A Bunch of Barkers: September 2011

Dear Kate,
Can you believe you are 18 months old? Has it comes as quickly for you as it has for me?
It amazes me how much has changed since you turned 1. As Daddy said the other night "Kate's officially at the fun age!" And oh boy are you :)

I want to remember so much about who you are right now so I'll write this letter to try to hold on to these memories.

You wake up so happy. Your first words are either "Sissy, Eevi (Levi) and Eat!" You love pancakes (with syrup, I can no longer let Sissy have sugary things like syrup without you begging for your own.) You also love cheese (eeese!) grilled cheese, bananas, yogurt, applesauce and broccoli. After your meals in your high chair you like to climb up in one of the big chairs at the big table and just sit for a minute, kind of like saying "Look, I could do this!". After eating and getting dressed you walk to the door saying "go, go, go, go". You love going anywhere and everywhere. You just want to GO! This is sooo unlike your big sister when she was your age. I'm thankful that you like to keep busy because we definitely stay that way.

Snack/Craft/Ipod time in your high chair.

You started our church's preschool program just a few weeks ago. You go on Thursdays for a whole 5 hours and LOVE it. It's so fun because Miss Sarah, who was Blake's toddler teacher is now your teacher. You already love her from all your time together in the nursery, so it was an easy transition. I still have a hard time believing it but they say you sleep on your nap mat and sit in a big girl chair for your meals. You are so independent.

Here you are with Miss Sarah on your 1st Day.

On our way to preschool!

Any chance you get you will sneak out the back door to play in the yard. You will drag your little kiddie pool over to me and beg for a swim. You about scare me to death though, because your favorite part of the back yard is being up high on the swing set hanging from a "rafter". God has most assuredly protected you this year little one. Someday I will tell you the story of God's grace on your first year of life..and this Mommy's heart and soul. But for now just remember God's angels are definitely on your side.

Your language has exploded in the past month. You went from about 5 words to well over 50 in just a few weeks! A few new ones are Blake (Back), Bubbles, Vern (your most favorite neighbor), Up (when you want picked up), Cat, Eat, Kate-Kate, Papaw, Nana, Milk, Juice, Water, and you can name so many animals sounds...my favorite is the rooster! Cock a doodle doo!!

We have started a Mommy and Me swim class together. I think it is your most favorite time of the week. You love blowing bubbles, chasing the balls in the water, sliding down the slide and even jumping off the side to me. It's a big of a workout for Mommy holding on tightly to you so you don't "swim" off but we have a blast.

You don't look much at all like your big sister, or mommy! You look so much like your Daddy with your blue eyes. You've got the sweetest, softest skin that I love to kiss.

You have really latched on to your bedtime routine. Bath, Teeth, Jammies, Milk, and Books. You will sit still and cuddle for as many books as we will read. I love the Sandra Boyton books and so do you. You also like "One Apple up on Top" and "The Three Little Kittens". You go to sleep so easily. Never a complaint. Your Big Sister can't wait until you are old enough to move in to her room.

Reading before bedtime.

Your favorite show is Olivia. She's new since you came along. You say "Ol li li a". SO CUTE!!

Mommy went on a weekend trip with a girlfriend a few weeks ago and your Grandma and Great Grandma spent three nights with you. You warmed up quickly to them and let Grandma Brown be your best pal the whole weekend. I'm sorry we live far away from your grandparents, but it makes me so thankful for the time you do get to spend with them. Your Grandma Brown really adores you. I hope you will remember her for a long long time.

I'm so proud to be your Mommy. How did God know I needed a spunky, loving, bright eyed little girl in my life? You are more than I could ever ask God for. I hope you remember when you are older that I pray for you. I pray that God will give you a sense of HIS love for you even from this young. I pray you would accept him and his free gift of love for you. I also pray that I would be the kind of Mommy that you need.