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.