To my Sunshine

My little Ella Bella,

You are one year old today. Just yesterday it seems like I was holding your tiny little body in my arms and smothering your bruised face with kisses, happy tears and love. We all thought you looked so much like a good mix of me, your Granny Suzie and your cousin Angie. Big, curious eyes and a cute little pug nose...

We had a little bit of a rough start when you had to go into the NICU after the first night due to being Coombs Positive (ABO) , a blood incompatibility between you and I. It causes pretty bad jaundice.

You were there til the 4th of July when we got to celebrate
more than just freedom but your homecoming as well.

You have been the sweetest baby from the very beginning. You truly are a godsend.

You have the most beautiful little soul that shines through your "old soul" eyes and

your knowing, dimpled smile, which you give so freely.

The personality that you have is so addictive, so easy to love and so fun to watch. You are curious about everything, wanting to explore the world around you through your mouth... ha ha. One of the biggest challenges in parenting you so far has been making sure you don't pick up anything off of the floor and put it in your mouth! You want to eat EVERYTHING. It's very comical to see. You are now starting to know what no, no, no means because you shake your  head when I say it to you and you smile
and hand over whatever the object of the moment is to me.

You say Mama, Papa, Jackie, & Cha cha, bouteille (bottle), and assis (sit) so far...
You pat your chest when we ask where Ella is, bat your pretty
eyelashes and wave hi to everyone you see...
Recently, you have found that you LOVE to throw balls.

The second anyone take you in their arms you are so happy that you lay your head down on
their shoulder and just smile.
You're a very friendly girl and happily get passed around from person to person.
Smilin' that smile and patting on the back to show your approval...

You are such a perfect addition to our family and so perfectly loved in return.

These perfect little footprints have forever made their way into our hearts...

We've gone from this...

to this...

We love every little thing about you and wouldn't trade you for anything in the world.

Happy first birthday, baby.

"You are my sunshine...my only sunshine.

You make me happy when skies are gray.

You'll never know, dear, how much I love you.

Please don't take my sunshine away."

Love always,

Mama

xoxo