Happy half-birthday to my sweet peach. These six months just flew right on by + I am just so in awe of our little mama growing and changing and for being just the dang coolest.
Aaron and I were talking about her the other night when both our kids were sleeping—how many parents sit up and talk about how amazing their kids are after they’re in bed?! Like, even when bedtime is a battle and the whole day was SO LONG?!—and we were just like “Elle is really cool. Like, such a cool chick.”
And it’s true. She’s incredible. Very chill. Very happy. Loves to watch + giggle with her brother. Has eyelashes for days (she got these from her mama!!). Loves food (like seriously LOVES food–also got this from her mama…). And is just downright awesome.
I am in a weird place in mothering Eloise where I can’t wait for her to grow up so we can go do allll the things + wanting her to stay tiny and petite and safe with me. Having a daughter is a whole different game for me.
Honestly, I didn’t think I would have a different viewpoint in raising my kids but somehow with Eloise it’s different.
Maybe it’s because I know what it’s like to grow up as a girl. Maybe it’s because I don’t want her to have the same insecurities I had. Maybe it’s because I don’t want her heart to ever be broken. Or maybe it’s because I just love her so freaking much that I never want her to feel alone. And most definitely it’s because I’m writing this while I’m nursing her to sleep + I’m emotional because gosh, time is a thief.
ANYWAY.
Ellie was so incredible on her first ever family road trip—we rented an RV + drove to the East Coast (more about this soon!). And the wildest thing is she cut her first TWO teeth (both bottoms) at the same time and was such a trooper! I knew she was teething but she really kept it together. Teething is no flipping joke. I also found a third tooth cut through today–this one caused her much more pain + although she was pretty cheesed all day (we have a serious firecracker on our hands!), she is an immense joy to be around–even when she is (rightfully) screaming bloody murder.
Also, her mullet is pretty amazing. Her hair IS growing in, you guys! I refuse to cut it or trim it because it’s just so precious and hilarious. I told our dear friend (Uncle) Jake that I know one day—let’s say her wedding day—she is going to look so stunning. SO beautiful. And I am going to bawl my face off with happiness thinking about how she once had a serious baby mullet(te) + how quickly time passed. And how grateful I am to be her mama.
Because, y’all, I am grateful. Like so deeply grateful. Eloise Belle is a dream come true and I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again (and again and again), I never knew I needed a daughter until I had one. And she is totally my little bestie. I hope we will always be best friends.
With this six month milestone has come a lot of firsts for Ellie: she has started to crawl—more army crawl but she is getting up on her knees + she is dyingggg to keep up with her big brother (and get ahold of his hot wheels + shove them in her mouth, ha); has started to eat solids—we’ve started with purée fruits + veggies and so far SO GOOD!; she has cut three teeth; went to her very first corporate SeneGence conference (and was literally heaven!); has graduated into a regular bucket seat in our double stroller + much prefers it over her car seat; and she says “MAMA”! Hooray! What a big month for EBB!
Eloise Belle, my peach pie, you LOVE: nursing + cuddles with mama (you’re basically OBSESSED with me—the feeling is mutual girlfriend); playtime and cuddles with your daddy; watching + giggling + squawking at/with your brother; chewing on everything; eating solid foods; floor playtime (even though your brother likes to crash the party ALL THE DANG TIME); watching the cat; bathtime/splashing in water; being worn in the Ergo; and sleeping in (and this mama is HELLA JEALOUS!).
Ellie, my darling bestie, you DO NOT love: your car seat + being in it. like, ever; long car rides; having to wait for nummies (milk!) or food; getting dressed; and being hot + sweaty (I hear you loud and clear!).
These past six months have been an absolute joy. Eloise Belle, we love you so much it actually physically hurts me sometimes when I think about it. Your daddy + I are so proud of you and thrilled you chose us to be your parents. And your big brother George told me yesterday that you were “his best fwiend” + I NEARLY DIED OF HAPPINESS.
Happy half-birthday sissie! We love you!
XO