Happy Birthday, Ella Marie!! I’ll be honest, friends….I’ve been a sappy, sentimental momma this past week thinking about her turning two. I don’t know why…I guess because realizing she’s becoming less of a baby and more of a little girl just makes me so sad! However, it also fills my heart with so much happiness to see her grow, learn knew things, and watch her personality shine more and more each day.
Ella has been the complete opposite of Nicholas in so many ways. Especially NOW! She is very independent, bright, outgoing, and always the life of the party. Her favorite word right now is “No!” and when she doesn’t get her way (especially in a timely fashion) she will make sure you know how she feels about it. Haha! Nicholas was always very calm, more of an observer and didn’t say much, and never really had any kind of attitude (until about three but very mild). So we are staying on our toes with our little diva! But I have to say, I can already see her compassionate heart shining through, and she lights up any and every room she walks into. She LOVES her “bubba” and is so incredibly smart…she can count to eleven! She loves listening to Lady Gaga and requests a dance party every night before bed. Sister knows how to bust a move when Poker Face comes on!
I could go on and on about that little girl, but then we’d be here all day so I’ll stop myself before I end up with a novel. Most days I can barely hear my own thoughts and even think straight, but never in a million years would I change any of it for the world. Transitioning from one to two kids was so much harder than I ever could have imagined, but Ella has brought so much light and laughter to our lives, and I just feel so darn blessed every day that God chose me to be here momma! Having a little girl was always one of my biggest dreams and to have that come true has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. I’m so excited to spend the day celebrating our sweet girl turning another year older!
I have to mention this day is always bittersweet. 8 years ago on this day, we unexpectedly lost my sister and niece so there’s always sadness as we remember them and their memory. But in true Ella fashion, she brings light to a day that was filled with darkness and for that I am so thankful. April “Sunshine” and Katelynn, we remember you today and always, and miss you so very much!
Thank you Allison McCafferty for being so patient with us and still managing to capture some sweet moments with my girl!
P.S. Ella was less than thrilled about having our photos taken so her mannerisms in the pictures may look sweet, but that was pure defiance and a tantrum caught on camera! Just wanted to make sure and share that to remind you pictures aren’t always what they seem.
SHOP THE LOOK
This is my exact dress. Linking some other options below as well!
