1st Birthday: A Bust

Dear Katie,

Everyone told us before we had kids that we must learn to be flexible and understand that nothing - I mean, nothing - will go as planned. Whoever those people were, they were right.

Oddly enough, as your 1st birthday was approaching, we decided that we weren't going to have a BIG party. You don't know the difference, and we didn't feel the need to have an actual party to celebrate the fact that a) you turned a year old and b) we made it through the first year unscathed. But, as the day got closer, we started to change our mind. Before I knew it, within a day or two notice, we had invited several friends to stop by for a slice of pizza and some cupcakes.

Grandma M flew in Friday night to celebrate with you - she wasn't able to be here for the birth, so we thought it was fitting she come for your 1st birthday. Your Great Aunt B was planning to stop by, and so were a few of your "Kappa" Aunts and some other friends.

Saturday morning, I was shocked to wake up to the sound of you crying. For starters, it was 7 am - much to early for you to be up, and second, it was much to early for you to be crying. I walked into your room to see you standing there just sobbing, with the biggest tears streaming down your face. I picked you up, and as you put your head on my shoulder, I felt that the back of your head was on fire. Sure enough, you had a 102.5 fever, and were downright miserable.

Needless to say, your 1st birthday party was canceled, and you spent the entire weekend laying in our arms. I have to say, as your Mother, I loved it (for selfish reasons). You were so loving and just wanted to be held. You slept in my arms, you slept in Daddy's arms and you slept in Grandma's arms.

Thankfully, almost 60 hours later, you are feeling better. Fever is gone and you will be headed back to daycare in the morning (knock on wood). And, now, Daddy and I will plan a party do-over for you...one in which you will be able to wear your #1 onesie and your hot pink tutu!

Again, Happy Birthday, pumpkin!

Love,
Mommy


Taken on your actual birthday - with your pants off. Classy.

Happy Birthday, Katie!!!

Dear Katie,

One year ago today, Daddy and I walked into the hospital and just a few short hours later, you arrived. You were, and still are, perfect. This entire week, I have been asking myself and everyone around me where the time has gone. One year. 365 days. How has it just flown by with a blink of the eye?

One year ago, we were trying to figure out how to hold you, how to feed you, how to change you, how to bathe you, figure out what your cries meant, and so much more. We were filled with more emotions than you can possibly imagine, and couldn't believe how lucky we were.

Today, we look at you and still just shake our head with disbelief. How did we get so lucky to have a baby who is as loving, funny, smart, (dramatic) and just plain adorable? You have taught us about love and patience, and I can't imagine everything else you are going to teach us in the years to come.

One year ago today, you slept and ate. Today, you smile, laugh, crawl all over the place, love to hug all of your stuffed animals, love to hug us, love going to the store and looking at everyone walking by, love pointing to the dog and to lights, make attempts to say "hoo hoo" when you look at the owl picture hanging on your wall, say "mama", "dada" and "up". You no longer drink milk out of a bottle (except for early in morning), you eat basically anything we will eat, and as of this week - you no longer want to be rocked before bed.

We love you more than anything!

Happy Birthday, sweat pea, pumpkin, monkey (bear), baby.

We love you!

Our Little Katie Bug

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Katie's Latest Obsession

Getting back into the swing...

I can't believe it's been over a month since I last blogged. To say that the past month has been busy, or even a blur, is a complete understatement. Between my Grandfather passing away, two trips out of town, and a ton of other things going on, blogging has been the last thing on my mind. It wasn't until this weekend, while out of town, that we watched Katie clap for the first time, did I realize I really need to get back into the swing of things.

It's amazing to me how much she has changed over the past month. Just to give a few highlights...

*She turned 10 months old on September 12th!
*She attended her first birthday party for a new friend, Camryn, who will actually be in her Toddler class next year.
*She has started standing, and as each day goes by, is getting more and more daring with letting go of whatever she is holding onto.
*She cruises along the furniture, or the wall at daycare.
*She started wearing shoes (yay -shoe shopping!!!)
*She started clapping this past weekend, which is adorable.
*She has become SO affectionate to her stuffed animals, and is even showing affection to random objects, such as a water bottle, remote control, blocks, and even her own hand. Whatever it is she is holding, she brings it up to her ear and makes a "hmmmm" noise and softly smiles. SO.FREAKING.CUTE.
*She has become obsessed with Elmo, and even received her first Elmo doll/toy from her Aunt A yesterday!
*She mimicks so many different sounds that people make - not necessarily right away, but at some point a day or two later, will imitate a noise she heard you make.
*She took her 2nd airplane trip to PA to visit family (this past weekend) and did great on the airplane this go-round.
*She is moving more in the direction of eating real food, as opposed to pureed baby food.

There are probably so many more things that she has done, but these are the ones I can think of right away.

Pictures to come later this week!