To Our Ellie Girl
"Rest your head next to my heart, never to part, baby of mine"
Oh, little girl. I can't begin. I don't know where to. The love I have for you breaks me down every time, and it's extra magnified on this big special day that is your first birthday. Your existence has changed my life, our whole world. You made me the mother of a daughter, you taught me more patience than I could ever learn and aside from your big brother have never felt a love so strong. My darling daughter, I hope you grow to be strong, wise, loving and kind to every person you meet. I hope you grow to know who you are and never lose sight of it. I hope you remember that no matter who you are, who you choose to love or what you look like we will always be your biggest fans. I hope you remember that no matter how much your big brother is annoyed by you, he begs me for another sister just because he adores you so much. And above all, I hope you know how much Mommy and Daddy love you. We love your hair and the fact we've had to brush it every time you've taken a bath, since the time you were about 4 months old. We love your mischievous laugh. We love your beautiful tan skin that glows from the top of your head to the tips of your toes. We love that you will only dance to Beyonce. Your chunky little thighs are adorable and we've eaten your cheeks on a daily basis since the day you arrived. And your smile? It compels strangers to walk over to you to say hello wherever we are. You are our miracle. The daughter I never thought I'd have. The day I almost lost my life to my Diabetes was the day we found out we were expecting you, and because you existed you saved my life. I'll always take care of myself so I can be you and Mason's mom. My heart often aches for your snuggles when we're apart and the smell of your hair is like a drug... and to ever be apart from that is unimaginable. Everything that makes you Ellie, our chunky girl, is what we want to forever hold on to. We love you so very much, little girl. <3 Happy first birthday Elizabeth Mae!
To everyone who helped us get by and survive this first year, we hope you know who you are and how much you are loved by us! Ellie will always be surrounded by so much love thanks to every single person who made even 5 minutes of our day more manageable. A special thanks to Sugarloaf Photography & Silver Pixels Photography for capturing our little girl's first days and moments leading up to her birthday. And to a very special little boy, the son of a friend, who should be celebrating his own first birthday soon, but went to live with Jesus... I will never ever celebrate our children's close birthdays without you in our heart. Your life will always be celebrated in our home!
Love you all <3