It's been 2 years since the day I first held you in my arms. Our special day didn't go quite as planned. Instead of going to FANA to meet you in the Green Room like Owen and Rose, we'd be heading to Simon Bolivar Hospital. You had come down with RSV and Influenza A and had been admitted the prior day. Thankfully Nana Bev had flown down to Bogota with us. She'd stay at our apartment with your big siblings while Pa and I made arrangements to travel to the hospital. Jorge Rico took great care of us - picking us up at our apartment, escorting us to the hospital, and negotiating our way inside.
The hospital was like a fortress and nearly impossible to gain access. It took some persuading for Jorge to convince the security guard to let us inside. We were finally granted access, but only two people could enter so Jorge escorted me inside while Pa waited outside, not knowing if he'd get the chance to see you. It took a bit of navigating but we eventually found you, our sweet Kate. You were in the Pediatric ICU hooked up to several wires and had an IV coming out of your neck. Tears ran down my cheeks seeing you lying there in the hospital bed. I scooped you up. You had the most kissable baby cheeks! It was pure joy holding you for the first time.
Soon Pa popped in the room. Jorge had left and done some magic getting him inside the hospital to meet you too.
You'd end up taking a scary turn for the worse, but thankfully you quickly turned a corner towards recovery. You started feeling better and better and began showing off your adorable smiles.
You'd spend two long weeks at the hospital before finally being discharged on a dark, chilly Bogota night. You were still on oxygen, but stable enough to leave the hospital and be forever united with us as a family of six.
It's hard to imagine that time 2 years ago. You were such a sick little nugget but now you're a healthy, growing, busy toddler. You are eager to keep up with your big siblings and your independence is growing by the day. "I wanna do it by myself!" is a phrase you often proclaim. You are such a girly girl. You love wearing dresses and a "pretty pretty" as you call your hair accessories. You are a busy bee. You love digging in every cabinet you can open and leaving trails of your findings scattered all over the house. When you are sleepy, you ask, "Cuddle me?" in the sweetest little voice. You are the best big sister! You assertively ask (although more demand), "I hold Aria?!?" You sure love your new role as Big Sis!
For your Family Day, we were stuck at home due to the Corona Virus, but you didn't seem to care. We made sure to make the day all about YOU! You spent the morning playing with dolls, dressing up in your now favorite outfit - a Baby Shark dress that was actually Aria's, and eating chocolate for breakfast. While not your typical breakfast, I couldn't say no when you requested it on your special day.
After cuddling on the couch with your big sister to watch a show, it was mac-n-cheese for lunch (plus your leftover breakfast chocolate!)
Then we ventured outside to play on the playground - swinging, sliding and climbing! You love climbing up the play set while Mom nearly has a heart attack watching from below.
Soon you were off to the next item on your agenda - playing with water!
After a quick wardrobe change, you were back at it splashing around in your pool.
It was a lovely day and you even found some "flowers" to pick.
After dinner on the deck (more mac-n-cheese - it's one of your favorites!), you conked out early on your "Mickey bed" while watching YouTube.
You had been so busy that you had forgotten to take a nap. Sweet dreams, sweet girl.
A very Happy Family Day to you, Kate. We love you to the moon and back!
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