five

Today Stella is five years old. I went back through the past year and I was having a hard time picking out a few photos, so here is an overview of her year. She has changed SO Much!

























































Dear Stella,

What a year this was! We have been through a lot of transition, and it hit you the hardest of anyone in our family. Moving across the country is hard, and you have had to get used to a lot of new places and people, which has been really tough for you. We have tried to do our best (and sometimes felt like we failed) to help you through this difficult time, and there have been days when I was not sure we were going to make it through. The word "challenging" does not even begin to describe our year!

But when I look back through these pictures, I realize that the terrible days fade from our memories so much quicker than the wonderful ones. I see how much you have grown physically and I know that your heart has matured and grown too. I am proud of you and I love you very much. I just know this coming year is going to be better for us- you are becoming more and more independent finding out who you are, and we are learning how to be the best parents we can for you.

Happy birthday, Stella Bella. We love you so very much.