Lately it's been all about the messy room, the attitude, and I-asked-you-four-times-already-that's why-I'm-yelling. But there's so much more that is good:
First she was baby Katie... my tiny daughter and first child, who I dressed in blue but added soft headbands with giant grosgrain bows to show she was a girl. A little boy at church said she looked like a present; our family Christmas card tells the story but the accompanying picture says it all.
I expected a lot of Kate, even as a child. One Christmas, afraid she would plunder and/or pull down the tree, I repeatedly told her, “Don’t touch anything.” Kate not only obeyed, she passed on the instruction. Standing by the tree, our two-year old ambassador solemnly advised visitors, “Don’t touch anything.” Bossy! At least we know she comes by it honestly.
By the time she started Kindergarten, Kate had become a big sister. She loved baby Anna and asked to bring her to Show and Tell (S is for sister). Kate entertained herself while I was busy with baby care. She was a good little helper, running to fetch a diaper or distract her sister when asked. She liked things to be orderly and kept her room tidy.
That first year of school a friend told me that Kate seemed very uncomfortable with the noise and chaos of a field trip. I sent letters to the school for the next two years, requesting teachers whose style ran to quieter, more structured classrooms.
In Fifth Grade her homeroom teacher sent me a note expressing what a pleasure it was to have hardworking, sweet-tempered Kate in class. Another teacher noted that Kate frequently asked for direction or confirmation before acting. Neither comment was a surprise to me. Kate has always been tender, cautious, and concerned with doing the right thing. She is by nature, a rule-follower. She likes order (although the once-tidy room is now that of a typical teen) and she questions herself, and me, a lot. We’re working on it.
Kate read the Harry Potter series at an early age, and continues to be an avid reader. She also likes to draw. A few years back she auditioned and made the district Honor Choir. Her piano lessons are on hiatus, but she plays on her own while we search for a new teacher. She plays clarinet in the Symphonic Band.
Kate’s favorite subjects over the years have included Science, Drama, and LEAP Reading. She worries over assignments and often does more than is expected or intended. Math does not come easily to her, but she works hard and earns the good grades she receives. She pushes herself in Athletics, too. This week she happily reported placing in the top ten for the mile run.
Kate set a goal to earn straight-As in 6th grade and made it by a hair. She is working for straight-As in 7th grade as well, with the ultimate goal of earning all-As for each grading period throughout middle school. We are proud of her hard work, and grateful that she is such a sweet girl. Kate is great!
