At bedtime tonight:

Me:  Do you know how much I love you?
You: All the way to Myrtle Beach?
Me: More
You: All the way to China?
Me: More
You: All the way to Paris?
Me: More
You: All the way to Mars?
Me: More
You: All the way to the sun?
Me: Close.

Truth is baby girl, I love you more than that even.  A mother's love runs so deep even planets and stars that are unreachable can't help me describe that love.  I pray that you will have the privilege of being a mommy one day so you will know the love I have for you.  Because only on that day, will you understand.

All my love...all the way to the sun and beyond,
Mama

Ella, I'm counting the days until you start school.  As a teacher, I understand the ramifications of a little girl going off to school and evolving into her own person.  As much as I would love to keep you home forever, in my shield of protectiveness, I know that I can't.  I know that you will continue to grow up before my eyes.  I know you will continue to amaze me with your incredible ideas...love for others...gifts from God.  You will do big things, Ella.  I can't wait to be a part of them.
Love you,
Mama

Dear Sweet Ella,

I still picture you as a little 2 year toddler.  The one who was piecing together sentences like no other toddler I'd ever seen.  I imagined you to be someone who would grow up and continue to impress me.  You haven't failed to meet that expectation.  And I am not surprised.  Keep growing and loving and creating and imagining.  The world is yours, my love.

All my love forever,
Mama

Dear Sweet Ella,
I know you don't like that Audrey eats your toys.  I know you can't wait for her to get big like you so she can play with you like a big girl.  I promise those days will come and go faster than you realize.  You and your sister have such a special relationship.  It started before her birth and will extend into heaven.  You two girls are my whole entire world.  My heart.  My life.  My breath.  My everything.  And you were the first to show me that kind of love.  That is so special... 
I love you,
Mama

Independence

Dearest Ella,
There is a reason first born children are so independent.  It is because
1) their parents have no idea what they are doing and the child has to fend for herself.
2) their parents have a second child and are forced to play second fiddle for a while.

You are a fantastic big sister.  Daddy and I are so proud of what a good big sister you are.  Audrey loves you so much...for reasons she doesn't even understand yet.  The two of you will be great friends all of your life.  I am sure of it.
Love you,
Mama

Princess Dresses

Dear E,

I'm so happy we got to shop for flower girl dresses on Saturday!  You were an angel.  You are growing up so fast.  It terrifies me and excites me that from this point forward you will have memories of everything we do together.  I pray we will always do our best to make good memories, even in unfavorable times.

Much love,
Mommy

Doctors and Blueberry Pancakes

Dear Ella,

I am so happy we got to have breakfast yesterday together. 

Just the two of us.

It hasn't been just the two of us for a while now.  I know you love your little sister, but I also know that it's been hard on you to adjust to her arrival.  She has changed our whole world, just like you changed my whole world three and a half years ago.  Like I said the other day, it won't always be this way. 

I love you more than life little big girl.  <3