…To Our Little Ellie Bellie…

Its hard to believe that its been over a year since I could feel you kicking and flipping inside my tummy or rhythmically jumping each time you had hiccups. Its hard to believe that its been a year since I held you in my arms for the very first time. It’s hard to believe that its been a year since I looked at your Daddy, tears in my eyes, and told him how beautiful you are and how much you look like your sister. It’s hard to believe that a year has passed since the Wharton Family of three became the Wharton Family of four.

The day you were born was beautiful. It was sunny but cool for a July day. Abby stayed at home with Auntie Jillian, Grandma Denise and Grandpa Jerry. In just a few hours they would come over to the hospital to meet you for the very first time. I remember feeling many different emotions on our drive to the hospital. I was excited to meet to finally meet you but nervous about the Cesarean that would bring you into this world.

We arrived at the hospital a little before 10am and the nurses got me ready for surgery. Your daddy held my hand when I was nervous and made me smile and laugh to keep me calm. He walked with me into the OR and stayed by my side. Then, at 1:24pm you were born. All 7 pounds 15 ounces and 20.5 inches of you. I waited to hear you cry and when you did, so did I. I couldn’t wait to hold you and when I did it was true love all over again.

When you were 6 weeks old, I found myself faced with watching my baby go through something I couldn’t fix or make better on my own or without the help of a doctor. For nearly 2 weeks you were in the hospital and your daddy and I stayed by your side. We helped you with every attack due to whooping cough and prayed as we heard the stories of the other babies who had come and gone with the same illness some made it through and some did not. We prayed and patiently waited, your little hand bound to a board to hold your IV in and monitors attached to your legs, toes and arms. Despite the discomfort you always looked up at your Daddy and I with a smile on your face and love in your eyes. Despite all you had been through you looked at us as though you were trying to say that everything would be ok, like you were trying to comfort us.

Since then you have been happy and healthy and a joy to watch grow. You have never done anything slowly or lacking in determination. You were sitting up on your own by 5 months, crawling by 6 months, standing by 9 months and walking by 10 months. You are a mommy’s girl who loves to cuddle up and snuggle when you can. Like your sister, you love to talk and sing, even though we cant understand you yet. You love puzzles and blocks and of course, the remote control but most of all you love to give kisses and hugs.

Happy First Birthday Ellie. We love you with all our hearts and we cannot wait for whats in store for us in the years ahead. We cannot wait for your first real words, first sentences and much much more. We love you Ellie Bellie!

Love Mommy, Daddy, Abby and Jack too!

Just moments after Ellie was born. Even though I couldn’t see her yet I knew she was beautiful

Holding Ellie for the very first time

Ellie at 4 Months Old