Saturday, January 24, 2009

One....already?

Well, tomorrow is her official birthday but we are celebrating today!

Katherine's first birthday is an occasion filled with emotion, promise and joy. Emotion associated with the realization that one year has gone by so quickly, promise in what lies in the years to come and joy in the knowlege that she's always going to be our little girl. It's a time when we as parents look back and see how far we've come. We've made it through another entire year of sleepless nights, changing diapers, teething, countless doctor visits and so many intense milestones seen within the first year of life. The first smile and roll over is replaced with first steps and first words. For Jason and I, all of little Kate's first's were also lasts...since she is our final baby. (*sniffle*)


A look back at this year begins with the shock of labor beginning two and half weeks early at a quarter past midnight on January 25th, a white-knuckled drive through downtown KC at breakneck speed, a rushed and drama filled non-medicated delivery and finally, an amazing swell of love and emotion in holding our daughter for the very first time...all within an hour and half from start to finish. It's amazing that only one year later, it's difficult to remember or imagine life without her in it.

~What we love about our big one-year-old girl~

~Her dimples. She got them from daddy. They are so squeezable and kissable.
~Her big brown almond shaped eyes and long lashes. She got those from mommy. They are the most feminine part of her.
~The way she claps her little hands and bounces to music. She loves music.
~Her happy squawk (as her daddy and I call it). It's the least feminine little vocal release of joy you could imagine coming from such a small girl. Not always cute in large doses.
~Her curiosity in wanting to constantly know what her older brothers are doing...despite the fact they prefer her to leave them alone. "No Kafrine!" and "No shisshy!" are words that never deter her from invading their space...probably never will.
~The special litte bond between her and Nick. Nick is often caught sharing his snack or dinner with his little sister. He likes to pat her on the head, or hug her...or even just sit on her.
~Her strength...she appears to be a delicate, yet tough, little girl with an iron will. We know this is something as parents we may battle with from time to time, but take solace in knowing this personal characteristic matched with her apparent sweet nature has the potential to take her far in life.
Happy First Birthday little Kate!


No comments: