K...K.....K......Katie!!!

I have a young cousin.  Her name is Katie.  I usually refer to her as my niece.  And she, to me, as her Aunt.  But, she is my cousin.  My Mom's only brother is her Dad.  Johnny is quite a bit younger than my Mom.  Johnny lived with us throughout his teen years.  He is only a few years older than my oldest brothers.   And Katie is only a couple years older than my oldest daughter Gennifer.  So...with that said...let's get on with the party.   Katie was married last summer, and now she and her husband Sean, and little boy Jonathon, are anxiously awaiting the arrival of their little girl.  Due on January 13th.  Kate's pregnancy has been quite stressful, as she has been told that there may be a problem with her little girl's health.  Although her more recent tests indicate some concern,  they were not quite as scary as the first few.  We are all praying she has a perfectly healthy little girl.  And I think she will.  Katie lives in Washington. But she grew up here in my town.  We have a very famous Mexican food chain here called Miguel's.  Katie LOVES Miguel's.  Hey, who doesn't?

My Mom, who Katie is very close to, had the idea to have a shower for Katie, and go eat at her favorite place.  We had a great meal, a lot of laughs, and spoke with Kate on the phone.  Mom will bundle up the gifts and get them off to her today.  Katie's Dad and step Mom came to the restaurant with this.

 That's our Kate.  Isn't she beautiful!!!  When we were seated, an employee of Miguel's came over and handed her Dad this letter that Katie had sent and asked to be delivered.  Johnny had my Mom read it out loud. 

Side note:  Look at my beautiful mother's Faye Dunaway high cheekbones!!!!  WHY oh why didn't I get those too?????   Okay, moving on.  Let me just say, not a dry eye at that table, as my Mom read the most eloquently written letter by Katie.  She referred to each one of us, in her wish for her daughter to be.  She expressed her deep appreciation for her family, and spoke of her adoration for her Dad, and my mother, her Aunt Diane.  As well as our much loved "Nana" and each member of her family sitting there last night.  What a deeply moving, and tender letter she wrote.  Even Johnny, who never shows emotion, got choked up.  He's Johnny to me...always will be.

Then, we got down to the business at hand.  EATING....laughing, and enjoying the company.  And Katie..can I just tell you....YOU had a really GREAT time!!!!  I will let the pictures speak for themselves.

As you can see, Katie graciously made her way around to everyone, enjoying the party.  She had a REALLY good time!!!   The food was typical, Miguel's Magnificent!  We laughed, we cried, we shared our love of you...my niece..my cousin....our Katie.  May you have a swift delivery! We are all so excited to meet your new baby girl...Elizabeth Joan (Ellie Jo).
Hugs and Kisses,
Your family