4. A the same time, I don't recall what life was like without her in it. She's such a bright, inquisitive, funny, caring, sensitive and sweet girl. The hosts/instructors for her gymnastics party told me several times what a sweet girl she is, and of course I kept agreeing with them.

I think back to that long weekend four years ago when she came into the world, and all the stress that came along with her delivery. But then that teeny little girl with the bright blue eyes came into the world, and none of that mattered. Over the last four years, she's definitely pushed our boundaries, and we have some things we need to work on - like getting her to sleep in her own bed - but I couldn't be prouder of the amazing little girls she's grown into.

Her birthday weekend started with cupcakes at school. I also surprised her by showing up for reading time. It was a lot of fun, and it was special to me to do that for her.

Then Friday night she got her big present - her first, real bicycle.

Saturday it was her Frozen-themed Gymnastics party with her friends from school. We had 16 kids and all the controlled fun that took place in the gymnastics area was replaced by total chaos upstairs for cupcakes and presents. 

I have to give myself some pats on the back for the decorations. Out-of-the box decorations were pretty few and far between due to the immense popularity of Frozen. So I made most of the stuff for the party. I found the stand-up on Oriental Trading Company (who has amazing customer service and will always get my business if they have what I need). I made the cake pop sticks using designs I found online, and that's what is also on the front of the favor boxes. There are girl boxes and boy boxes. Everyone got a set of Frozen-themed coloring pages, a snowflake stamper and a Frozen sticker. The girls got a Princess crown and the boys got a snowflake football. I found the balloons on Amazon.

When it was time for gifts, total chaos ensued. The kids were climbing on the tables, pulling the gifts out, throwing them at Madeline and then fighting over them. I have no idea who gave her what, and thankfully the parents knew what was going on and understood the thank you notes won't address the gift. 

Ok Albuquerque parents - if you want a great location for a party, I HIGHLY recommend Gold Cup Gymnastics. The instructors are great, and I love the idea of bringing my food and decorations, setting up and then leaving.

Sunday it was time for the family party at the house. Madeline requested tacos, so I had a taco bar and a five-layer dip (I don't like olives or lettuce in mine). By gift time, Madeline was in party overload, but I can also safely say Charlotte "gets" gifts now so her birthday in a few weeks should be fun, too.

And, in the middle of all of this, we added to our family. Meet Daisy Leymon. She's a cuddly little love that we decided to bring home after the party.