Whitley's Week: Whitley is 5!

My baby is five. Like all moms who experience this, I am in a somewhat state of shock. How in the world did my teeny newborn grow into this child? This amazing, smiling, energetic little person with her own funny personality and silly sense of humor? I'm not quite sure where the time went. I knew I really wanted to recognize her five years with a big birthday party, though, and started planning it in late August. This was going to be our first chance to have a party and invite kids from her school, so we wanted to do a good job. And, I must say, I think we were successful! Whitley Grace had a wonderful birthday weekend that kicked off on Friday, Oct. 12, her actual birthday. That morning, I was so excited to wake her up with lots of birthday hugs and kisses. She was groggy and not ready to get up... until I told her it was her birthday. Then her eyes shot open and she sat straight up. "It is? Today? It's finally here?" Like lots of little kids, Whitley is obsessed with her birthday and dreams about it all the time. The idea of it actually arriving seemed too good to be true. She beamed at me in her darkened bedroom, and her smile never waned. When Tom and I arrived at her pre-school that afternoon with popsicles, Whitley was wearing a home-made crown. Her teacher welcomed us cheerfully and said, "Whitley's been so excited. All. Day." Her friends sang to her and everyone enjoyed his/her popsicle outside in the lovely weather.

When we brought Whitley home, we found more surprises waiting! Grammy and Papa were there with a brand-new bike (Whitley's first!) and CC and Day Day had arrived, too, with David! Whitley loved her bike and was happy to try it out. (Riding it each afternoon has become a routine.) Then the whole group headed to Andy's for Whitley's birthday dinner. (She selected the diner herself.) David spent Friday night with us, and on Saturday, we went to Whitley's other favorite restaurant, La Fiesta, for lunch. She wore her crown once again, and the waiters sang to her and brought ice cream. (The previous post has pics of Whitley and David sharing it.)

Finally Sunday arrived- the day of Whitley's big party! I had been so worried about the weather, but it was beautiful and warm- perfect for an afternoon outside! The princess bounce house arrived around 12:30, and so Whitley was able to try it out a little early. Stacy, George and the boys came soon after, so they joined in the fun. (Honestly, I think everyone- adults included- climbed in to bounce at some point.) Beb and Lila were the next to drive in, coming down from VA to celebrate with us, and Whitley and Lila stayed by each others' sides the whole time. :) As Whitley's school friends arrived around 2:00, I began painting faces and offering clips of red ribbon "Merida" hair to the kids. The young guests all stayed busy between the bounce house and swing set in the yard, and archery and coloring on the deck. We had snacks and drinks set up on the porch; Tom had the popcorn machine going, too. After an hour of play, we had cake and ice cream, and then the kids ran along the tree line to snag a "Will O' the Wisp" to take home. Lots of parents and kids thanked us for hosting and said what fun they had, so we were very pleased! When Whitley came home from school on Monday, she was still beaming. "All my friends like my bounce house," she said proudly.

So happy to celebrate my baby in a way that brought her such joy! Thanks to all who came and made the afternoon so special! (Couldn't have done it without you, Mom! XOXO)