Angie Higa Photography: my amazing school bound girl

Well - it's happend. Just like they said it would.

My sweet baby Tatum turned five last Saturday. Bitter sweet because she was so excited for her birthday, but it's a step in the direction of independence and maturity unlike I expected. I catch myself staring at her, trying to freeze time. I've done a good job with my 'freeze frames' thus far. Except she's smart. And she catches me staring at her. Instead of getting all sentimental with me, she shrugs and says "what?". Oh my goodness, if I only knew what becoming a mom would do to me when I first set out on this journey ... my heart nearly beats out of my chest on a daily basis. It's more amazing than I can even attempt to put into words...

And so, the birthday party went. Ummm, wow. This was the first year that we did the 'drop-off' birthday party. Rod and I manned the party, until my friend Robyn showed up. We had a. lot. of. little. five. year. old. girls plus one very special boy ... one of Tatum's most favorite friends from pre-k (and Brock). WHO LIKE TO SCREAM. For fun.

It was loud. Louder than you can imagine. My inner ear actually pangs when I think of that afternoon, loud. But you know what? They were running around laughing, smiling, and everyone was happy. In the end, we fired them through the line up for supper, cake, and treatbags. And then the doorbell rang. Again, and again. Bless their mother's heart for coming back :)

Here's my chance to show you just how Martha Stuart-ish I really am. Robyn lent me this pan she got from Williams-Sonoma for the cake, seeing how there really wasn't a theme to the party other than it was a pajama party. It was ah-maze-ing. I over-cooked the cake by a few minutes, but it was a blast to make, and the kids loved it! It was The Great Cupcake Pan, and I don't want to give it back. Tonight is the first time I've checked out their website - and I feel a purchase coming up for Brockman's birthday cake in August :)