The Birthday

Lily had trouble going to sleep the night before her birthday and really who could blame her. On Monday morning, she awoke and was filled with excitement over her big day. The bedroom had curly silver streamers hanging from the doorway with big notes all over announcing she was 8. Downstairs there were many more 8s splattered about. She had curled her hair the night before and I could tell she felt special. Off to school she went.

Shelly and I headed out to get her doughnuts and juice for her birthday snack at school. We got there at 1:30 and by 2:00 the snacking was over and I checked her out of school for the last 45 minutes...she was thrilled. Lily came home and diligently did her homeowrk with not a complaint.

Once daddy was home, she knew the gift presentation was getting closer. We sent her on a scavenger hunt throughout the house (and outside) to find her presents. Once all the gifts were collected, she began opening them. There were lots of squeals of delight and enthusiasm over each and every thing. Amidst the checks, gift cards from Justice, and clothes she received a note telling her to pick a place to eat and get ready to pick out her very own guinea pig. Shouts, squeals, jumping ensued!

So, it was off to Red Robin for dinner. When we got there Lily began to get a little quiet and serious. I could tell she was on the verge of tears and didn't know why. She finally revealed that she was a bit nervous about taking care of the guinea pig. We assured her everything would be fine. Then she was all chatty and back to herself again.

After dinner, we went to Petsmart to find the perfect little guinea pig. We saw a few larger ones in one cage and then Lily discovered four hiding in another cage that were smaller. She selected No. 1 guinea pig and we all held her and petted her. Next, we took a spin with guinea pig No. 2. And sadly, No. 2 just wasn't as snuggly, so No. 1 it was!!! On the way home we tossed around many many names. Daddy suggested Isabella and I said we could call her Bella. We all thought it sounded good and Lily officially named her Bella once we held her for a while at home. After all of the Bella excitement, it was time for bed. Lily was sad that her day had to come to an end and this morning she told me she cried herself to sleep (happily).