Happy first birthday, Elodie!

To my little ray of sunshine, Elodie.

Ellie Belly, you are officially one year old today. I can't even believe it. It feels like I found out that I was pregnant with you last week and that just yesterday you were born. It certainly does not feel like a year has passed.

As my last baby, I have tried to savor every single moment of your "babyhood," and I just can't believe that this stage has gone by so quickly. Already you are taking your first tentative steps (not very well, yet, but you'll get the hang of it soon!), so you can check out more of the world you are so eager to experience. You're so smart that it baffles me sometimes; I feel like if you could express it somehow, you'd be able to tell us the meaning of the universe. You are almost always smiling or laughing, you're the happiest baby I've ever met. People who are in your presence for even an hour always tell your daddy and me what a happy girl you are, like we don't already know! This happiness is how you've earned the nickname of Sunshine, you can just light up a room like no one else.

I love how much you love your older siblings. You are always wanting to hug or kiss them, but even when they don't want any part in that (as much as they love these things, they can become "annoying" around hug number 100!) you are content to watch them play, you just want to be near them all the time. I especially love how much you love your daddy, though. When he walks in from work, or even from a different room, your face lights up and I can see in your eyes how much you love him. He is your favorite person (I am a distant second) and I am okay with that. I think you know just how much he has needed you and your love to help him make it through this year, and you have done such a fabulous job helping him heal. You will always be his best and most favorite girl.

I am so sad this year has flown by, but I am also so excited for the years to come. I cannot wait to take you to your first day of school, your first dance, your first date, your high school (and college!) graduation, your wedding, the birth of your first child... Of course I know there will be bumps along the way like fights with your friends and your first broken heart... all of those horrible things that I wish to shelter you from forever but know you have to experience. I hope you always remember that no matter how bad things may seem, you are always loved and wanted in this world, and I will always be here with open arms even when you're a "grown up."

I love you, Elodie.

Love,
Mama

We call our dd Ellie bellie too! Her name is Elliot! Happy 1st to your LO!

Quoting Elliot Grace's Mommy :" We call our dd Ellie bellie too! Her name is Elliot! Happy 1st to your LO!"

I love that nickname, I think it's so cute haha. Especially with big baby bellies, my Ellie has a big belly haha. And thank you!