Happy Birthday, Ellia!

I know I say this every year at the kids' birthdays....but I really can't believe how the time passes by. 
Has it really been a year since I live-blogged Ellia's birth? 

She brings so much joy into our lives....to all of us.  It's impossible to imagine life without her.
 
One really neat thing for me to watch is Corban with her.  When we found out we were having another girl, he cried.  Seriously!  He had been praying for a brother for over a year and was convinced that this was it.  There was no question in his mind it would be a boy. 

He did reconcile himself to the idea of a third sister.....but reluctantly so.

Now?

He adores her endlessly.  He face lights up when he sees her every morning and he comes to give her hugs and kisses.  He plays with her, carries her around, is helping her learn to stand alone and encouraging those first steps daily, and it's obvious how proud of her he is. 

Her?  She laughs and laughs at him, tackles him, kisses him, reaches for him at times.....she loves him wholeheartedly. 

This is from a few days ago....he was helping her practice standing.

Anyways.  Got a little sidetracked there.

Ellia is a delight!  She doesn't say many words but sure can talk loudly!  She doesn't walk yet, but crawls with supersonic speed and cruises around furniture with growing confidence.  Her personality is showing more every day - her sense of humor, little games she plays, even the fits she throws.  She understands so much and is pretty effective at communicating what she wants.  She's very affectionate and sweet-natured, but definitely has some spice thrown in there. 



She LOVES cake! 

New pair of shoes.

Hmmm...I wonder if I can get this on!

New sippy cups.....tastes good!

She had a blast at her party last night. It was really funny.....she seemed to understand completely that the party was for her. She didn't need help opening her presents, although her sisters were convinced that she must and kept trying to assist her.

She did love tearing the tissue paper, as I knew she would, but she was also very interested in each of her gifts and in showing them off to Daddy.

It was a lovely party....made extra special by having grandparents here (Grant's parents) and his brother at the end.  A lovely party for a treasure of a girl.  And today we celebrate again.....with leftover cake!

We are blessed......beyond words......with our children.  The best gifts we've ever gotten. 

Happy Birthday, Ellia.  May God shower you with his love and blessings and give us wisdom each day as we raise you.  We love you!!