My baby turns seven

My Ella girl turned seven today and I have lots of pictures to share but this is the one that caught my heart today and the one which inspires this post. This is my Ella at seven and there are things I want her to know, things I hope she never forgets. So Ella baby when your 87 and I'm not there to come and lay by your side and whisper these reminders in your ear, I hope you'll remember that on the night of your seventh birthday I laid down by your side and this is what I said:

"I love that you've started a watch collection and that as of today you are up to three watches and you wear all three on your wrist at the same time."

"I love you dearly. I have since the moment your life moved within my body and I will never stop loving you."

"I love your heart most of all. When I say you're one of the kindest people I've ever met, I truly mean it."

"I love that I am your mother. Out of all the mother's in the world how did I get so lucky as to call you daughter. It is truly one of my top 6 blessings (the other 5 are also asleep up stairs)."

"I love how funny you are, I love your smile, I love your intellect, and your faith."

"I love your birthmark on the back of your neck."

"I love that you love me back."

"I love that you taught me how to do the hula in order to calm down when life gets tough and I love that you've added rubbing my back to the calming down process."

"I love that you have so much of your dad in you."

"I love that we call you the 'little Giada', and that you live up to that nickname."

"I love that you ask me to come lay with you every night."

"I love that you readily forgive me for the times I don't cool down soon enough."

"I love that along with your dad, sister, and brothers, you've taught me my true purpose in life"

"I love your heart, have I said that already? Well I can't say it enough. You have taught me more about kindness than anyone I have ever known."

"I love that your favorite color is pink. It's one of my favorites too."

"I love that you offered me all the money in your piggy bank because you want me to be happy on mother's day."

"I love you, I love you, I love you- my seven year old Ella girl!!!!"