4 birthdays old!

Ellie and Reid's mom here....unreal how Ellie is celebrating her 4th birthday today. Where does the time go? Here Ellie is celebrating birthday #1, and that seems like it was just yesterday. I will never forget the moment she was born, and I heard the words, "It's a girl!" I was so thrilled. A little girl! I prayed from that day on that we would be able to have a mother-daughter relationship like I have with my mom. God blessed me greatly by giving me Ellie.

Birthday #2. My how you changed in a year! You were quite the independent little stinker! Your favorite phrase at this time in your life was, "I do it!" And, yes you could most of the time! Your belly laugh makes me laugh, and your unending love of books makes me smile. You love bugs and bath time. You are easy to please but a horrible sleeper. You wear me out, but I love you to the moon and back....always.

3 years old in this picture and what a little lady you have become. You love your princess dresses and your chest filled with dress up clothes. You love playing with friends and tea parties. You love going out to play in the mud. You hate thunder and lightning. You love to eat broccoli and chinese take out! Your favorite thing to watch is Dora or Diego. You love going to church on Sunday. You are my big helper. You frequent the time out chair somedays! You are strong willed and as independent as they come. Daddy and I count our blessings everyday and are grateful that you were given to us. What a gift.

4 years old....today. I am amazed by you. You are so smart and kind to others. You have been such a big girl since Reid was born. You don't see differences in others...you see them for who they are. You love your brother and are such a great helper to me everyday. You have grown up so much in the past year. When you woke up this morning, you asked me the most precious question. You said, "Mommy, do I look taller?" I asked you, "Why?" And you replied, "Well, I am four years old now. I think I grew taller overnight." I smiled....and told you that I absolutely think you are right. You have also grown in the hearts of so many. You are a beautiful spirit and I can't wait to see how you grow this year. Mommy, Daddy, and Reid love you today and always. You are our princess who plays in the dirt with the best of them! Happy birthday, Ellie. We love you!