The Big One - Ells is officially 1!

So last year at this time I was blessed to give birth to a little girl. Ellsyn Grace arrived in this world on April 17th 2010 at 5:25am. Yesterday, I woke up right around that time and just took a moment to quickly recap our baby girl's life so far.

Her she is just hours after she was born - at least bathed, I believe!

So we celebrated this little one's birthday yesterday with our families and some of our closest friends. We had a blast but Ells was pretty tuckered out by the time we got to the cake part so we were a little disappointed in her performance since she usually dominates whatever crosses her plate.

a pre-party shot with mommy

Her party attire - the big One!

Shadd helping Ells open his gift to her! She loves it!

Grandma Darcy made her a gorgeous birthday cake, plus a small one of her own and her famous decorated frosted sugar cookies - they were little elephants with cute dots.

Just getting started...

So is this for me?

Opening some awesome presents with Daddy!

She has mastered walking and cruises all over the place! Just a little showing off.

Just waving goodbye to her visitors.

Ells just learned to smile when we say "cheese" - it a little over the top!

It is so hard to believe she is one already. All you mom's know it just seems like yesterday they were born. Well it feels that way to me but I enjoy this little one more and more each day. Some quick facts about this little lady and the things she loves to do.

-tips the scale at almost 24lbs (only 87% now a little down from her 99 nickname at the beginning of her life)

-almost 30"

-walking pretty much exclusively now in the last couple weeks. 

-loves to look out the window

-loves to chase brother around the kitchen

-loves to pull books off the shelves

-loves to play in the cupboards, especially with the bowls

-loves to be outside

-loves just about anything brother says or does or has - yes, the fighting has begun

-loves to rock (her way though)

-loves to dance (especially to bible stories by go fish)

-loves toys that make music or noise

-loves to read - Goodnight Moon, Where's Spot, and any Touch and Feel books

-loves Daddy - its a mad dash to the door when he walks in

-She can be dramatic, laying her head down on the floor or throwing herself back if she doesn't get her way

-loves to bounce and jump in her crib

-loves to explore 

-loves stairs

She is one precious girl and we couldn't imagine our life without her. I praise the Lord each day for her life and continue to pray that He lead me to teach and shepherd her heart to know and love Him! Ells we love you! Happy Birthday sweetheart!