My Baby Girl is 8

Today I reflected on the day my beautiful daughter came into my life.  It was a great day.  We waited so long, and even when it was time, the girl didn't want to come out! But a little surgery can get any baby out!  She has made my life so rich.  I truly do not remember what my life was like before.  And not only has she been a blessing in my life, but I truly believe she has made the world a better place, just by being Calah.

Yesterday we had her birthday party.  When we started discussing it, she said, "Mom, I want to donate my presents again to the children's hospital"  She has done this the last two years.  I am so proud of her.  She has a really big heart and she wants to help the children at the hospital because she feels bad that they had to leave all their toys at home.  So when planning her party, I am willing to go on the bigger side so she has some things to give.  Calah wanted to have a sledding party, but with the winter that we are having, there was no way I could promise her snow.  So we had it at the bowling alley.  She invited her entire class, her dance class, and some friends from out of town.  To say that it was controlled chaos is an understatement.  But it was fun.  We had pizza and cupcakes, and everyone got to bowl.  I have to give a big thank you to my friend, Michelle, who so generously painted faces. She did a beautiful job!

Awesome!  I know!  Anyway, Calah's friends were very generous to the children at the hospital.  We are headed over this week to drop them off.
Then, in my crazy desire to give my child the best birthday I could, we had a sleep over.  The initial guest list was close to 12 girls, but we ended up with 7.  We had tacos for dinner, crafts to keep them busy, and a movie to help them go to sleep.  There was only one little bickering, and that was resolved when I offered to be punished for letting it happen.  They informed me I had to go to time out for 35 minutes because that is how old I am (At least I know that other parents are doing the same thing we do, time out for the number of minutes that you are old).  The found the timer that we normally use and set it for 3 minutes and 50 seconds.  I did not correct them, but they did protest when the timer went off way too soon (in their opinion!).  But at least the bickering was over!

After a movie, the kids finally settled down.  Just to be up crazy early this morning.  But we got everyone fed, clothed, and packed up.  After they left, we took Calah out to lunch and then home for a family nap.  Unfortunately, the aftermath of the slumber party needed to be picked up, but soon enough it was present time.  Chuck and I are so proud of Calah donating her toys from the party to the hospital, that we like to do something special for her.  So.....her American Girl doll Rebecca now has a sister, Molly.  I did think that it might be more fun to play with two so they could have conversations.  And for Christmas, Santa had brought a bunk bed, so they each have a space.  She is really happy.

It was a good day.  I love my little girl so much.  I know parents always say this, but it is hard to believe it has been eight years.  Eight wonderful, glorious years.