1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7...EIGHT!

8 years.


i've planned birthday parties for this little person for 8 years.  i've bathed this little person for 8 years.  i've prepared meals for this little person for 8 years.  i've held this little person on my lap for 8 years.  i've bought clothes for this little person for 8 years.  i've dreamed for this little person for 8 years.  i've cried sad and happy tears for this little person for 8 years...


but i've loved this little person in my heart for way more than that.


i always, always, always wanted to be a mother...and most people that knew me "back then" would say the same thing.  


so i knew above all else...that God willing...i would be a mommy some day...


but i never could have imagined that THIS little person would make that dream come true.  

 when dr. chandler placed this tiny little peanut on my chest 8 years ago...and she breathed her first
breaths...my purpose in life became clear.  she was our ella elise...but she was my first daughter (little did i know i would be blessed two more times!).  she was as perfect as perfect can get...


and 8 years later...


she still takes my breath away.  


i love this little girl more than life...and i have so many hopes and dreams for her.  she's an amazing daughter.  she's kind to her friends.  she's obedient.  she's loving and helpful to her sisters (most of the time!!!).  she's a good student.  she's funny and has the most contagious laugh.  she's confident.  she's beautiful.  she's artistic.  


we just happen to adore her.  


when she runs up to hug me...or gives me the unexpected "i love you, mom"...or we have a serious talk about something that i know will matter years from now...or we hold hands without saying a word...or i wipe a tear from her cheek...or we dance together...or we tell silly stories...or we quietly lay together...


i realize that for 8 years...


i have experienced love & life like i never thought possible.  


i have had the opportunity to give life and continue to "feed" that life with everything that i do.  i have had the opportunity to feel a love that cannot be explained.  


8 years.


i've had all that in just 8 years.


i can't imagine what the next 8 years will bring...or how i will feel when my first baby girl is turning sweet 16...but i know that one thing will never change...


i will always pray the best for her.  i will always adore her.  i will always be her biggest fan...and i will always love her unconditionally.


happy 8th birthday, baby!  you are sunshine for the soul...and i love you past heaven!