Ellen Pompeo: Stella Brings New Meaning to 'Happy'

"Every day is like Christmas morning. Every day when I go to her room to get her from her crib, it's indescribable," the Grey's Anatomy star tells PEOPLE Moms & Babies at the grand opening of The Cosmopolitan and Marquee Las Vegas Nightclub on Friday.

By Staff Author

Published on January 5, 2011 03:00 PM

The holidays may be over, but Ellen Pompeo has no problem celebrating her greatest gift — daughter Stella Luna — year-round!

“Every day is like Christmas morning. Every day when I go to her room to get her from her crib, it’s indescribable,” the Grey’s Anatomy star tells PEOPLE at the grand opening of The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas and Marquee on Friday.

“I thought I was happy before, but she just brings so much joy. She’s such a happy girl.”

According to the proud mama, 15-month-old Stella has also been making great strides — literally — in her milestones.

“She’s got the walking thing down, which is terrifying because the falling thing comes with that of course,” Pompeo, 41, shares.

In fact, adds the actress, baby girl’s latest achievement came only hours before attending that night’s event with husband Chris Ivery.

“When we left the hotel room she said, ‘Bye’ [to her father]. She said it once and it was super exciting. I screamed!” Pompeo reveals. “The door was slamming and I opened the door and said, ‘Did you hear that?!’ She’s adorable.”

— Anya Leon with reporting by Mark Gray