Happy, Happy Birthday, Big Girl!

Happy Birthday to my Katie!

Six years ago I made my leap into motherhood.  And I've loved every minute!  

Just as I did with Patrick last week, I'll give you the story of Katie.  Again, it's not eventful and exciting like so many others, but I love the story of my road to motherhood.

Katherine Elizabeth just minutes after she was born.

I found out I was pregnant in November of 2002.  I tried to think of inventive ways to tell WM, but I knew he was going to freak out, so I thought I'd make it fairly calm.  It was a Tuesday, I was home from work and getting ready to go to a meeting.  So I just sat him down on the end of the bed and told him we were going to be having a baby.  He just kind of sat there in shock, and I just said "I gotta get to my meeting," and I left.  I thought it would be best to give him time to let it sink in without me there jabbering on and on.

Katie's first few minutes at home.

Plans were in motion for our first baby.  My pregnancy was pretty uneventful, everything looked good the whole time.  We didn't find out the sex of the baby.  I never saw the need for that, and there are so few good surprises in the world.  Baby showers were thrown, baby items were bought...my belly grew (though I didn't have to wear maternity clothes until I was a good 6 months pregnant).  Spring turned to summer and we were getting close.

One-year-old Katie!

Sometime during the night of July 12/13 I started to have some back pain.  Nothing terrible, but definitely more noticeable than what I'd been feeling during that last month of my pregnancy.  So when the sun rose on that bright, HOT, July Sunday morning, I told WM "I think I might be in labor."  Unfortunately for me, I hadn't met Susie yet--my sweet, dear friend who was my L&D nurse with Patrick and Baby Lam so I was on my own to figure out if I was in labor or not.  I called the doc's office--not much help.  So finally around 8:30 a.m. we decided maybe we should head to the hospital.

Yay! I'm a 2-year-old!!

We were checked in, sent to triage and assessed.  Hmmm, are you in labor?  Not sure.  Is your water broken?  Can't really tell.  Maybe we should just send you home (please, no!)...but first let's contort you into positions not natural for a 9 month pregnant woman to try to decide if you are really in labor.  After 30-45 VERY uncomfortable minutes (with a 16 year old in the next curtained area screaming "GET IT OUT OF ME--IT HURTS"--oh do I have a lot to say about her), it was determined that, yes, I was in labor and progressing.  Off we go to our own L&D room!

Celebrating being a 3-year-old.

IV's were started.  I got Stadol or some other kind of 'crazy juice' that made me feel drunk--WM thought I was being funny and wanted some of that drug sent home with us.  Then the doc came into to start the epidural.  He looked like a leprechaun!  I was cracking up--because of that 'crazy juice'--everything was funny to me!  Epidural in...more waiting.

A proper Princess must have a proper Princess Party when she turns 4!

Finally around 2:45 p.m. the nurse declared it was time to push.  The doctor was called in and about 30 minutes later--at 3:13 p.m. WM turned to me and said "it's a girl!"  A girl! I couldn't believe it (I was pretty sure it was a boy).  All I kept saying was "really? A girl?  Oh my gosh!"  Katherine Elizabeth was the cutest, dark haired, green eyed baby I'd ever seen.  She was perfect.  WM and I instantly feel in love with the beautiful girl who was looking back at us with the sparkliest eyes and longest lashes.  Katie weighed in at 8lbs. 10oz.--pretty big for a first baby.  She was a chubby little thing.   After the nurses cleaned her up a bit, I nursed her, then WM and the nurse took her for her assessment and first bath.  WM picked out a red bow to go in her hair.  She smelled so good when she was brought back to me.  I still love that clean baby bath smell.

Princess Katie at her 5-year-old party.

After a couple days in the hospital we took Katie home on one of the hottest days of 2003--it was 105 degrees.  But we were so happy to go home and start our lives as a family.

Beautiful Katie...turning 6!

Katie is an absolute delight.  She personifies the girly girl.  She's dramatic, loves dolls, Barbies and can tell you all the facts about all the princesses.  Pink is the world's best color and if it sparkles she loves it.  Her heart is filled with song and dance and when she grows up she "wants to dance on pointe on a stage." And...she will only wear skirts and dresses.  She is such a joy to be around, she has a contagious smile and still has that sparkle in her eye.  She's a true blessing from heaven.

We love you so much Katie--Happy 6th Birthday, Big Girl!