FIVE Years Old

Katherine Grace, You are FIVE years old, and the last five years have been pure joy with you being in our family. We cannot imagine our family without our little Cherry on Top. At five years old, you are happy, affectionate, smart, friendly, thoughtful, helpful, articulate, and a delight. 

I've always thought that one of your greatest gifts is your ability to make anyone feel special and encouraged after being around them. You genuinely love people and make their day brighter just by being around you. What a gift Sweet Girl! Don't ever lose it. You make new friends easily, and one of the things I always notice about you is how you can play with anyone- boy, girl, older, younger, you can meet them at their level and find a way to have fun together. You are never afraid to talk to adults and strangers. You're an outgoing and friendly little girl, and it's a pleasure to watch you interact with others. 

You also deeply love and adore your family. You have a unique, close relationship with each of your siblings. Elisabeth is your play mate, Samuel is your teacher, and Nathan is your protector and the sibling who has the hardest time ever telling you know. You are a daddy's girl and have the sweetest relationship with him. You wake up early every morning so you can wave goodbye to him as he leaves for work. 

As the youngest child in our family you are independent and mature and never want to be left behind. You pretty much taught yourself to swim this summer, you're doing chores each morning, like to style your own hair with no help and are always wanting to learn and do more. You never want to be seen as little and do everything you can to keep up with everyone. 

You've always been very verbal and articulate. Your mannerisms and the things you say are so mature and grown up. I think you get that from your older sister.

You are a smart little girl, and you are loving Pre K. You soak up everything around you and are learning and growing each day. You're sounding out words, always asking how to spell words, so you can write notes, and are asking us how to solve math problems. You are always singing new songs that you've learned at school. 

You're taking dance classes for the third year, and you are a Pathfinder in American Heritage Girls this year. You're looking forward to playing soccer for the first time in the Spring. You love to play games and engage in interactive play- putting on shows, playing family, etc with your friends and family. You also still like to play with Calico Critters and some with Barbies.  You also like to draw and make crafts. 

Your favorite friends right now are Laura, Ilona, Kyla and lots of new school friends. Your favorite foods are mac and cheese, grilled cheese, apples, grapes, and pancakes. You're not a big meat or veggie eater, but thankfully you like most fruits. 

You rarely nap except in the car and on Sunday afternoons. You are almost always the earliest riser in our house and usually wake up around 7:00 and go to sleep around 8:30. Your favorite books right now are Rainbow Fairy books. You've figured out a way to get mom and dad to read you a chapter or two each night before bed. You also like Elephant and Piggy books and Pinkalicious books. Your favorite TV shows are Barbie Life in the Dreamhouse, Gabby's Dollhouse, Polly Pocket,  Power Rangers and Bluey. We limit your YouTube intake, but you also like to watch J House, Tic Tac Toy, and Ninja Kidz. 

Katherine, you are such a joy and add a brightness to our world. You enhance everything, and it's a privilege that we get to be with you every single day. What a gift! I can't wait to watch you continue to grow and learn this year, Sweet Girl.