Katherine Ann: 9 Months

Almost a month late!!

My Dearest Katherine Ann,

As I write this, I can happily say neither of us are sick! You welcomed 9 months in with a bang as you recovered from a double ear infection coupled with a terrible cold and I didn't help things by getting the flu. The night you got sick was scary for your daddy and I. Your fever spiked to 103.5 and you couldn't sleep. We had never seen you so sad. Your daddy thinks you cried more in those 24 hours than you have your whole life. Thankfully Grandma Walker was with us to help. We got you to a doctor the next morning and medicine was given. Although you despised taking your amoxicillin, it helped you feel better by the next day (which was an answer to prayer because we had to fly back home to Dallas). We sure did miss your smiles and giggles for 3 days. When you smiled again, it did wonders for your mommy's heart. Your daddy and I were reminded to never take your happiness or precious smiles for granted.

Before all of this happened, December was a busy month for us once again! We celebrated Christmas many times over and had fun going on family Christmas outings together. I will never forget this Christmas and the new meaning it held. I have always been in awe of the Christmas story of God sending His son to earth as baby. Until you have a baby of your own, however, you don't realize the weight of this incredible gift and heavy sacrifice. Although I will never fully grasp this until heaven's gates, my heart was stirred anew for the gift of baby Jesus...the gift of our Savior. 

I loved holding you this Christmas as we sang Silent Night and you stared in wonder at all the candles flickering around you. I loved watching your eyes smile as you took in all the shimmering Christmas lights. I loved watching your gentle little hands open presents for the first time. Your weren't sure about ripping the paper, but you sure loved tissue paper and boxes. I loved watching your daddy get so excited about the gifts we picked out for you this year (socks, a blanket, and a book...we really went all out)! I can't imagine how excited he will be when you actually open presents with toys! I loved watching your family love on you and your cousins calling dibs on who got to hold you next. I loved watching you meet your Great-Grandma Walker and the precious way you looked at her. I loved watching you meeting your aunts and uncles for the first time and seeing their faces light up. I loved watching you make your grandparents laugh...I think they are quite smitten with you. Baby girl, I loved celebrating Christmas with you. 

 

This month has also brought along some new tricks and experiences for you. You started crawling and love exploring new places! You started waving and you do not save those waves just for people. You give them generously to inanimate objects as well. You started pulling yourself up on the couch and activity table. You started eating finger foods and have become quite fond of water. You had your first real non-family babysitter and only shed a few tears. You logged your 5th flight this time traveling all the way to Ohio!

Thank you Auntie Stephanie for my new books! I love them!!!

Your daddy and I continue to fall more in love with you each day. You truly were the best gift we received this Christmas! We love you and treasure you.