My Dad

I'd like to do a different kind of post today.. a post about my dad. The reason for this is that today now marks 5 years since he passed away. I can't exactly express what I'm feeling because how do you really describe what it's like to lose your father? Especially at the young age of 20, which was how old I was at the time. It's funny that now, especially because I have Kate in my life, I understand so much better now how he felt as I grew, the worries, the talks, proud moments etc. I know that I was truly blessed with two incredible parents, and I only hope to be that good for Kate. These past 5 years have been a rollercoaster, and some how my dad still manages to get me through it with lessons that he taught me long ago. Some of which I'll share. On a day like today, I don't like to remember the sad times but instead I would like to remind myself of a few of the so many things he taught me, because its through lessons like these that help me feel closer to my dad, because goodness I miss him more than words can ever express.  

My Dad: Dwight Brown

• Taught me that nothing in life, that's good, comes easy but it is always worth it
• Showed me what it meant to truly endure to the end and have never ending faith..you must never ever give up
• Reminded me to keep life light and enjoy the moments, it's not always about the huge moments, but also the small ones that bring a smile to your face
• Gave me an example the strive to be everyday of my life...to be more compassionate of others because we all have our own story, to be firm in what you believe in, to find the humor in life and share it with others and finally to love as much as you possibly can, because you never know when it's your time
• He Never broke a promise to me...not once

                                              
                                                    Love you, dad.

Walkin Machine!

My brave little Kate decided to take those scary steps into the unknown all by herself! I can't believe I have a little walker now! Kate has been thinking about it for a while but has been so attached to her walker or holding our hand and walking that whenever we would let go she would just sit down. I knew that just like everything else about my girl she had to think very hard about this walking thing and analyze every aspect. I'm afraid she definitely got that one from me. Kate took her first steps on Saturday night at my moms house, I was just sitting on the couch and saw in my peripheral vision Kate just walking across the room like it was nothing! I'll never forget the look on her face, it was filled with so much pride in her beaming smile but also so much apprehension and surprise at what was happening. So after that moment, Kate was a walking machine. Everywhere we go she says "down" to get down to walk, sometimes with a little help with her walker still but mostly just walking all by herself. I have to say the little toddler walk is one of the cutest things to watch. I love watching her take every little careful step, and even her little tumbles are cute. I love it! However, the walking has also made me realize yet again how incredibly fast Kate is growing up and I still just have such a hard time accepting that she won't be a baby anymore sometimes. But honestly I'm enjoying every second of this time with Kate. Everyday I have at least one moment where she does something that makes me laugh, I swear they get funnier as they grow.

Right before she walked by herself, Kate got pretty fast on that little walker!