Happy Birthday, Eve!

Today is Eve's birthday. I absolutely cannot believe my sweet baby girl is nine years old.  It's incredibly bittersweet for us.  I had a good old fashioned pity party in the shower this morning as I sobbed for the healthy and typical 9 year old girl that will never be.  It's like grieving, I think.  But, it was a special day for her and I tried to focus on that.  We bought her flowers because she is a girly girl.  Who doesn't love flowers?  She also had a pile of presents to open after dinner.

She had a great day at camp and was laughing a lot.  The whole camp sang happy birthday to her and she brought in ice pops to share.  Unfortunately, I think the little bit she had of one upset her stomach.  She came home exhausted and barely able to lift her head.  When her head was up (because I held it up) she was very gaggy.  She was also moaning and vocalizing a lot.  She seemed incredibly uncomfortable.  Fortunately, she settled down and is fine now.  I had bought an ice cream cake with the intention of giving her the tiniest lick, but decided that was not an option.  But we put a candle on it and sang to her anyhow.  Seamus helped blow out the candle. 

Frank and Virginia sent a fantastic moving and singing card that really made her smile:

Some of the gifts she got were books, a knitting machine, a snoopy snow cone maker (I wanted one so badly as a child....I am super excited to play with...I mean for HER to play with it), and a bubble machine.  Talk about a bubble blizzard:

Eve has some of the most kind-hearted people who work with her at the elementary school.  It truly is overwhelming.  Today she came home with a huge butterfly balloon and the most fabulous art piece made by her school nurse.  It's a little hard to see, but there are tiny lights that frame the piece.  It's so cool.  We can't wait to hang this in her room. 

We feel so blessed by the love that is showered upon our child and our family.  It's incredible and overwhelming.  Thank you all for the gifts and well wishes.  We love you, too!