party time and introducing violet

When it comes to birthdays, Abigail is at the perfect age. She is old enough to know what to anticipate and to build that anticipation of the day using just her imagination. She is also young enough that the small details still "wow" her. When she woke up this morning, she came out into the kitchen hiding the growing smile when she was greeted with birthday wishes and us singing Happy Birthday. I think she was playing it cool. Abigail received one gift before breakfast (some clothes that she wore today) and was excited to share birthday cupcakes with her classmates. She has a very loving teacher who referred to her as "birthday girl" all day. After school Abigail was explaining that nobody called her Abigail today, just Mommy and Daddy. Everyone else called her "birthday girl". Andrew replied that that wasn't so bad. Abigail agreed.

Before supper Abigail finally was able to open the rest of her gifts. She kept asking how many gifts there were and when she could open them. She had recently talked about wanting a diary with a lock and I totally lucked out when I saw the perfect one last week.

Here is her genuine reaction when she opened her secret diary with a lock. Do you think she likes it?
Abigail has been asking for a fish for a very long time. And finally her day arrived. We had been storing the fish in the basement since Sunday and it was finally time to let the fish see the light of day.
Abigail was a bit more subdued with her enthusiasm...

and had to take it all in.

Then out came the journal and her first entry. "Today I got a fish." Jesse was busy introducing himself to the fish with lots of cheery "HI"s. Abigail had to contemplate the fish's name.

My parents then came over to help celebrate Abigail with some cake. Jesse was quick to corner Grandpa with a book.

Abigail had a few more gifts to open. She was loving her new nightie and was showing Grandma her appreciation.

Then it was cake time. Abigail ate the icing and left the rest. This is my girl.

Then we were quick to head off to Abigail's first swimming lesson.

When we returned it was time to pretty up the fish bowl. At this point, Abigail had totally warmed up to her new pet and was completely into the process of washing the new rocks and making a nice home for her fish. Abigail continued to ponder a name. She first thought "Bluey" (and I secretly hoped she would go a bit more creative) and then fell in love with "Violet". I think it is perfect.

So, may I introduce you to our very first pet...

Violet.