Ella's 1st Birthday Party

 We had Ella's birthday party about a week and a half ago.  We really wanted it to be a celebration.  I really feel like there was this huge build up to her party for Erik and I.  A lot of processing.  I 'processed' by planning the biggest and most decorated party I have ever done and Erik 'processed' by putting together the most touching video of Ella's first year of life.  I know....who's the shallow one.  ;)  For some reason, though, this party was a big deal to us.  Like a milestone that we just wanted to get past.  


We invited so many people because we wanted it to be a celebration of life that glorified God for all that He has done. Also a celebration of our friends and family, a wonderful community that surrounded us with love, food, prayer, laughter, and tears when we most needed it.  We are so thankful for all of them and wanted an opportunity to say 'thank you!' in person.  


So enjoy pictures of a grand birthday party.  If you know me, I am not one to go all out for my children's birthday parties.  I usually try to keep it simple, but this was a lot of firsts: first birthday, first girl....so that's my excuse.  Thank you all for your support.  On to a new year of growing and trusting.

Ella's 1st Year

Her actual birthday was 2 days ago, but today was her party to celebrate it.  What a wonderful, crazy, amazing year.

We've been reflecting on her 1st year a lot lately & it's really brought us back to her beginning.  Even with something as wild as Ella's 1st couple of months, as time passes it becomes easy to forget what it was like.  So its been good for us to reflect on it.  To replay the sequence of events, to remind ourselves how we felt.  To remember how God healed her & carried us through.  

We also remember how much love & support we received from all of our friends, family & even strangers.  Thanks again for everything!

I finally completed this video which kind of sums up Ella's journey so far.  It's a bit over 10 minutes long, but we had a lot of content. :)  Enjoy!