Elizabeth Drew.

Elie, Elie, Elie, Elie girl, you're the cutest thing I've ever seen, you are so dear to me, my Elie Elie B, Elie, Elie, Elie, Elie B... this is a song I used to sing to you when you were a baby in my arms, trying to calm you down when you were crying. So although you're not small enough to hold in my arms, you're still my baby girl.

Happy 13th Birthday, kiddo. I can't believe you're a teenager! Oh how you've grown up. Today marks the day you were born. A day we chose because your Grandpa Joel was born on this day. He is smiling in heaven right now at his granddaughter and is so proud of you. Just like your Dad and I. My guess is, your sisters are proud to have you as a sister too, though they might not always admit it. You are the Oreo creme that keeps your two sisters connected. Your energy exemplifies this role quite nicely.

You were named after your great great grandmother Elizabeth Linford. And your middle name after your dad An"drew".  I won't go getting all sappy on you to avoid an eye roll but wanted to share 13 snippits of your timeline in the life of Elie:

1. You were ready to crawl when you were 4 months old. I scratched my head, wondering if the timing was on track. The doctor said, "you're going to have to watch this one"...
2. We went through 6 different types of bottles before you settled for the one you liked — a girl who knows what she wants and isn't going to settle.
3. You never attached yourself to a favorite blankie or stuffed animal — self reliance
4. You mastered the art of riding a bike when you were 4 all by yourself — determination early-on.
5. You were sent to the Principal's office in pre-school for being fiesty, along with a few other fiesty friends... I was mortified, my child. The Principal winked at me and said, "don't break her spirit"...
6. "Slow down" was a common observation from teachers in school. Always the 1st to be done at everything.
7. Probably why Softball was too "slow" for you. If the ball was hit to right field and you were playing left field position, you were always the 1st to retrieve the ball. A moment when we knew soccer was a better match.
8. You are very stubborn and don't seem to hear us when we ask you to help around the house. Yet teachers say the complete opposite. I guess you are listening. 
9. You are so patient with little kids. I watch you with Katy and you have a natural ability to teach and solve problems. She really looks up to you. A role model.
10. Sweets is one of your favorite food groups. And you usually leave a little on your face for later. 
11. You give 100% in everything you do. Except maybe cleaning your room.
12. Your food palette is slowly expanding, though not as fast as the rest of your life-you don't like buns, bananas, anything spicy and usually any sauces or cheese on anything. Really, an omelette with ham only? A panini with no cheese?
13. Soccer and swimming are your passions and you equally excel in both. Trombone is your music, taking after your great grandpa Paul. 

Thanks for giving us 13 years of such great memories.

Thanks for having a spirit that keeps us on our toes.

We are so proud to be your parents, Elizabeth Drew.  Our family wouldn't be the same without the middle of the Oreo... Thanks for being YOU. Love YOU!

Happy Is.... Elizabeth, Elie, El, Elster, Ells, Elie Bell.