Dear Ellie,

Is it true?  Are you really 7 years old today?  It's hard for me to think of you as a 7 year old.  It happened so quickly.  One day I was buying you and Addison matching outfits in the toddler section of Baby Gap - size 1 and 3, then 2 and 4.  That feels like last week.  And now, today, you're 7.  And you've moved way out of the toddler section of Baby Gap.  And I'm having a harder time buying you clothes because everything your size looks so "pre-teen" and hip and cool and way too grown up for my sweet little Ellie.  And all I want to do is keep buying you tops with little butterflies that say "cute as a bug" on them.

But as much as I want to keep you little, I am loving every minute with you at this stage in your life.  You are such a happy girl Ellie.  You always have been.  You are vivacious and full of life from the minute you first wake up in the morning.  Your daddy and I start every day with a smile because of you.  

You were meant to be a big sister.  Kole adores you and Addison counts the seconds each day until you get home.  They both rely on you to entertain them because it's always a party when you are around.  

You are extremely social and are loved by all of your classmates at school.  I hear constantly from other moms how nice you are to everyone.  How much you care about other people's feelings and how much their children love being with you.  I'm always so proud.  You have a way of making friends so easily.  A couple of weeks ago we were at Nordstroms and you were waiting behind me while I bought something.  All of a sudden I heard you talking to a lady close by...telling her your name and all about the doll you took to school for sharing that day.  By the time we left the store the two of you were hugging good-bye like long lost friends.  Just like that.  It's so easy for you to talk to people.   

You love to be "comfy."  You care much more about being comfortable than you do about being fashionable (unlike Addison).  You won't wear anything that is "itchy" and you put on your pajamas the second you get home for the day.  You love being home in your p.j's - playing with your little "friends" (dolls and stuffed animals).  You take such good care of everyone.  I know that someday you will be an amazing mom.

I love how content you are Ellie.  You love just being with your family.  We hear several times each day how much you love us all.  Even when you're mad about something, you always make it clear that while you're upset, you still love us.  (see hairstyle post)  :)

When I was growing up I always loved the number 19.  I remember once soon after your daddy and I were married he asked me why I liked 19 so much and I said "I don't know.  I've just always loved that number."

Then you came into my world on January 19th and suddenly it was very clear why that number always felt special to me.  YOU are so special to me.  You make me smile every single day.  You make me happy every single day.  You make me feel gratitude every single day.

Happy 7th Birthday Ellie.  I love you so much.

xoxo,

Mommy