Happy Birthday Katelee!!!

Oh my little Katie bug. You are now 4 years old! I can't believe it, can you?! Where did those 4 years go? Ah....I remember.....we played, and went on adventures. We hugged and gave big kisses. We read fairy tales, and watched silly movies. We held hands and played follow the leader. We baked, and ran free at the park. We laughed and whispered silly secrets. We added a baby brother and learned what it is like to be a big sister. We shared, and had times of sadness, we learned, and sang songs. We moved, and made friends. We showed kindness, and compassion. But above all, we loved.

The past 4 years, have been simply wonderful. You alone, make every day new and exciting. You were born a leader, but with something else......you know how to step back and let others take the lead. You share more than many older kids. You are sweet, and helpful. You are giving, and kindhearted. You've made me smile more than I could ever begin to count, and made me feel a love that only YOU can make me feel.

Your unique personality, is something so special. I pray you never lose the way you are. You are so loving to everyone around you. You like to be alone sometimes. It's taken me a couple of years to understand that, that is ok. As a matter of fact, your teacher Mrs. Danelle, taught me, that we need all types of personalities in this world. We need the loud, the quiet, the sweet and the curious. You go to school and immediately become an observer. You look at people, and can see the goodness in all of them. YOU bring it out in everyone. Especially me.

You've brought so much love into our family. You're tight hugs, and soft voice, are things I simply adore about you. You may be getting older, but you will forever be my baby girl. The baby that I held up and said "IT'S A GIRL!"....the baby that sneezed instead of cried when she was born, the baby that had the most adorable line on the tip of her nose. I still kiss it. :) That line means so much to me. It sets you apart. It was the first sign to me, that you would be special. That you would really teach everyone in your life, so much. And you have. You've taught us how to slow down. To stop and listen. To love beyond words.

I'm so proud to be your mom. And I am so proud to call you my sweet daughter. Mommy believes you will have a big impact on this world. You've made a big impact on my world, and I thank you for that. Thank you for making me a good mother to you and your siblings. Thank you for giving me a hug when only you, a 4 year old child, can see I need one. Thank you for teaching your siblings to care. You don't know it yet, but I believe that YOU have been a very good bonding tool for all of your siblings.

Our life would not be whole without you, sweet Katie. I look forward to many more years of sticky finger prints, soft voices, stories about your toys, big tight hugs and lots and lots of LOVE.

I love you beautiful Katie.

Love,

 Your mommy <3

Here are some pictures to show how much you've grown :)