Remember this? "Buy Goldfish."
It all came together this weekend in time for Emma's fifth birthday today.
Nightly fish checks are required before bed. These four fish were carefully chosen from a tank swarming with feeder fish. I finally had to step in and catch them myself because I couldn't bear to watch the poor clerk swirl the net through the masses trying to pick out the "fish with the white belly. no, not that one. there! that one! right there!" I managed to catch THAT fish and three others managed to get tangled in the net along with him.
"I think they must be best friends. They were all swimming around together."--my way of convincing them to stop the fish chase right there. Thankfully, they were four unique-looking fish that fit the bill. Today we went back to replace the one that didn't make it. ("that one was mary's, mommy) and add some live plants.
I love the presents Emma is getting this year--they are so her. A pair of binoculars and bird field guide from her grandmother, roller skates from her NeeNee, and a pair of "sleepers with feet" and a helmet for her horseback riding lessons from me and Dan. I'm really not sure why she requested the sleepers. She likes to rub one foot on the other foot's heel while she sleeps. Honestly, I think she just likes the idea of sleepers and likes running around in them before bed. But when it's time to really get between the sheets, they inevitably seem to be replaced by something more heel-rubbing friendly.
I told her this morning that this was it. This was her last birthday. Five was all the older she could get. I'm not allowing six or seven, let alone eleven or twelve. I can barely admit that she's five and I shop for her in the girl's department, that she knows more words to gillian welch songs than I do or can set the dinner table beautifully with no help from me .
"But mom," she said in response to my declaration about the cessation of getting older, "it just happens."
That's right Emma, babe. I guess it does. Happy Birthday one more time.
i said the same thing to em on her 5th. enjoy the fishies!
Posted by: tracy | 08 January 2007 at 03:14 PM
I'm shocked at how much I enjoy the fish Mark had for his 6th birthday. Goldie(v.2) and Bob (his choices!) have real personality.
Happy birthday Emma!
Posted by: Ali | 08 January 2007 at 03:20 PM
Oh happy birthday Emma! and I'm so glad she's got the fish. What fun they'll be. Great work momma. :)
Posted by: Angela | 08 January 2007 at 03:37 PM
Happy, Happy Birthday Emma!
(and I love your fish!)
Posted by: lla | 08 January 2007 at 03:52 PM
Happy Birthday Sweet Emma! Your fish are beautiful.
Posted by: erin | 08 January 2007 at 03:58 PM
Such a big girl. Happy Birthday!
Posted by: Mama Urchin | 08 January 2007 at 04:11 PM
Happy Birthday to a beautiful little girl!
Posted by: Alicia A. | 08 January 2007 at 04:26 PM
Happy birthday, sweet girl. And momma, grab a Kleenex and take a deep breath. I'll be needing a tissue in a couple of months, too!
Posted by: Michelle | 08 January 2007 at 04:49 PM
i know how you feel, but 6 year old girls are pretty sweet too. and i think i'll be okay with 7.... 8 though.....
Posted by: kirsten | 08 January 2007 at 05:46 PM
"it just happens."....happy birthday to a funny, funny girl. When dd turned 6 at the end of november i cried buckets. She consoled me with "but mumma, its ok. really ok. ....and my arms are getting longer which means bigger hugs!" at this point i cried a dozen more buckets. sob. DD looked at me and held my hand. SOB!
you made me laugh describing when you were catching the fish...hilarious.
Posted by: bigbucketgirl | 08 January 2007 at 05:53 PM
from the mom of an eleven year old emma,
i know JUST how you feel.
best birthday wishes to the birthday girl!
:)
Posted by: gkgirl | 08 January 2007 at 06:19 PM
Happy birthday Emma.
Posted by: rachael | 08 January 2007 at 10:38 PM
Hey, I like to rub my feet too - snap! It might -just happen- and happen fast. My oldest is 14, where did the time go? Happy Birthday Miss Emma.
Posted by: Sonya | 09 January 2007 at 12:55 AM
Happy Birthday Sweet Emma. I distinctly remember turning 5. I was so excited for people to ask me how old I was so I could raise my palm & flash all 5 fingers! You are a beautiful girl..I wouldn't want you to grow up either : )
Posted by: Morgan | 09 January 2007 at 02:40 AM
They all are the BEST birthday/age though, aren't they? But it does go fast.
Now let's see how many birthdays those fish have....
Posted by: martha | 09 January 2007 at 06:57 AM
Gillian Welch songs and a perfect dinner table? What a cool daughter!
Posted by: Keri | 09 January 2007 at 10:16 AM
Happy birthday, Emma!
Five is a biggie!
Posted by: amy h | 09 January 2007 at 11:33 AM
Happy Birthday, Emma! What fun and thoughtful gifts-- obviously given with care and love.
And sorry, Molly, but it never does get any easier, despite just happening. Ana will be *nine* next month.
Posted by: luckybeans | 09 January 2007 at 01:23 PM
Happy birthday, Emma!!
(so sorry to have missed your mini-swap!!)
Posted by: Mirre | 09 January 2007 at 03:54 PM
Happy Birthday Emma! I love the boots picture! Yeah, I think 5 is a good time to stop getting older
Posted by: katiek | 09 January 2007 at 06:40 PM
Happy Birthday Emma! It is bittersweet when our kids have a birthday isn't it? My youngest turned 6 last week and I did feel a bit sad and nostalgic. On the other hand it is pretty exciting to watch them grow and mature and become this unique little person.
Too funny about the nightly fish check. We do the same in our house. We started with four and are down to one. But that one fish has been with us for 2 1/2 years.
Posted by: Erin | 09 January 2007 at 11:51 PM
Happy B'day to Emma - five is such a good age. Don't worry mum - you have a great daughter there and now you'll see her really blossom.
And very good mummying on the fish!
Posted by: Lily | 10 January 2007 at 04:08 AM
happy birthday sweet girl! my boy is right behind you and i agree, i think you both should stay five forever.
Posted by: hannah | 10 January 2007 at 09:54 AM
Such a sweet post.
I remember when my niece got her first pet fish :-) It's scary how fast they grow up but how fantastic to watch.
I love how all the presents she got will stimulate her imagination and keep her active.
Happy birthday, Emma!
Posted by: Adriana | 13 January 2007 at 10:19 AM
wise words from a just turned 5 year old
Posted by: QueenMum | 14 January 2007 at 02:07 AM