Happy 4th Birthday Ella Catherine

4 years ago today Matt and I were thrilled to hear that God had blessed us with a baby girl. We had all the emotions of first time parents: overwhelming love, extreme excitement, and complete awe that we had created this little life. She was absolutely PERFECT!

I still can't believe that she is MINE! I feel like I mess up 1000 times a day. Moments where I know that what I have said/done or haven't done/said has scarred her for life. Then come the moments of complete grace where she wraps her little arms around me and tells me she loves me or snuggles close, holds my hand and asks me to read her a book. Those moments I cherish and try to hold onto. It is so hard for me to believe that she is 4 years old. Where has the time gone?

Adjectives we would use to describe her are: kind, loving, tender hearted, smart, energetic, talented and nurturing. She has a laugh that is contagious and a smile that can melt even the iciest of hearts. She is so excited about life that she makes me excited about life.

She is a GREAT big sister. She is always trying to make sure Carter is taken care of and shares her things (toys, food, drinks etc) 95% of the time( sometimes a girls just has to have her own things). She is the first up most mornings but when she isn't she comes and lets us know that Carter is up and is asking for us, then she goes back to his room to keep him company until we get there.

She completely amazes us with how she can process information. She is very inquisitive and loves to learn. She can write her own name and all her letters. She is learning Spanish and can count to ten, say all her colors, name the days of the week, say please, thank you and is currently learning some foods.

She is such an amazing little girl and Matt and I are so lucky to be her parents. She teaches us so much and makes us better people.

Her Birthday weekend started off with a celebration at school. It just so happened to be Pajama Day again this year. She was even more excited about pajama day than last year.

Excited and Surprised to see that Nana came with momma

Passing out the Rice Crispie treats she helped me make for her party

Letting her friends pick the treat they want.

Today we had a party at the house for family and friends. It was a play doh party. The weather did not cooperate and it was rainy and gloomy outside, but inside was anything but gloomy. The kids had a ball! Not very much play doh playing but there was dress up, hide n go seek, dolls, tools, etc... Basically good ol fashioned playing. Ella Catherine had a great day and Carter was in hog heaven. He was so excited to be playing with the big kids.

Tables all ready for some play doh fun.

Listening to some music, playing a little play doh.

Chatting a little and playing a little

The cake!!! Made by yours truly.

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday Ella Catherine, Happy Birthday to you!
Make a wish!

We decided to try and make the gift opening fun for all the guests as well as Ella Catherine. So, we did a take off on musical chairs. We had all the kids stand around a table with their hands behind their backs and we put a spoon in the middle of the table. When the music went off the first person to grab the spoon got to go get their gift and give/help Ella Catherine open it. It was a big hit and so much fun!! The kids and parents both had a great time with this game.

Her friend Manus was the first one to grab the spoon

Opening her gift

The day wouldn't be complete without our annual Father/Daughter birthday picture! Love this!

Happy Birthday Ella Catherine! Your dad and I love you so very much and are so very proud of you! You make everyday brighter.