Big Girl Birthdays

Erin was invited to her first "big girl" Birthday party yesterday. Her friend from school, Abbey, had a party after school and Erin was invited. Erin thought this was just the coolest thing ever and we counted down our sleeps for 6 whole nights (that's how Erin judges time -- how many sleeps). Thursday we went shopping and Erin picked out a fairy puzzle and some dress-up wings for Abbey's present. She also picked out a new princess dress for herself because the invitation said to bring your favorite princess dress.

So after school yesterday, I picked Erin up with Jeffrey in tow (as always). Abbey's mom said Jeffrey and I could stay, but with it being nap time, I didn't expect we'd make it very long. I dropped Erin off and went inside for a while. I helped her get into her new princess dress (a red Belle dress that must be from some Beauty & The Beast sequel I don't know of). She and Abbey settled down at the little beauty parlor set-up to have Abbey's mom do their nails. By now Jeffrey was screaming because I wouldn't let him have the cupcakes he'd spotted in the dining room. I talked to Abbey's mom and we decided I'd leave Erin and come back to pick her up a little early.

I got back and there was a living room full of little girls in princess dresses, quite a sight to see. Erin seemed to be having a blast. She told me all about lunch (pizzas and little heart-shaped PB&J sandwiches), decorating her crown, Abbey opening her presents, hitting the pinata and jumping in the little castle bouncer. Clearly she had a blast.

I really wish I'd been there to enjoy it with her, but Jeffrey simply had other ideas. I wasn't going to wear us all out by battling with him the whole time and that was clearly the correct choice.

I can't believe how much my baby girl is growing up. Going to parties all by herself. Having little "makeovers". Making special friends. It's amazing to watch it all happen.