I’ll spare you with my sappy “how can she be 8 years old” story.\u00a0 I know every mom feels the exact same when their baby turns yet another year older.\u00a0 But really, how can she be eight already!?<\/p>\n
And what’s even harder for me to fathom is the simple fact that she is closer to fifteen than zero.\u00a0 She clearly explained this to me early this morning as I tried to snuggle with her and sing Happy Birthday to her.<\/p>\n “See mom, eight is closer to fifteen than seven is to zero.”\u00a0 Mel math at its finest.<\/p>\n She may be closer to fifteen, but she still loves her silky.\u00a0 After a few snuggles, she jumped up, ready to begin her birthday!<\/p>\n The girls were actually ready when Zara, our friend, neighbor and carpool partner, arrived.\u00a0 We got a Happy Birthday call from Aunt Liz and took a few photos with the yearly birthday blow up.<\/p>\n with song and dance of course.<\/p>\n We’ve been celebrating all week so far.\u00a0 (Doesn’t everyone have birth weeks?)\u00a0 And last night we did what our family does best on birthdays.<\/p>\n Vamos a comer Mexicano!\u00a0 (Senora Denny would be so proud.)<\/p>\n Cheese dip and margaritas for all!<\/p>\n We are quite a bunch, and growing louder each year.\u00a0 If that’s even possible.<\/p>\n And by loud, I mean these two.\u00a0 Yes, Mary Clare that’s exactly what everyone around you felt like, too.<\/p>\n At one point we noticed Bonnie and Clyde arguing over something.\u00a0 When I listened closer, I realized they were trying to “decide” who knew more Spanish.\u00a0 Mary Clare insisted that she did, naturally.<\/p>\n “See, listen to me….Bippity, Bobbity, Boo!”<\/p>\n I missed photos with Nonnie, Bubba and Bapa, and Dopey and Sneezy and Doc.\u00a0 Oops.<\/p>\n Today, she took blue snowflake cupcakes to school.\u00a0 I always let her design her cake and cupcakes for her yearly celebration, and I think that’s more of a bigger deal than presents OR party.\u00a0 She draws up designs all year long.\u00a0 I may have a future cake baker and decorator on my hands.\u00a0 Quite the creative one, she is.<\/p>\n This weekend, we aren’t having a party.\u00a0 We have even bigger<\/em> plans.\u00a0 Tonight, she decided to celebrate at the Japanese Steakhouse but asked me NOT to tell them it’s her birthday.<\/p>\n “You know, Mom, where they fire up your food and sling it on your plate.\u00a0 We’ll hide Mary Clare’s face, because I know she hates the fire.”<\/p>\n Oh, McCanless, I just love you, my little 8-year-old.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.babypennington.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/DSC_0169.jpg\" "\\"Happy")
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