Ava Rene has arrived! What a kid. Looks nothing like her sisters. She came at 9:30 this a.m.

She is the sweetest, softest little girl you could imagine.

She was 7Lbs 6 oz’s and 21 inches long.

Mom and Ava are doing great!

Welcome to the family Ava. Hold on to your bonnet, it’s gonna be a ride!

Love Mom and Dad.

P.S. – Mom is the one who feeds you. I’m the one with the scratchy face.

Alright, we’ve made it through the night. Gotta love a hospital cot and the floor.

Ava has chosen not to show her head yet.

Lexi, Ellens Dad, and Kenna showed up around 2:00 a.m. It was a big hospital slumber party.

The sun has come up and we’re closer to the big moment!

Come on Ava, let’s see that little head of yours.

Looks like little Ava wants to come out. About 3 hours ago, Ellen was feeling some strong contractions, so she called the Dr. The Dr. asked her to come in just to be safe.

Good thing we did. The contractions are 3 1/2 minutes a part. She is dialated 4 cm and her cervix is thinning. We are getting close.

We’ll see if Ava’s entrance into this world is prophetic, because Elle’s birthday party is today at 12:00 noon. Easter is on Sunday. We planned on having her on Monday after all the festivities. But, no such thing!

I guess Ava has a mind of her own already.

Stay tuned, the family is about to grow by one!

I can’t believe it has been 3 years since we brought you home and added you to this crazy family.  Even though you are the “littliest” you are far from little. You for sure do not like to be called “yittow”, that’s Elle talk.  I must tell you, I’ve always  said you march to the beat of  your own drummer.  I love how confident you are in yourself even at your sweet young age.  Keeping up with big sister Kenna is your first priority and nothing will stop you from that. I love to watch and hear you two interract every day, at times fighting and then go right back to playing.  Even if  Kenna hurt you or started the fight you always tell her “sorry” .  I have never heard such a chatter box in all my life.  Even if I’m busy you manage to just keep on talking and telling your story as if it doesnt even matter.

The joy you bring to my life is indescribable!  Even though I adore your sweet angel voice and toddler ways it will be exciting to watch you grow up and carve your own way in this big world honey.  I love you with all my  heart and soul Elle-  Happy Birthday cutie.

Love and Kisses,

Mommy.

You sit quietly in the corner murmuring under your voice. It’s a cute song, a short conversation with the toy your playing with or the reading of a book. To an unfamiliar eye, a quiet, soft-spoken, mild mannered child is happily entertaining herself. Yet, to those of who know better, it’s just one side of the fiercely independent little girl you are. It’s a girl who is doing what she wants on her own terms.

There is a spirit in you Elle. A confidence and security beam from you. There is a sense of self and strength not seen in some adults. You walk your own path in a way that suggests maybe the rest of us are walking the wrong way. Yet, you never look back. You never say follow me. You walk, and the rest of us follow.

I love you Elle

You have a love that is deliberate. There are no superfluous hugs, or cute little smiles with an agenda. Every kiss, hug, smile,squeeze and every “I want you” radiates with authenticity. You’re hugs are weighty with love, as they are never dolled out with disregard.

Elle, Daddy cherishes your hugs, the big squeezes, the “I love you the mostest’s” and your sweet kisses. I cherish everyone, for how deep they come from inside of you. I feel honored to be the recipient. I feel special, because you chose me. I feel happy, because I know you’ll kiss and hug me again.

Elle, you’re diligence amazes me. Your raw, humble confidence teaches me. You have a mature soul. Not an old soul, but a mature soul.

Yes, you are still a child. That reality is never lost on us. You let us know everyday. You are a special child, Elle. You have a fire in you. You have a shriek and they are piercing. Why you shriek is still a mystery. Sometimes, it’s because you are unhappy and want us to know it. Other times you just seem to want to yell. Oh, lucky us!

Your voice is LOUD, it carries through out the house, and your not shy to throw it around. You have presence, it is growing every day.

To call you spunky is trite. But, ya got more gumption than the average kid.

I admire your strength Elle. I admire your sense of self. I admire your confidence.

You sing and dance over and over to “Hard Knock Life” and “The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow.” You are the first to want to go play in the snow when we wake up in the morning. You get excited to go skiing every time we are in the mountains, even though you’re still on the bunny hill. All the ski instructors know who you are and have all fallen in love with you. You have your own Vail Ski School fan club.

You have a special something deep inside you. It’s a spark, a flicker, a fire, that drives you. It sets you apart. It’s molding you. It’s molding me.

It’s amazing to watch and I’m excited to watch it turn you into an amazing young woman.

I love you Elle and thanks for calling me Daddy.

Happy Birthday!!!!!