Life Lived Abundantly: November 2014

Happy Birthday, little Elle!
I can't believe it's been one whole year since you entered this world. From the moment I heard your first cry, held you in my arms and said hello to you for the first time, I was in love. But what I didn't understand then is how MUCH that love would grow over the next 364 days. As we've watched your bright and bubbly personality unfold, I've realized over and over again how very lucky I am that YOU call me "mama."

When I first met you in that hospital room, I was captivated by your dainty fingers, your button nose, and your wide-eyed wonder at the world around you. I'll never forget those first 48 hours with you:

I couldn't sleep. All I wanted to do was stare at you.

That hasn't really ever stopped. I sometimes still sneak in your room just to watch you dream or spend hours accomplishing nothing but watching you discover your little piece of this world; and sometimes... that is everything!

Your Daddy and I still feel like it's Christmas morning every morning when we walk in your room to wake you. Although, usually, you're wide awake and waiting for us - standing in your crib, talking to your stuffed animals. You giggle excitedly when you hear us open the door and greet us with the biggest and brightest smile, expectant and anxious to begin another day.
As the sweet older gentleman said to me in the grocery store the other day (after you charmed him with your sparkly personality):

"When you wake up to that grin every morning, how in the world could you start every day feeling anything but blessed?"

I'd say he's got it right!

You're a blessing in so many ways, little one. In fact, your Dad and I laid in bed last night looking at old pictures of you and marveling at all of the things we love about you.

But someone once told me that when the heart is full, the words are few.

And that's where I find myself this morning. A heart full of a year's worth of love for you; but a complete feeling of inadequacy to put it into words. So- one day, when you read this- I hope you'll look past my bumbling attempt to write and hear the heart in all of it.

What I love most is the everyday moments with you. You make the ordinary, mundane-nessof life SO much more fun. It's like I'm seeing the world all over again through your sweet brown eyes.

I love the way you throw your hands up in the air and dance to the beat when you hear music of any kind. You smile proudly when we clap and squeal "dance, dance, dance" I hope you never lose that spirit.

I love that when I'm on the phone and holding you in my arms (admittedly not paying attention to you), you reach your head, touch your nose to mine- as if to say "I'm here too, Mama" It works! I hang up right away and we go back to playing.

I adore your silly little giggle. It's contagious. Sometimes we laugh back and forth all the way to Target and never tire of it. You're my best buddy, little one!

And then there's your belly laugh...the one that overtakes your whole body. Mostly this comes while watching Daddy be silly or when Mama tickles your chin on the bed.

I love your sweet, slobbery kisses. Even when you're too busy playing to give me one of your famous open-mouthed ones, you blow them from the other side of the room. You love well, little girl!

And we can't forget your hugs and snuggles. Though it's rare for you to be still very long, there are those fleeting moments where you nuzzle on my shoulder and hug tightly! No better feeling in this world.

I love how you love strangers. In fact, you rarely seem to meet a stranger. You greet everyone with a wave and a smile and a piece of your larger than life personality.

I can't get enough of your adoration of blankie and curious George. Whenever you've been apart from them for longer than ten minutes, you reunite with kisses and squeals of joy.

I love your confidence. You've just learned to take steps and you walk bravely and securely. You know that you may fall but it doesn't stop you from trying.

I love that you're learning so much. You soak it all in and then out pours animal noises, sign language (sometimes), touchdown, waves, high fives and so much more!

And your JOY...we can't forget that! Your joy is....well, everything. It exudes from your cute little nose to your long tiny toes. You teach us all so much, sweet Elle!

We bought you a sign for your big girl room: