Happy Birthday Eliana!
I love you so much! I can't believe you are four today. I can clearly remember when you ever so gently entered this world, without so much as a cry. You simply opened those black glistening almond-shaped eyes and looked around. That was the first time I had seen a newborn babe be at such peace with her surroundings. You showed me the amazing possibilities in childbirth and strengthened and empowered me as a mother. Your name Eliana, meaning God has answered, really sums it up for me. So many mothering questions, doubts and frustrations I encountered were resolved with you. And your nickname Elli, meaning shining light or most beautiful one, describes you perfectly. People are quick to comment on your beauty, and your joyous demeanor has captured our attention since you were a wee one.
Your humor often has us all rolling on the floor in laughter. Your silly faces, amusing dances, and witty sayings are what keep me light hearted.
Just last week, when I referred to your new sister as Cosette, you looked at me, showed me that irresistible grin, and said, "You mean Claire?" because that's the name you want for her. And of course you can't pronounce your r's so it's even more darling. I laughed with you, and well, we know the rest of the story. Daddy's favorite Elli saying is when Asher startled you and you exlaimed, "Asher, you scared the crack (meaning crap) outta me!" Mommy has really got to stop using that word around you. The most hilarious moment I can remember though is when we were getting frustrated with you for not going to bed, and you pulled down your pants, bent over, and started talking with your bottom! Only you would do such a thing at barely three years of age, could get away with it , and look so cute while doing it. We all know that is not the last time you have made us laugh while in the nude.
We are also amused by your love for food. When something good is cooking, we now expect to hear you say, "What's that smell?" or "I smell something," or "I'm hung-wee." Just today, when you got your birthday money from great-grandpa, you said you wanted to buy a kolache (or a pu-lot-che according to you) with it. Then you lost your money at the store and you weren't concerned with the lost money but with the possibility of not getting your pulotche so you asked, "Mommy, can you just buy a pulotche with your one money?" Of course I bought you a kolache and some donut holes. And Daddy and I still can't figure out how you taught yourself to use his I-Pod Touch and managed to locate a Martha Stewart cooking broadcast. When you're nowhere to be found, we know we can find you nestled under our down comforter watching a cooking show.
Mostly though, who could resist a little beauty who is so easily pacified by hugs, cuddles, and rocks? Please, please, don't ever stop that. And don't ever stop being the Elli we all know and love. You are incomparable. You have shown Daddy and I more than we thought possible. You've helped us to trust our instincts and to follow our heart's desires, caused us the most fear and heartache when you had those inexplicable seizures at two, yet taught mommy more about prayer than I've ever learned in my entire life, and now you bring us pure joy and laughter and light --
and all of this you've managed to do in a matter of four years. We are so thankful for you. Happy Birthday Elli!! Now go sleep in your big girl bed with your sister like you promised.
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