Wait, didn't I just write her 2 month post like yesterday? Nope. I just read it and I literally thought "Oh Emily, what did you know about motherhood at 2 months?" As if these last 4 weeks really sealed the deal on my vast knowledge regarding children. If anything, it's a testament to how full each day is with both physical and character growth.

Ellagirl, you are a fiesty little thing. In fact, your Nonna and I were just talking on the phone this week about how you were fiesty, about how you let us know immediately if you don't like what is happening and that no one could ever call you a meek little girl. I love that about you. In spite of whatever kind of foreshadowing this may be of your toddler and teenage years, I love that you are packed full of personality and I pray you use it to be passionate about Jesus and others.

This month I've been learning and re-learning that our girl is not a robot. I'm learning that she has preferences and tendencies that, depsite my best efforts, I may never understand or be able to explain away by some deviation from our schedule. I'm seeing that having a child is also having a relationship where all of us make sacrifices, not just Dustin and I, but Ella also. Our new normal isn't life where we incorporate Ella into what already existed. Our new normal is life with all three of us living in the newness of each other in a beautifully messy way.

This month Ella slept through the night for the first time. Oddly, I woke up panicked rather than excited, but after texting a dear friend I realized, hello this is a good thing. Ella smiles all the time, especially in the morning after she's eaten and we bring her into our bed to snuggle. Our mutual hatred of tummy time is gradually getting better. She holds her head up like such a little girl, too. We let her sit in the bumbo seat and carried her face forward in the baby bjorn this week. We're finding the balance between what can get done during the day and what needs to wait. As someone who likes to be efficient and in control, I'm having to be intentional about slowing down, about remembering that she can't go at my pace and I just need to be present with her.

Last Sunday we all napped on our bed together. I wasn't sure if Ella would fall asleep laying unswaddled and on her side, but she did. She fell asleep snuggled up next to me. It seems simple to say this, but it was one of the most tender moments I've had with her. I woke up delighted in this process, this process of learning to love her more.

Ellagirl, you are fiesty and strong and adorable. Keep it up! Also, please keep up the good sleeping. We love loving you!