Happy 10th Birhday Kate

Kate, my first born child, you are 10 years old today. Wow! I can't believe that you are now in the double digits.
You were born at 9:42 a.m. in Utah. You weighed in at 8 lbs. and you were 20 1/2 in. long. You took your time getting here. Mommy was at the hospital for 24 hours before you arrived. You were born with blue eyes and brown hair. You were named after a sweet cheerleader I taught at Timpview High School.
Your Daddy, Grandma Melendez and Aunt Marie were there when you were born. All of your grandpas and grandmas were there for you. Grandpa Melendez and Grandpa Clifford both helped your daddy bless you.
This poem was given to Grandma Melendez when I was one day old and she gave it to me when you were born.

My day old child lay in my arms, with my lips against her ear.
I whispered strongly, "How I wish - I wish that you could hear;
I've a hundred wonderful thing to say (a tiny cough and nod),
Hurry, hurry, hurry and grow so I can tell you about God."
My day old baby's mouth was still and my words only tickled her ear.
But a kind of light passed through her eyes, and I saw this thought appear.
"How I wish I had a voice and words. I've a hundred things to say.
Before I forget I'd tell you of God - I left him yesterday."

When you were 5 1/2 months old you had Open Heart Surgery at Primary Childrens Medical Center in Salt Lake City. You had an ASD and a VSD (2 holes in your valves). You just had your check up with the Cardiologist and you are doing great. You have no limitations and you are healthy and strong.
You were such a pretty baby. We had some photos taken of you and the studio asked if they could display your picture.
Your first few years were spent at High School Sports Events and Cheerleading practices and competitions. Mommy was the Cheer Advisor at the local H.S. and the girls were all so sweet to you and loved having you around. The cheerleading uniform company would make you special outfits to match the girls.
We moved to California when you were 7 years old and just a few months later you turned 8. You were baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints by your dad. You and your cousin Madison were baptized on the same day. Your Aunt Rachel and I had fun making your baptism dresses with Grandma Melendez. Well, Grandma made your dress but I helped by picking out the fabric and pattern.
You love soccer, gymnastics and hip hop dance. You have become a beautiful piano player and you practice every morning before school. You are also quite the little ski bunny. When we visit Grandpa/ma Clifford in Utah they take you skiing.
You are in the 4th grade and you are having a great year. You work hard but you also love to play hard.
You love to play on your D.S. and on the computer. You still enjoy stuffed animals. Webkins have been your favorite this year.
You have a hamster named Fluffy who you have adopted and cared for since last year. You are an animal lover.
You are crazy about Disneyland. You go on all the big scary rides now. Daddy is so happy about that. In fact, that is where we are taking you for your birthday this year.
You are very responsible and you are such a big helper. Your younger siblings look up to you and want to be just like you. You are best friends with sister Emily and you are like a second mommy to your little brother Andrew.
We are going to surprise you with breakfast in bed. Although it probably won't be a surprise because it has become a tradition. Then we will look through your baby book and ooh and aah over how cute you you were as a baby.
You are growing up to be such a beautiful young lady, both on the inside and out.
You are my eldest daughter and you bring so much joy to your dad and me. Our family is so blessed to have you as the oldest to set the example for your younger sister and brother.
Happy Birthday Kate. We love you!