Generosity

I am always struck at this time of year, more than any other, at people's generosity towards us.  We have many amazing friends and family in our life and around Sydney's birthday when they go out of their way to make her day a little extra special it really touches my heart.

Every year Sydney gets what's going on around her birthday more and more.  We often spend months talking about the theme for her party and specific details that she would like to incorporate into her celebration.

Then comes the gifts discussion.  She'll wonder if someone is going to get her any My Little Pony stuff, or see a toy in the store and ask me if I think someone will give it to her for her birthday.  She loves giving gifts and receiving them equally!

After Syd's party this past weekend we settled on the living room floor and she gleefully ripped through a small mountain of gifts to discover the treasures that her friends had given her.  Watching her reactions was priceless, she gushed over most everything and certainly had favourite gifts that I know will become meaningful toys in the months to come.

Here's a little peek at the amazing bounty she received:

Kaitlyn gave her some owl jammies, a lacing shoe so she can practice learning to tie her shoes, a Fancy Nancy Tea for Two book, some cupcake decoration bits and nail art stickers.  I love how thoughtful this gift was, we have had some pretty amazing playdates with Kaitlyn, one where we did some baking and one where we went for high tea.  Her gift was a nod to our great memories together!

Weston gave her some of her first Lego ever, the Lego friends Adventure Camper!  She has been dying for some Lego and I am excited to see what she does with it!

Emma gave her a beautiful pink sparkly purse stuffed with hairbands and hair accessories.

Marcus gave her a Pink Lego Suitcase filled with Lego bits, I love that it's all self contained in the suitcase!

Jack got her a very special Little Mermaid themed gift, an Ariel stuffed doll, nightie and sparkly slippers all from the Disney store.  She loved them!

Sophie gave Sydney a very special gift all made by her Grandmaman, a hand made apron with little  pockets filled with wooden utensils and measuring spoons and a beautiful sunshine fleece blanket.

Alexis gave her the Playmobil Cafe, her first Playmobil to date and a Tell the Time book, very handy as we've been talking a lot about how to tell time these days.

Myrtle gave Syd a set of magnetic unicorns and a Magnetic dress up doll.  The fridge in Syd's little kitchen is magnetic so she is only too happy to have some new things to stick to the front!

Beatrice gave her the Rainbow Hello Kitty and a new book.  Sydney was thrilled with the new stuffed Hello Kitty, she wrapped her arms around it and gave it a hug immediately!  Loved seeing her reaction to it.

Declan gave Syd the most beautiful handmade skirt!  I absolutely adore it and can't wait to see it on Syd!

Auntie Liane and family got Syd a My Little Pony and the My Little Pony Crystal Palace.  Sydney had been asking for some pony stuff for quite some time and was pretty stoked when she opened Auntie's gift!

Ollie gave her the most beautiful Corolle doll and an extra outfit for her to wear!  I wanted to steal her for myself, she is gorgeous!

William gave her a Strawberry Shortcake hooded towel which she has decided will be her new swimming towel and a Hello Kitty scrapbook which I've promised her we will work on together in the new year.

Aaro gave her a gorgeous princess handmade apron and a book of placemat art where she can colour and design her own placemats.

Zach and Danielle gave her a heap of gorgeous clothes and some Hello Kitty colouring books.

I let Syd open all her gifts at once but then tucked them all away and have been pulling one out at a time so that she can take some time to really enjoy and savour each gift.

We will, without fail, think of each special person that gave us the gift, as we did last year, as we spend time enjoying them in the year to come.

Thank you to everyone for your generosity, you've made my little girl so incredibly happy!