Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Eliana Pearl

She was prayed for.

Longed for.

Wept over.

And she was graciously given to us.

Eliana. Her name means "God has answered my prayer".

"Are you really mine?" I whispered as she was laid on my chest.

No, beloved, He whispered back.

I know.

What a gift she is. I send prayers of thanks heavenward many times a day; when she smiles from ear to ear, when she laughs, even when she cries and crawls to me for comfort.

I love the way she peeks at me through the bars of her crib as she first rolls over, then rises to her knees, and finally to her feet, peeking over the top with the happiest face you can imagine.

I love the way she pounds on her tray during meals, just so we will join her and she can look at us with astonishment.

I love the way she bats her eyes and hides her face from Daddy, only to seek him out again with a smile.

I love the way she squeals in expectation as she hears her brothers clambering in the back door.

I love her scowling concentration when she's trying to pick up a minute crumb, or open a book, or suck some lint off of her thumb.

I adore and would promptly eat her tiny pink fingertips, were that not generally frowned upon.

I love her "outie" belly button.

I love the way she wants only me when she's hurt, or sad, or just sleepy.

I love the way she grabs my bottom lip while she's nursing, then smiles with half her lips when she sees my eyes looking down at her.

I love being Mama to a little girl.

He answered me.

And here is what I say in return.

Happy first birthday, Eliana!

I love you.


13 fellow travelers shared:

Lyn said...

She is a BEEE-U-T-FUL little girl! Thanks for sharing the pictures.

Queenheroical said...

Happy happy day indeed!

Randi said...

Happy Birthday little one!

Anonymous said...

How beautiful...beautiful musings from Mama, and a beautiful little girl. :) So fun seeing all the pictures.

Andrea said...

Elise
Happy Birthday to sweet Eliana!
My first baby's birthday was yesterday, December 19th!! I have a good friend who has a son whose first birthday is today, too.

Savour and remember this day!

Cosette said...

What a nice post! Aren't little girls sweet?

Christine said...

Happy Birthday to your sweet little pink bundle!! What a wonderful post. She's just 5 days older than Elliot (born on Christmas Day). What a blessing she is!

Anonymous said...

Happy, Happy Birthday to your sweet little one! What a treasure.

Bethany said...

Oh Elise!
She is soo cute! I wish we could have seen her on her big day! Love you all!
Beth

Kate said...

I have always LOVED the name "Eliana!" It is beautiful! I would love to give her a big hug!

Tina said...

Oh wow wonderful! Happy birthday to the sweet wonderful girl that God has so richly blessed you and Kevin with. Happy Birthday indeed.

Jenn @ Knee-Deep in Munchkin Land said...

There is just something special about moms and their daughters. Happy 1st Birthday. What a beautiful little girl you have.

Ann Voskamp @Holy Experience said...

You wrote it so I could feel it too, Elise... the wonder over a little girl...eatable fingers, batting eyelashes, the THRILL of scooping them out of the crib, outie belly buttons... I so wanted to name a little girl Eliana--but my sister beat me to the name first!
~warmsmile~ Your Eliana Pearl stole my heart here! Thank you, Elise...for ushering us into the wonder of the gifts He gives every single day.

All is gift,
Ann Voskamp

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