Birthday Celebrations, Round 2

We had a small caterpillar themed birthday party for Katie last night with family and a couple of Katie's closest friends. She had a blast! Thanks to everyone who helped us celebrate. (And thanks to the snow for holding off, allowing everyone to make it!)

Caterpillar craft time (You can't tell it's a caterpillar from this angle.)

Singing "Happy Birthday"

My version of "The Very Hungry Caterpillar"

Abby and Katie with Mom

Katie's 4 Year Check-Up

Katie went in for her 4 year check-up today. She's pretty much an average sized child, coming in right around the 50th percentile for both weight and height. Here are the official stats:

34.6 lbs.
39.75 in.

As expected, the doctor agrees that developmentally Katie is doing just fine. No worries there. She did order some blood work and refer Katie to a pediatric gastroenterologist to investigate some puzzling GI issues that Katie has had for quite some time. I anticipate a long road ahead for this process, but it is something that I feel should be pursued. A bit of good news is that the doctor feels like Katie's umbilical hernia has closed up some over the past year and may not require surgery after all. Yay!

First Bus Ride Home

Abby and Sarah rode the bus home from school for the first time yesterday, something they have wanted to do for some time.

Abby

Birthday Celebrations, Round 1

4 years old today


Show and tell at school


Katie enjoying her birthday snack at the VIP table with her friend, Addison


Some time to play in the snow


Opening presents


Trying out her new bike while dodging piles of snow and patches of ice

A clown cone from Baskin Robbins, rainbow sherbet flavor of course

Happy 4th Birthday, Katie!!!

Where did the past 4 years go? It seems like our little baby has become such an active, intelligent, sweet little girl overnight. We hope you have a fun-filled day today, Katie. We love you!!!

Snow Play

After a very dry winter so far, we finally got a decent amount of snow this weekend.


Sarah, Abby, and Katie


Sarah, Abby, and Katie

Sarah and Katie

Spelling Practice

Sarah and Abby have their first spelling "test" tomorrow that is part of a school wide spell-a-thon fund raiser. They practiced spelling their words one last time tonight, and of course Katie had to join in. She actually did quite well. And I should mention that her sisters both scored 100% on this practice test.

Sarah, Katie, and Abby

Field Trip

Sarah and Abby's kindergarten class took a fun field trip to an ice cream cone factory today. They had a blast and even got to bring some cones home. They were especially thrilled that I let them sample these cones when they got home from school today.

Sarah, Katie, and Abby

Because She's Katie

Whenever Katie does something unexplainable that only Katie would do, or perhaps when she gets away with something only Katie can get away with, Abby and Sarah will ask, "Why did Katie ... ?" Our routine response has become, "Because she's Katie."

So, what was Katie's response last night when Sarah asked her, "Katie, why did you just take that blanket from me?" You guessed it! Katie replied very nonchalantly, "Because I'm Katie." We've got our work cut out for us with this child!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Saying Goodbye

We'll see you again in Heaven.

Bed Buddies

It's a good thing Katie sleeps in a full size bed to make room for all of her bed buddies.

An Amazing Woman

Today we lost an amazing woman. Ellen had such a kind heart, young spirit, and love of life. She found joy in the simple things. It was always fun hearing the excitement in her voice as she told us about her trips to the casino or playing bingo at the senior center. Her family was very important to her, and I just loved seeing the huge smile that her great grandchildren put on her face. Each time the smile was just as big as it was the very first time she saw them. I'm so happy to have known her. She will be missed.

100th Day of School

Yesterday was the 100th day of school for Abby and Sarah, so we joined their class for the big celebration. The kids all really enjoyed the many activities.


Sarah, Katie, and Abby


Sarah standing next to her self portrait


Abby standing next to her self portrait