Ellie: 3 years

12-15-13

I look at you and I can't believe that it has been 3 years since I was pregnant feeling your kicks and nudges and dreaming about your future. It feels like yesterday that we were bringing you home from the hospital completely unaware of all the ways our lives would change. And change they have; but I wouldn't trade it for a minute. As I watch you grow and see your personality take shape I can't help but be so proud.

 You are 31lbs and 38in. You are in size 3T clothes and wear size 8 shoe. You know your colors and shapes. Not only can you sing the ABC'S, but you can recognize them and know what sound they make. Sometimes when you talk you will sound out the first letter of whatever you are saying. "I'm H-H-Hungry." You are so smart and observant. You love to learn and problem solve. You are sweet and kind. You are strong-willed and fiercely independent. You remember every thing. Everything. You like to be busy and on the go, you would rather be out and about then sitting at home.

Three has brought about its challenges. One minute you are so sweet that I think you could melt, but then the next you are a ball of defiance that has my head spinning. But in every moment I am aware that I love you so much I feel like my heart could burst. You want to do everything yourself. You can be very argumentative. You will now tell us "I love you mommy/daddy" unprompted and it is the sweetest thing ever. You have become quite the cuddler. You will snuggle up next to me on the couch and say "I'm mommy and daddy's little baby.' I love these little moments.

You are very polite. When we offer you something (mostly vegetables) at dinner you will say "No, thank you" or "Um, no thanks" and think it gets you out of having to have some. You do have a knack of saying "you have to do this for me" Instead of saying "Please" but we're practicing. You are so funny and have a few of your own Ellie-isms. When you have a runny nose you will come to me and tell me that you have a sneezer. Sometimes I will (purposely) call you by the wrong name (ask "are you ready freddie") and you will say "I'm not freddie, I'm Ellie!"

You are more of an introvert. If we go to someones house, especially if there are a lot of people around it takes you a little bit to warm up. You will cling to daddy or I and want us to pick you up and hold you until you are comfortable and have had enough time to warm up. We have to remind people to just give you time and not to take anything personally-you just need a minute. But once you come out of your shell you are a ham. You are an observer. You take everything in just like a little sponge and are always aware of what is going on around you. I think you have a sixth sense for knowing when someone is eating. We can't hide anything from you! If you hear a wrapper you say "I want some of that". You won't even know what it is; but you know that you want some! You love to sing and are constantly walking around singing songs and opening and lifting your arms like you are on center stage. The words don't always make sense and I can't always understand what your're saying, but that doesn't stop you!

Nap time is hit or miss around here, but you still go down for at least some rest time every day. Some days you will actually fall asleep, but most days are spent with you quietly singing or trying to do a somersault in your bed. You have become quite the picky eater. Your favorite food is peanut butter and jelly, and you would have it for every meal if you could. I'm hoping that this phase will pass, but there are a lot of nights that you won't eat what's for dinner. You are still in diapers. Sometimes you will go on the potty before you get in the bath at night but that is pretty much it. You have NO interest in wearing underwear. At all. I'm hoping that one day you will just wake up and be over diapers. 

You are such a great big sister and are very sweet to Michael. You like to talk to him and love to give him food at dinner time. You aren't a big fan of the fact that he can crawl and get into your toys though. I think sharing will be a never-ending lesson when it comes to siblings.You are still obsessed with animals; mostly cats and dogs and light up when you see one. You love Aunties cat Jack and always make sure to tell us what he you think he wants and needs.

If I could bottle you up and keep you little I definitely would; but I am so excited to see what God has in store for your life; I know He is going to use you in some amazing ways. You have turned our world upside down and caused our hearts to double in size. I am so thankful God gave you to us. We love you so much and are completely enamored with you my sweet Ellie Bellie.