Celebrating Kathryn Elliott Mumaugh

Our “little” Katie was born 5 years ago today at 6:20 PM.  She has been “surprising” us since the very beginning.  From the day the pregnancy test came out positive (on Grace’s 1st birthday!) to the day she was born and every day since then.  Katie is our “new house, new baby,” and I wouldn’t change that for anything.  I am loving watching her grow and change. 

Katie at a couple weeks old (Easter)

So, two days before Katie was born, I went in for my routine check-up.  I was dilated to 3cm and about 70% effaced, but the doctor didn’t think I was going to go “on my own.”  (Jack and Grace were both induced also)  We scheduled an induction for a week later.  Wednesday morning, I woke with a sharp pain.  Great, more Braxton-Hicks, I thought, and continued on my day.  They stayed 15 minutes apart for a while, then went to 8 minutes.  I wasn’t going to go into labor on my own, so I kept cleaning the house (probably the most I’ve ever accomplished in one day!).  Around 2, I decided that I was going to be tired when these stopped, so I called off work.  Around 3, I decided to call Bryan and let him know I needed some help entertaining Jack and Grace so that I could breathe through the contractions.  He came home and started timing them (on the computer, of course!).  We tried calling his mom, but she was in class.  We tried calling my dad, but his phone was off.  Finally, we got a hold of my mom.  She left work and came over.  She sat with me for a couple contractions and then told Bryan that unless he wanted to catch the baby, he needed to get me to the hospital.  We only live a mile or so away, so we weren’t too worried about making it there.  We still thought I would be sent home…  But we listened and called the doctor on the way.  I had him drop me off at the outpatient entrance, which was closed, so then I got to walk to the ED.  That hallway was suddenly a mile long!  (I was pretty sure I wasn’t getting sent home when it took 3 contractions to walk that hallway.  Bryan still wasn’t convinced!)  We got to the room at 5:56PM and got checked – I was 6 cm, so no turning back (it STILL took some convincing by the doctor and nurse for Bryan!).  Kathryn Elliott Mumaugh was born at 6:20PM.   She weighed 8 lb 8 oz and was 20 inches long.

Since then, she has grown into a sweet, compassionate, caring little girl.  She is quick to share her things, even to the point of letting Grace try on her clothes before she does!  When Mary wants what she has, she is nonchalant about switching to something else.  But don’t get me wrong, she isn’t a pushover.  She will stand up for herself or for anyone else she thinks is being wronged.  I love watching her play with Grace and with Mary.  They will play for hours on end, and their friendship is so strong.  I pray that it deepens, and includes Rachel, as they grow. 

Katie loves to play pretend.  She will “cook” for us every day.  She loves to play with her dolls (Barbies are the big thing these days).  She loves to read, keep journals and draw pictures.  She also loves to be dressed up.  She is the only child I know who two years running, she has ONLY asked for clothes for her birthday!  One of her favorite treats is drinking tea.  She is quick to help (when she isn’t asked).

She is so tender and careful with Rachel, taking wonderful care of her.  Wherever we go, Katie finds a friend.  She has her “best friends” at school and play, but even a quick stop at the park and Katie will find a new friend.  She is our “Cuddlebug,” quick with a hug, a smile or a picture to brighten anyone’s day.  God definitely knew what He was doing when He sent her to our family!  Thank You, God!!! 

Katie’s 1st birthday party

Katie’s second birthday

Katie’s third birthday

Katie’s fourth birthday (a dancing princess party)

Oh, and one more thing, Katie absolutely loves sharing her birthday week with her aunt Melanie.  They have a very close, special bond that goes way beyond having their birthdays close.

We love you, Kathryn Elliott!!  May God bless you in all you do!