The only thing more exciting than welcoming a new baby into the world? Celebrating your bundle of joy’s first birthday. EBONY is sending big hugs today to Princess Eliana Rose Makonnen, who is celebrating her first birthday today, July 17.
The daughter of Princess Edna Tafari Makonnen and Jamal Robinson, the precious little girl is the great-great-granddaughter of Haile Selassie, Ethiopia’s last emperor. Her and her mother’s lineage traces back to the biblical King Solomon, the third son of King David and the Queen of Sheba.
From the moment Princess Eliana made her arrival 365 days ago, she’s had her parents’ hearts. “Seeing Eliana for the very first time is a moment I’ll never be able to fully put into words,” Princess Edna shared with EBONY.
“We had spent so long waiting and praying for her arrival, and the instant I laid eyes on her, my heart overflowed with love and joy. In that moment, nothing else mattered except knowing she was healthy, safe, and finally in our arms.”
Even before Princess Eliana came into the world, her family was ecstatic over her impending arrival, especially since her mother, Princess Edna, was the only girl born among her siblings. Her mother, Princess Aster Abitow, had something very special to present to her new baby granddaughter.
“I had no idea my mom had saved some of my dresses from when I was a little girl until she surprised me with them at my baby shower. It was such a meaningful gift because most of those dresses I had only ever seen in old home videos, if I remembered them at all,” Princess Edna stated.
Having a chance to watch her own child wear them allows her to “create new memories while carrying on a small piece of my childhood,” she continued. “It’s a beautiful reminder of how love can be passed down from one generation to the next.”
Another momentous occasion over the past 365 days was Princess Eliana’s christening, which marked the beginning of her faith journey. “It was a beautiful reminder of God’s love and grace over her life,” Princess Edna shared. “It was our prayerful commitment to raise her in faith and a beautiful reminder that she is deeply loved and held in God’s care. It was a day filled with faith, hope, and the promise of God’s blessings over her life.”
A year of diaper changes, midnight feedings and baby gurgles has all added up to one thought: “Eliana has been a Blessing to our family since her arrival,” Princess Edna exclaimed. “It’s been beautiful continuing to grow our love deeper as a family of three.”
Happy Birthday, Princess Eliana!