Happy 4th Birthday

 

Well, we officially have a four year old in our house!  Our firstborn is another year older and quickly approaching the half decade mark. 

The balloon fairy surprised Hadley with four balloons when she awakened that morning.  She has been talking about her birthday for weeks now, so the balloons made it so real for her.  It has really been precious seeing how excited she has been in the days leading up to her special day.  Justin and I keep talking about just how fun Christmas will be with her this year.  Everything is just so magical right now.

 I decided not to have a "formal" party for Hadley this year, which has inflicted so much guilt upon me.  But after just planning Canaan's first birthday bash a couple of months ago, taking on another big party seemed daunting.  So we opted for a much more low-key celebration for Miss Hadley.  I still wanted her to feel special, though, and know just how much she's loved.  But she has had three "big" birthday celebrations now.  I don't think she's too neglected. ;)  We took some goodies to daycare, and let Hadley celebrate with her buddies at school.

Sawyer and Shayla are two of Hadley's favorite friends.  Granna and Grandad swiped our Princess plates, napkins, and party hats for 75% off at the Dollar Store just recently.  When we went to the grocery to pick out snacks for her party, she saw these green and yellow doughnuts and begged for "John Deere doughnuts."  So, yes, we had John Deere doughnuts on Princess decor....per the birthday girl's request.  Doesn't get any better than that, now does it? 

 

 I do have to note that this particular day was very bittersweet for us, as well, as it marked Hadley and Canaan's last day at our precious daycare.  Our daycare was technically owned by the hospital, and due to, well, Obamacare, just to be quite honest....it is shutting down.  The daycare doesn't really make any money (even though we pay nicely for it) and was considered more of a service to hospital employees.  So, for lots of different reasons combined, we were notified just over a month ago, that our daycare was closing. 

Needless to say, we have been super sad and disappointed about this. Change isn't easy for me anyway, especially when it comes to my babies. Imagine, too, that an entire daycare full of children are suddenly needing somewhere to go. Parents are scrambling to find new daycares before they get booked...it was just a mess! We think we have found someone to keep the kids, for at least the time being. We shall see how it goes! So I have been a bit emotional going in to Hadley's 4th birthday anyway.  My sweet mother-in-law made fall wreaths for several of the daycare workers, and I bought some pumpkin spice candles.  We made sure every teacher got a little something from us before we left.  I really can't stress just how much we have loved TJ Samson Daycare.  We have seen tremendous growth both socially and academically from Hadley.  Not to mention, Miss Anna was Canaan's baby whisperer.  It will truly always hold a special place in our hearts. 

OK...enough of that!  Let's talk about my sweet 4 year old.  Justin and I had debated what to do for Hadley, on her Thursday night birthday, for quite some time.  I asked Hadley what she wanted me to fix for her special birthday supper and she said, "biscuit and gravy."  So, we had a big breakfast for supper, or "brupper."  Granna and Grandad came over to celebrate with us and we ate supper in the dining room, which is only used for special occasions.  We used the rest of Granna's Dollar Store finds to decorate with.  And you know what I realized after this party?  She enjoyed this little shindig at home as much or more than her previous parties. 

 Our birthday girl has been requesting a "noisy" wand ever since her cousin Sydnee got one at her birthday party a couple of weeks ago.  Granna pulled through for Hadley's request. Hadley had her weekly dance class until 5:00, then after rushing home, she insisted on changing in to her princess attire.

 Justin rushed home after practice to fry our sausage and bacon and scramble our eggs.  He is a master breakfast maker. I took care of the hashbrown casserole, biscuits, and gravy.  Hadley even asked for seconds, so I think she was pleased.

 

Granna paints Hadley's fingernails all the time.  So she got Hadley this handy little manicure set that dries and buffs your fingernails.  We had a time putting this little dude together!

 How many people does it take to put together a four year old's toy?

We ended our birthday celebration with Hadley's princess cake.  Even though it was low-key and just family, we had the best time focusing on Hadley and celebrating her.  She made me a mommy on this night, just four short years ago; a title for which I am unbelievably grateful.  Happy Birthday to our precious, Hadley!  We love you sweet girl!