Where did that time go?

I think it's a given, that we remember the day we found out we are pregnant. It's etched in our minds, probably because of the huge build up of emotion finding out. I remember we had a feeling that I was pregnant with our second child and my husband had been and bought 2 tests because he was so excited to find out. I was not in a hurry to take one at all because I didn't want to face the disappointment if it hadn't happened.

It was a significant day as it was the day Princess Charlotte was born - 2nd May 2015.

Well, yep, there it was, the window on the stick saying 'PREGNANT 1-2 WEEKS.' We had a little cry and a little family cuddle with Erin and starting picturing our new little family member who would be joining us. The thought of doubling my love for another child filled me with excitement. I have always loved children and so having 2 of my very own was the biggest blessing I could ever imagine.

And here we are approaching Kate's 5th birthday in a month's time. I actually can't believe how fast it has come around. Her birth was anything but easy and I was actually quite ill. Having contracted sepsis during labour, it could have easily been a whole different story had the hospital not been as fast to act as they were. They really took care of me and Kate. She came 18 days earlier than expected, born on the 22nd December. We were not prepared for her to be here that close to Christmas and my poor husband was wrapping gifts on Christmas Eve after we begged them to let us home from hospital.

For a while, Kate was actually going to be called Isabel and her middle name was going to be Kate. However, when we went for our 20 week scan, they told us that her new due date was actually the 9th of January - which we found out was Kate Middleton's birthday. We thought about it and decided as Erin was a simple 4 letter name, it might actually be nice to have her name as Kate with it also being a nice, simple 4 letter name and due to it being connected to the Duchess of Cambridge. So here she is, Kate Isabel.

As a baby, Kate was a chunkster. She won't mind me saying that as she gets older because it's absolutely true! She loooooved milk and food and could never get enough ha-ha. She was always a happy, content baby and never needed entertaining 24/7. She was quite happy playing alone or with others. She was a late walker and didn't have the confidence to get on her feet until she was 16 months old. She has always been a talker though and could talk for ENGLAND (still can!) Erin absolutely adored having a little sister, mainly because she could treat her like her little dolly. I think having them so close together really helped with their bonding as they like the same things.

Anyone that knew Kate as a toddler will know she was a smiler. Always happy and always smiling. She is definitely the feisty one out of our two and there isn't much that phases her. She was a massive Peppa Pig fan, just like her sister and would play for hours with little figures. Some of my favourite videos are the ones of her just chattering away with her little Peppa figures while I try and join in but obviously never play right ha-ha. Kate has always had a particularly strong bond with my dad, she is 100% a Grandad's girl. My dad had an accident in 2016 and broke his hip quite badly, so we would always be up visiting him as he couldn't work until it healed and I really think that time cemented their relationship. Even now, my dad is her favourite person and she will openly tell everyone that, too!

So here is my letter to my Kate, for her almost fifth birthday...

Kate, my funny, beautiful, feisty, smart, kind girl,

Words could never express the amount of love I have for you. From the moment you were placed in my arms I made a promise to love you, care for you, nurture you and protect you and that promise I will keep forever. You are sunshine on a cloudy day and snowflakes at Christmas. You have completed our family and no matter how old you get, you will always be my baby. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful daughter like you and you have made me so very happy. Remember to always be yourself and don't ever be afraid to be different. I will always be there for you with open arms, cheering you on, wiping your tears, jumping with you in excitement and that is a promise. Your heart is my heart and my heart is yours. Always.

Thank you for 5 amazing years of you,

Momma xxx