Happy Birthday my Blue-Eyed Girl!

Today is my only girl's birthday.  Today she turns 5.  Today I am feeling really, really old.

Elison is 5-years-old today.  She has been looking forward to this day for a very, VERY long time.  Everyday she reminds me that her birthday is January 12th.  She is one smart cookie-I'll tell you.  Normally I try to take off my kids birthdays so that I can spend the day with them, but she told me (very matter of factly too) that she wanted to go to school on her birthday, so here I am...at work...wishing I was home to make her a nice breakfast (probably cereal or a bagel) and get her dressed all cute with hair all done up and such, but she told me not too. 

In honor of my kids, here is my list of the 5 reasons why Elie makes my life better:

1~She is extremely smart.  She knows her ABC's, phone number, birthday, address, and numbers up to 30.  On top of that, she has one terrific memory.  She is always reminding me of what I said (or promised).  Half the time, I don't even remember what I said (or promised).

2~She holds the top score on memory match in my phone.  Who would have thought that Elison-a 3 year old at the time-would not only beat everyone that played, but keep the high score for the last 18 months.  No matter how hard I try, I just can't beat it and frankly it is a little discouraging sometimes.

3~She is such a 'mother.'  It doesn't matter if it is her baby dolls or her little nieces, she is always trying to take care of them.  She changes their diapers, feeds them, holds their hands, and always wants to carry them.  If my 2 nieces are fighting over a toy, Elie is right there trying to solve the issue (assuming she isn't the one who caused it).  And my nieces LOVE her too.  I can't walk in the door with them without the 1st question being "Elie?" and once she walks in behind me they get an instant grin on their faces.

4~She keeps me on my toes.  I said earlier that she is smart.  Too smart really.  She is really sneaky sometimes, especially when it comes to her brother.  I have to always be aware of what is going on when the 2 of them are together.  They will be best of friends and the next second one of them is crying.  The other day they were playing and then Traeden started to cry.  Well, Elie started to cry almost instantanously.  I asked her why she was crying (you always ask the youngest, right?) and Traeden piped right in that Elison pulled his hair.  Turns out that she was crying because she didn't want to get in trouble for pulling his hair.  Without having to be constantly aware, I think my brain would start to go, so she at least keeps it working most of the time.

and

5~She is my little girl.  I've had 3 boys (yes, I just have 1 with me physically).  I feel very blessed that she (a girl) is a part of our family.  She brings so much flavor and spice to our lives.  She loves the girly things, but likes whatever Traeden is doing too, so it makes things really fun.  She makes us laugh all the time and brings a smile to my face at least once a day.  True, that she also brings lots of frustration, but far more joy.  She is so full of life and I absolutely love that about her.

So Elison...Happy Birthday!  I love you baby!  I wish you a great day today.  I will do whatever I can to help that happen too.

P.S.  I'll post pictures later tonight of all the birthday celebrations.