Dear Ella

Dear Ella,

I simply am unable to believe that you are turning 7 years old today. Where has the time gone? It seems like just yesterday I was waddling around falling off of curbs because I could no longer see my toes or find my balance. I have had many, many great days in my life, but I have to say that the day you were born holds many of my most precious memories. The worry that you would be ok melted into blissful warmth when you came out screaming at 6:06 am on that spring day. You made me a mama, and for that I am eternally grateful to you.

I want you to know 5 years from now, or 10, or 20, what kind of girl you were at 7. To know that for your birthday this year you decided that you wanted a few friends to join you in a birthday tea at the Pink Bicycle Tea Room. Your gram had taken you there over a year ago and you fell in love. It is old fashioned and looks like most furnishings came straight from a yard sale. You LOVE it. As a matter of fact you love anything old fashioned. I decided to start taking you to my dentist because he is bare bones and old school and you absolutely LOVE him. You are a very unique girl. You have an old soul.

Recently we received your school pictures. We decided to get the composite picture with you and all of your classmates. You are the girl who when asked to name your favorite person in the picture, points to your teacher. Even though she is kind of tough on you. I won't lie and say you are the most focused child, you are after all your father's daughter, but I will say I have never met a kinder girl than you. You love your friends with all your heart and you were more excited to give them their little goodie bags than you were about the potential of getting any gifts from them.

You are my girl. Through and through. My partner in crime. You love the beach and St. John and flip-flops and pretty things. Flowers and animals. You are also very much your daddy's girl. Your favorite show is called "Weird, true and freaky" and you love dinosaurs and science and slimy stuff. You are a loving and patient big sister who puts up with more than you should have to from your little hard-headed brother. You are so smart and so intuitive and so beyond your years. You are pure. You are sensible. You are funny. You are light-hearted. You are lovely. I thank you for gracing me with the privilege of being your mother. If I could construct a little girl from scratch you would be that girl.

Before you were born, I had no idea what it meant to be a mom. I had images in my head of lullabies and the scent of baby powder and cute little pink dresses. I didn't know that there would be endless sleepless nights, terrifying illnesses, frustrating meltdowns (very few thank you) and endless questions. I didn't know the patience or energy I would need or the neverending worry I would endure upon taking home the sweet tiny bundle of you. I am grateful every day that you are you. That you are in my life. That you are my daughter. Thank you.

Love,

Mama