Happy 1st Birthday Ella Joy!

It happened.

I blinked and this year passed me by and my baby grew up right before my eyes.

Instead of being a tiny, cuddly baby she's now a busy, on-the-go (almost) toddler. She's fascinated with her tongue, her fingers and her ability to crawl at lightening quick speeds.


I sit and watch her curious mind marvel at the simplest of creations.

And then she tries to eat them.

I'm forever digging something out of her mouth. Leaves, grass, sticks, old cereal from under Olivia's booster seat. Ew.

Sometimes, I can catch her before she shoves her newest treasure beyond her lips. I yell, "Ella! No!" and instead she holds it as high in the air as her pudgy little hands can reach and proclaims, in her own little baby voice, "I diii iiiieee." (I did it.)

She's cruising all over the place, holding onto any and every thing she can wrap her hands around. I really think she'll be walking within the next few weeks (she'll probably take her first steps while I'm in Guinea-Bissau).

She's got the sweetest little smile and laugh and I love to plant smooches all over her irresistible, chubby cheeks. And I especially love those 10 or so wispy hairs that stick out on the sides of her head by her ears. They crack me up.

She can say, "I eeee daaaa" (I see that!), "I diiii ieeee" (I did it!), "Daaaaawwww" (Dog), "Niiiiiiiiihhhh" (Night-Night), "Maaaa" (Momma), and "Daaaa" (Da-Da). She's determined, sweet, easily redirected and seriously the sweetest baby I've ever met - yes, I know I say that EVERY MONTH.


These next pictures are courtesy of my awesome, putmetoshameasaphotographer, friend Beth.

Her newest favorite thing is to hold onto my hands and "walk."

That is, when she's not FAKE laughing.


Or just being generally happy and smiley.



My sweetest Ella Joy,

Happy 1st Birthday! One year ago, I was still reliving your birth several times a day. I was snuggling you and soaking in your newness. I was smelling the top of your tiny little head and rubbing my fingers along your smooth and soft cheeks. I was taken aback, once more, at how God could choose to bless me by allowing me, of all women, to be your mother.

You were particular and enjoyed sleeping in the bed right up beside me. Truth is, I've "broken" a lot of my hard-and-fast rules of mothering (you know, all those things I said I'd never do) in the last year. I always said I'd let my babies cry themselves to sleep and I can promise you that you rarely cry yourself to sleep. My heart just can't take it.

I always thought I'd never be the Mom who gave her baby a bottle of juice just to make them happy. You get juice on the regular. In a bottle. Oh the shame.

But despite all those things I never said I'd do, one thing remains with you that was the same for your brothers and sisters before you. You make my heart swell with unimaginable love. You make my face broaden into a huge smile each time I go into your room to rescue you from your crib. When you tuck your head and crawl at me at top speed, my heart can't contain the joy. Your sweet spirit and easy personality just makes our family seem so much brighter.

Truly, I was afraid that maybe you'd get little attention, being the youngest of 6 kids all within 6 years. But, the truth is, you probably get the most attention of everyone in the house. You are irresistible and I'm not the only one who thinks so. Your brothers and sisters lavish you with love and you squeal your disapproval and giggle your delights.

And although this year has FLOWN by (much faster than my heart was ready for) you make my job as your Momma more joyful with each passing day. Oh how I love you sweet, Ella-goat girl. I will always and forever.

All my love,

Mommy