The Big 4!

Dear Ellie,
This morning you woke up bright and early, I know you were so excited about turning 4 today, and asked to cuddle. How could I say no? Early mornings, cuddling with you, sharing stories, and playing I Spy at dawn are some of my favorite times. And even when you jump into my bed, curl up, and drift off to sleep again I just love to hear your breath. But this morning was even more special than most... Today is your birthday. When you curled up close, I remembered what I was doing at 5:30am just four years ago and I cried. I think I was probably doing the same thing... Laying in bed with the darkness outside and you were in my arms. I had that same feeling inside that I had this morning and that I have right now...
I love you.
This morning you asked me to tell you your birthday story. So, I told you how big my belly was just before anyone could hold you in their arms. Then I told you that I went to the doctor and she told me it was time to go to the hospital to finally meet you. I told you how your daddy and I called Meme & Papoo and Grandma & Grandpa and told them it was finally time. They all rushed to the hospital so that they could meet you. Then you asked how you came out of my belly. I wasn't ready to go into all of that so I just told you that the doctors helped... we will go into more detail another time, I promise! That is when we all found out that you were a beautiful and healthy baby girl and your daddy went to tell everyone that Ellis Ryan is here, happy, and healthy! You see, no one knew if you were a boy or a girl... That was an awesome surprise!
I love you!
You have changed so much. You aren't the baby, newborn, or toddler I once knew, you are a big girl. Your feet and legs can run, jump, skip, gallop, climb, hop, and dance! Your belly may be pickier that it used to but it still makes good choices (most of the time) but it can also hold so much more than it ever did before! Your arms help your feet and legs do all of their fabulous things and still give the best hugs in the world. Your butt, well, that hasn't changed much at all. It is still doing the same stinky things it always did but you are shaking your booty more than ever!
Your hands, your amazing hands... they can do puzzles, write words, play Barbies and babies. They draw beautiful and colorful pictures. They play music, turn pages to read books, and unhook seat belts (when it is time). However, they still rub Bird and Bah-bah. Your eyes are still big, brown, and full of questions. They still take in the whole world around you. Your mouth is always asking questions and surprising me with your knowledge of the things around you. It also gives the biggest and sweetest kisses ever.
Some things haven't changed though... Your heart, your kind and loving heart. You are tender and pure, loving and giving, honest and sincere, I hope and pray every day that this world never changes you.
I love you.
Pink... You are all girl from the shiny tiara on your head to the multi-colored pedicure on your toes. You still prefer dresses and skirts but sometimes only pants or shorts will do!
You are hard-headed, determined, independent, and have selective hearing at times. You have a 'can do' attitude when it is how, when, and where you want! You also have a 'you do' streak to yourself, specially when it is something you don't want to do, that is when you are fantastic at delegation!
You are a great sharer and an awesome mommy to all of your babies. You are eager to help and explore the world... as long as someone is there with you! You love your night time stories and riding in the car with your songs "LOUDER" and the windows down, singing at the top of our lungs!
I love you.
You make me cry, laugh, scream, smile, worry, sing, dance, and act sillier than ever. You make me... me. No matter how old or big your get you will always be my little girl and I will always want to keep you safe and out of harms way. Happy birthday, baby, I love you.

Love always,
Mommy