I was looking at pictures from when we first met Ella this morning and it's just unreal...how does 4 years go by so fast but at the same time why is it hard to remember all the waiting for you to join our family. Ella was always meant to be a part of this family...for us and for her big sister. She meshes perfectly and it's hard to imagine our family without her. Ella is sweet, so smart, has a funny wit, and is so ornery...making sure we're always on our toes.
1. Your sister Ava is always your #1 pal! There are many days when I wonder if you even know mom and dad are around...not really; you eventually come looking for us LOL!! You and your sister will disappear into your rooms or the basement for hours. Most likely playing make believe something with my little ponies or other show characters, or putting together worlds with legos, or drawing and coloring. I love to just sit outside the door sometimes and listen to the stories you girls are sharing with each other. You girls always seem to sneak into each others rooms at night even when you're told "no sleep over tonight". But you love to snuggle up with each other and can spend even more time chatting and giggling if allowed. I try not to get upset; unless we have to be up early in the morning because I always wanted a sister to do this with! I love knowing that you girls will always have each other.
2. You love candy and cupcakes! Like more than any kid I've ever known or seen. You ask immediately in the morning, "Can I have a piece of candy?" You ask it every day when we pick you up after school or summer camp. Mom and dad got smart in the last year and came up with an idea of how you can earn your after school candy; You have to get ready in the morning without being asked 15 times. You know how to get ready and what you need to do but some mornings you need more encouragement than others :). If allowed, you'd eat candy and cupcakes all day every day! God bless your little sweet tooth!!
3. We've got through a lot of big changes over the last year. We moved from Omaha to the Kansas City area. So all new friends, neighbors, and routines. It's been tough but you have proven that you are definitely tougher!! You seem to make friends everywhere you go; Sunday school, school, camp, Target, trips to the pool!! You always love to have someone to play with. We've landed in an awesome neighborhood with lots of kids and great families. You love running from yard to yard playing with new friends. You definitely still talk about your friends in Omaha; in particular Mackenzie. And we work hard to keep that relationship strong. But you are thriving in your new environment.
4. One of the hardest changes this year was the loss of Uncle Robert and Aunt Catherine's dog, Ginger. You loved Ginger so much and she tolerated you well and all your hugs and love. She was not comfortable in her last months and barely tolerated anyone close to her except you. Ella, you would just go and lay by her and say, I love you Ginger and pet her head. It's hard to understand that she has gone to heaven and not just on a long vacation. Ella misses her so much!! She has a picture of Ginger in her room along with a footprint to hug often. Many tears have been shed over sweet Ginger the last couple of months.
5. Another big request from Ella over the last 6 months has been contact with her foster family...this sweet girl has a great big heart and knows that she has a lot of people across an ocean that love her so. We talk about her foster family in normal conversation and often pray that they are doing well. We reached out for contact with her foster family about 3 years ago and never heard anything back; but we had to try again since Ella has been asking for a picture of them consistently. We let her know that we would try but to not get her hopes up that she would receive one. Missing her foster family is another reason why we find her crying at times. So we reached out to Holt for help. And I am so excited to tell you that on Friday we received a picture of Ella and her foster mom and she wants contact!! I am still in shock! Ella kept hugging and kissing the picture and Ava said, "Ella, look she is beautiful!!" So thankful she at least has a picture.
6. You have made so much progress with your speech over the last year. You saw a therapist 3 times per week at school but YOU have really put in a lot of hard work. Most of the time we are able to understand you the first time but now if we don't you know how to slow down and make your sounds appropriately so that we get it. And let's be honest; sometimes it's mom and dad who are the ones not getting it and it's not your fault at all. We are so proud of the progress you have made!!
7. You heard about a friend who donated her hair for kids who need wigs and you made the decision that you wanted to help and do the same! I'm still in disbelief that you were able to make sure such a big girl decision already and that you are making some kiddo very happy in the future. You cut off 9 inches of hair in late May. You were so excited to do this and I was a nervous wreck. But you are just awesome; always thinking about others. And you look beautiful!!
Ella, we love you more than words. You are fiercely lovable and ornery. But always with a sweet smile. You have a heart of gold and don't want anyone or any animal to ever be sad. You're the first to go give hugs. You are unbelievably smart and work to figure out how to make things work. You are going to go far my girl; the world is all yours! Don't ever let anyone tell you that you are too small or not good enough...because if they're telling you that; they do not know you well at all. You are petite but you are fierce. We love you so much and will always have your back! Can't wait to see where this next year leads you. Love you to Pluto and back, Ella Bella
