Three Years to the Day

I have so much to post about and document. I need to recap the last few days with my mom, Easter Egg hunts, Good Mail and goodbyes at the airport. But all of that is on hold for now because today is an anniversary of sorts in this house and I couldn't let the day go by without writing it all down here. I don't want to be guarded but for the sake of some privacy I'll omit some info. I have written about this before in other posts but today is the day we brought Kathryn home with us 3 years ago. I can hardly believe that is has been that long. I don't remember life with only 2 kids(it was short lived anyway) and really I wouldn't have it any other way now.

{April 9, 2004 Kat 3 1/2}

Once about 9 months after Milo's dad died I was with Kathryn's birth mom and when we were talking the Spirit told me that she would not raise the kids that were left at home. I know that sounds dramatic, I think it does too, but it was just one of those quiet whispers that you know is true. Never at that time (Nathan wasn't even 1 yet), did I think Milo and I would end up raising the youngest one. I just knew she did not have the capabilities or the desire to figure out a way to deal with her pain and be there for her kids (I wont touch that one anymore than that). It was another year and a half before the kids (6) were put into other homes, ours being one of them.

{April 10, 2004 Easter Sunday Kat 3 1/2, Nate 2 1/2}
{Amazing what a bath and clean clothes can do right? Dane must have been napping.}

Nathan was 2 1/2 and Dane was only 7 months and we both knew that she was supposed to join our family. We had it confirmed more than once in the time we made the decision and she came here to live. I look back now and think no doubt those around me thought I was crazy. I mean both of us really, but Milo was so busy at the time (full time work and school), most of it (the day to day issues) fell onto me (only 7 months postpartum) and then the poor guy had to deal with me (by far the harder job). I was so tired and so emotional. The first 18 months were rough but we had SO much love and support from family and friends, we made it through. I will be eternally grateful for every thing that was done for us and on our behalf.

{Our first family trip March 2005}

Kathryn has come such a long way and I know it can't be easy to understand it all in her little mind. We have been really open with her (as per a counselors advice) but until the last 6 months or so, most of it went over her head. It is funny to watch the light bulb come on as she realizes her past and the future she has here with us. I know she would rather have her family the way it was supposed to be. I mean we all have an idea of what it was 'supposed' to be like and I'm guessing 6 year olds are no different. I pray we can give her the stability and security she needs to feel loved and important.

{August 2006}

Oh and the blessings, I couldn't say another thing without mentioning the blessings that the Lord has sent our way in the last 3 years. The blessings he has given Milo and I and our family are literally priceless and without number. And because of them, she is still here with us. There was a time both Milo and I didn't know if we would be able to handle having 3 kids only 3 years apart (Dane was born before Kathryn turned 3). Now the three kids can be the best of friends most days and really the boys know only a life with Kathryn here.

{August 2006}

I love having this girl! She can be a girly girl yet wrestle with the best of the boys while getting covered in mud. She likes to play with the boys at school because they run and the girls are boring (should I be worried?). She loves dress up, My Little Ponies, coloring, Polly Pockets, school, riding her bike, running and all things pink or purple. She has beautiful blue eyes and the sweetest smile. She will greet anybody with a hug (scary actually) and will be your immediate friend. She can be a challenge but for the huge majority of the time she is agreeable and anything goes. Not many tantrums here. She stops and waits for Dane as he throws his 3 yr old tantrums and will mother him when he lets her. Speaking of mothering she fell right into the oldest child status perfectly, she knows how to mother the boys, even at 6. She is a strong spirit that our Heavenly Father has watched out for every step of the way along this bumpy road. I love you Kat!