We've had a couple of busy, fun days. Katelyn has quite the personality and she makes it all so fun. She's had a few impetuous moments. She decided today she doesn't mind simply telling us "no." We also know that once we engage in that, we can't lose. Ever.

She will put her foot down, clearly say no, and occasionally throw in a few words of Mandarin. It tickles me each time because I'd bet money she's NOT saying something sweet and loving..I wish I knew what she's thinking!

But so far, we give her the stern look, and the stern voice, and she complies. She's just testing it all out and we expect it. But she's a little naughty and anyone who knows me, knows that this is EXACTLY how I like 'em! Her personality is pretty big and I am so thrilled to know we can watch her blossom as she grows up as our daughter. What an honor!

We try to give her choices each day on what to wear, which shoes to choose, what breakfast to eat, etc.. we want her to feel like she has some measure of control in this process. She's constantly putting things in order, straightening something that's crooked, moving Matt's hair out of his eyes, correcting me when I color with her, etc....lol. My sister pointed out that when you have no control over pretty much anything else in your life, it makes sense that she would try to maintain a sense of order in her surroundings.

Our baby girl is just so smart. She remembers things after seeing or talking about them once. She remembers the routes to and from places after going there just once. She remembers most words and phrases after hearing them once. Just in the 5 days we've had her, she's speaking more, asking more questions, and then reapplying what she's learned to similar situations. It's truly fascinating for the teacher inside me.

She's spent a great deal out on her scooter. Her knee has been introduced to the cement a time or two, but she toughs it out and a bandaid and some TLC makes it much better.

Not only have they all been riding scooters, we've colored, blown bubbles, put puzzles together, painted fingernails and toenails, played monkey-in-the-middle, and shot basketballs. 

She got to go shoe shopping yesterday and that was quite fun. She has definite opinions about what she likes. We wanted to get her some flip flops, sandals, tennis shoes, and slip on shoes. We'd suggest a certain sandal and she would only half try to put it on...then shrug her shoulders like "oh well." Then she'd spy a glittery, shiney, lights-up-if-you-look-at-it, high top shoe and no matter what size the display was, she'd jam her foot into it and exclaim "Mommy, YES! I like, I like!"

We eventually settled on 4 pairs of shoes and her daddy even came along to help. 

She's quite "bouncy" as my sister says. Katelyn doesn't just walk room to room..and it's not necessarily a run, she's just bouncy! She goes 90 miles an hour most of the time, but then there are those times when she'll sit still in your lap, let you paint her nails, replace her bandaids, etc.. and she's just so, so, so sweet. 

Ornery, sweet, funny, obstinate, bossy, giggly, brave, stoic, and dramatic. Our Katelyn.