Thankful for...

Our little girl who's 2 1/2 years old today!

Before having Kate, I had forever fantasized about being able to take my newborn baby into my arms just moments after she was born; never happened (thanks for the false hopes, TLC's "A Baby Story"). Instead, right after Kate was born, she and Daddy got to spend some time together while I recovered (alone) from the C-Section. I never knew how special a baby could be until later that morning when they brought Kate into me. For 3 hours straight she slept in my arms and I tried desperately to never forget how I felt at that moment; and I never have.

We went home from the hospital and I began documenting some of Kate's milestones. I recorded them on little slips of paper, and thought I should transfer them onto something more permanent like the blog. So for those of you who like sentimental sap...you're gonna love the endless facts about someone else's kid that lay before you.

From the get go, strangers often commented on how she was the cutest baby they'd ever seen. Having a lot of hair, I think she had the advantage. Aside from her good looks, we were also told how alert she was. She was a very early smiler, had a good grasp, and paid close attention to everyone and everything around her.

At two weeks old, Kate developed some strong opinions. First, she didn't like being swaddled; the very attempt at wrapping her up would very much irritate her. Secondly, she didn't like lotion. After a bath, it was (and still is) a bit of fight to put on lotion; she must be related to her mother, I don't like the stuff either.

Another dislike involved the hours of 7:00pm- 11:00pm. For those 4 hours of each night, Kate cried and cried; once again, she must be related to her mother. I was "apparently" very cholicky too, or at least that's what I've been told. Dave and I had to take turns with her because there was absolutely nothing we could do to soothe her.

After weeks, we discovered the blow drier calmed her somewhat, as well as taking her outside. And the only restaurant we could go out to without people noticing a screaming child was Texas Roadhouse; thank you, Texas Roadhouse! Well, weeks turned into a couple of months, and Kate finally outgrew her upset bellies. Thank you, Similac Sensitive.

At 1 1/2 months old, Kate experienced her first triumphal moment; she slept an entire 8 hours through the night! We were very impressed by her, but mostly by our outstanding parenting abilities ;)

Also around this time, she discovered her love for her left thumb. Nothing brought her greater joy! When naptime rolled around, she wouldn't fall asleep in our arms, but if she had her bed and her thumb--Done! She was out; she knew how to put herself to sleep.

At 2 1/2 months old (on August 13th), Kate rolled over for the very first time. She doesn't have the most athletic parents so she can take all the credit for that one.

It was also around this time that she loved swinging, splashing in her tub, Peek-a-Boo, and playing a little game we called "Look over Here, Look Over There." Don't really remember much about the game now, except the name. All I remember was that it involved two parents (hard up for entertainment), Kate turning her head from side to side, and then us laughing. Lame now, but at the time, priceless.

Her first tooth came at 5 months (Saturday, October 27th, to be precise). I wouldn't know this except that Kate's dad just happens to be a dentist, and these kinds of moments don't go unnoticed. Kate also said her first word at 5 months. Guesses as to what that word was, anyone? "Mom." Yep, mom. It's my one claim to fame, because everything else usually involves Dad.

Also at 5 months, Kate really liked grabbing everything in sight, especially paper. She LOVED animals, especially dogs, and kids too.

She also enjoyed independent time in her exersaucer. Dave called it, "her office" because she acted like she had things that needed to get done.Mom and dad liked this time too; as cute as Kate was, it was nice giving our arms a break.

On Kate's 5 month dislike list-

#1-Her bumble bee Halloween costume; not because it made her all squeezy and cute, but because it made her feel hot and smothered. The zipper was broken by the end of Halloween night.

#2-Mom and Dad in their Halloween costumes. Seeing us with wigs on made her cry.

At 7 months (January 3rd, 2008), Kate got up from the laying to sitting position. We were sure walking wasn't too far down the line, but were very much wrong. That came at month 14. As mentioned earlier, she doesn't have a whole lot of athleticism in her blood.

Those are the nitty gritties; a big long list of facts that had to be recorded, but in doing so, may have bored everyone but the parents. --We can only hope:)

Nowadays, Kate is our little chatter box. She's very much a little human that can say and do anything that a grown-up can. Kate loves to sing songs and read stories; she'd do this from sun-up to sun-down if she could.

Favorites include: Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and recently, Phineas and Ferb (which Dave and I actually kind of like). Kate still loves animals (namely dogs) and someday she'll probably get nice parents that will let her have one. Painting, dress-up's, cooking in her kitchen, nursery, dancing, blowing bubbles, wagon rides, park visits, hotel stays, everything to do with holidays--especially Halloween, and swimming are also on her list of favorites.

Kate loves her friends, cousins, aunt & uncles, and grandmas and grandpas. She's gotten lots of time with them during her short, little life and is always thinking about them. Sundays are a fun day for her because she gets to spend plenty of time with relatives. When she says her prayers at night, she always remembers to pray for them, along with Uncle Mike on a mission. She also prays that she can get married in the temple to her cousin, Hayden.

Kate, you have brought us so many happy moments. We are amazed by you! Mostly, we can't believe we got YOU!