Happy 2nd Birthday Ella!!!!

Today, I have spent the day doing what I imagine most mothers do when their child turns a year older. I am thinking about what we were doing, down to the minute, 2 years ago today. That morning at 6:00 am I woke up having contractions. I spent the next hour timing them just to make sure and it was definitely time. Heath and I got up with the excitement of this is it, packed very quickly, me taking many breaks for each contraction that was growing more intense. We jumped in the car (actually Heath almost had to carry me) and both got on our cell phones to alert family and friends that Ella would come into this world today! I will never forget the way I felt on that drive to the hospital. Despite the obvious of being in a great deal of pain, I was overcome with emotion that this would be the last time I drove anywhere without being a mother. This was the drive that would change our lives forever.

Today I'll continue to think about the contractions I had throughout the day. What the doctors and nurses were doing. The friends and family that had come to help me. How sweet Heath was to massage my back through each contraction. The relief of the epidural that didn't come until I was already dilated to a 7! The moment the doctor told me Ella wasn't going to be able to come out that way and I would need a c-section. And the minute I saw her face for the first time!

One year ago:












This year has brought so much joy to our lives. I couldn't have imagined how much a person can change in one year. This year she took her first step, said her first word and sentence, told us she loves us, grown so close to her friends and talks about them when they are not around, learned to dance and jump, and so much more!


Happy Birthday Ella!! At 3:32 P.M you are going to turn 2 years old! You are such a big girl! We love you more than we could ever tell you! I am so excited to see all the new things you are going to do this year. Your Dada and I have been praying for you and for this next year of your life. We are trusting the Lord has some amazing things planned for us this year and that we will be blessed with even more joy!

I love you! Mama