Kat is now six years old. It crushes me a little when I think about how fast she is growing up. They can’t stay little forever and everyone makes sure to remind young moms to enjoy every moment as they “pass too quickly”. Wise words. But even so you cannot stop time from flying by. Kat came three weeks early so we weren’t really mentally prepared (even though we knew it was possible it rarely happens with first time moms). I had a long and hard labor with Kat. I was really scared a few times but when I held her in my arms for the first time, all of that fear melted away and I cannot describe the love that washed over me for this child. Being a mom is one of my greatest joys.
Fast forward six years, and this girl is still smiling, still laughing, and I could not love her more. Kat loves others so well and she has never met a stranger. She talks and talks and talks. Kat has strong emotions and we are working on helping her identify how she is feeling and trying to work through those big feelings. Man, it’s rough! She loves hard and she feels deeply. She is so much like her mama…and that is a little scary. 
Kat had just lost her first two teeth when we took these photos. Notice the gap on the bottom. Even that experience was emotional for this mama. I am not ready for big kid teeth! Can’t she stay little forever?!? She decided she wanted to cut her hair this year and I let her do it even though her long locks were one of my favorite things about her. Honestly, she looks beautiful no matter what she does with her hair.
Kat’s birthday is in October, no doubt my favorite month of the year. Fall is my favorite and it always has been. The leaves, the colors, all things pumpkin spice, Halloween, and of course I became a mom in the month of October. Such a magical time of the year. Kat loves it too. Just check out the colors on those trees!
FAVORITE! Aunt Arica made this quilt for us a few years ago and I have wanted to use it in a session for a while but somehow I always forget. I love Kat’s smile here! Her eyes look so blue but in reality they are more hazel now so they look different depending on what she is wearing.
We had a special time just the two of us taking these pics. One on one time with my big girl is rare these days. She is my helper and often does things to make my life easier because she really enjoys it. I try to make sure we get special time together and whenever I do, I am so glad I did. Kat and I enjoy a lot of the same things. We love happy endings, love stories, chocolate, shopping, and eating good food. I hope and pray we are close friends some day. For now, being a mom (discipline, homeschooling, and directing her) comes first.
Kat loves getting all fancy. She picked out this dress and it was her birthday, Christmas, and daddy daughter dance dress. We decided to get ice cream at the Biltmore and enjoy a treat.
Happy girl. She has been doing sessions with me since she was a newborn. I have learned a lot from this model.
Yummmm. At the Biltmore they have their own creamery so this ice cream is local and it is ahhhmazing.
My big girl who is growing up SO fast.
Please know, she did this pose entirely on her own. Yes, she is so girly.
Kat, you love Jesus with all of your heart. You ask really big questions and you understand God and His love for you more than I ever did at your age. I love watching you grow. I love seeing you learn a new skill and being kind to others. Just recently you were witnessing to kids in your art class and it made this mama so proud. I hope your fire for the Lord burns brighter than anything else in your life. I hope you grow up to know how deep and wide the love of Jesus is for you and all of the world. I pray for your future and I pray for your present. I am grateful for you and all you have become. My biggest girl. So strong, wise and kind! Happy 6th year to you. It is going to be amazing just like you!
