Three years ago today, I was given this beautiful gift.

We all delighted in the blessing of having a new baby in our house.

Big brother Brian could not let her go.

Two years ago today, we were playing at the beach and...

 Disneyland to celebrate Autumn Break and her birthday.

One year ago today, her birthday request was to go to the Phoenix Zoo.

She also wanted Chocolate Cupcakes instead of a birthday cake because she takes after her mother!

Katelyn Jane Ray was born on an early Tuesday morning 3 years ago.  I delivered her by c-section 3 weeks early so that she could come to the world without her or me getting hurt.  She came up with swollen lips and a face like her Great Uncle Mark.  I could not wait to hold her, but I had to.  It was painful and difficult.  When I finally held her, I could not believe she was mine.  She did not look like any of our kids.  I seriously thought Brad grabbed the wrong baby in the nursery while I was in recovery!  Then I saw them open and look at me, the big Buessing blue eyes.  I knew instantly she was mine.  The medication wore off by that time, too.  I did not put her down once for at least a week.  She is a gift.  I love every minute with her.  Today, we celebrate her 3rd birthday.  I cannot believe how quickly time passes when children are being raised.  I want to bask in every moment I am with her.  Right now she is playing with her new "wipstick" and coloring with her new color wonder markers.  Here are Katie's request for her birthday:

Breakfast:  Smoothie with an egg over-easy
Lunch:  Grandma Judy will take me out!
Dinner:  Baked Salmon with fresh green beans and cous cous. She told me she did not want frozen green beans because they are "gwoss!" She also wants a huge vegetable platter.  She wants Strawberry Shortcake for her birthday cake without frosting and cake. I lost weight because I am following Katie's diet!
Presents:
Brian gave her pink bubble wrap
Scott gave her a turtle pillow pet
Lizzie gave her Rapunzel hair
Daddy and I gave her Color Wonder markers with a coloring book and princess lip gloss
Grandma Ray gave her new pants, new shirt,a book, and chapstick
Grandma Judy gave her a Belle Polly Pocket and more lip stick

As you can tell, she told everyone she wanted "wipstick."  And, boy, did she get "wipstick!"  More pictures to come of her birthday.  Happy birthday my dear Katie.  I love you so much!