It's Been Awhile

My mommy has STUNK at blogging lately.  She might blame it on grading papers or maybe her New Year's Resolution to cook dinner more or even the fact that she is pregnant.  But nope,  I will let you in on a secret.  My mommy has just been L-A-Z-Y!

And all the while she was ignoring the blog I have been climbing new mountains, learning new things, and acting cute.  Take a look!

I had my first taste of pudding and LOVED it!

I wore a bow for more than .2 seconds and started wearing stickers. 

I've improved on my swimming skills. 

I like to sit like a big girl in a big girl chair. 

And I just got a new potty.... TODAY. 

I have been reading my potty books. 

And not only do I read board books, but I also read daddy's flight manuals. 

A Few of Ella's Favorite Things

6.  Spaghetti and Cheese (not necessarily together)

5.  Baths

4.  Gymboree Class

3.  Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and Biscuit

2.  Sesame Street

1.  Riding in the Car

Sunday, Fun Day

Dear Readers~

Today was one of those days that just can't be beaten.  I mean, seriously, it was SOOO fun.  Put it this way, any day that starts with breakfast at IHOP is off to a good start, but when you toss in a new dress and bathing suit plus swim lessons, it becomes one of the best days ever!

Today was my first swim lesson and I was not even scared.  Mommy and daddy actually got me to lessons EARLY and then I had to wait a good 10 minutes before even being allowed in the pool.  That was torture; as soon as I saw the water I wanted in.  It took everything I had to be patient, but I managed.  Barely.

Swim lessons were the best.  We blew bubbles in the water and although I put my face in the water constantly and willingly, the bubbles thing is little bit difficult for me.  Maybe next week I will get that down.  I am, however, a master splasher.  And I even went all the way underwater!  I was the only baby in the whole class who was ready for this major feat and I did not even cry!  Mommy was so proud.

xoxo,
ELLA

Before and After

This is an old picture.  I want you to notice the box of toys in the background.  It looks overflowing, but most of those toys were rattles, plush dolls, teethers, and other baby toys that have since been put away.  

Until Christmas all the toys Ella owned were in that bin.  Our TV room was neat and I had no idea that she was lacking in toys.  After all, she liked to look at books most of all.  

Then we started going on play dates.  And I became embarrassed.  Ella's toy selection was seriously pitiful.

Then it was Christmas.  And we had a toy explosion.  There are toys EVERYWHERE.  And I have learned, rather quickly, that the more toys you have, the more toys you have to pick up.  

No we have a tent.  And a kitchen.  And Little People.  And magnets. And Crayons.  And Playdough.  And new books.  Lots of variety.  Lots of imagination and age-appropriate interaction.  

And a BIG MESS to clean up every. single. night.   

18 Month Stats....

Ella turned 18 months on NOVEMBER 24 and that was over a month and a half ago!  I have been meaning to publish her stats ever since, but as you know, I have been a very bad blogger.  And since I am afraid my mother will disown me, I have decided to get back on the blogging train.

Height: 34.5" (98.8 %)  According to the doctor and based on her stats, Ella will likely be between 5'9 and 5'10.   Combine that height with her left handedness we may have a future volleyball player on our hands.... Right side maybe or setter in the making?

Weight: 27 lb 6 oz  (86.2%) 


Head Circumference: 19.02"  (90.51%)

This Warms My Heart

I stole this from BabySauce, a blog of Ryan's cousin.  It warms my heart.  Ryan might not have a guitar or much of a singing voice (although I can't sing or even tap my foot to a beat, so I can't talk), but he has an unbelievable bond with Missy Moo.   The love between a father and a daughter is something special.