Growing Up

Sweet Sis,

You have grown up so much in the last couple of weeks. Your little personality is oozing out and we love it! You have a feisty side that makes all of us laugh.

For example, while eating you love to feed yourself. You are becoming so independent that way! When you are finished eating you grab your food and begin throwing it to the floor as if to say, "get this food out of my way". These days you are eating more than your brother, seriously! I don't know where you put it all that food, but you have an amazing appetite!

Another example is if you are playing with a toy and Cal decides to take it away- a month ago you would have let him get away with it... not any more. Now you holler at him and let him know that you are not pleased. Good for you little girl! You are tiny, but you let your voice be heard!

I have a hard time keeping bows in your hair these days. I put it in and the next thing I know you are pulling it out. You know it's there and you will do whatever it takes to pull it out. Silly girl!

You are such a little doll! I cleaned out your drawers and finally removed all of the 3-6 month clothing... you are almost 11 months old. The crazy thing is that several of those outfits still fit, they were just long sleeved and it's much too hot for you to wear them. They have all been replaced with your summer attire.

You make us smile, sweet girl!

Love,

Mom

Sweet Dreams

Dear Ellie,

You are such a good little sleeper! You and your brother go to bed every night between 7pm and 7:30pm and you sleep for a whole 12 hours! Incredible!

By the time your dad and I go to bed you've been asleep for a couple of hours. Before I fall asleep I sneak into your room and watch you sleep. Most of the time you've scooted your way up to the corner of your crib, the top of your head resting against your bumper pad. This causes some of the most amazing hair the next morning I've ever seen! :) You make us smile!

But what I love the most is just watching you dream. I know you must be having dreams of heaven. You look so peaceful- so beautiful!

You have become a blankie girl, just like your brother. You hug it tight and keep it with you all night long.

Night night sweet girl!

Mom

Just Dance

Sweet Little Bell,

You have become quite the little dancer. You LOVE to lean against furniture and stand up like a big girl. You look so proud of yourself! When we say to you, "Dance Ellie", you bend your knees and start dancing.

You will often do this on your own when you hear music. Even if you are sitting down you will bop your little head up and down to the beat!

You love when brother sings to you... even if you are sad, he can always make you smile by singing and dancing for you. I love seeing the two of you together. You are so aware of Calan and love to have him around.

I love you, our little dancing queen!!

Love,

Mom

A typical Sunday

Little Sister,

Today is Sunday and we love Sundays.

Now that we have church at 1pm, mornings will be nice and relaxing. Brother will get a full nap before church and that will be nice for all of us.

You got a long bath today. You love the water! You splash and splash with no worry of the water getting in your eyes. You are so brave! Such a big girl.

I love to dress you for church. Sundays are very special and it is important to me to have you and Cal look nice. It shows respect to our Heavenly Father.

Every time I put on your tights, your bloomers, your dress, shoes and a bow you seriously glow. It's as though you know it is a special day and that you look ADORABLE. My favorite is when we go in to show daddy how cute you look, your eyes sparkle and you seem to be saying, "How do I look Daddy?" And of course he dotes on you and calls you his little princess.

You are so good at church and the only "problem" we've had is when you get a bit too talkative. :) You make friends in the hall and everyone wants to say hello and get a smile from you. You always deliver.

I love when we come home and you change out of your dress. I love to leave you in your onesie, tights and bloomers. You look so stinkin' cute I can hardly stand it. Something about those bloomers- that are usually 2 sizes to big on you. Love it!

Sundays are very special and I love every minute of it with you!

Hugs and kisses,

Mom

A New Year

Sweet Little Ellie,

It is a new year!! 2011 is here and it is going to be wonderful! This year you are going to learn how to walk and I bet you will talking up a storm before we know it. So many amazing things to look forward too! You are amazing!

You are almost 5 months old and we can't remember life without you. You are such a perfect addition in our home. Your constant smiles and adorable jibber jabber lighten our life so richly.

Because you are so little I feel like you are still our tiny baby girl, but you are growing up quickly and are more alert than ever. You love watching your brother and you seem to study his every move. :)

Sis, we love you so much. Please stay little as long as possible. :)

This is going to be a great, great year!

Much love,

Mom