Dear Elli-Belle,

Today, my darling baby girl, you are two months old! I can't believe how quickly these past nine weeks have gone. Your daddy and I named you Elinor, which means "God is my light", and our hope and prayer is that you may never know a day without knowing God as your Light and your Lord. But your name also means just "Light". Elli, baby... you are our little light! This year and particularly this semester have not been easy for us, especially for your daddy. I'm glad you won't remember the stress of these past few months; adjusting to life as parents, studio, and job searching during a recession haven't always brought out the best in us, but if you could only remember the joy on your daddy's face when he walks in the door after a long day in studio, or when you go visit him and bring him coffee, you would never doubt that your presence has been nothing but a blessing! You smile more than any baby I've ever cared for, and those gummy grins brighten our days and make getting up in the middle of the night more than worth it! Baby, we delight in you and praise God for you every day!

On Friday you had your two month appointment, and oh boy, have you grown! You didn't cry once, even though we woke you up from a cozy nap! What a big girl! You weighed 11lbs 10oz, and measured 23 inches! Wow!!! Mia and I even pulled out all of your 3-6 month clothes, and some of them are starting to fit! (A fact I'm both excited and sad about... I'm having a hard time packing away the old clothes, but oh my goodness, you've got some cute clothes to grow into!) As we pulled out your new wardrobe, you smiled at each new outfit... I think you may be into fashion!

When we hold you, you like to face out or be up on our shoulder so you can see all around you. I don't think there's a shy bone in your body, because you smile at everyone who looks at you! Last night I took you into studio to see your daddy, and you gave out some pretty big grins to some architecture buddies... are you going to be a little flirt? You're trying very hard to laugh, but so far you can only manage "AH ha ha" and the occasional squeal.

This month you've discovered your tongue, how to make smacking noises, how to say "goo" and "ga", and how to swipe at toys. You have a cute little coughing sound you make when you're trying to get daddy's or my attention, and you have frequent conversations with your octopus friend. You like to look at books, especially the one with big animals. I think you'll be very musical, because you sing along when we sing to you, and you love Grandpa's whistling.

Daddy loves to make you fly over his head, and this never fails to bring a smile. This past weekend, you almost rolled from your stomach to your back. You were propped up on your elbows and fell to one side, but couldn't quite figure out how to finish the job. Very soon you will be on the move! Patty cake and The Wheels on the Bus are some of your favorite past times, especially when we "pat" and "swish."

I could go on and on about all of the adorable things you do, and I know this next month will bring even more! Daddy and I love watching you grow... you bless us every single day! We are so thankful that God chose us to be your Mommy and Daddy, to watch you develop into the little lady God wants you to be.