Ah, to be four!  Old enough to fully understand the concept of a birthday party and young enough to be totally thrilled by it.  Stella had a marvellous time. This year’s birthday dress is Simplicity 3900, view C (the pattern is now out of print).

Stella chose the fabrics herself. The blue is a stretch woven seersucker type of fabric from the Darn Cheap $2 per metre table. The cream lace came from Spotlight. The front placket was tricky to assemble; it could have been done quite differently and more neatly if I hadn’t followed Simplicity’s instructions. They weren’t simple.

There is the requisite bow that ties at the back, which helps a lot with fitting. I made size 3 for Stella, and it’s pretty roomy. Lots more wear ahead from this dress! The pattern has a number of sleeve, neckline and skirt options – you can find reviews of this pattern on Pattern Review.

It was a traditional “at-home” party with a beading activity on arrival while Stella opened her presents, followed by a magic show in the garage courtesy of Clare and her dad, then pass the parcel, musical statues, and pin the horn on the unicorn.

Then it was time for the party food – chips, fairy bread, home-made sausage rolls (thanks Mum!), chicken drumettes, cup cakes, dip, cheese and crackers, then finally the most amazing cake!

I got clever this year and acknowledged that my skills are in sewing, not in baking, so I outsourced the cake to a dear friend. Jane made the most wonderful Dora cake and Stella was absolutely delighted. “It’s SO pretty!”

So a wonderful day was had by all – 17 children and possibly the same number of adults. I am not a natural hostess and generally find occasions quite stressful but once people had begun to arrive we all had a marvellous time. The party continued on after the cake for another hour or so with the kids taking advantage of the fine weather – cold, but not windy – and they played on the swingset and in the cubby house until it was time for party bags and home. Stella fell asleep the moment her head touched the pillow last night.

Happy 4th birthday my beautiful little dancing girl. You are just gorgeous and so precious. Your energy and enthusiasm are exhausting yet exhilarating.  Life with you isn’t always easy but it is definitely interesting.  I love watching you grow up and marvel at how you are developing.  I want to savour every moment yet also can’t wait to see what you become.  Now you are four.