Kathryn Marie Orcutt, called Katy, my precious granddaughter, lights up our lives with her sweetness and joy. She is the daughter of Gregory Orcutt and Alexandra Kathryn Orcutt, my daughter.
When she is sitting calmly by herself –sometimes, you can hear her singing her current favorite song–“Everything is Awesome!”

“Look at me! First I pulled all the videos off the shelf, then I climbed right up and leaned, fell, jumped over to the back of the chair! Now, how am I going to get down?! Help, Mommy! “
Katy is a daredevil too, however, so she keeps us on the edge of our seats! She loves to climb and nothing is too daunting for her! She once tried to climb the long chain hanging down from a stained glass lamp and pulled the treasured lamp, made by her Granddaddy, right out of the ceiling! Thank heavens, she wasn’t hurt, nor was the lamp, miraculously!
Katy is named after several beloved family members– first and foremost, her mother Ali, Alexandra Kathryn Holshouser Orcutt. We also have my beloved cousin Kathryn Youngblood Fuller, and my mother’s sister Katherine named after her mother–my maternal grandmother Katherine Steptoe Houchins Kearse/Kerse (called Kate) . These are some of the treasured family members her parents were thinking of when they named her Katy.
Her middle name Marie, is just as, or even more prevalent in our family. Max Holshouser, my husband, Ali’s father, Katy’s granddaddy–his mother was Helen Marie Wagner Holshouser. Helen Marie named her daughter Brenda Marie, Max’s sister. Brenda named one of her three daughters Patrice Marie, Patrice had Amanda Marie, who has Paisley Marie! That’s five generations of Marie’s in Ali’s father’s family!
I also had an Aunt Helen Marie Youngblood Webb, who had a daughter Grace Marie Webb Wingo , and a granddaughter through her son Philip named Maria Webb. In the South, we love family legacies, and family names, it makes genealogy harder, but it is a loving tribute.
Katy was a premature baby like both of her siblings. She was 6 weeks early, and had to be in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for about three weeks. That was an extremely stressful time! Every developmental milestone she reaches, counting, recognizing letters, talking– is duly noted by her mom, and her psychologist grandmother! We are very aware of the concerns–possible leaning difficulties. So far she is meeting or exceeding every developmental milestone, counts and knows all her letters, and even laughs at her grandmother’s jokes!
Katy’s current favorite joke is this one which sends her off into peals of laughter!
Knock Knock
Who’s there
Banana
Banana who…
Knock Knock
Who’s there
Banana
Banana who…
Knock Knock
Who’s there
Banana
Banana who…
(This bit can go on for some time!!)
Knock Knock
Who’s there
Orange
Orange who…
Orange you glad I didn’t say banana again!!
She even likes to tell it herself, dress herself, walk by herself, eat by herself, and just do everything–“by myself!” Miss Independent! I love it and her. (Sorry if it doesn’t show, LOL) I’d love to hear about the special kids in your own life! Thanks for sharing with me. Helen
April 13, 2015 at 5:20 am
Awww…granddaughters are just so precious! My granddaughter Paige was born on January 21, she’s 5 years old. Lovely post! 🙂
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April 13, 2015 at 6:04 am
She is beautiful!!! Marie was a prevalent middle name in our family as well – I am Judith Marie, but only when I am in big trouble!
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April 13, 2015 at 10:08 am
Oh melinda, they share a birthday! How cool! Yes, we are blessed, thanks for sharing! Love it ! H
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April 13, 2015 at 10:15 am
Dear judi, how interesting! I wish i’d thought to include her favorite cat– ” Oui, oui, my name is Marie!” With an aunt Helen Marie, i am surprised i wasn’t named that, but instead my middle name came frm my Grandfather! I too was only both names when i was in trouble! Helen Spear (Youngblood) ! LOL
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April 13, 2015 at 9:55 pm
Uh-oh! You a have a “by myself” baby. That’s great though. That is usually an early warning sign of a strong independent woman to come.
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April 13, 2015 at 11:03 pm
Oh how I hope you are right Scarlet Embers! We need strong people today! Thank you for being a part of this journey Scarlet!
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April 14, 2015 at 7:00 am
She’s so sweet! She needs to be in gymnastics, like my monkey of a son!
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April 14, 2015 at 7:45 am
I think you are exactly right, Lauren Greene! Thank you so much for being a part of this ! Helen
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