19/02/2026
A true medieval tale for you...
Early in February, Rise turned five, and I’d love to tell you it was a blissfully beautiful birthday, (as this photo selection would suggest). But truth is, this little bubba had been so excited (for over nine months), so bless her - she couldn’t really handle it when we got to the B I G day.
She couldn't really eat which meant around lunch, the meltdowns began. I’d say she cried for about 45% of her wonderful birthday. 🫠
And, you know, from the normative perspective, her behaviour would have presented really like the 'spoilt brat, only child horror show.' ...
And yes, me and George had to quickly process the feels from staying up till the wee hours of the morning, decorating the house with flags and friends to get the whole show ready
But when I look at this through a nervous system perspective..
📌why would a little five-year-old who’s been so excited about her big birthday and becoming 5 be able to handle such an event ??
Really I saw my only job was to hold space for her and make her feel safe in her big feelings
and not project disappointment which would lead to her to internalise shame and guilt ♥️
And so Happy birthday was sung very quietly while Rise shouted "be quiet! it's so loud" we wispered it while I wrapped my hands around her hands to close her ears.
then after the cake, everything softened down to that sweet, really relaxed play space.
Lessons:
Don't let your 5 year old plan there own birthday 😅
Get the cake over with sooner - because the cake is so big to them right!
But a massive thank you, a massive team shout out to everyone who made it possible. , Georges parents flying over from the UK, and .da.lunna making our lives so much easier with the delicious feast.
Really, it was such a sweet day, despite the tears and tantrums, and the quest for the lost sceptre will never be forgotten 🔱
Side note : I’m loving how this house can transform so effortlessly into a venue.
And Rise hasn’t taken off her dress since her party 👑