Dear Olivia,
You have grown so much in the last couple months, it’s no wonder that another birthday has come to pass. Six years old. I always tell you to stop growing, to stay my sweet little baby, but then I tell you, too, that each day brings me so much happiness and pride as I try to absorb all the new things you’ve seen and heard and learned. It’s impossible to freeze time, and honestly, I’m as excited to see you grow as I am to remember every stage you’ve already gone through.
You are incredible and I look forward to each new day as I watch who you are and who you become. Your anxiety over being apart from me has begun to change as you develop friendships and an identity off at school all day. And though you’re still building confidence to approach a group, your strength of conviction once you’re there is amazing. You are starting to walk around the house with your nose in a book and remind me of myself as a child; learning to read really is the coolest thing. While last year you would say that your favorite part of school was recess, you proudly shout “Math” this year – another reassuring piece of evidence that you are a product of your mom and dad.
I watch you as you observe others’ interactions and conversations and I hold my breath to see how they will effect your sensitive little being. We talk a lot and sometimes we just exchange words with our eyes and I know what you’re thinking or feeling, even if we don’t speak. Most of the time, you bring things up later, sometimes even days later. I hope you’ll always talk to me. I find myself struggling with maintaining your innocence versus preparing you for the world that is already out there. I think about homeschool.
Your favorite color continues to be pink and you love all things sparkly, fluffy, glittery, and girly. Your daddy picked out pink cowgirl boots for you for your birthday and your mommy picked out an oversized toy pony. You dream of being a cowgirl and I dream of helping you to make all your dreams come true. Your ability to nurture and teach is remarkable; your patience is incredible.
You asked for a butterfly tea party and I did everything I could to give you the most amazing party. I started planning early, which did not result in finishing early. Instead, we moved out the goal post (as you daddy says). Several times. It was awesome. I couldn’t sleep the night before because I was just so excited and when I woke up extra early to set everything up, you woke up too, and said, “But mommy, you always sleep in,” and I said, “You always sleep in, too,” and then we giggled and I put your hair in hot rollers and you hoped it would last your whole party, but it didn’t. You didn’t notice because you were having too much fun running around with all your girls. I love you so much, Olivia, so much. Having you and your daddy and your sisters in my life is the greatest blessing and I am truly grateful every day.
Love,
Mommy
**I will likely share specifics on a few of the party projects, but if there is something in particular you’d like information on, please let me know. Too many projects and pictures to guess what’s of interest to others. I opted for the personal documentation route.**
Linking up over at Tatertots and Jello!
Comments & Reviews
Anneliese says
Just gorgeous! I love the “maypole” and the sweets in particular. And what a great backdrop. I would love to take a party on location sometime. Thanks for sharing. Did you make the wreath on the maypole?
Kerilyn says
Stef, what a beautiful and touching letter to your beautiful Olivia. You two are truly blessed to have one another. The effort and love you put into your girls’ birthdays and everyday experiences is inspiring. Great job, mama.
Hollie - TheSevenYearCottage says
Incredibly beautiful… the cake, the details, and your daughter!
Heidi says
Oh my…first of all I am crying at the beautiful words you had for your sweet girl. It was so beautiful. This time when they are young is seeming to fly by so quickly…this post is a beautiful memory for her and yourself. Simply beautiful.
I want to come over and play and plan a party with you. I saw your stands first, and really really really liked them…fell in love when I saw the party!
I wish the party I was planning was girly…not so lucky…planning an Angry Birds Party for my little guy! Can’t wait though…it is going to totally make his day. Hope our 6th Birthday is as lovely as yours!
Heidi@HomemadeBeautiesByHeidi
Desiree @ The 36th Avenue says
Oh my goodness! So ADORABLE!
Unknown says
That Cake!!! So amazing. I wish I had girls!!!
Julia says
Stef, you are absolutely amazing! What a beautiful party…the details are so fantastic! I bet Olivia LOVED it:).
~Julia
projectdowhatyoulove says
OMG so stinkin gorgeous! How do you do it! WOW! Good Job!Nataliewww.projectdowhatyoulove.wordpress.com
Laura @ Laura's Crafty Life says
Everything you made was amazing! I would love this for myself. Great job. And what a lucky little girl.
Emily says
What an adorable party for a little girl! There are so many great ideas in here I can’t wait to try out for myself!
Cassandra says
This is adorable! I’m impressed by your dedication! I’d love to know about the fairy butterfly wreath. Was that a garland that you wrapped around it?
Lindsay Williamson says
This party is to die for! You are a talented mommy.
How did you make the butterfly wreath/mobile?
Kelley says
SOOOO loved the route you chose to share, Mum.
Signed,
a Mother of girls for 27.5 years…
Kristie-Creating Chaos says
That was a beautiful note. The party pics look amazing.
Ms Moppet says
oh my gosh..everything is amazing! My daughter would LOVE this! her birthday is in June and she starts talking about the next party theme day after her birthday, wants a butterfly party next year! Guess I better get busy! your daughter is lovely and one lucky little girl!