Cyclist

The minute we got home from soccer practice Paige wanted to ride her bike around the driveway. Neely was asleep, so we let her finish her nap in her carseat while we watched Paige ride around.
Jess had to fix some problem with a training wheel, so he got his tools, and Cason discovered his missing hammer in the toolbox.
Then I took pictures of all the cute little details I love about her bike. Like the little stars, the clear handlebars, and the bell.
The little star shaped cutouts in the frame.
I'm becoming kind of obsessed with stars all of a sudden.

And of course the seat.
She told me she "LOVES" her bike.
Paige may have refused to get pants instead of shorts, but it was really a pretty cold evening, so as soon as Neely woke up we headed in for our first fire this year.
Neely really liked it.

My 1st Baby

She's 5. These last 5 years have been the best of all time, by a long shot, with these 3 of ours.

It feels like a few weeks ago that I'd just had my first little baby.
I remember the moment she arrived so well. I was SO relieved that horrible pain was over, and then I opened my eyes and looked at her. I'd been excited the whole pregnancy, but also pretty scared I would have no clue what to do, or that I'd be bad at it. But that was over the second I saw her. I've heard lots of people describe how you instantly love them more than anything, but I had no idea what that would be like. What I remember most is that it ACTUALLY took my breath away. Like literally. I'd heard that expression, and always thought it was just something someone made up, because I'd never had it happen. But when I saw my baby, I had this sudden, involuntary, sharp intake of breath, and my mind was pretty much blown. Ha. Really though.

At first we spent a LOT of time like this:
She made us SO happy and fulfilled. I loved every single second with her, and I loved Jess even more than I had before.

She grew,
and we started to see more and more of her amazing personality.
We could tell so quickly how smart she is, she learns SO easily and remembers everything. And she's SO funny.
She turned 1.
And 2.
And 3.
And 4.
And now 5!
She's turning into quite the little lady. She's clever and helpful and caring and sweet.
And VERY strong willed. Thankfully her will usually goes along with ours, so it's not a bad thing. Usually anyway. ;)
She feels things pretty strongly. One of the ways she's like me. But she's SO MUCH BETTER than I am.

She's artistic.
Studious.
She LOVES her family.
She's a little shy and reserved, but really sweet and has such a good heart. The few who know her well are very lucky to, in my humble opinion. :)
As always, there's so much more to her that I could never begin to describe to someone who doesn't know her.

Paige, we're so amazed by and proud of you and your beautiful soul. We don't deserve such amazing kids, but we've been blessed with you all anyway, and we are SO grateful. You make us want to be SO much better. We love you tons.

Unicorn Birthday

Paige's birthday was a success. I made her and Cason each a puff pancake with powdered sugar, chocolate syrup, and chocolate chips for breakfast, which was a hit. So was the unicorno we presented her with while she ate.
Then they got ready for church.
We'd been cleaning and everything, just telling Paige it was for the party on "MONDAY". But I knew she'd start to suspect something if I started blowing up balloons and baking cakes already. So Neely and I stayed behind while Jess and the other two went to church, so I could work on the other party preparations. Good thing too, because I BARELY got everything ready in time. Not easy to throw a surprise party for someone who's IN the house most of the time you're getting ready. Ha.

When they came home from church Jess spent a little time helping me, and then just before 3:00 he took Paige shopping. People started arriving a few minutes after they left, and helped me quickly bring out all the decorations, food, and gifts.
The kids got on their unicorn horns and tails,
and we watched and waited for Paige.
Jess called when they were coming up the street, and we all got ready. As soon as the door cracked open we yelled "SURPRISE!", and she was definitely suprised. A little overwhelmed I think. She kept the door open only halfway, sort of hiding behind it shyly, until someone pulled it open and she slowly walked in. It took a minute before we got a smile. I think she was a little embarrassed, but happy. Later she kept telling me we "got her".
We quickly got her into her horn and tail.
And the festivities began.
We had pin the horn on the unicorn.
And a pinata, which we forgot to do until most of the kids had already left. I also forgot the kids' gift bags I made. Oh well, I guess we'll send them to people.

The two oldest girls, Alex and Megan, ran a unicorn salon, which was really cute. They got out chairs, and braided the tails of any of the little unicorns who wanted it.
We of course did the usual cake and ice cream.
and gifts!
When all the others had been opened, we brought in the bike.
She reacted in her usual reserved fashion, and I was a little worried she didn't like it all that much. Everyone else did though, especially the babies. Aivree and Neely both wanted to hop on, and Neely kept touching it, saying "WOW, COOL!" over and over.
Later, when everyone wasn't staring, Paige started saying she loved the bike, and wanted to ride it. It was raining, but Jess took her out back and eventually out front to practice.
So many people came to make her party special, and brought great gifts too! Thanks everyone!

On top of the regular gifts, Grammy brought Paige's doll house over. The same one we made, that had been pretty trashed, but Grammy totally redid it for her and it looks AMAZING!! When she first brought it in and showed me, I couldn't believe it was the same one.
Paige loves it of course. Grammy came over to get it several weeks ago, and took an hour or so to make plans for it with Paige. They made a list together, of things Paige wanted her to paint on it. Just making that list was like heaven to Paige, she's a total list maker. So funny. And Grammy did all the stuff Paige really wanted and more.
She already got out all the furniture and put it back in.

Thanks everyone for helping make her birthday special. Party 3 of 3 for the week is over, and it was fun, but I'm feeling pretty relieved to be done party planning for a while. Now we're winding down.
Paige's special birthday post coming soon(hopefully tonight after the kids are asleep)