Happy 4th birthday to my enchanting princess, Nova Mira!
My bougie baby is particular. She has refined taste, specific visions, knows what she wants, and is clear in voicing those desires. And I aim to deliver, especially when it comes to making her happy for her 4th birthday.
Nova has been dreaming of a “Four-ozen” birthday party since she turned three. She knew then that she wanted Frozen Elsa LEGOs when she turned four, and definitely wanted a party themed around her favorite Disney heroine.
And, at long last, four the first time in four-ever, it was time she had another birthday…
A Weekend of Whimsy
Traditionally, we have a family celebration day separate from the party. Nova’s 4th birthday was especially happy in that her oldest sibling just moved back in with us. Extra love, extra attention, extra cause to celebrate.
Due to business hours and party scheduling, it worked out that she actually got three days of celebration. Day 1, Saturday, we took everyone out for breakfast at Magnolia Pancake Haus, two hours at Arrows Active Play Park, followed by lunch at Darkside Pizza. Yea, there was much rejoicing.
Sunday, day 2, Nova had a happy 4th birthday party dressed as Queen Elsa. She had a strawberry champagne cake that looked awful but tasted awesome, along with some gingersnap snowflake cookies.
Of which she pounded like 7-10 cookies when no one was paying attention…
Night 2, tummy ache. This girl parties hard.
And that brings us to today, January 5th, the happy day of her official 4th birthday. Family presents, special one-on-one time during designated quiet time midday, and a special birthday dinner.
Every year since she turned two, I make her chardonnay risotto that she absolutely smashes. Nova’s never been a huge fan of sweet, sweet stuff; this risotto might as well BE her birthday cake for how into it she is. Papa Nathan also made bacon burgers, per her request.
Then, we let the kids stay up late watching Moana while assembling a big-kid LEGO Heihei Nova got for her birthday from tío Brandon.
The weekend was A LOT. This whole season has been A LOT. Putting it mildly. But we’ve made it through to the other side. Exhausted, but happy and thankful that we got to celebrate the 4th birthday of someone so precious and amazing…
Sugar and Spice
This girl…
Nova is and has always been a force with which to be reckoned.
She’s opinionated, strong, driven, and bold. Feisty. She’s full of charisma and knows how to wield it to drop your guard. Stands up for herself, holds her ground, and I’ve heard her more than once assert “You can’t speak to me that way” when Orson tells her something she doesn’t like.
Nova loves all things feminine and girly.
If I let her, she’d blow through three mismatched outfits per day, and I’d never find my way out of the mountain of laundry… I don’t always agree with her fashion choices at first glance, either, but her unyielding confidence in strutting her stuff usually wins me over pretty quickly.
She laughs from her belly, always. More like a deep chortle. Hard enough to make herself cough, boisterous enough it makes everyone else laugh, too. She loves her family so much, Orson especially, though she plays those cards close to the vest. And we all love and adore her.
I frequently compare her to a cat, which she’d take no offense at, since she often loves to pretend to be one.
She only accepts affection on her terms. I’m almost every night held hostage in her cephalopod-like death grip, and I love it. She makes up for every daytime hug “no thank you” refusal by ensnaring me at bedtime. Inconvenient always, but irresistible all the same.
She brings the party…
And the joy. The jubilance. She’s more or less who I want to be when I grow up.
Unashamed in her authenticity. Messy, disorganized, chaotic in so many ways, but absolutely magical and full of charismatic leadership potential. I’m so excited to see who she becomes because she’s already such an immense joy to know and love, much less parent.
Happy 4th Birthday, Nova Mira!
You are the best daughter, best sister, best baby of our family. You grow us as you grow up. We are stronger and more flexible because of you. I love every adventure we take together. I am so thankful for the privilege of being entrusted to be your parent.
What a blessing it’s been seeing you healthy and happy, beautiful, silly, thoughtful, and precious for your 4th birthday. Here’s to all the birthdays that come after.
You are, and always will be, one of my favorite people. I love you, daughter.