(Warning, long post, pictures are at the end.)

Eleanor turned two on Sunday. The weekend was filled with celebrations. Two is truly a milestone and Ellie has marked the past year with change after change. She’s gone from walking to running. Words to sentences. Crib to “big girl bed.” Diapers to Potty. Only child to Big Sister. Baby to little Girl.

As a mom, it is hard to express in words just how much I love, adore, cherish, and marvel at the lovely daughter God has given to me. Moms have the gift of seeing the unique beauty in their children. Here is what I see in Eleanor:

1. She is a gifted problem solver that will find a unique solution to challenges. Example, Ellie wanted to pull down the remaining streamers from her “Friesen Birthday Barracade” but couldn’t reach them. She wasted no time in announcing “stool,” then promptly found her little stool and arranged it to suit her needs.

2. She is a risk taker. With trying new words, exploring playgrounds, meeting new friends, attempting to sing, and even potty training Ellie attacks life with a “come what may” attitude.

3. She has a thankful heart. Ellie rarely forgets to say thank you every time I give her food to eat. “Tank you mama!”

4. She loves her little sister. Eleanor adores”Lucy Lu.” When Ellie takes a bath she will ask, “Lucy Lu bath too?” When Lucy smiles or laughs she gets the biggest smile on her face and will usually declare “Lucy Lu miling.”

5. She has a memory like a steel trap. Ellie can recall people, places, and events with uncanny skill. The slightest reminder can trigger a memory about something to which we thought she was totally oblivious.

6. She’s a hugger. Maybe reluctant at first, but when she comes around look out. It’s really a “bear hug.” (Pun intended).

7. She loves Broccolli. Enough said.

8. She cares about friends. Every night Ellie asks to pray for her friends by name. Starting with “Mama pay Dayla?” She even prays for Ezra and Porter even though they moved to Utah and we haven’t seen them in a while.

9. She loves to make silly noises and silly faces. Her understanding of humor amazes me. I think it stems from her analytical mind. She is fascinated by what makes people laugh. Once she finds the right button, she’ll keep trying to push it again and again to get the response she desires.

10. She’s just Ellie Bear! I have a song I sing to Ellie. I call it the Ellie Bear song. Lately she asks for it by name. Sometimes before bed she will look at me, tilt her head to the side and ask sweetly, “Mama sing Ellie Bear.”