Happy Birthday, Ellie

My dearest Elle Belle,

Today is your 3rd birthday. We are having a pool party with all of your friends and family to celebrate. You have gradually gotten to love the slip-n-slide over the summer and shown how brave you can be when given a little time. You like to be with your friends and are kind, silly and fun-loving when you are with them. You are 3 going on 5! You love to play with your older brother, and often can be found trailing behind him, with a sneaky look on your face.

I can still remember when we found out we were going to have you. We were living in our second house when we took the little test that said you were on your way. Daddy and I laughed because we were so excited and the first thought I had was..."I hope it's a girl." At one of our ultrasounds we found out that my wish had come true...our little girl was there...growing and moving. We did have a little scare before you were born. There were some lines on the ultrasound that could have been these bands that would have made it hard for you to grow and fill in the space when you got bigger. After a more detailed check, we found out things were fine, and I'm pretty sure I cried. You were fine and we couldn't wait for you to come!

When we began trying to think of your name it was so much fun. Daddy and I poured through the books looking for the perfect name for you. We wanted it to be strong, playful and girly. I think the deal was sealed when your Daddy said, "I would really like to have a girl who I could call Ellie. Yep, I want an Ellie." So, the search was on for a name that would work...Elissa Grace. The name Grace came from my grandmother, and I never knew what a pretty name it was, until I saw it with yours.

You came into the world, well, you had to be induced into the world, and I loved you instantly. You were so different from your brother, who was calm and predictable. Your eyes were open often and you always let us know what you were thinking (read:crying!). You did give us a run for our money when you were small and I think you still are. You are the reason that I love the color pink now.

Ellie, you are an adorable little girl with a knack for the mischievous. You've written on the walls(several times), the carpet and the table, peed on the floor, mixed up several puzzles, driven your brother crazy, screamed at a pitch I didn't think could come from such a small person and overall, given us a challenge. But, I look at you and you smile, you cuddle, you twirl, you dance and you sing. While I know that turning three is not a great milestone, looking back I see so many things that you have done and I am so proud of you. I can't even remember what it was like before you could talk with those sweet little pronunciations and scrunched up nose.

You have spunk and sweetness all wrapped up in pigtails and dirty fingernails. I love you and I promise to be the best mommy I can, so you can grow up and be a great mommy, too.

Love always,

Mommy

P.S. Your daddy is quite smitten with you. Take full advantage of this as long as you can;)