My November Girl

   

 Two  years after Darrell and I got married, we discovered that I was pregnant with our first "rainbow baby". Ella graced our world in November, the next year. She was the smallest of all of my babies, weighing in at just under six pounds upon arrival. Her pediatrician affectionately dubbed her "Lil Peanut"; a nickname she still uses for Ella today. Eighteen years later and no longer growing, she's not much shorter than her Mama is so she gets her height honestly. 

    What she lacks in height, though, she makes up for in an aptitude of sheer preciousness. From an early age, I knew she was a gentle soul. In the animal world, a whisperer, in fact. A Dr. Dolittle of sorts. Animals seem to sense her precious soul and find comfort in her presence as they flock to her. Likewise, she to them. She is her happiest when she's in the presence of animals. An encyclopedia of knowledge, Ella absorbs any and all information pertaining to them. She is The Animal Planet in human form! I have learned so much from Ella. I am sure that I always will. 

    For eighteen years, I have stood in awe of her sweet disposition. She's worth every bit of her weight in gold. I'm thankful God chose me to be her Mama!

    To her absolute delight, for her eighteenth birthday, a crew of our family spent the day with Ella at one of her favorite places in our home state. The Georgia Aquarium! As an added bonus and complete surprise to the birthday girl, my nephew, niece, and sister collectively gifted Ella a "Penguin Experience". This was a behind-the-scenes interaction with the penguins, as well as their caretakers, that she and her cousin were able to partake in during our visit there. The look on her face as my niece, Shelby, divulged the news to her....absolutely priceless!

Just look at the genuine exultation in these photos!!! Makes my heart leap! So many thanks to Shelby, Amy, and Wesley for making that happen for our girl!

Dinner was had afterwards, with the whole crew plus some, at her favorite Mexican restaurant in our hometown. 

    Without fail every year on her birthday, she has expressed genuine appreciation for her birthday celebration with, "Thank you so much, Mama! This was the best birthday ever!" This year was no exception. For several days after, in fact, she continued to express gratitude and excitement for the memories she made on her birthday, with everyone. What a sweet blessing it was for my girl to be loved and celebrated so well by such an awesome group of people!

    Here are more photo highlights from her eighteenth birthday: 

She woke up to shiny, happy door surprises greeting her!

A birthday breakfast, per her request, consisted of cheesy grits, a fried egg, and bacon. Along with gifts, of course!

That's my bestest big sister, y'all! I love me some her! 

We've got a photobomber!

She was anxiously waiting for them to be called back for their Penguin Experience! Eeek!

A special THANK YOU to my Luke for sneaking off with Jacob to buy Ella a birthday cake AND a bonus birthday cookie cake along with birthday candles. You ROCK, boyfriend!

    As is indicative of God's sweet, sweet love for us, we were blessed to have a second celebration with Luke's family in conjunction with Pops' upcoming birthday. I couldn't have ever dreamed that the kids and I would be blessed with a second family to love us as deeply as Luke's family does. I am forever indebted to God for placing these people in our lives and hearts. He blessed us well with each of them! So many thanks to the precious soul who is Luke's sister, Dana, for being the driving force behind that celebration. From the delicious food to the outpouring of love, we are incredibly blessed to have you in our life! Thank you for ALL you do, girlfriend!!! We love you so much! 

    To those of you who know my girl like I know her, your effortless love for Ella doesn't go unnoticed, and is so tremendously appreciated by this mama. You guys made turning eighteen enormously special for her! Thank you, thank you, thank you! We are fully blessed by your love. 

Relishing in HIS goodness...

Christy

IStndAmzd79@gmail.com