Elly Belly's BIRTHDAY!!!

If she heard me say this, she would say, "I NOT E-ee Beh-ee!"... hehehe, good thing she can't read!

Elly turned three and celebrated with style having a birthday party over the weekend, a birthday lunch date with Mommy, a surprise birthday party from Great Grandma, and lots of fun in between!

I love you, little Sister... so, SO much. Thank you for always pretending to be a lion, a prince, Taddy (the boy) when I'm Angelina (the girl); thanking you for letting me babysit your babies when you have to go to the store or on a train ride; and thanks for always being SO forgiving when I'm having a rough day. You are my BEST friend in the whole world!!

A Note From Mom: Elly is three.

Oh, my little Elly Belly... how can this even be??
I look at you sometimes and see a little woman;
then you flash that mischievous grin and dump something out or knock something over just because, and I'm reminded that you are indeed a little one.
My little one.
My little one who knows more about and exercises generosity on a daily basis than any adult I know;
your heart is so empathetic... my empathetic heart feels joy and pain for you as I ponder the many joys and pains you'll share with others through the years;
you are so forgiving and so kind.

Your lovely little heart shines through your sparkly blue eyes,
and those dimples and that giggle make me smile so big I want to cry.
I needed you, little one... so much.

My heart, soul, and mind get more exercise because of you {and your siblings!} and I'm so thankful for it.
I could do without the 25 heart attacks I have each day because of your dangerous ways...
but you're cute, so I'll push through.

I love you, little Elly, with a love so deep it's hard to put into words...
Happy Birthday.

All day, every day... Mommy's ALWAYS taking pictures.

Just a little Friday night photo session with Mommy... no biggie around here. We're celebrating little sis' birthday tomorrow and little brother is a walking mad man. There's a lot going on around here, people.