Ella Newborn to 1 Year

Below is a letter I wrote last week to Ella on her first birthday.  I just felt compelled to put my feelings into words that day...maybe she'll read it someday :-)  After that are photos from each month of her first year.

To my sweet Ella Sophia,

I can’t believe my baby girl is one year old today!  My Labor Day baby, you were truly my labor of love.  What a year it has been.  When we found out I was pregnant with you, I was so excited, as we had planned and hoped for another child.  I have to admit that I was nervous, though.  I loved your brother so much that I wasn’t sure how I could love another child as much.  When I found out that you were a girl, I was again so excited but also nervous.  I had a boy.  I loved my little boy.  Would I know what to do with a girl? 

Then you came into our lives.  (Rather dramatically and unceremoniously, I might add.)

At that moment, I understood that a mother’s capacity for loving her children is not finite.  It inexplicably expands to accommodate each child.  From that first moment you snuggled up to me, I loved you with all my heart.  And I certainly didn’t love your brother any less.  When Gavin was born, we became a family.  When you were born, you perfectly complemented our family.

Your sweet demeanor, happy personality and ever-present smile have brought such light into all of our lives.  You are a blessing and absolute joy.   (Rest assured that you have just enough feistiness and attitude to keep us on our toes, though!) 

So now I sit here holding back tears at this bittersweet milestone of motherhood, Baby’s First Birthday.  You will get plenty of lovely gifts today, but believe me, your family has been given the most precious gift of all.  You, sweet girl.

Love,

Mommy

Newborn Baby Girl 

Finally smiling!

7 Months