Happy Birthday, Carmela!

How did this happen? My oldest child turned 5 yesterday! I sit here a day later still trying to figure out how this happened. I remember wishing when she was a baby that she would grow. I couldn't wait for the next stage, and well, now I am wishing we could go back. Go back to a day and age where it was just her and I. There was no rushing, there was just me and my baby. I miss those times. But yesterday, thanks to my mother in law,I got to relive it, sorta!

Carmela woke up early and she started her day off with both her favorite cereal (Lemurs for any other GFCF families out there) and chocolate chip pancakes. Juliana was up at this point, but Joey was still sleeping so me and my two girls cuddled and watched some TV until Joey woke up. We got Joey fed and dressed, put Juliana down for a nap and then when she woke up we headed to the park. On our way, we stopped for coffee and Carmela's favorite hash browns! Yum! The weather was chilly when we got there, but quickly it was so nice out! The kids had a great time on the swings, slides and playing "firefighters". We came home to have lunch and then the two little ones went in for a nap. My mother in law came, and off Carmela and I went.

When I was a child, one of the best memories I had was going to Toys R Us with my parents to pick out a toy. So I did the same for Carmela this year. I have to admit I was nervous about going. Carmela still has very babyish taste in toys. So I was afraid of what she'd want. I tried talking her into a new bicycle, but when she got on it, she wasn't a fan. Then, I tried talking her into a new dollhouse....not a fan. She insisted on a new Fisher Price camera. She then wanted the Little People camping adventure. She loves her Little People. So we bought our new purchases, and off we went to the mall. For the first time ever, I had a realization as we are leaving TRU, ya know what? The age on the Little People box is 2-5, and I do not care. She's my first born, she is growing up way too fast and if she wants to hold on to her baby-hood, then I am all for it. We will get there, and in the meantime, I am enjoying it. There will be a time for dolls, bikes and everything else,but now its time for Little People. And hey at least she's playing, right? About six months to a year ago, I know she wasn't!

We head to the mall to buy a new outfit for her kiddie party on Sunday. She picks out a shirt because she likes the pattern on it, and I realize everything is 1/2 off. Perfect. She got the outfit with the pattern, and i got the outfit that I liked! Then I ask her if she wants to go for manicures! Of course, what girl doesn't? I have to admit, I was a bit shocked at how much she enjoyed this. Carmela is far from a girly girl! But she LOVED it and was so so good! She sat nice to get her nails painted, and then let them dry for 3 cycles under the dryer. She is big where it counts, in her behavior. She can seem so mature sometimes!

Then we came home,and she showed her brother and sister her new toys. Daddy came home shortly after and we headed to Texas Roadhouse. It was Carmela's choice because she loves their shrimp (they skip the seasoning and butter for Carmela) but most of all because she wanted to sit on the saddle. For those not familiar with Texas Roadhouse, instead of singing happy birthday to the birthday girl, they have them sit on a saddle and then the whole restaurant says "HEE HAW" to the birthday girl. she LOVED it. I will udpate those pictures when I get more than a second to post :)

After dinner we came home and opened the presents from Juliana and Joey - a new Webkinz and a new CD. We then put on pajamas as it was getting late, and we sang Happy Birthday to the birthday girl. Since she was born, that has been her favorite song ever! she was on cloud 9.

As she was falling asleep, she asked her Daddy if her birthday can last until Sunday since she had two more important things this weekend. Of course, we agreed. Afterall, my birthday always lasts more than one day!

We do have a busy weekend. My Mom is heading up tonight, and tomorrow morning we will head up for our Autism Speaks walk. It is such a great event, and such an emotionally felt day for me. But pure fun for the kids! Then on Sunday is Carmela's "kiddie" party. We are holding it at Bounce-U this year. It always amazes me that Carmela likes that place, as in October of 2007 she broke her femur on one of those bouncy things! So while I still hold MY breath when she is on those things, I am glad that she bounced back and enjoys them again!

Happy Birthday to my precious Carmela! Without you, I'd be nothing. I love you!