Six whole, big years old. My goodness. I never really have words for these things. The week has been a whirlwind of swirling leaves and party streamers and birthday cakes and fancy things, wonderful and bright and filled with fun and family. We have a big family party every year, and this year there were some people who couldn't make it because of traveling and fighting colds and some new family we'd not yet met. Andy's parents flew in from Chicago and they're here until Wednesday. It's my absolute favorite time of the year when everyone is together, celebrating this lovely young lady, who grows more beautiful inside and out every day, and every year. Mimi and I drove her birthmama home after the party on Saturday night, and Bethy told us the story of Mimi's birth, about the Pitocin and the water breaking, the nurse we all really liked and Bethy's long torso and the Lord of the Rings soundtrack cranking, the seven pushes and then the ease with which she slid into the world, eyes bright and tiny fingers ready to hold. I remember it all and I don't — it is a blur, even though I was there for every minute. It was 5:42 p.m., dark and raining. In my mind everything was golden. I remember all four of us, her birthparents and Andy and me, huddled around tiny, tiny her like big, thumping hearts. It was by far the most profound and exquisite and utterly overwhelming moment of my life. I think about it all the time, any random Wednesday, watching her do plies at ballet, running down the hall at school, racing me up the stairs to bed, climbing into the car for the millionth time, every average and forgettable thing — how grateful I am for every single minute of this, all this ordinary beauty that started in such a extraordinary way. My darling girl, you are six, and every day of your life, even before you were born, has been such a dream come true.
Today, Monday, the sky is brightest blue. The sun is low, the air cool and crisp, just like they say. We kept Amelia home from school today so she could have more time to play with her grandparents while they are here, and in a while we'll go up to her favorite park and play for a while. We're about three-quarters of the way finished shipping kit and lotion bar orders, and I hope to be caught up by the end of Wednesday, speaking of Wednesday. It's been mildly bonkers trying to keep everything going while having a party, etc., but it's all okay. We're feeling really good about what we have left to do to catch up, and that's its own reward. I love working, and tree outside my office literally looks exactly like the tree on my kit, so it just all feels right and fine. Watch your mailboxes, and let me know what you think of everything when you get it!
Now, Halloween. "Owl Princess" costume request is next on deck. I can get on board with this!
PURE MAGIC. From top to bottom, all of it, everywhere. HAPPY DAY to your beautiful girl!! What beauty you created for her!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIMI!! Being six is a great age.:)Love your new dress.
Happy Birthday, big girl! :)
Happy 6th birthday, Mimi! I love that you share your beautiful girl with us. All the photos from the post made me smile but especially the one with all the leaves in her hair, the surprised face and especially the two of you, which is as precious as it can be.
I love the glimpses you share of your family, Alicia, and through these, how you make the world such a better place. Thank you for that. I received my kit and lotion bar last week. I am currently a student -- will graduate with my MFA in writing for children in Jan. '20. I'm saving my stockpiled stitching projects ordered from you until then. Can't wait! Happy 6th birthday to dear Amelia (she's the same age as my lovely youngest granddaughter), and peace and blessings to you and your family.
Birthday Girl! <3 Have a happy, happy year sweetie.
PS: Lotion barrrrrrrrsssss! Oh my, that Autumn Woods is stunning. Thank you Alicia! xo
Happy Birthday to Mimi. It looks like it's been such a wonderful week for all of you. Her birthday cake looks delicious and I love the photos of her playing in the leaves. Magic. xx Susan
Happy Birthday to Mimi!! Everything looked lovely!! You are an amazing mother!!
Happy Birthday~
Wonderful 6, and more goodness to come.
Alicia, your reflections bring me happy tears... for what I recognize and hold dear from my own memories, and for the depth and breadth of your wide open heart. I’m so happy for the celebrations, for the beauty of your days, and the glimpses you share.
Lovely post! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Mimi!
A SUPER BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISH TO MIMI!!! The photograph above of her with her head back, eyes closed, sweet smile while resting on a cheek is exquisite! Mimi radiates love and joy. Is that you she is with? I hope so - perfection!
Happy birthday lovely family! I’m an avid reader since 2006 thank you for all your sharing. And I hope we learn more about the lovely townhouse and the felt dollhouse. I want them both!
Oh, I would love to ride on a big rabbit.
A Happy Birthday to your dear girl, and I want a kitty cake for my birthday. :D What great decorations!
What a wonderful six years it has been. Remembering back even further the hopes & dreams you wrote about. Now everyday is richer then the last, as you all grow and thrive together.
A very Happy Birthday Miss Mimi, happy day to Mom & Dad, too.
what a blessing all of this is! such dear pictures! such memories and love pouring out! so glad! God bless you all!
Happy birthday and happy being six Amelia! And happiness to all of you being parents and grandparents of your Mimi for 6 years! I love following your photos and guessing what the story is going to be. That is one fancy cat cake. This was a truly lovely post. When I read your words I cried.
Happy Birthday #6 MiMi . ..
I love your MEOW cake, seeing you in your “leaf hide.”
Running, jumping in Birthday Joy,
presents, family, dinner . . . ,
what a grand time you have had.
And I love your dress . . .
Your momma can sew, knit, create such beauty . ..
Tell her so, for me please ...
love
lynne
I've followed your blog since Amelia was a baby, my own grandson was born on 1st October that year too. What a joy, what a profound joy you put into words. I love watching her grow up too and following that journey as though she and you were part of my family too. Your capacity for joy and creativity is life-affirming and such a pleasure to share. Thank you.
The pictures are stunning as usual. Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous. And I've been meaning to write to tell you how much I love the lotion bars! I bought one of each pattern - intending to give them away as gifts but I ended up not keeping one but BOTH of them for my greedy self. Ha. Clearly I'll just have to order more for gifts. <3
Six! Oh my heart. How is it that time flows so swiftly ... Happiest of birthing weeks to *all* of you! What a blessing family is, in all its permutations.
Oh my goodness! 6!
I remember te heartache before she arrive, the joy when she did . Happy Birthday 🎉
I got my Autumn kit and lotion bars yesterday!---I got the bars for gifts but don't know if I will be able to part with them! The photo of the birthday table is like a magazine spread. It looks so beautiful and FUN! I can't believe she is six.
I love watching your beautiful precious girl grow up..Perfect party prettiness!!
Thank you for sharing all of this love and joy with us. And happy birthday to your dear girl!
Everything is so lovely! Tell us about the little felt house, please. It's adorable. Happy birthday, sweet girl!