Anna Bella Elise

Anna Bella. Your beautiful little soul joined our lives 2 years ago today (May 22). I remember your arrival into this world so clearly. That head of blonde hair and those gorgeous blue eyes.

You have taught me so much about parenting. You came into this world with a broken collarbone and a smile. Your vervacious personality was even evident when you were just a few hours old. You smiled in your hospital photo and the nurse taking the picture told us, "I haven't had many babies that smile this early - but the ones that do you remember forever." Isn't that the truth?

Julia had been such an easy baby - easy to nurse, easy to sleep. You weren't quite so easy. You showed me how difficult being a parent can be and just how rewarding.

Today you are still stubborn, confident and curious - a dangerous trio, but so much fun. I'm constantly picking you off of counter tops, bookshelves, the kitchen table... you have no fear. You have the biggest smiles and silliest disposition.

Now we are seeing how smart you are, and it scares us! You know half of your alphabet and their phonetic sounds. You can count to twenty. You know about 30-50 signs in ASL. You're a parrot and can and will repeat almost everything you hear.

You love your sisters and it melts my heart to watch you look up to Julia and try to imitate her, and then again when you gently bend over and kiss your Emma Leigh when she's crying.

I can't wait to see the girl you'll become and someday the woman. I hope you keep your joyous heart and huge smile.

Happy Birthday Belly.

Here's Anna's 2nd Year...