Kate at One

01.22.2017

Dear Kate, Katers, Sweet cheeks, Kee-Ko's (Owen and now Mom call you that) chub-chubs and little chunks,

You are one. I can't believe it. This year has been literally the fastest year yet as being a mother. I can truthfully say that you have been a pleasure and the easiest baby in the Lancaster family. Though, it takes all of us to get you to sit still for a picture. Haha

Sweetheart, I can't express enough how much I love everything about you. This stage is so fun as you now slowly start to show what you will be like. The little quirks you have and that smile just does me in. I'm pretty sure as the youngest child in the family, you will be getting away with a lot more than your older siblings. You are such a little sweet spirit and very easy going. You love playing with your siblings and they adore playing with you. Especially Owen. I know I have said it in the past, but you two have a little special bond that continues each day. He truly looks out for you. You do hate it when he takes a toy away from you though. Sharing isn't your strong suite. 

You are loving all things food and snacks and eating everything in sight. We have dropped your morning bottle and slowly and I mean really really slowly working on dropping your other bottles. I admit that you will probably be older than the other two were when we got rid of their bottles. But we are working on it an we have already down one so I call that progress. 

You are on a weird little schedule of sometimes one nap and sometimes two. It really just depends on what we have going on that day. You function well both ways so it works and makes it easier for us to be out of the house. 

Right now you are wearing mostly 18mo clothes with some 12mo lingering behind. We have officially switched you over to a size 5 diaper and it's fitting much better. 

You love crawling and chasing Ranger and the kids and pretty much getting into everything you shouldn't. Kid, you truly hate to stand. We don't know why. All of you Lancaster kids have been late walkers so we are hoping that might have something to do with it. But you cry and fight us every time we get you to use your legs. We will be looking at that more closely with the doctor at your appointment. I'm not so much worried as it's more on my radar and just keeping it at attention. I'm sure nothing is wrong, just late developing in that area. 

You love dancing and music and clapping along with the beat. You are imitating everything we do with our hands and feet and starting to really recognize who we are with Dadas and Mamas. It's so fun hearing you chatter away. 

You love hugging and cuddling up to stuffed animals. You get so happy when you see your blanket and crumble in our arms when you have your blanket. You just melt. You love it. Another blanket lover in the family. 

Kate, we are so happy that you are apart of our family. We can't imagine what life would be like without you in it. We love the sweetness that you bring and the giggles that make us all laugh. You are a special little spirit and we are eternally grateful for you. 

We hope you had a wonderful birthday, though you will never remember it. Just know you are so loved by so many people. 

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl! I love you so much, 

Love, Mom.