One

I often think how funny our perception of time is.  In some ways it is hard to believe that Ellie could possibly be one already, but in others it seems that she's been here forever.

We are so grateful for this little one.

 

(The first day I move her high chair for her to join them for lunch.)

It has been such a joy to watch the older children with her.  They adore her, smother her with affection, and drive her a little batty.  It is fun to see her through their eyes.  Everything she does is amazing to them.  Unless it's annoying, and then it's horrid!

(Her first juice pop when she was sick recently.)

At one Elliana is a Mama's girl.  She clings to me if she thinks someone might take her.  She teases by playing peek-a-boo.  She likes to hide under blankets.  She looks upstairs for the others when they aren't around.

 

Speaking of stairs she can climb them, ottomans, chairs, etc. so quickly!  I've been letting her climb up to go to her bath.  This elicits squeals of delight from the other children (we'll list this as amazing for now--she hasn't raided their rooms yet, then I'm sure it will be moved to horrid).

 

She says 'Mama,' 'Dada,' 'Ba' or 'Da' for duck, and has said 'Wa' for water.

 

She sings 'La, la, la,' when she wants us to sing.  Her favorite song is A-la-la-la-la-la-le-luia, probably because she can sing it.  If You're Happy and You Know It is a close second.

 

She can take two unassisted steps before she tumbles.

She sleeps at night (so Mama sings A-la-la-la-la-la-le-luia).

As babies go, she is sweet and patient.  She loves to go and see new things.  All very good traits in the fourth, who is an instant tag-a-long.

Happy First Birthday Ellie-Bellie!  We love you so much, and we are so grateful God sent you to us!