A Birthday and a Half

My Kate is 18 months old! I can't believe it. She has been such an absolute joy in my life. I love her immensely with the kind of mother-love you just can't put into words. Sometimes I will wake up in the middle of the night and miss her. I know, crazy. But, I really can't get enough of Kate. (Greg is now wondering why he is the one who gets up with her. Don't let him tell you differently - he is crazy about her too!)

Some of our favorite things and stories about KATE:

*When she is excited, she raises both fists above her head, pumps her arms and yells "yeah!".
*She loves to pray. She folds her arms, listens and then claps when the prayer is over.
*She is an animal lover. She is fascinated by animals of all sizes, but especially furry ones. Kate also is obsessed with stuffed animals.
*Kate is my bookworm. She brings me books constantly. Her favorites right now: Go Dog Go!, pop-up books and Huggly books.
*She has become an artist lately. She colors, stamps, and her favorite is watercolors.
*She has finally learned how to say No. Up until now, she would nod her head and agree to everything. She isn't a very talkative child, but she communicates very effectively. She signs a lot of words and is learning new words everyday. She is a quiet girl, but we all know when she is mad.
*She has to have her chocolate milk before bed. Her favorite foods are yogurt, grapes, bananas, macaroni and cheese, string cheese and anything chocolate. She has a huge sweet tooth.
*She could spend hours in her backyard swing. She also enjoys the slide, sand table and riding in the wagon.
*Her favorite body part is her elbow. She loves to be quizzed on body part locations.
*She will run to Greg with her hands in the air waiting to be tickled under her arms.
*Her brothers love to play with her. Gavin pushes her around in Enoch's big truck, takes her for 'boat rides' on his water bed and has tea parties with her. Enoch and Kate play tag and Legos together.
*She loves Nursery. I'm having a harder time with her going to Nursery than she is. She didn't cry at all. A few weeks ago, she knocked on the Nursery door wanting to go in. Then, she laid down in front of the door and stuck her fingers under the door. She really wanted to get in. All of the children in her class call her the baby because she is so small. They bring her toys, hold her hand during rotations and pat her head. She is having a great time.
*Today she called 911. It was quite embarrassing to have to explain to the operator who called back that it was my toddler who called and that everything was fine at our home. She loves to play with the phone and push the buttons.
*She loves to jump on the trampoline and in her crib.
*She pouts when she is told no. She puts on her pouty face, buries her face in her hands and then waits to make sure you see her. It only takes her a few seconds before she raises her head with a gigantic smile and laugh.

She is such an incredible girl. I love her so much!