Happy 9th Birthday, McKaila Rose!

Our first born is 9 years old! Cue the tears. 

The night before McKaila's birthday, she came up to me and told me that she would make sure that she didn't come downstairs to get her last hugs in before she fell asleep because she knew that we were going to be busy decorating for her birthday. Courtney and I were always planning on decorating the downstairs, but I didn't let McKaila know that. 

I told her that I figured that she was getting too old for all that stuff. At the time she had a smile, but when I said that, her smile disappeared. She made sure I knew that she wasn't too old for any of it and really enjoyed it when we decorated for her birthday. 

I got to say, it made me pretty happy to hear that she wasn't too old for all the birthday stuff we do for them. I always have wanted to make sure all 3 of our kids feel special on their birthday, and one way I have always done that is by decorating. It's just balloons and streamers, but I'm so happy that they love it. 

So, when McKaila walked down the stairs, she had in her head that she wasn't going to see all the decorations. To her surprise, we had it all ready for her. I loved seeing the big smile on her face! She was so happy, which made me so happy!

I don't know what it is about turning 9, but dang, this girl woke up looking so much older. Slow down time, I'm not ready for all of this. 

McKaila said she had a great day at school, she even came home from school with some handmade cards and small little gifts from her friends. That made my heart so happy. I love that this year, she's really made some good friends. Last year was a struggle for her, so to see her walk out of school happy and hearing all the fun stuff she does with her friends at school, is such a blessing. 

After school, we went straight to opening presents. As always, McKaila was spoiled and she loved it. 

This year, I asked McKaila what she wanted as far as a birthday cake. Without hesitation, McKaila replied, "can we just have some brownies?" So, we didn't have birthday cake, we had birthday brownies and McKaila loved it!

Thank you everyone, that sent birthday messages on facebook, text, and phone calls. Truly means a lot that so many of you care about us and willing to take time out of your days to simply say happy birthday too McKaila. We love you all!