Birthday Moments

As you know, Sugar Bear turned the BIG Ol' age of SIX recently, and oh me oh my......she had some birthday goodness. In fact.....this seemed like her birthday would never end. There was MUCH celebrating. ♥

We started off the festivities a few days BEFORE her actual birthday. We hosted a fabulously fun kids birthday part for Sugar and her friends at the local pottery place. It was such a fun day.

Sugar is blessed with really wonderful friends. ♥ The next celebration began the morning of the big day. Sugar was full of happiness, and I was consumed with nostalgia. I never truly understood home much a person's birthday isn't solely theirs. I hadn't even considered the possibility that it was anything more than the day of one's birth. Until.......that is.....I had my Sugar Bear. I now understand that her day of birth is very much a "birthday" for me as well. The birth of my motherhood.....the birth of a new beginning....the birth of change.....and new.....and completion. The day of Sugar's birth is very much the day of MY own birth. ♥

It was a delight to have the opportunity to bring some treats into Sugar's Kindergarten classroom to honor "our" birthday. :) I always enjoy observing Sugar in different environments. This day held such happy, giggly moments. I loved being reminded that my shy girl tends to take on the role of the "class clown" when all attention is on her. It is fascinating to see her use this crazy coping skill. She diverts her anxiety over being the center of attention, by being a silly goon. This way....the kiddos (or adults) are laughing with her....and there is no possibility that they are laughing AT her. The next three photos captured this perfectly. As soon as the kiddos started singing to her....she started "hamming it up!"

She is truly the cutest, most sweet ham sandwich I've ever laid adoring eyes on. ♥

After her little party as school, I took her on to daycare, and we were greeted by a "Birthday Message" on the gate. This simple little tradition has been going on for her last FOUR birthdays, and she is delighted EVERY.SINGLE.TIME. It's the simple things, people. Keep is simple. :)

After daycare (where they had more treats and singing) , and dance class (more singing), we headed on home for some pressies! WOOT!

And.....finally a birthday pancake (her favorite), and a big birthday wish.

I have no idea what she wished for....but I do know that when I asked her, that night as we snuggled in her bed, what her FAVORITE part of her day was........she looked me in the eye and said, "Right now....being with you, mama!" Seriously..........how on earth did I deserve this little honey? ♥