I can’t believe it’s already been 5 years since I was able to begin the experience of an amazing relationship that I cherish so deeply with my momma. Kyah has changed my life in so many ways and I wouldn’t trade this life I live with anyone. I remember the day she was born like it was yesterday. Her birthday was supposed to be the 19th, it was already determined when she didn’t come on her due date. Apparently, she still wasn’t ready when the dr. decided to induce me, so after a long wait she came bouncing into the world on March 20th. She had the tiniest little nose and the most perfect personality….from the start. I am thankful every day that God allows me to be her mommy. She is a gift from him and I don’t ever want to forget that.
Just like many little girls that are 5, my girl loves Disney princesses. She had convinced herself we were going to Disney World for her birthday and I didn’t want to let her down, but obviously that wasn’t in the cards. So, with the help of her Gigi (my wonderful mom) we were able to pull off a pretty spectacular Little Mermaid birthday party. Thank you mom for ALWAYS going the extra mile to make Kyah feel special. I’m so thankful she has a Gigi that shows her love in so many ways. Even when it isn’t always the most convenient thing (Lord knows you’re busier than most people), you put a few minutes aside to call and just say hi or send her a little card in the mail. That means a lot and she’ll remember it forever! You’re one-of-a-kind and Kyah definitely knows it. Love you!
Ariel is by far Kyah’s favorite Disney princess. I think it’s their mutual love of the water. She cannot get enough of the movie, songs, t-shirts, purses, ect. It’s an obsession.
The birthday party went off with only a few little snags. Did I say little? Apparently word got out that there was a birthday party because 2 hours before it was to start a crowd had already gathered. By 2 (the party started at 3) we had at least 150 kids waiting for the fiesta. Not even possible! We didn’t have enough cake or cups for that many kids. Forget about the utter chaos that would ensue if we allowed that many kids to come. I had to share with them in the kindest way I knew how that the party was for Kyah’s friends and if I didn’t know them they couldn’t come. Hardest thing to do….ever. I’m talking about 10-12 year olds that were stoked about coming to a Little Mermaid birthday party for a 5 year old. Not a lot of things happen “outside-the-box” in El Tigre, so this was a huge deal and everyone that had heard about it showed up. I still have several mommas that are mad at me. What was I supposed to do? In the end, we still had over 70 kids.
Not only did my mom help out in such a huge way, but the team of 26 that was here from Bridgepoint couldn’t have been a bigger blessing to us. They stepped up to the plate like nobody’s business and helped me build a balloon arch, decorate for the party, ice cupcakes, control the madness that surrounded the piñata, take some great pictures for us, and just make Kyah feel special on her big day. I’m also blessed with some great Tico friends that allowed us to use their front porch for the party. Without their 4 walls, it could have been really scary.
When the party was over and we were on our way home Kyah told me “My birthday was awesome! Thanks for letting me have a fun Ariel party with all my friends.” That’s all I wanted for my girl. A little something special for her very special day. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart! Celebrations are emotional for me away from our sweet friends and family in Kansas, but you made it beyond the best. Love to you all!
The crowd beginning to gather.
Pin the shell on the mermaid. This games takes forever when you let every kid have a turn, but they had a blast with it!
Look at her shell! She told me later that she could see. Oops! She ended up winning the entire game.
Big Daddy getting in on the action.
Kyah helping out. She loved getting to “make kids see fuzzy” and laughed her head off when they’d put the shell anywhere other than the poster.
Happy Birthday, Kyah!
She got very bashful when close to 100 people (gringos and ticos) started singing Happy Birthday. Of course, we had to do it in Spanish and English so she had to endure the attention twice. A couple of our friends entertained us with guitars, too. So much fun!
And so begins the piñata madness….
After a few black eyes and bruises, we opted for Plan B. All candies came out of the piñata, were scattered around the plaza, and then it was everyone for themselves.
A Costa Rican tradition is to smash an egg on the head of the birthday child for every year they have. We opted for streamers. It’s the momma bear in me. 
We decided to open her gifts inside our friend’s house before the party started and away from the mob of children outside.
Apparently, even the napkins tasted yummy!
