Sam the Man's First Birthday: March 2, 2013

A Little Bit of Marie

Marie's 5th birthday was a coming of age moment for her and I mean that in a figurative sense, not just literally.

I was in the hospital that day with Samuel. Brandon was between hospital and home. Other than a quick moment in the morning, I didn't even see her.

Thankfully, I have amazing friends that step in where I have to fall short. I had put together a group of kiddos and mommy's to go to Black Island Farms and Marie had been looking forward to going on her birthday. They agreed to take her for me and then she spent the rest of the day at Jill's house.

Jill made a marvelous day of it, complete with baking a cake,

princess dress-ups and crowns, 

candles and singing.

What I don't have pictures of is another cake that my visiting teacher brought over that night and a casserole dish full of macaroni and cheese, which is Marie's favorite dinner. 

When I talked to Marie the next day she was hardly worse for the wear. For all she knew, this is how the whole day had been planned and she absolutely loved it. Yet, she had plans that didn't come to fruition. She didn't get any presents and the cupcakes she had planned to make with me didn't happen. She is a girl with amazing visions and dreams about life. When things don't go quite her way, it can be tough. I was so proud of her resilience and her courage. Yes, she was compensated and then some, but that doesn't always mean anything to a 5 year old. I was proud.

On the 15th, when we brought Samuel home from the hospital, Grandma bought a strawberry shortcake cupcake from Sweet Tooth Fairy and we had our family celebration.

We wrapped up the furniture for her doll house and led her to believe that was all she was getting. We were pretty excited when we followed her down to her room to have her find

October 15, 2013

her dollhouse! She was ecstatic and gracious and grateful and couldn't have been happier.

Since her birthday, our little girl has grown and matured so much. She has become an amazing big sister and my favorite little side kick as I struggle through all the challenges that Anne and Samuel bring to the table. Anne and Marie are best friends. Marie happily plays with her every day and lets her tag along with everything she wants to do.

March 17, 2013

Marie grabs diapers for me, takes out the trash, keeps me company, helps me make meals, and lights up every day with such simple happiness. Her pictures and doodles that I find all over the house always make me smile.

April 12, 2013

On her half birthday we finally came through for her and made the cupcakes she had been hoping for.

Pink lemonade cupcakes with strawberry cream cheese frosting and a drizzle of white chocolate over the top.

We sure do love our sweet Marie!