HAPPY BIRTHDAY CATE REESE!

Cate turned four yesterday. Yes, I know it is hard to believe that time has passed so quickly since 2008, the year of her birth. 

We had a party for her at a local community center with some of her friends from school.  Our big girl said she did not want any presents. Rather, she said she wanted to do a book exchange where all the kids would get a new book to read.  We played games in the gym, ate bagels, and had cake with ice cream.

I was struck by how normal and at-ease Cate was and how she treated everyone with respect and care.  Again, hard to believe this was only her fourth birthday.

Today, we went to her school for a celebration.  I rushed from my morning meeting to get there and was met by Kathleen.  We sat in chairs behind Cate, who sat in a circle on the floor in front of us.  A poster with pictures of Cate from her four years was on the wall, and we told short stories about her.  Each of the children came up to Cate and wished her happy birthday. Then, each child went to wash up prior to lunch.  Very Montessori.

We stayed for lunch, and witnessed Cate get her lunch, set it up on a plate, and use her silver wear.  It is not to say she has not done this at home. However, she usually requests someone to help her or requests that someone make their lap available. I protest often, but I will miss having that little one so interested in our help.

We read stories tonight - Scooby Doo. She was Scooby, and I was Shaggy. We snuggled up, and she even let me give her a few smooches, which she usually fights.  It was a fun and relaxing night.

I look forward to many more birthdays with Cate, and I look forward to watching her continue to grow up.  She will have a major impact on this world one day. How do I know this? Because she has already made quite an impression on me!

Here's to Catherine "Cate" Reese Alumkal!