Happy 8th Birthday Sweet Kaitlyn!

I love, love, love Kaitlyn's birthday! The reason that I love it so much is because she loves it so much! On her big day she woke up with an extra bounce in her step and announced that she felt bigger. She spent the whole day with a giant smile on her face, and truly enjoyed every bit of celebration that we jammed into the day.

She asked that in lieu of a party that she and I go to the mall for a shopping spree. She loves to shop, so this was the perfect way to celebrate her birthday. She picked out the perfect shopping outfit, and off we went. She hit all of her favorite stores, including Claire's, Justice and Build-A-Bear. She took her time in each store picking out all kinds of fun stuffed animals, earrings, and clothes. Once she was all shopped out, we headed home to enjoy some birthday cake with the neighbors, then headed out to a dinner where she had a big bowl of her favorite meal - spaghetti and meatballs. Check out the picture of her cake below. My super-talented friend Kim made it for her. Most days around here you'll find Kaitlyn listening to her IPod and dancing around the living room. So what better cake to make than a pink IPod cake? Kaitlyn LOVED it!

It was just a great day all around. It's nice to take a day off from all of the challenges in Kaitlyn's life, and just celebrate her awesomeness. She is just the sweetest, happiest little girl, and I really am so lucky that she is my daughter. On her birthday each year I can't help but reflect on the day she was born. This year instead of thinking too much about her rough start, I chose to be grateful for just how far she has come. Although she has challenges to overcome each day, she does so with her signature positive outlook and unbridled enthusiasm. It is such a treat to watch her grow up.

Here are some pictures from her big day. Hopefully you'll get to see what a truly happy birthday she had!