HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATIE!!

I was the delighted Mom of three sons. There is nothing quite like a son - they are in your face and without guile. Life with sons is rough and tumble, full of body noises followed by gales of laughter. There are occasional hugs,and that sweaty boy-smell. Amazing creatures! So imagine my wonder at being told that Child Number 4 would be a GIRL! Being born the day AFTER Christmas is somewhat of a curse - but we have always tried to make it Katie's special day and separate the event from the day before as much as possible. Katie was born sweet and remains that way to this day.
We played Barbies in her uber pink room - I always had to be Ken and she got to be Barbie. We played shoe store every morning as she got dressed. "We have these lovely white sneakers in your size! Would you care to try them on?". There weren't too many occasions when Kate was NOT being creative - paper and crayons, writing, making things. As my daughter started school she was sadly subjected to her Mom & Dad's separation and divorce. And then to a yo-yo Georgia-California residency program. I am sure that was really hard for her.In spite of that - or maybe because of it,she has grown to be a gorgeous,strong, intelligent and caring young woman. I am proud to be her Mother! Happy Birthday, sweet Katie Beth.