Forward

Katherine, we passed a milestone moment in your life! One of those events that we have been anticipating for a while, discussing when you would be ready for it… and dreading a bit (it involved a fair amount of work and we didn’t know how you’d react): turning your car seat forward facing.

You see, for the past 2 years – ever since we brought you home from the hospital – you have been riding the in the back of the car rear-facing. But the time has come (partially dictated by the length of your legs) to turn your car seat around and let you ride facing forward.

And I have to admit, we had been procrastinating a bit – turning your car seat in our car is not as easy as it sounds as your car seat fits very snug into our car. After you had outgrown your infant seat, we let you help choose your seat… and you picked a “luxury size” seat which daddy installed back then with much sweat and “a little bit resistance from chair and car” and he wasn’t looking forward to doing it all over again, this time forward facing. But a few days ago, he handed you to me and scurried out to the garage. When he re-surfaced a while later with a triumphant grin we both knew that he had “won the fight with the car seat” and we were ready for your first trip “like a big girl”.

After a moment of surprise when we buckled you in, you were delighted and giggling as we began to drive, enjoying the new & improved view… until we got the first red light. You don’t like ‘em. And you are very outspoken about it – letting out little screams and waiving both arms. So we explained to you that the red light means we need to stop, and once the light turns green, we can go again. We have explained to you that the red light means stop and we need to wait until it turns great at every single light we had to stop, every day, every car ride since you are driving with us forward facing and there will be likely much more of that in our future. You love to go, not stop, not wait – the faster, the better.  I can already see that one day you will enjoy a fast ride on the German Autobahn!

You are teaching me that it’s much more fun waiting at a red light when we waive our arms wildly… and cheer when the light turns green. Every part of life is more fun when it becomes a game and we don’t take it so seriously. Thank you for that reminder. I love you always and forever.

Happy Birthday, Baby Girl

Katherine, Happy Second Birthday!

It’s only been two short years ago that we’ve met for the first time; and I can’t imagine my life without you anymore. You have turned my world upside down; and I love every moment of it!

Today was a perfect day – your grandma is still here visiting from Germany and she made you a birthday cake; you received some wonderful presents and in the afternoon we took you to an activity centre where a friend joined us and we had so much fun climbing, running, and bouncing around for hours. You were a bundle of energy, exploring and enjoying the adventure. On the car ride home, I still saw a sparkle in your eyes and a smile on your face - just before you nodded off within minutes for a well-deserved nap.

You are teaching me to pay attention to all the special moments in life. I am grateful that we were able to spend much time together during this past year, full of memories, laughs and cuddles. I feel privileged that I get to see you grow up and hug you every day. I don’t know what the future holds, but my wish for you is that it is a bright future that brings you much joy, love and happiness. I love you always and forever.