Katelyn Elizabeth Farney, my little red-head full of piss and vinegar...you turned a miraculous and adventurous 4 this month, and didn't miss a beat. I say miraculous, because we almost lost you in June. 3 minutes without air. The entire time I was doing the heimlich, I was thinking..."After all of your shenanigans I have survived, I need you more than I had ever realized." After all, who would I have to introduce me to every stranger in the grocery store while I shop? Whose toenails and fingernails would I paint purple, only to see it all scratched off an hour later? Who would eat all the vegetables out of our garden? Who would wipe my tears and give me "a biddest hud"? Who would I play princess and tea party with? Who would tattoo her entire body with markers because she knows her mom doesn't approve? Who would scold and defend Chad? The other day, you coached Chad on what you had learned about the alphabet, and when he finally got the funny rhyme, you said "Dood job, bid brodder. I'm so proud of you!"
Katelyn, you never miss out on creating a mess, meeting a new friend, or making someone's day. When you were born, you kept your eyes wide open for 6 hours, soaking in everything you possibly could. And you haven't slowed down since. The minute I saw you, I had never wanted something so badly. A healthy, adorable little girl is every mother's dream come true. I was hoping for a calm, cuddly personality, and was disappointed at first when you were not that way. I had a "box" to fit you in- my idea of what a girl should be like. Alas, you held me at arms' length, even as an infant, while demanding you always knew my exact whereabouts. You were loud, screeched constantly, and hated to nurse. Even now, you ask me what I think or which outfit I like, and then do or wear the opposite. And gradually, I have realized that you have an incredible gift, you will achieve great things, and you will help and uplift others in the process. You have always loved school and socializing, sharing, and giving away your things. Last year, you were named "Miss Socialite" at Meadowood. You started a new preschool this month, and delight my soul with your songs, verses, poems, "Kate-unique" dialect, and the never-ending chatter about all your friends. You are passionate about whatever you do: reading books, riding your new purple Specialized bike with pink helmet, playing dress up, coloring, being outdoors, bossing the dogs, helping me in the kitchen...You have taught me to expand the possibilities, to think outside the box, and to never give up. You shock me, surprise me, and never cease to amaze me. I look forward to being your best friend and watching you achieve your full potential.
Katelyn, you never miss out on creating a mess, meeting a new friend, or making someone's day. When you were born, you kept your eyes wide open for 6 hours, soaking in everything you possibly could. And you haven't slowed down since. The minute I saw you, I had never wanted something so badly. A healthy, adorable little girl is every mother's dream come true. I was hoping for a calm, cuddly personality, and was disappointed at first when you were not that way. I had a "box" to fit you in- my idea of what a girl should be like. Alas, you held me at arms' length, even as an infant, while demanding you always knew my exact whereabouts. You were loud, screeched constantly, and hated to nurse. Even now, you ask me what I think or which outfit I like, and then do or wear the opposite. And gradually, I have realized that you have an incredible gift, you will achieve great things, and you will help and uplift others in the process. You have always loved school and socializing, sharing, and giving away your things. Last year, you were named "Miss Socialite" at Meadowood. You started a new preschool this month, and delight my soul with your songs, verses, poems, "Kate-unique" dialect, and the never-ending chatter about all your friends. You are passionate about whatever you do: reading books, riding your new purple Specialized bike with pink helmet, playing dress up, coloring, being outdoors, bossing the dogs, helping me in the kitchen...You have taught me to expand the possibilities, to think outside the box, and to never give up. You shock me, surprise me, and never cease to amaze me. I look forward to being your best friend and watching you achieve your full potential.
