My Sweet Stella Bell: Four Years of Magic and My Heart Exploding

Okay you guys, I'm just sitting here and my heart is freakin exploding. Like, seriously, I can't even. Today, my sweet Stella Bell, my first baby, my little ray of sunshine, turned FOUR YEARS OLD. Four. Can you even believe it? Because I truly cannot. It feels like just yesterday I was holding her for the very first time, and now she's this incredible, vibrant, hilarious, and just unbelievably kind little human. My mind is just blown, and my heart is just so full it might actually burst :,)

I was looking through old photos today, like I always do on their birthdays, and I found this one from her first birthday party. And then I looked at a pic from today, and omg. It just hits you, doesn't it? How fast time goes. One minute you're planning their first smash cake, and the next they're asking for a unicorn cake with rainbow sprinkles and telling you exactly what kind of frosting they want. I swear, it's like a time warp. One minute they're a tiny little bundle, and the next they're running around, telling jokes, and being the best big sister to their little sisters. I'm just so emotional thinking about it all, tbh.

Remembering Stella's First Year: A Blur of Love and Learning

Gosh, her first year. It was such a whirlwind, right? Everything was new. Tanner and I were brand new parents, figuring out everything as we went. I remember being so nervous but also so excited. Every little milestone felt like the biggest deal ever. Her first smile, her first giggle, her first time rolling over. I swear, I documented everything. I was that mom, hahah. And I wouldn't change it for the world. That first year with Stella, it taught me so much. It taught me a love I didn't even know existed. It taught me patience (still working on that one, ngl). It taught me that sleep is a luxury, but a baby's snuggle is worth every single lost hour.

Her first birthday party feels like it was just yesterday. We had a little gathering, nothing too crazy, but it felt so special. Seeing her little face light up at the cake, getting frosting everywhere. That pure, unadulterated joy. That's what I live for. That's what being a mom is all about. And even then, at just one year old, we knew. We just knew Stella was going to be something special. She had this sweet, gentle spirit even as a baby. Always observing, always smiling. She was just so easy to love, and that hasn't changed one bit.

Four Years of Stella: Her Sweet Spirit Shines

Fast forward four years, and my goodness, Stella has blossomed into the most incredible little person. She's still got that sweet, gentle spirit, but now it's mixed with so much personality. She's so creative, always drawing or making up stories. She loves to sing and dance, and she has the best imagination. She can spend hours playing pretend, and it's just the cutest thing to watch. She's also incredibly empathetic. If someone is sad, she's the first one to offer a hug or ask if they're okay. That's something I really admire about her. She just has this natural kindness that radiates from her.

She's also super determined. If she sets her mind to something, she's going to do it. Whether it's learning to ride her scooter without training wheels or mastering a new art project, she'll keep trying until she gets it. I love that about her. It's such an amazing quality to have, and I hope she never loses that drive. Tanner always says she gets her stubbornness from me, and he's probably not wrong, hahah. But it's a good kind of stubbornness, I swear!

My Heart Explodes for My Girls: Stella, Ozzy, and Cherry

Being a mom to Stella, Ozzy, and now baby Cherry, it's just the greatest adventure. Each of them is so unique and brings so much joy to our lives. And seeing Stella as a big sister? Oh my goodness, you guys. My heart just melts. She's so good with Ozzy, always wanting to play with her and help her. And with Cherry? She's the sweetest, most gentle big sister. She loves to hold her, talk to her, and give her little kisses. She's so proud to be a big sister, and it's just the most beautiful thing to witness. I couldn't imagine our family without her leading the way.

I remember when we told her she was going to be a big sister again, she was just so excited. She immediately started talking about all the things she would teach the baby and how she would help me. And she truly has. She's such a little helper, and she takes her big sister role very seriously. It makes me so proud to see the kind of person she's becoming. I just love her so sm. More than the stars, baby. Always and forever.

Cherishing Every Moment: The Fast Lane of Motherhood

This journey of motherhood, it's wild, isn't it? It's messy, it's chaotic, it's exhausting sometimes, but it's also the most rewarding thing in the entire world. Every single day, my kids teach me something new. They teach me to slow down, to find joy in the little things, and to love fiercely. And Stella, my sweet firstborn, she was the one who opened my heart to all of it. She showed me what true, unconditional love feels like.

So, to my Stella Bell, happy 4th birthday, my love. Thank you for four years of magic, laughter, and making my heart explode every single day. You are truly the sweetest, and I am so incredibly grateful to be your mom. I can't wait to see all the amazing things you'll do, and I'm so excited to watch you continue to grow into the incredible person you're meant to be. We love you more than words can say. Now, let's go eat some cake!! ❤️✨