I suppose that it is normal for a child, as she gets older, to try and negotiate with her parents over nearly everything–a later bedtime, fewer chores, more privileges. So, it should come as no surprise that, instead of simply celebrating a birthDAY, Guppy scored a birthWEEK that then turned into a birthMONTH. I caved pretty easily. It seemed logical that since she is such a good kid (and she REALLY is) that celebrating her birth for a short 24 hours was simply insufficient. Plus, it has been a really busy time for our family, so I welcomed the extra time to try and pull together a party, etc.

We celebrated Guppy’s actual birthday with special family friends, the McFaddens. She also lost another tooth. I think this is the 2nd year in a row that she’s lost a tooth on her birthday.

A week and a half later, we hosted a fun swim and pizza party for Guppy and a few of her friends. Everyone seemed to have a blast.

Ariana, I love you and am so proud of you! You are growing up into such a beautiful, caring, obedient daughter and are the best big sister that Miss Vivi could ever have.

Happy BirthYEAR!