Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Happy Birthday, Elli!

Our angel Elli turned 10 years old today!  It kind of blows my mind.  In so many ways, it seems like just yesterday we were traveling to China for the first time to meet our darling little girl.  In other ways I can't remember life before her.  She has definitely had a bigger impact on our family than any other person or event.  I've been browsing through her old blog and her new blog (which is also old), and have been filled with an overwhelming love for this beautiful angel.  She has in many ways been our biggest trial and yet has blessed us in the most sacred and wonderful ways.  I have said before that Elli is like oxygen to me-- I just have to breathe her in every day.  Her beauty and spirit is intoxicating.  She can scream up a storm, make bigger messes than you could ever imagine, scratch and bite until you want to just give up-- and yet she is perfection.  I love her with my whole heart and soul.

Happy Birthday, Elli Belly!