It only feels like yesterday that she entered the world. One minute I was holding a tiny newborn in my arms, and the next I blink and she’s already four years old.
Time has a funny way of slipping by when you’re raising a child. Lately, I keep catching myself imagining what life will look like when she starts school this September. It feels like such a big milestone, and yet in my mind she’s still that little baby I brought home from the hospital.
Time truly does fly by.
This year, we kept her birthday simple but special — a day filled with little moments she would enjoy.
A Birthday Morning at Home
The morning started quietly at home with a few decorations I had put up the night before — banners, balloons, and wall stickers that made everything feel just that little bit more magical when she woke up.
She padded into the room with that same excited little demeanour she always has on birthdays, taking everything in before immediately asking about presents.
One of the first gifts she opened was her Gabby’s Dollhouse Sweet Treat Mountain, and her face lit up the moment she saw it.
Breakfast was simple but perfect for a birthday morning — small pancakes and fruit. Nothing over the top, just one of those slow, cosy mornings that feel full without needing much at all.
Not long after, her dad arrived at the house and we all got ready together before heading out for the day.
unicorn balloon
Off to See the Mermaids
girl mermaid swimming
We made the short twenty-minute drive into Brockville to the Aquatarium together.
We arrived a little early, which gave us time to see the ponies outside dressed up like unicorns. I thought she’d love it — but true to her shy little personality, she refused to go anywhere near them.
Inside, we were greeted by a ringmaster, setting the tone for the carnival theme this year.
As soon as we got in, she made her way straight to her favourite spots, especially the sand room, before we wandered into the main area where the mermaids were.
At first, she kept her distance — watching carefully, taking it all in. She wasn’t quite ready to sit with them, but she was completely fascinated watching them swim in the large tanks.
It was that mix of curiosity and hesitation that felt so her.
One of her favourite moments was getting her face painted. She sat so still, completely focused, and walked away with a beautiful little unicorn design, which she absolutely loved.
After that, we stopped for a quick snack and just took a breather before continuing.
Of course, we couldn’t leave without a little something — I picked her up a toy mermaid, and somehow managed to leave with a few mermaid pens for myself too.
asain mermaid
mermaid sitting
A Quick Change of Plans
master of ceremonies
We had planned to head up to the fourth floor for one of the stage performances, but by the time we were ready around 12:30, the next show wasn’t until 1:15.
Since we were already planning to leave shortly after, we decided to skip it.
One of those small moments where you realise not everything has to be done for the day to feel complete.
Birthday Dinner
Boston pizza logo
We left the Aquatarium around 1pm and headed to Boston Pizza for her birthday meal.
My mum met us there after spending some time setting a few things up at home.
Instead of ordering a pizza, we went for shareables — parmesan fries, chicken tenders, breaded dill pickles, mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce, and a three-item platter with cheesy bread, Thai chicken bites, and freshly cooked chips.
The chips were the only thing that caught us off guard — they were extremely spicy.
It turned into one of those meals where everyone is chatting, picking at food, and just enjoying being together.
For dessert, she had a brownie with vanilla ice cream, which she happily dug into, simply saying:
“Yummy.”
enjoying birthday dessert
Back Home for Presents and Cake
Daughter with unicorn cake
After our meal, we headed back home where a few more surprises were waiting.
She was immediately drawn to her motorized Mercedes jeep — red with black accents, and after a little ride around outside, she was completely obsessed.
She laughed the entire time, gripping (and sometimes forgetting to grip) the steering wheel as she went. We had to remind her a few times to hold on properly — but she’ll get the hang of it soon, just like she does with everything else.
Not long after, she was also given her basketball hoop, which only added to the excitement.
Once we came back inside, it was time for more presents.
She opened:
-
A Dr. Seuss birthday book
-
A Me Reader collection of Disney classics
-
New Play-Doh for her growing collection
-
A Crayola magical paint set
She was still buzzing with excitement, moving from one toy to the next, completely in her element.
Unicorn birthday cake
Ending the Day
To finish off the night, we gathered around for birthday cake.
It had been lovingly put together by my mum, complete with unicorn cake toppers she had found on Amazon — such a thoughtful little detail that tied in perfectly with the day.
We sang happy birthday, she blew out her candles, and we all sat together enjoying cake.
Not long after, her dad headed off for the night, with plans to come back and visit again at Easter.
Even as the day came to an end, she was still full of energy — playing with her new toys right up until bedtime.
That night, I read her her new Dr. Seuss birthday book before she finally settled down.
Watching Her Grow
One thing that really stood out to me throughout the day was just how independent she’s becoming.
The way she confidently moved through the aquarium, choosing where she wanted to go, even leading the way at times — it caught me off guard a little.
She’s growing up.
Before long, we’ll be walking through her new school during open house days, getting her ready for September.
And somehow, that feels both exciting and a little emotional all at once.
A Birthday to Remember
More than anything, I hope she remembers how loved she is.
Not just the presents or the places we went, but the feeling of the day — being surrounded by people who love her.
Because when I think back on it, that’s what mattered most.
And if you asked her?
She’d still say:
“This is the best day ever.”
If you enjoyed reading this blog as much as I enjoyed writing it you may enjoy these other blog posts:
Miracle on King Street in Brockville
Leave a Reply