Ellie's First Birthday!

How does a year go so fast? Babies will certainly show you just how fast time is moving.

I love those newborn days, Ellie was so good at being an infant. She would smile at you so charmingly and was so easy to snuggle up. If she woke up in the middle of the night she would go right back to sleep after I let her lay on my chest. She is pretty great as a toddler too, with her quick smile and laugh and how she loves to be goofy.

Elizabeth has brought so much joy and so much love into our lives. I look forward to watching her grow into a little person even if I will miss those sweet baby days.

Ellie, you are such a sweet and clever little girl. You love to explore, are up for adventures, are observant, and very capable. You work hard to catch up to your big brother and love him like crazy. You let us know if you don't like something but you are regularly pretty calm and confident about it. You are willing to try new things and new foods. You love to sit on my lap and snuggle.

My sweet girl, one is:

• Walking as much and as fast as you can.
• Chatting and laughing non-stop.
• Eating as much cheese as I will give you.
• Marching around shaking the maracas.
• Playing with all of Jaime's toys. Playing with your babies.
• Swinging for as long as you can get away with.
• Reading non-stop from sun-up to sun-down.
• Painting or coloring, preferably animals.
• Snuggling and giving kisses.

We celebrated Ellie's birthday with some pink and sparkly decorations, cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery, and of course some presents.

She loved playing on the table for pictures and cupcakes.

Jaime was concerned about Ellie making a mess with her cupcake.

And of course, the kids' favorite part is playing with the new toys. Jaime was very sweet with his little sister, showing her how to do use her new toddler toys.

Happy birthday our sweet Ellie!