Mother's Day

Mother's Day was great. I'm so glad I got to spend it with my mom! My mom, dad, Kate & I went to MacCools, which is in the old Ben Lomond hotel (gorgeous, by the way) for brunch. Then my mom, Kate & I went to church, and Kate loved hearing my mom play the piano. Only problem was, she kept wanting to go up and sit by Nana. When I wouldn't let her do that, she decided that she would then try to climb the steps (her new favorite thing) up to the altar. She wasn't very happy that I didn't let her do that, either.

After church, we took a nap (ah, the best gift ever) and then the three of us went to Applebee's for drinks and dessert. My favorite dessert there is the Maple Butter Blonde Brownie sundae, and I wanted my mom to try it. Nancy met us there, and then the four of us hung out at home the rest of the night. My mom and Nancy were having so much fun with Kate, and she sure knows how to get on their good side with her adorable little smiles and laughs! We were all laughing hysterically because Kate would play peek-a-boo by hiding behind the chair, and we would all look for her in mock concern, saying, "Oh, no, where's Kate?" and she would just be standing behind the chair, laughing the biggest belly laugh that a 14-month-old could muster. It was so funny!

I can't believe it's already my second Mother's Day as a mom. I feel so blessed that this beautiful little soul is my daughter. I know it sounds cliche, but I loved her more than life itself the moment I laid eyes on her, and every day, I just love her more and more. I love watching her develop a personality, and she is turning into such a loving, caring girl. My new favorite thing is when she runs up to me (or my mom, or dad, or Dan) and says, "Hi!" in this impossibly adorable voice. Usually it's accompanied by her putting her arms up in a request to be held. Once I pick her up, she wraps her arms tightly around my neck, nuzzles her head into my shoulder, and sighs with contentment.

I love how she's always shown a preference for music, even when she was just months old. It makes me smile to see her do an energetic dance whenever she hears music, and she can actually keep the beat quite well! I love that she is fascinated by plants and animals, making sure to point them out to me wherever we go ("Plah?" is one of her new words that she says whenever she sees a tree, plant or flower, as if she's asking me to verify that that is indeed what it is.) I love that she practically bounces out of my arms or her stroller or carseat whenever she sees something she's excited about (a carousel, a slide at the park, or the pool). She shows such enthusiasm for things! And of course, I love how she snuggles up next to me at night with a peaceful smile on her face, like she knows that all is well in the world because she's nestled cozily between her two parents who love her so very much. How on earth did I ever get so lucky? I'm so glad I'm your mama, Kate Elizabeth!


Three generations on Mother's Day