Kate's 3rd birthday letter

My dearest Kate,
I can’t believe tomorrow you will be three years old. As a matter of fact it’s not so much tomorrow as it is tonight. By God’s Grace you were welcomed into this world at 3:07 on a very stormy Sunday morning. I am sure you know the story by heart by now, your birth story is your favorite story of all time, even your big sister knows it word for word!
Like each year before, this year has been an amazing journey. When you turned two, you were very strong-willed and ready to test your limits. Your intelligence “wowed” those who knew you best and your beauty was unequaled. Many a stranger approached me about your beautiful blue eyes, so unique with your dark brown hair but it, my dear, is just one of the things that makes you special and unique. Yes, you do have a mind of your own. You want what you want, when you want it and how you want it. You have found your voice and it is loud and demanding when you want it to be yet sweet and quiet in conversation.
The early part of the year had you down with one illness after another. You had another UTI followed by ear infections followed by strep and then the very scary RSV. We were so fortunate to keep you out of the hospital. You have grown so strong. In February of this year, there was a tornado just a mile or so from our home. Nobody was hurt but I was miles away from you. You were at school, sissy was at school and daddy was at work. I began to realize that my priorities were changing. All I could think about was rushing home and holding you and never letting go. It wasn’t too long after that I decided I needed to be home with you full time. I did some research and planning and was prepared to battle with daddy but it was unnecessary. I loved my job and my career but the thought of missing one more “first” or not being there to protect you won out. In the early Spring of 2009, I began staying home with you full time.
You and I spent a glorious summer together. We spent a lot of time with your Aunt Bootsy and BFF Lillie. We spent hours strolling the zoo – you loved trying to show and teach Lillie new things, although most of the time that consisted of dragging her along holding her hand while she was still taking her first steps! We spent 4 days over the July 4th holiday at Eufaula Lake. You loved being out on the boat and even went out on the tube by yourself! You even spent 2 nights the next week at Lake Murray with Nan and Pop – such a big girl!
Chocolate milk still rules your world as your number one favorite! You have a cup almost every night before bed time. You have become slightly obsessed with all things Strawberry Shortcake. You know every single character’s name along with the name of their ponies. Strawberry Shortcake is your favorite character and you love Blueberry Muffin pony, although technically, that does not exist! You started ballet lessons over the summer and loved every minute! Tutus and toe shoes have become everyday attire. This fall you will follow in your sister’s footsteps and start soccer. I don’t think you could be more excited! You have been practicing in the backyard with your hands behind your back running cone drills like daddy taught you. You have learned your colors and shapes and can almost count to 10 in Spanish. You know how to spell your name although you can’t write it yet. Your favorite song has become Itsy Bitsy Spider (or Ipsy Bipsy as you call it.) You are still not a picky eater you will eat almost anything although only when you want to. Some days you eat, others you do not. You amaze the local Chinese Restaurants with your chopstick skills, maybe someday you can teach momma. I think beef broccoli may be one of your favorite foods. It’s things like that that make me adore you even more, if that’s possible. What other 2 yr old little girl craves beef broccoli, eats with chopsticks, speaks Spanish, is a gifted ballerina and a rising soccer star? I am beyond proud of the little girl you are becoming. I want to show you the world while holding your hand and walking by your side.
This last year, I have reconnected with some old friends. I have got to know them again and learn about their children, many much older than you. Many of these dear friends have sent their kids off to college for the first time this year and in some cases, off to war. It has made me realize what a gift you truly are and although our time together hand-in-hand won’t last forever, I am going to cherish each and every minute. I hope you know, my sweet baby Kate, what a blessing you are. I know there will be days when we don’t see eye to eye but I hope there will never be a day when don’t know how much I love you. To quote from one of our favorite books, I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always, as long as I’m living, my baby you’ll be. Happy 3rd Birthday Katherine Faith!!

I love you to the moon and back,

Mommy