Bridgette Turns 9

My baby (sorry, I still refuse to stop calling her that) turned 9! This is her last single digit year and as her wings continue to grow by the day, I’m deeply grateful for the amount of time we get to spend together. In just 9 years’ time, her wings will be fully developed and she will be ready to fly off on her own. Every day, I am reminded of this fact and I choose to cherish every little thing that we do together, whether it’s grocery shopping, playing, or just chatting in bed. Though I often wish I can slow this time down, I have to admit that it’s really amazing to witness her growth day by day. Not just physically, but in all aspects–intellectually, emotionally, and mentally. Our conversations now are really interesting, and I learn something new from her almost every day!

Her birthday this year fell on a day where I had a wedding up in Napa Valley. Since Bridgette loves staying at hotels, I asked if she’d like to stay up there for the weekend and hang out with Alan while I worked. She was immediately excited about the idea and jumped on board. My client was kind enough to put our team up at the lovely Andaz Hotel in Napa, a rather new boutique hotel in the area. We each got our own room and upon check in, were delighted to find that we had all been upgraded to suites! I had driven up there with my team earlier in the day for our team lunch and we got the spontaneous idea to decorate my suite to surprise Bridgette for her later arrival. After a quick visit to the nearby dollar store, we were equipped with streamers, balloons, and banners to dress my suite up in pinks and purples for my not-so-little girl! 🙂

Bridgette was so000 happy, and truly surprised, to walk into this suite that was all decked out just for her!!

We had more surprises in stored for her. That evening, after our rehearsal, we had a team dinner at Goose and Gander, which Alan and Bridgette were invited to join. At the end of the dinner, our server brought out a dessert with a number 9 candle on it and we all whipped out our party hats to sing happy birthday. 🙂 It was such a sweet and funny moment!

The next morning, I got to enjoy a lovely breakfast with Bridge before heading out for my wedding. Though I wished I could’ve spent the day with her, I also knew she and Alan would really enjoy their daddy/daughter day together. Indeed, they had a blast, including a leisurely picnic at V. Sattui Winery and a lovely dinner at Brix. My sis

Before we checked out of Andaz on Sunday, Bridgette begged for us to help her take down all the decorations in the room so that we can bring the party home with us. Thanks to my superman hubby, we did just that, and the party now lives on in Bridgette’s bedroom at home! 🙂