3 Steps.

Ella took 3 steps on her own this weekend.

Yes, 3 steps!

Those of you who are mamas know the feeling I got in my stomach.  Sheer joy.  Pure I'm-not-sure-how-much-more-I-could-be-proud-of-you.  David and I clapped and cheered like she had just broken a ribbon with her belly while crossing a marathon finish line.

It got me to remembering when she was just a tiny dancer in my belly.  I used to sing this Elton tune to her while she danced and danced, poking her little foot out enough for me to push back on it with my fingers.  Then, she'd move some more...responding to the touch.

In her short 15 months, I don't know that I've ever said "I love you" more in my life.  Prophesied nearly 50 times before her grand entrance into this form of life, she was the divinely planned fruit that transformed me into a mama.  David contests to that fact that he actually made me a mama; well noted, he wins on a technicality.  But this tiny dancer, she has transformed us both.

We still go into her room every night to watch her sleep.  We just can't help ourselves.

We've watched more Veggie Tales than I ever knew existed.  We've wiped more tears, giggled more giggles, and sang songs more loudly that we ever thought we would enjoy.  And, oh my goodness, this is just the beginning.  Oh, the life....

Ella June bug, you little love, you.

She's ventured with us to Washington D.C. and to NYC, to O-H-I-O, and soon to the Gulf of Mexico.  Our traveling companion, and our most beloved achievement.  Nothing is more creative than the sculpting of a human being.

And nothing is more humbling and endearing than a miniature of yourself...flesh of your own flesh.  Another legacy in the lineage of our family tree.  A legacy that she gets to live. And who knows where those dancing feet with take her?  The steps ordained before her and the good news that will be carried from the twinkle in her toes.

Beyond amazing.

Way to go, baby girl! May your dancing feet take you through the heights and the depths of Love.  May every step stepped and every dance danced be marked by the contagious joy that is you.  Be forever blessed in your comings and goings; may your walk be steady and may grace and elegance always trail behind you.



I love you forever and always.....

(corresponding song: Tiny Dancer by Elton John)