Ivy Elisabeth Elliott

Ivy....almost two. In the midst of a week full of discipline, reminders, trouble, training and sometimes frustration... I thought it was important to tell you what a joy you are to my life. Because you were born around Christmas, I almost wanted to give you the middle name Joy. Your dad stopped me because he thought 2 middle names were enough. But joy fits you. I think back to this week when we had some trying days of disipline and I wondered if you even liked me. Then as I put you to bed you reached up and squeezed me so tight I thought my head was going to fall off and you puckered up your lips to kiss me. As tears came to my eyes I knew that you were showing me how much you love me. Even though I wait for the day of hearing a trace of those words coming out of your mouth, this week that hug and kiss...those "lovies" were enough for me. I love you so much and besides my salvation and my relationship with your dad, you have been the greatest blessing in my life. I couldn't have picked a better daughter and only you could bring me to say,"Thank you Lord that I did not have a baby of my own." because then I wouldn't have you and my life would not be complete. You are a gift. I'm forever grateful for everyday we spent together. I can't wait for tomorrow's rainy day so we can spend the whole day inside, snuggling, kissing and having fun. I love you,Mommy