Happy Birthday Elle!

Three years ago, on May 4, 2005, Elle Marie joined our family. She was a cuddley 9 lb. 2 ounce beautiful baby girl. Brandon really liked the name Elle from Elle magazine and Elle Macpherson fame.

Elle's first year flew by. She was a great sleeper and eater. There were no major illnesses, but we knew thumbsucking was in our future!

At two years old she loved to be outside and climb, climb, climb. She loved parks and playing with friends. She grew to love her "blankie" which is still at her side today.

Today, our three year old loves to pretend. She is always asking me to "pway" (she has a hard time pronouncing the letter "L"). She loves to play with Barbies, Polly pockets, and My Little Ponies. She always starts out our pretend conversation with our playmates, "Hewwo, What's your name?" She could spend hours playing this way. She loves to watch Disney Princess movies and dance to princess music. She also loves to dress up and to play with her friend, Allie.

Sadly, she is STILL sleeping on a baby mattress. I have taken down one side of her crib, so that she can get in and out. But this girl is so tall, it is actually pathetic that we haven't purchased a twin bed for her. It is on my "TO DO" list within the next couple of weeks.

Her favorite response is always "three minutes." And she brillantly counts in Spanish, thanks to Dora and Diego.

Elle and I are constant companions these days. While Lauren is at school and Dad is at work, we spend our days shopping, cleaning, playing, and maybe watching a little TV.

Elle, we love you!