7th

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BELL!

You’re 7 already! I can hardly believe that I’m lucky enough to be your mama. You are smart, and brave, and funny and kind. Your emotions are front and center just like me. And you want so much to do things to help me and to watch hallmark by my side. As you grow older it’s so bittersweet, and yet I’m loving having this amazing friend! You better never stop because I LOVE it! 

Breakfast in bed/downstairs to share, per request.

We spent a big chunk of the day picking pumpkins and playing at Mayne's Farm. 

Hibachi Grill for Lunch/Dinner 

You begged for a pinata.
Ever since your teacher read a story at school
and asked the teacher who had had a pinata.

Ice cream cupcake cake per request with an
ice cream bar on the side. 

Pumpkin Picking

We spent the afternoon of Bella's birthday on hay rides picking pumpkins, tripping on vines, playing and jumping in hay, trying out the tractors big and small, and as a special birthday treat bouncing in the pumpkin bounce house. 

Ladybug girl

It wasn't the best pumpkin turn out this year so our pumpkin search was a little tricky. But the kids most definitely had the most fun ever with the bounce house, they could have played in that all day.

Since it was actually Bella's birthday we had to move on to other activities though.

Love Mommy

Piper,

I am amazed your growing so fast. It is funny though how many times you're mistaken for younger than you are; because of your lack of hair and small little frame, and your desire to love on anyone younger. Because in truth your really becoming a "person", the baby mode is officially fading and your personality is shining through as your find your own voice and your own love for life.

You are truly a sunbeam in our home and your sweet little smile seems to lighten all our loads. You are one of Mommy and Daddy's biggest helpers and are always the first one to chime in when someone asks. It is such a blessing to have you be such an example to your older siblings. Your the best, happiest playmate and willing to tag along and no one can say no to including you. You somehow unite them and your touch softens them despite their battles. I don't know how you do it, and it may not last forever but I thank you for it. 

I have always felt this amazing bond with you, ever since birth. I connected to you like no other child. And despite the sleepless nights I just couldn't be mad. I just was in awe of you and still am. You have this knack of getting your way and I know it can't last forever... although I am still convincing Daddy of that fact. You have the best pouty face ever, seriously I don't know how you melt us so well. Bedtime is what comes right to mind, it is a bit of a struggle and I don't see it getting better real soon (partly because Daddy says he sleeps better snuggling with you... I'll try not to be jealous). But even I struggle when your whimper and fat lip greet me in the dead of night or when I so slightly feel your warm little body shimmy its way between Mommy and Daddy in the wee hours of morning, trying your hardest not to be spotted. 

You also somehow know the desires of our family and are baby obsessed and are the best little mama as you dress up and play; it makes me never want to stop adding to this family of ours, no matter the struggles we have. Especially when your tender little heart is there to wipe my tears and to pat my back and whisper in my ear, "Why you crying Mama?" Some days I feel like I fail you and your sisters and brother, but your smile reminds me over and over again that I must be doing something right. I am so grateful for your constant joy and your love for everything around you. It makes life so much easier and reminds me daily to have joy in the journey.

Love,

Mommy

Ocean City 2018

Our annual day at the beach, with the Martins. A little chilly and windy, and A LOT sandy and wet!
We ended our September with wave riding, sand castle building, sand burying, seashell hunting, lunch eating, hand holding, beach exploring, and wholehearted laughing.

We ended the day with mini golf and chick-fil-a, just out of town. 

And the only thing to be heard on the drive home was quiet broken by the tiniest snores.