Today, Ellie turned four!  This morning she told me, “Mama, I can’t pick up Mark today, even though I’m four!” Clearly she didn’t grow new muscles overnight but she has grown an immense amount in the past year.

Here’s the proof!

at her 3rd birthday party, early October 2013

racing duckies with Grandpa, late October 2013

showing off her fashion sense, November 2013

Ready to nap with Puffin and Baby Jesus Puffin (not kidding), December 2013

Eating pepperoni pizza (her favorite food) at Mark’s first birthday party, January 2014

very proud of the snowman she built with Yiayia, February 2014

with Bear as her Baby finally got some hair, March 2014

during the family picture photo shoot, April 2014

“A purse makes a cute hat, Mama!”, May 2014

on the train at the zoo, June 2014 (while her brother clutches me in terror)

wearing doll clothes knitted by Yiayia and doll booties sewn by her great grandmother (my father’s mother), July 2014

intently absorbed in an art project, her favorite thing to do, August 2014

drawing with sidewalk chalk, September 2014

Look at that grown-up girl with the long hair!  We love you, Ellie!  You delight us every day with your zest for life and your love for your family.  We can’t wait to see what the next year brings for you!