My darling baby girl, Gemma May turned 7 years old at the end of May.  She and I not only share a birthday month, but our birthday are only 2 days apart, and we also share the same middle name to reflect the month we were born.  May is always a crazy-busy month for us, and this year was no exception.

We had a friend-party for her at our house with a group of her school friends and neighbors.  She requested a dress-up, craft-time, chocolate-fountain, girls-only party, and we did just that.


A photo display of the birthday girl on the gift table.

Costume rack complete with accessories and a make-shift “dressing room” under the stairs.

Waiting for guests to arrive.

Can I just say that having a chocolate fountain is SO much easier than making a dessert!  The prep time is 5 minutes and the kids lovvvvvve it.  Like, a lot.  Although, I should warn you, it is a bit messier than other foods and does take a little more clean up.  These girls were slathered in chocolate from head to toe by the time they left the party and their parents said that they could actually smell the chocolate from all the way outside.

The guest of honor and her big sister.  I love these two.  Gavin opted to go to the grandparent’s house during the party – too many girls for him:)

Gemma’s actual birthday was also the kids’ last day of school, so it was extra-special for her.  They got released early for half-day, and we went home to open presents, have lunch with root beer floats for dessert, and then she and I went to Target to get Starbucks and spend some of her birthday money.  Our Target trips are a tradition with each of the kids on their birthdays, and it’s always a fun one-on-one time for me and each of our kiddos.  We ended the night with Gemma’s choice of McDonald’s for dinner (Tristan and I opted to eat at home cause, well, you know) and then she and I stayed up late after the other kids went to sleep and watched Teen Beach Movie (one of her faves).

And if you can believe it, the celebration continued a few days later with a family party!  There was a huge strawberry cake with buttercream icing and the most beautiful little red-head ballerina on top.  My amazing mom MADE this cake for Gemma and it turned out so cute!  And of course, Gemma wanted to eat the head;)

I love this little girl.  She never gets tired of talking to me and she acts as though being with me is the most awesome thing ever. She is such a generous person – always giving gifts and making cards and presents for the people she loves. She feels deeply, cries easily, and laughs even more easily. She’ll always be my baby – my baby girl that stayed inside of me for 12 extra days past her due date because she was so content just being with me. I’m incredibly grateful for this time that I get to be such a big part of the beginning of her life. Happy 7th Birthday to you Gemma May. ❤️