Shift of attention for November

It's been so long since I have blogged...this time of year is crazy busy.  We had Paige's 7th birthday party at our house- 23 of her school friends came to participate in an "almost sleepover." Paige had originally wanted all of her friends to spend the night, but I like sleep way too much to agree to that type of a party.  So we envisioned an "almost sleepover"- I have to say I had a ton of fun planning this party. 

Dining room table for the food

 

Nail Salon:)

 

roped off for the movie premiere :)

take home bags- cereal for their breakfast and chocolate bars with "midnight snack" labels

Materials for decorating eye masks

bracelet making station

Popcorn for the movie

 SO many girls!  The noise level was definitely at a max.

handing the girls their tickets

Watching Makenna, American Girl

One of my four saviors who helped me keep these girls occupied!!

 Time for cake!  The troops were restless after the movie got to the dialogue portion...so we started cake.

 Present time!  We weren't even going to open gifts, but we still had thirty minutes before parents arrived.

 My sweet friend Corina organized all of the mateirals from the upstairs sleepover station.

 Love these girls!  But glad they all went home to sleep in their own beds!!

 

Success!! The girls had a blast...but that might be our last home party for awhile.  It was so fun to plan, but it was a little overwhelming keeping these girls contained and happy for 2 1/2 hours! 

 

Paige's real birthday was made even more special by the arrival of her grandparents from California!   She had her final soccer tournament game as well.  This little girl is just amazing.

 

 Working on crafts from the birthday party- her friends were so incredibly generous!  She built a cruise ship given to her by three sweet girls the first night and completed it the next morning.

 

 Veteran's Day celebration!  Check out this cutie in the maxi skirt...

 Birthday morning!  Awake at 6:15 and ready to open those presents!!

 Birthday outfit...didn't tell her to pose like this.  She is such a girly girl- but still loves her sports!

 Yay!! Grandma and Grandpa are here!!!!

 Paige's birthday dinner, her choice (ribs) cooked by Chef Grandpa.

Hunter made placecards for each person at the table

 Yes, we did fit seven candles on that birthday cupcake.

 And then the next night, we were able to watch the first grade Silly Songs that Make you Smile performance.  It was amazing!  I could not believe how animated Paige was- she was so comfortable and danced so well; she knew every step- this could be her thing!

 Sweet friend- they were allowed to take their kazoos home- to the parents dismay. :)



Paige was born 8 weeks early- a surprise that we had not planned upon.  Even after following every protocol to a T, my low amniotic fluid determined her early arrival.  She was born via emergency C-Section and stayed in the NICU for 31 long days.  I may have posted this before, but this picture stays in a frame on her dresser.  For me, it was the hardest day in the NICU.  A little baby had passed away the day prior, and he was a tiny little guy wearing the shades due to the high billirueben counts.  The next day, I walked in and Paige was under the lights.  I remember breaking down and not just crying, but sobbing...the nurses told me it was time to take a breather.  I will always hold his picture close to my heart, because it reminds me how far this little lady came in 31 short days.  Blood transfusions, stomach illnesses, breathing tubes, heart and lung monitors, PIC lines..the list goes on.  And here she is, more beautiful than I could have ever imagined. 

She is perfection.  Even with a rough start, this little lady has proven time and time again what a fighter she is. 

She does and will always fight for Hunter as well.   Her little arm around his waist or a gentle tug in the right direction constantly reminds us of everlasting, non-judgmental, powerful love.