Kate's Diary Entries Diary Navigation: Choose A Diary Entry -------------------- Latest Entry: 6/7/07 -------------------- 4/30/07 4/18/07 4/9/07 4/2/07 3/27/07 3/13/07 1/30/07 1/15/07 12/10/06 11/20/06 11/10/06 10/30/06 10/12/06 10/5/06 9/22/06 9/15/06 9/8/06 8/29/06 8/17/06 8/10/06 8/4/06 7/28/06 7/21/06 7/16/06 7/6/06 6/27/06 6/21/06 6/16/06 6/13/06 6/8/06 -------------------- Kate's Introduction

Ava turns four...

June 7, 2007

Dear Ava – On Memorial Day this year you turned four.  I simply can't believe it.  Four years ago you made me a mother and my life has been radically altered since. 

Your birthday party this year is likely the last time I will be able to hold you off on having a 'real' party.  I say real in quotes because this year's party was quite the 'super silly fiesta' (your words), had the requisite balloons and princess cake, but was confined to family and Jim and Sandra, who are really practically family.  You had been talking about turning four for months, asking for the princess cake and talking about swimming at Papa Ray and Grandma Jo's pool.  But what a weekend leading up to your big day!  Lane graduated from high school and we held his graduation open house at our home.  Your Uncle Brian, Aunt Hilary were in town with your cousins, Ben, Matt and Adam.  Plus, of course, Grandma Marilyn.  Honestly, after all that activity we kind of limped into Monday.

I had neglected to order your fabulous princess cake far enough in advance, so I had to sweet talk the bakery manager to get it on time.  Bless her, she made it happen in the midst of graduation weekend with all the cake orders....  The day started cool and rainy.  Brian and Hilary were talking about heading home in the morning.  I was very, very worried your birthday celebration might be a bust.  But what do you know, the skies parted, the pool was heated, Brian and Hilary decided to stay to swim with their boys.... In short it was a perfect day.  And you were so excited.  And I was so proud.  I was driving over to your grandparent's house to prepare for your party and I got a lump in my throat thinking about the day you were born and all the wonderful days you've given me since then.  At the end of your day you said it was your best party ever.  I am so glad!

Before I went back to work this month we went to breakfast at our favorite hole in the wall breakfast spot, or, as you call it, 'the pancake store.'  You wanted chocolate milk and the waitress mistakenly gave you regular milk.  It was just awesome to see you shift into problem solving mode – how were you going to get that milk replaced with the kind you wanted?  You got it done and the waitress came by a few minutes later, having switched the milk, and ask you 'is everything ok princess?'  You turned to me, serious as could be and said 'Momma, how did she know I was a princess?'  I'm guessing the roll on pink glitter all over your face and arms gave it away.  Just guessing.

You had your four year well child check and your doctor confirmed what we've long known – you are one fabulous child.  You were 40 ¼ inches tall (75 ^th percentile) and 35.2 lbs (50 ^th percentile) making you tall and thin for your age.  Expect that to continue sweetie.  The doctor pronounced you more verbal than most.  Ahem.  But very, very smart.  No shots this time, the next round will be boosters for kindergarten.  (Which, by the way, you talk about all the time)  You were so delighted by the doctor's visit that you told everyone about it.  "I've just been to the doctor so he can check to see that I am still healthy and strong." 

But, on the day we celebrate your fourth birthday I have to try to figure out a way to capture all the things about you that make my heart swell with pride and love that doesn't result in a too-long-to-be-read letter.  The birth of your sister has allowed me to revisit your babyhood in a more conscious memory.  What I know for sure is that you have blessed me, sweet girl.  Each age and stage you have taught me, challenged me, delighted me, and made me luckier than I have any right to be.  You are force of nature my Patito.  I can't wait to see all you will be.

I love you—

Momma