My baby is ten years old. I know. I can't, either. I just cannot believe it. My big, beautiful girl is ten. She had such an amazing birthday weekend. Andy's parents flew in from Chicago for the first time in three years. It was pure joy having them here after so long. One of Andy's family's traditions is to wake-up the birthday child (or adult!) in the early, early morning with a rendition of "Happy Birthday to You" and a plateful of lit candles for them to blow out, so we always do that here. It's super sweet. By some awesome stroke of luck, Amelia didn't have school on her birthday, and her grandparents had arrived the day before, so she got to spend the whole day with them and my mom, who we met at the food carts for lunch. The weather was bright and sunny all weekend and we had so much fun hanging out. Amelia decorated her own cake on Friday afternoon and I made chicken paprika and dumplings for her for dinner. (I make it in the Instant Pot so I need to rewrite that recipe.) On Saturday we all sat around and played with the things she had gotten for her birthday, and then on Sunday afternoon she had her friend-party at the roller-skating rink. That was absolutely wonderful. Her friends all came and skated for an hour or so and then they were all able to have pizza, juice, soda, cotton candy, and cupcakes (!!! I know!) in the cafe. They all did so well on skates I couldn't believe it. I mean, don't get me wrong, there was a whole lot of wiping out and a few tears, but overall they were all smiles and I think everyone (Andy and another dad skated with them, but most of the kids did pretty well on their own) had a blast. It was just a great day, and a great weekend. We dropped Andy's parents off at the airport yesterday morning and they made it home safe and sound. We all slept well last night. I am so proud of Amelia. It was a long, busy, wonderful weekend, and we will still be trying to hook up with more family and birthfamily in the coming days, but this girl is a partier!
Did you see the crocheted bonsai tree that Andy made for Amelia? Amazing. He's been working on it for weeks. (Here is the pattern he used.) He has crocheted something for her for her birthday every year since she's been born. I made her a bowl in my ceramics class. She's so cute opening her presents. I always forget this, especially on Christmas, but Amelia is a very slow present opener. She does not tear through her gifts to get onto the next one. She is very slow and deliberate about them, and generally looks carefully at everything. It's very, very sweet.
I just can't believe she's ten years old. I'm overwhelmed with love and so grateful for the miracle of her life. I'm just so, so grateful to be her mama. My sweet, amazing, darling girl. You have been pure joy since the moment you entered the world. I love you so.
Double Digit Delightful Daughter:)
TEN?! How is that possible??? Biggest happiest birthdays to her. :)
You're right - I can't believe your beautiful baby girl is 10! Time goes too quickly. What a wonderful birthday weekend you all had. Thank you for sharing with us. xoxo
TEN! I remember the day she was born, when you brought her home, all of the dear things you made. Every child should be so loved❤️
Happy birthday to Amelia! I remember so well when she was born, we were driving to the Oregon coast and there was the most beautiful rainbow over Portland ❤️
Hello Amelia and a Very Happy Birthday to you. Goodness me that time has flown! Happy days for all your family and yes remembering her arrival and all the joy it brought, then and ever since. Long may that continue. xx
So very happy for all of you. A most happy birthday wish to your glorious daughter and for all the days of her big girl wonderful life.
Happy birthday beautiful girl! My, she gets lovelier every year. I was happy to see there are still roller skating rinks. We did that when I was a kid. Andy's gift was very sweet.
Oh wow, us long time followers of the blog are feeling. well, you know -- OLD! :) LOVE these photos. Thank you for sharing.
Happy, happy birthday to Amelia! 10 is such a huge milestone.
Happy birthday Amelia!!
Echoing everyone else who is feeling especially old, remembering when she was born <3 and sending lots of love to your family!
It's been such a joy to see this little lady grow up! Happy Birthday to her!
Happy birthday, Amelia. I remember your parents waiting for you and all the little dresses and sweaters your mother made for you. So loved, so wanted. Many happy returns of a good day.
Thank you , thank you for sharing. I have been reading your story since Amelia was a baby. I have enjoyed watching her grow and bloom. :)
Happy 10th Birthday to Amelia! Thank you as always for sharing your beautiful pictures and your magical world. It is just lovely to see and brings so much joy xx
Happy Birthday Amelia!!!! Wow- 10, I've been following along for a quite a while and I have to admit I teared up a bit by the end of this. She's so old! I love the traditions, especially the handmades, so sweet. Tell her that the cake is AMAZING! I kind of gasped with joy when I saw that photo. I want that cake, it looked so beautiful I love the massiveness of the design. Impressive and completely awesome cake decor. Sounds like the perfect birthday weekend.
I know I only know your family through your blog, but I just enjoyed reading about Amelia's birthday so much. I remember when you got her and she was the CUTEST baby and to see how she has grown and how loved she is is just wonderful. Happy Birthday, Amelia. Party on!
It was such a wonderful celebration! Sweet Amelia is the most wonderful gift for all of us! She truly has a sweet heart! Your photos and writing capture the magic of the wonderful celebration we shared (and yes, I want to use yet another exclamation point!)
Your blog is such a little peek for me into American life, all the way here in Australia. I really enjoyed hearing about Amelia’s celebrations. I too have been reading this blog since you brought her home. I don’t know why but every time I’m on here I think of the film ‘how to make an American quilt’ that’s my favourite film and I highly recommend watching it.
And I was all prepared to hear that she had turned eight! Your bowl is so sweet, and Andy’s bonsai is incredible!! People here in Japan would get a huge kick out of it. I love everything he’s made (starting, I believe, with his adorable fried egg) but he really outdid himself this year!
A 10 year old girl is a wondrous creature - I know you'll all enjoy this year to come....
Thank you for letting us watch her grow. I hope you know that we have been cheering you on! Happy Birthday !!
Ten is a big deal, double figures! I love the little bowl you made her and Andy's bonsai is amazing. My favourite photo here is the one of her at her party table, such a look of unabashed joy. Happy birthday Amelia, you are a blessing to your family and beyond. What a privilege to have a little glimpse into your world all these years.
It has been pure joy watching her grow!!! Thank you for sharing what you share...It is always SO fun to see your gorgeous pics and hear your thoughts! Happy Birthday Mimi! I hope you have an amazing year!
A crocheted bonsai tree! I never imagined such a thing, and it is adorable. The little bowl is so sweet. How lovely to receive handmade gifts from both of her parents. Amelia is so loved. :)