Ellie's Art

When Ellie first transitioned into the Black Bear room she was in awe at how her teachers were able to color in rainbow hearts. She didn't know how to do it and asked me in a frustrated voice to show her how. I did, but it wasn't easy for her. And now, after months of practicing and working really hard, she has finally finished one of her own. This is the first completed rainbow heart picture ever, though she has had many partial ones - apparently they take a long time and lots of dedication to complete. Good job, Ellie, on the hard work!

Some of her drawings have also gained a new level of detail. This is a picture she drew for Uncle David for his birthday. It's a picture of her standing on the beach, complete with fish, waves, starfish, stars in the sky, palm tree, boats and flower. Though she told me at one time, I do not recall what the inappropriate-looking item in the waves is.

She even loves to write messages now, and I love to see the look of pride on her face when she watches someone else be able to read what she wrote.

My heart sang the moment it saw this picture and then it was crushed when I was told it wasn't for me. I love the hearts. I love how happy they all look. Alas, it's not a picture of Mommy and Daddy. It's a picture of Nana and Grandpa. I even loved it so much that I suggested we pretend it's Mommy and Daddy only to have Ellie remind me "No, Mommy. You get all the good pictures. This one is for Nana and Grandpa." Ouch.

But because she knew I loved it so much, she made me my own picture of Mommy, Daddy, Addie and Ellie, each with happy hearts. Thank you, Sweetie.

And I get messages that were written all by herself, without any help from teachers. Take that, Nana!

But my favorite of all are the cards for Addie. Ellie sure does love her little sister.

This is a picture of Bun Bun Bear pretending to be a Lion. Cute. And when she doesn't know how to spell words? Well that's when the squiggles come handy. I asked her what it says and she told me "This is a card for you At-a-line. Please love me because I love you to. Please, pretty please, draw me a picture too. This is for At-a-line. Please love her because I love her too. And please hug her whenever you like to because this is a card for you. Please love her forever and I will too." Melt.

Though we've been bombarded with pictures covered with "I love you"s, each one makes me smile. The teachers say that Ellie is often the one who comes up with ideas of making loved ones presents like these. Then the other kids follow suit. Apparently Ellie could spend the entire day coloring precious gifts for everyone she loves - if only the teachers would let her.

Another picture of Bun Bun Bear for Addie. This one says "To Addie. This is Bun Bun Bear. He loves you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you so much! Thank you for all your love! Please come to my birthday. Love, Ellie."

So I guess what I'm trying to say in this post is that Ellie has been sending home lots of love and as her Mommy, I'm soaking it all in.