The Biddulph Diaries: Madeline Turns 4

Madeline has been anticipating her 4th birthday for months; it has seemed more like a birth season than day. It began in June when Nana took her shopping at the Disney store for a new Cinderella doll, and each time we have gone to the store she has worked on her ever-expanding wish list. I told her she could pick four presents because she is four, and I think she was a bit let down when she finally made her selections because all the other treasures were no longer a possibility. Her goal is to own every Disney princess and prince doll, and she has added up how many she still and says she will get five more dolls next year and then when she turns six she will die. (I guess there's no point in going on once you have all the Disney dolls...)

We planned a family birthday party with Uncle Danny and Aunt Michelle. We set out the fancy dining room dishes and Caleb finger wove a decoration for the chandelier. Madeline didn't know what we had in mind, and I was surprised to see how shy she was when we told her we were having a party for her. She warmed up after lunch when we played a few princess games-- find Cinderella's slipper, don't get caught with Snow White's poison apple, and princess BINGO. On her actual birthday, she was surprised by a surprise balloon delivery from Grammy and Papa and enjoyed finally getting her presents (Prince Philip and Princess Tiana, a Wii Tiana game, and some some girly books I found at a great garage sale). Happy Birthday, sweet Madeline!