Happy birthday, Katie! I can't believe it's been 3 years since you whirled into the world in the middle of a tornado. :-) What a dramatic entrance into our lives! You turned us upside down and we haven't righted ourselves yet, nor would we want to.
You were so tiny, as you say when you look at pictures of yourself, "Tiny baby. Me!" We could hold you in one hand, but we didn't get to do that until you were 10 days old. I can't imagine going 10 days without holding you now! I fell in love with you as soon as you were born, but when I held you for the first time, I was completely undone. Your Daddy was so funny - I felt bad that he wasn't getting a turn to hold you, but you know what he said? He said that nothing could make him happier than seeing, "his girls," snuggling. (You have a pretty great Daddy!)
Those first 3 months, while you were in the hospital, you gave us some scares, but you showed us from the very start that you are a tough little cookie. You are the strongest and bravest person I know...and that's quite an accomplishment for a 3 year old!
Do you know that you have friends all over the world? Do you know how many people think of you everyday and how many people love you even though they have never met you? And the ones who have met you and gotten your sweet hugs and kisses and heard your little goat laugh love to be around you. You are just that loveable!
I always wanted to be a mommy, but I never dreamed I would be so blessed to be YOUR mommy. You challenge me everyday to be the person that, right now, you believe I am. Someday Mommy and Daddy will be completly "uncool," (that probably won't even be the correct word by then!) but for now, you think we're even cooler than Winnie the Pooh, Dora, Diego, Manny or the Wonder Pets! I'm going to enjoy that as long as I can. :-)
I hope you always know how much your Mommy and Daddy love you and that you always remember that Jesus loves you even more. I thank Him for you everyday. You are my miracle, my sunshine, my entertainer, my shopping partner, my special little Katie Bug. Thank you for being you.
Happy birthday baby girl!