Oh my goodness.
Friends.
Today…
…my sweet baby Kensington Kate is TWELVE years old.
Twelve!! Just like that.
I promise you, I blinked and she went from…
…this to…
…this. All grown up and twelve years old.
Our sweet girl came into the world twelve years ago completely dominating the scene and taking over our lives and hasn’t stopped since. She is big and bold and yet sweet and gentle. She’s a great student, loves her church youth group, the kind of friend everyone should want for their daughter, a wonderful example for her three younger siblings and has made her dad and me so very proud.
Kensington struggled with being shy for years, but in fourth grade, she really blossomed and came out of her shell. She loves volleyball, cheer, and tumbling. She always has a book in her hands (right now, she’s reading The Hate U Give), wants to sing in the youth group band, play volleyball for Kansas State and wants to be a pediatrician that specializes in kids with special needs. I love how much she loves Hallmark movies, seasonal t-shirts, cardigans and has her very own unique style. Her very favorite thing in this whole wide world though is…
…her tiny little dog. These two are inseparable. Honest to goodness, after having her home for six months, Frenchie has had a hard time these last 10 days. They are together all the time and love each other so much.
This last year, I have been SO PROUD of Kensington!!! It was about five days before her birthday last year when she developed a terrible rash that lead us down a very long and winding road to discover she has Celiac disease and now leads a completely gluten-free life (which probably sounds like no big deal…unless you’ve ever had to live a g-free life…). Not only has her entire diet changed but in November, she went under general anesthesia for the very first time for a small intestine biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and she handled it like a CHAMP! It really could have been such a hard year, but she MADE IT SO EASY! I really cannot say enough about how proud we are of her handling everything thrown at her this last year.
So, today, she’s twelve. As Kensington would say, her last year before she’s a teenager. Sigh.
The last three years, she had big birthday celebrations, so this year, we did something very, very small, and it was perfect. On Friday night, we went to dinner with Ebby Lee, Ashby and Madeley (and also celebrated that it was HER Gotcha Day!), and then they all four had a sleepover and watched the new Mulan movie with cupcakes. At one point during dinner, they realized that when Kensington gets married, it will be the three of them that stands up with her at the altar…and let me tell you, that made my mama heart about explode. What a sweet group of girls. Today, she has school and volleyball, but after, we’re going to eat Cheesy Ranch Tacos (her choice) and celebrate as a family. Her gift this year was a new bedroom makeover…so when all of this crazy remodeling is over, I’ll share pics (right now, it’s not ready).
Happy birthday sweet Kensington!!! We love you so much!!!
If you want to see other party posts, here you go…
Kensington’s Pottery Party
Kensington’s Big Apple Birthday
Smith’s Snowboarding Birthday Part 2
We DONUT Believe She’s Eight Party
Ashby’s Hawaiian Birthday Bash
Ashby’s Frozen Swim Party
ash says
Happy birthday, sweet girl!
ANTOINETTE HEIDLE says
Happy Birthday Sweet Kensington!!????
Ramona Puckett says
? Happy Birthday ?????❤️
Beth Knecht says
Happy Birthday, Kensington!
Gosh kids are so awesome and resilient! I cannot imagine being a child and having celiac. Cannot. She is a champ!
Elspeth says
What a sweet tribute to Kensington! Thank you for sharing your children with us! Happy birthday! I hope she has a great day!!!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Sheaffer Sims says
Happy Birthday, Kensington!!!! Have THE BEST day!!! And yes, she sure did impress my socks off with all of the testing, the diagnosis, and how she’s handled herself since knowing she has Celiac. WHAT A CHAMP!!!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Happy birthday to Kensington! She’s gonna be breaking hearts in a few years – if not already! ?
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
Happy Birthday, Kensington! She’s beautiful, Shay!!! I know y’all are so proud of her!
MeetTheShaneyfelts
Amy Heinl says
Happiest of birthdays to you sweet Kennsington. Enjoy your special day. May you be surrounded by love and happiness always
Erika Slaughter says
Happy Happy Birthday to my soul sister, Kensington!! To one of my FAVORITE girls in the world, I hope you have the BEST day!
kathy says
Happy Birthday to your sweet girl!
Kerrie Hofstad says
Happy Birthday, Kensington! She is absolutely gorgeous and the way her heart shines through makes her even more beautiful. I hope she has the best day!
Mix and Match Mama says
We’ve been getting her jeans at Nordstrom (Joe’s) and then Old Navy and Gap are typically where we get her tops!
Casey says
She’s so beautiful inside and out! Can i ask a silly question?? Where are her jeans and shirt from? ?. Mine needs new jeans and I know she’d love this shirt as well ❤️
Hillary says
So sweet! Do you still do the birthday signs?
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes!! We got a lovely one this year!!
SS says
Happy Birthday!!!!! Make it at great one!!!!
Becky says
Happy Birthday, Kensington! What does her birthday board look like this year?
Mix and Match Mama says
I will post a pic!!!
JK says
What does her sign look like? I always enjoy seeing those!
Mix and Match Mama says
Ohhhhh! I will have to post a pic!!!!!
Melissa Terry says
The bridesmaid comment did me in! Happy birthday to your sweet girl xo
SC McKay says
Happy Sweet 12th Birthday!
Deena says
Happy 12th Birthday to Kensington! ??? She’s grown so much since I’ve been following your blog!
Amanda Wilson says
Happy Birthday Kensington! I want to see her bday sign!! September birthday girls are the best! My September baby turns 11 on Thursday.
Lisa N says
And BEAUTIFUL too! I can’t imagine this girl ever rolling her eyes at anyone…her smile is so sweet:) Happy Birthday to your sweet Kensington!!!
Lindsay D. says
Happy Birthday to Kensington!!
pam says
Happy Birthday, Kensington!
What a beautiful girl & such an inspiration!
Her wanting to be a pediatrician that specializes in kids with special needs is admiral & much needed–we never were able to find a pedi doc to help us with our son, who has severe autism –so Kensington, you will be in great demand if this is what you decide to do! Any family who would someday have you as their doctor will love you!
Blessing always & have a day just as beautiful & wonderful as you, Kensington!
Vivian G says
Wow! I found your blog when Kensington was only about 3 years old. I can’t believe she’s about to be a teenager. Time does fly! Happy birthday sweet girl!
Marie Le says
Happy Birthday Kensington! Enjoy your special day.
MelanieL says
Happy birthday Kensington! Hang in there Shay, these big kids birthdays do not get any easier on our mom hearts. My sweet little baby girl will be 16 in Nov and I’m not ready but I’m also so proud and happy to see her grow into the next phase of life. XO
Amie says
Happy birthday to Kensington!! She sounds like such an amazing you lady. Hope she has a wonderful day 🙂
Gail Morgan says
Happy birthday, Kensington! I have followed your mom’s blog since just before Ashby’s adoption. I have loved watching you grow up. I am wishing you the best birthday today and that your day will be filled with lots of friends, love, and laughter! ???????
Tracy Doubts says
Happy Birthday Kensington! You are such a beautiful young lady!
Shavon says
Happy Birthday, Kensington! (Oh, that wedding comment make me choke up!)
Leslie S says
Happy birthday to Kensington! I’ve been following since just before y’all went to China to get Ashby – I have loved watching K grow into a very special young lady. I cannot wait to see what she has chosen for her new room – I’m sure it will be wonderful!! My September baby turns 11 in 2 weeks and I am having all the feels. The days are long but the years are so so short! ❤️ to K on her special day!!
Jill K. says
Happy Birthday, Kensington!
Jordan says
Happy birthday to Kensington! When I was twelve, I had no style… she’s killing it! The wedding part brought me to tears! How sweet!
Sara Hornbacher says
Happy Birthday to your sweet girl!!!!!
Cherilyn says
Happy Birthday, Kensington! I’m due tomorrow with my first! Would be so sweet if my little girl ends up with the same birthday! 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
OH MY GOODNESS!!! That’s so exciting!!!!! Congratulations!!!
Sandy Ollar says
What a beautiful girl Kensington is! I love reading your website and you live a wonderful life! God bless Kensington on her birthday!
Jan says
Sending much love, and many hugs to a very special young lady! May your birthday be all you could hope for, and more!
: )
Tracy says
Happy Birthday, Kensington! Hope you have a wonderful day!
Ivana says
Happy birthday, sweet girl! Kisses from Dublin, Ireland!
Megan Johnson says
This post brought tears to my eyes! She seems like such a wonderful young lady and I hope she has the best birthday!! My daughter turned 12 on the 2nd and also asked for a room makeover…they are getting so grown up!!
Le Ann Osborne says
She’s a beautiful girl, inside and out! Happy Birthday Kensington!
Sandi says
Happy Birthday Kensington! My youngest is 12 and sounds so much like your K. She was super shy and in the shadows of her siblings. In kindergarten and 3rd grade Morgan was tested for learning disabilities, but she had such wonderful teachers that worked with her and she was doing great. Fourth grade was hard. Half way through we took her out and I started homeschooling her. We did that for three years (each year wondering if this would be the one that we would send her back to school) and she returned to school this year and is doing great. Her older brother is a senior and it’s so fun to watch him drive his sisters to school. It’s also fun because she doesn’t get dropped off at school by her MOM but gets to ride with a SENIOR. That gives her a little clout with her friends 🙂
Debbra Weber says
Happy Birthday to you sweet girl! Enjoy celebrating her this evening!! I made your cheesy ranch tacos last night for dinner : )
Andrea says
Happy Birthday Kensington!! Wow Shay, that comment about all 3 of those girls standing up for her at her wedding, just WOW! They are all so lucky to have each other. ❤️
Paula says
Awww…sweet post. Your girl surely has been a trooper (along with her Momma) this whole past year. Happy Birthday wishes, K!
Stephanie Platt says
Happy Birthday to that sweet girl of yours!
Rebecca Jo Vincent says
Happy Birthday to your precious girl!
Pamela says
She’s so lovely – Happy Birthday, Kensington!
GiGi Turner says
Happy birthday to your beautiful, sweet, talented Kensington!!! And happy “birth day” to you too, Mama Shay!
Joanne says
Aw, what a sweet birthday tribute for a sweet young lady. I hope she has a fabulous year. My baby turns 13 next week– my youngest will be a teenager… I just can not wrap my head around that one.
shevonne latter says
Happy 12th Birthday to Your Beautiful Kensington
She is pure sunshine from the inside out and radiates a Kindness that I just know touches everyone in her radius
May today be an especially Special start to her 12th Year ?✨?✨?
Jaren Dubois says
Happy Birthday Kensington! She’s growing into such a beautiful young lady!
kandace Yuen says
Happy Birthday Kensington! It’s marvelous to see the loving kindness of this beautiful young lady.
I’m glad I found your website. Your yummy recipes are amazing as are your wonderful children!
Please keep doing what you’re doing. May God continue to bless you and your family abundantly. XOXO
Jeanie says
Happy birthday, Kensington! It’s easy to see why your mom and dad are so proud of you. You are lovely.
Janet says
Happy birthday Kensington!
Kelly says
And you’ll blink again and she’ll be driving:) Happy Birthday to your sweet girl!
Liz Thorson says
Happy 12th Birthday, Kensington! I know I’m late with cheer, but I wanted to wish you best wishes for the coming year! I’ve been loving your mom’s blogs for years and you have always reminded me of your grandmother on your mom’s side—sweet, quiet, thoughtful, patient, talented and loyal. I also think you are a dear and remarkable big sister! I hope your birthday celebrations with friends and family have been joyful!
Lauren says
My GOODNESS I don’t even know these sweet girls IRL, but that comment about them standing with her at the wedding…I seriously just teared up. Sniffffff. I’m fine, just fine.
Tera says
Do you worry about putting so much of your kids’ lives online? Not just for safety reasons but for their own privacy and dignity. My kids are similar ages as K and they do not want anything posted online that their friends might read! I know you may even ask permission but it’s probably hard to say no mom for certain kids. Just food for thought.
Mix and Match Mama says
This is something I pray about and take seriously. Right now, it’s a good fit for our family and part of our story/who we are/a way we can minister to others (especially about adoption), but that might eventually change. I don’t think my kids have a hard time telling me no though. That’s one thing I feel really confident about, they speak their minds and I always respect it.