Happy Birthday, Casey

Casey got to wake up with pink balloons on the floor of her room

Sunday my baby turned 8.  She was so anxious to know the exact time that she would be officially 8 that I had to scramble through birth certificates, the little card that is on the plastic crib things the newborns sleep in at the hospital and other memorabilia to try to find the time she was born.  I swear at one time I knew this, as well as length, weight and head circumference like my social security number, but I found it all gone when I was asked to call upon it.  I did finally find it in the baby book that I have completed all of 3 pages of (this is why I need my blog! my scrap booking skills are terrible!).  Casey came screaming into this world at 1:53 p.m. on November 18, 2004. 

One of my favorite pictures - Casey at her baptism, 3 months old

2 days old

 

In searching for the time she was born we found the little pink hat she received at the hospital :)

After already having some of her friends over for a party and all of our families over the day before, her actual birthday was going to have to be low key.  I was partied out.  We did go out to breakfast at First Watch to celebrate and then we just played outside the entire day.  Having a November birthday myself, I know not every year will be 60 degrees and sunny, so we took advantage of the day and hung out kicking the ball around, swinging on the swings, running through leaves and going out for ice cream.  I had the opportunity to play around with my new camera and managed to capture some good shots of the birthday girl AFTER 1:53 p.m. :)

 

 

 

 

 

And at her party on Saturday, I was completely in love with the fact that she still isn't too old to get ridiculously excited about receiving gifts.  (Note: none of her gifts were big budget items or electronics).  I hope she never becomes that kid that feels the need to play it all cool when opening a gift or, even worse, take it all for granted and not even get a little excited inside about what might be inside pretty paper and bows.  Let the joy live on forever, sister!

 

Of course birthdays make me a bit sentimental.  (A lot of things make me a bit sentimental.)  So I couldn't help but look back at all the birthdays my big girl has had.  I can already look in the crystal ball and see myself elderly, sitting in a rocker pouring over old pictures of my girls with a handkerchief tucked in the sleeve of my shirt.  I've made peace with that lady of the future as long as all the pictures are of my kids this happy.

1 year old

2 years old

3 years old

 

4 years old

5 years old

6 years old

7 years old

8 years old