I have known Katie’s mom Kim for a REALLY LONG TIME! Twenty three years in fact! She is one of my dearest friends! In those years, we have laughed, cried, traveled, helped move, danced, and laughed some more! Each time we meet up we immediately say “heyyyyyy” and start laughing! I’m pretty sure we both are having some crazy shenanigan flashbacks! HA!

In 2002, the sweetest little angel made her entrance into the world, and my dear friend Kim’s life was never the same! I remember flying to Texas, just two months after Katie was born. She was so precious and had these big blue eyes! She wasn’t fussy, or grumpy. Just a sweet, happy little baby!

In the months following, Kim and Katie moved back to Kim’s hometown in Tennessee. They made a life for themselves; just the two of them & were content with their mother-daughter relationship. This all changed on February 15, 2008, just a few days after Katie turned six. This is the day Kim went on her first date with David. Little did Kim & Katie know that this date would change the course of their lives forever!

When Kim & David started dating, David knew Katie would always be with Kim. And he LOVED IT! Fun adventures to Build-a-Bear, celebrating New Year’s with party horns and great food and talking about the music of Pearl Jam or Duke basketball.

He relished every second of it! In November of 2009, David asked Kim to be his wife. They had a beautiful October wedding where Katie was a flower girl AND she sang Taylor Swift’s Love Story song. Every time I hear it now, it takes me back to the sweet little 8 year old, singing at their wedding.

They’ve moved, changed jobs, and had another baby. In everything, David has always been Katie’s rock. Her daddy-daughter dancing partner. Her go-to when things got tough. When she needed advice on different things, or someone to teach her how to drive. Throughout her life, David has been her constant. Besides her mom, Katie always knew that no matter what, she was loved by David.

Around the time Katie was in her mid-teens, she talked about the idea of David adopting her. Due to circumstances beyond their control, those hopes of Katie becoming “officially a Tate” would have to be put on hold….but not for long!

Shortly after Katie’s 18th birthday she knew EXACTLY what she wanted…to be officially adopted by David. Nothing could stop it from happening!

I remember in August, Kim calling me & telling me this AMAZING news!! I was so elated I was tearing up, and exclaiming just how WONDERFUL this was!

FINALLY!!!

September 15th, 2020- The day they had waited for for SO LONG!

Due to COVID restrictions, if they proceeded with the adoption at the courthouse, the only people in attendance could be Kim, David & Katie. Not even Katie’s brother Hudson could attend. Thankfully, their fantastic attorney said they could meet in his office & get on a Zoom call with the judge. That way EVERYONE could be there!

Katie, not only did your name change that day, but David’s did too. He’s no longer known as David, he’s Dad.

IT’S OFFICIAL!!!!

If you loved this, I think you’ll like:

Katie’s Cap and Gown

Downtown Murfreesboro Senior Session | Katie