Happy Birthday, Ella!!!

On March 11th, 2008 our baby Ella Sophia came into this world at 11:55am via c-section. She weighed 8lbs, 15.4 ozs and was 21 inches of pure sweetness. We were so ecstatic to welcome her into our fold and were counting our blessings as our family grew from five to six in number.

There are so many special moments that stand out vivid in my mind from that day. Michael and my mom in their matching surgical gear ready to team up for another installment of Here comes baby. Hearing Ella cry as she took her first breath and the tears that instantly flowed from me. The nurse bringing in a picture they'd photocopied in the nursery so I could gaze at her as they let me recover in the O.R. (this was to get me to my room/baby faster). Ella being ready to nurse right away and latching on like a little pro. Kissing her head full of dark hair and marveling at how tiny her feet were. Introducing her to her big sisters who all shyly came forward to initiate their baby sister into their pack. How precious they looked in their matching pink big sister shirts and witnessing their love for Ella at first sight. Michael proudly holding his fourth baby daughter in his arms and the look of love on his face. Seeing my parents beam with pride over their 8th grandchild. The happiness that was in the air. The pain as meds wore off. The knowledge that it would soon fade. The love that surrounded me. Such an amazing day! Has it really been three years?

Enjoy every moment of being three. I love you more than these words alone could ever express! Happy Birthday, Monkey!!!