Her birthday is only a couple of days before Christmas. Â It’s historically very difficult to plan a party around that time, being that everyone is out of town usually or busy, and Phoebe is a girl who loves a party! Â When I asked her this year what she wanted to do, she said she wanted to play with her best friend, Melody. Â The morning of her birthday was a work day for Brandon, so as soon as the birthday girl was up, she opened her cards and gifts (it’s hard for a 5-year-old to wait all day) so that Daddy could be there. Â We gave her a sleeping bag and a new flannel nightgown, which is basically her favorite thing to sleep in ever. Â She will wear dresses night and day, given the opportunity. Â I also gave her the scarf she had asked me to knit for her in the yarn she had picked out, which she loved way more than I thought she would. Â I had also made her a hat, since she’s been asking me for awhile. Â Her cousins gave her a dress-up dress with a matching mini one for her doll, which she LOVES. Â Her friend Melody came over mid-morning and gifted her a wooden bead necklace set, which they loved working on together. Â Such a sweet and thoughtful gift! Â After naps, we prepped for some family to come over for dinner. Â She loved her cake and strawberries (which are her favorite) and opened gifts from Rainey + Grandpa (a play mobile dollhouse + some Hanna Anderson silver clog boots)! Â Earlier in the month, one of her aunties gifted her and I tickets to the Nutcracker ballet, which basically made it a perfect birthday for this girl who loves to dance.
It’s hard to believe this little one is already five years old. Â Her birth was one of the best days of my life and becoming a mother to her opened up a world of joy to me. Â She’s had a hard year in some ways, lots of change and doctor appointments. Â But she’s also matured so much this year and I am savoring the little bond that is growing between us. Â The other night I was taking a bath and she came in and sat with me, feet in the tub, and just talked about life and whatever was on her heart. Â She’s becoming such a little woman.