My Baby Katy.

Happy Birthday sweet sunshine. You are eight years old today! Where has the time gone? We made a deal, remember? No more growing up. I can remember the day you were born, the day you changed our lives forever. You are the crazy calm that grounds us. You gifted us with a balance that I wasn't aware we needed until you came along. Your smile warms the hearts of everyone. And your imagination and curiosity for life is without a doubt amusing.

Oh so grown up for turning eight. Following in the footsteps of Hannah and Elie makes it hard to stay young. But somehow, you have this unique sensibility to be both young and old. Your teacher even remarked that you don't act like you have two older sisters. Being a kid is something you do well! Your heart is so kind and thoughtful, always thinking about others feelings. Sensitive. And crazy too.

Drama is a proper word choice for describing you. Not in a bad way, though you do have your moments. Like hiding from us. We lost you for a short moment when you were three. No worries, we found you. Curled up underneath a fabric dining room chair asleep at Mimi's house. Drama = your love for dancing, singing, in your own little world. You have such great confidence to perform.

You've been raised by three mother's and a dad! Hannah really thought you were her baby when you were born. I had to gently remind her that you were my baby. You can see how magnetizing you are. You and Hannah are a lot alike. That's where some of your drama comes from:) ... Elie is your strict mom. She is very good at ordering you around and you take it all in stride. She can be rough with you at times but you two share such a unique bond of both friendship and mentoring. You have the best of both worlds. So much attention from your mother's. Such a lucky girl, my little yo-yo.

Yo-yo. I'm really not sure how this nickname became yours. It was just a natural flow of words when you were a baby. And so it stuck. You will forever be my baby girl. Even if you've lost your baby teeth. Even if you are taller than me someday. My baby. My baby Katy.

Every day is a new day in the world of you, Kathleen Braden and we are so blessed that your tiny little feet have made a permanent imprint in our hearts.

I love you to the moon and back.
mom