Happy 8th Birthday, Sydney!

Our sweet lil Piddy Pie turned EIGHT!  The day before her bday was a bit of a struggle tho.  Her anxiety was overwhelming her.  She has a hard time with the build-up to big events, so basically she melted down the 24 hours prior to the event (her bday).  Our girl needed extra snuggles - she hasn't sat ON me in awhile.  We just had a low key family day and she went to bed a bit worried about what EIGHT would bring.  She didn't want anything to change.  :(

Syd didn't have any specific requests for bday presents this year, and it was hard for me to think of anything.  We've talked a lot about how for birthdays and Christmases in the future, sometimes you'll get presents and sometimes you'll get experiences (like how we went to Miami last Christmas).  Millie really got into that idea and her present for Syd, as you can see in her beautiful handwritten card, is a trip to the bubble tea shop and the Amazeum!  Wonderful idea, Mills!

Thankfully the birthday girl woke up in a more cheerful mood...cautiously optimistic, if you will.  Mommy and Daddy didn't get her anything big, but we did give her a box of fun goodies - a little purse, some art supplies, and lots of Bob Ross stuff!  So funny how kids these days love Bob Ross, thanks to YouTube.  It makes sense that Syd would enjoy his calm, artsy vibe and incredible painting skills!

Bob Ross shirt!

I've found these big boxes of little things are their favorite.  Kind of like stockings at Christmas!

She's grown a lot this year: almost 3 inches since her last bday!

Update after annual pediatrician visit:

Height 52" (75th percentile)

Weight 77lbs (94th percentile)

BMI 93rd percentile - which is on trend with where she's always been

Nothing to report, perfectly healthy - thank goodness!

There she is...the most requested cake by the Kuhlow clan.  

And back to the "cake for breakfast" tradition!  Syd didn't want to be photographed in her pajamas, so she got dressed before she came down but still looks a bit sleepy.  

look at that face

Always a hit.

Oh hey bob.

I tried to do some birthday shots, but man, my camera skills are rusty.  And it was a bit bright! Ha.  Got some cute ones but that's mostly because she's cute.

She has the cutest sprinkling of freckles.

really started getting comfortable with the camera at the end ;)

I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always...as long as I'm living, my baby you'll be.

Syd being Syd, she didn't want a big party or to be the center of attention.  She finally settled on a bouncy house because she loved the one we had last year.  This year, however, we don't have a yard at the rent house...so Nana to the rescue!  It was a gorgeous day for it!

Cheers to FINALLY having Mimi with us again!  COVID restrictions kept us away since last fall.  

We kept it small, inviting only Sydney H and two friends from school: Jocelyn and Sabrina (not able to make it).  It was perfect for Syd!  The girls alternated between bouncy house and playing with the kittens.

Hold on Guac!

Present time

And a quick happy birthday singing with cupcakes - she's laughing because the fan kept blowing the candle out ;)

And then it was time for the next shift: Beck and Cayden came over in the late afternoon!

The kittens are so playful now!  They were the hit of the party...

kitten snuggling all day, errday

Nana's foster kids are the cutest

Sweetest memory from first bday party <3

She loved using her bday money and getting presents in the mail.  She's a very thankful kid, and pretty easy to please when it comes to gifts.  She's passionate, inflexible, and stubborn...silly, sassy, and introspective.  We are seeing more of who Sydney is come to life, and it's so interesting to watch.  

All of your people love you dearly, Sydney Diane!  (Sidenote: is that an octopus rocket on Mimi's head?)