Ella Bella

As I have stated before, we are in a new stage of parenting with Ella...learning to let go a little.  It is hard.  JT and I have no clue what we are doing, but neither did we the day we brought her home.  She has turn out ok, I believe.

She is such a huge...HUGE...help to me.  I don't know what I would do without her around.  She is always willing to do what I ask...most of the time.  If I need a diaper, she runs to get one for me.  If I left something upstairs, she gets it.  She entertains the babies, so I can get food on the table.

I try to make an effort to thank her for all she does.  I also am allowing freedoms for just her, and some of her responsibilities are a little more grown up...they require me trusting her.  It is important for her to know I trust her. 

She is very much a free spirit!  She has a deep passion for the things she likes.  And if she doesn't like something, she will let you know...over and over and over.

A lot of people don't get her...sometimes I don't get her.  But I love her!

She is growing up way to fast...but still in some ways she will always be my baby girl.

I feel like I have been down on her recently...always on her case about something.  But yesterday, I realized that I need to ease up a little, because when I do, she shines...she proves to me that I can trust her.

She is a wonderful big sister and a wonderful first born.

Ella, when you are older and you read this, I want you to know that I could not have made it through these past couple years without you.  Thank you for being who you are and always bringing a smile to my face.  You make life better when you are around.  I can never say it enough, but I love you (more than the outer spaces)!