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.

Cheese!

This is what 19 months looks like.  This is what being sick with a virus looks like.  This is what Ella and Daddy looked like on Christmas Eve. 

How I Eat My Hamburger

First, I eat all of my french fries with lots of ketchup.   You can't blame me here because I rarely get fries.  Usually I am stuck with carrots, peas, corn or some other vegetables.  And when I do get fries, they are the baked kind, not the yummy delicious fried goodness that causes mommy to have guilt.

Then I move on to my tomato.  You can see that I really enjoyed my ketchup.

And lastly, I eat my burger and bun.

Tummy Tickling

Dear Santa,

Dear Santa,

     I am sorry I was terrified while sitting on your lap.  You have to understand, I rarely am thrust onto the lap of a stranger and I was a little bit nervous.  After all, you are also famous.  I recognize you from my many books and the decorations my mommy has displayed around the house.  You did notice that I did not cry, right?  Yes, I whined, but that was all.  Mommy and daddy actually thought the visit was a success, but I wanted to double check with you because it is you that decides whether I am naughty or nice.

   Speaking of naughty or nice, you did watch me while we ate at Red Robin?  I was SO good.  Mommy and daddy actually said it was our most successful dinner out yet.  You saw that, right?  And you did notice that after I got off your lap, I was very friendly and happy to be near you, right?  You saw me wave to you?  And did you get the kiss I blew you?  I hope you heard me say, "Ho, ho, ho."  I said it with a lot of gusto, but the mall was quite loud.

  Also, thank you very much for the candy cane.  I did not even pitch a fit when it was taken away from me, even though I figured out it was a treat.  I was a very good girl.  I hope you agree.

xoxoxo,
Ella

Busted Lip and Bangs

Yesterday was quite the day for Ella.  She fell and busted her lip.  I was not there, but I imagine she did quite a number because when I got home her upper lip mirrored Angelina Jolie's.   And as you can imagine, no mother wants that for her daughter, at least I don't.  Besides the fat lip, she had a scab and was not in the jolliest of moods.  It was one of the days.

Daddy took the picture while I was getting a haircut, just to appease me. 

Then Ella (and the rest of the family) got haircuts yesterday.  Ella had a fit when we had to leave the hairbrush behind.  I  mean, tears and all.  Like streaming down her face.  After that fit I can only imagine what she was like immediately after she fell.  Poor baby. 

After all that, we ran to the library to check out a book appropriately titled Positive Discipline and Your Toddler.

Happy Thanksgiving

Taking a Thanksgiving picture this year was a struggle.  This is the best we could do:

Shopping Intervention

Warning:  being a mom to a little girl can be expensive.  You must have good willpower not to go flat out broke.  Seriously.

Who can say no to this sweater vest from Gymboree and its matching skirt?

? 

Or what about this elephant dress?

I surely couldn't.  Nor could I leave the store without the 6 other items Ella just had to have!  And Ella did not seem to mind either!

Best. Lunch. Ever.

Mommy, I LOVE peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.  They are my favorite!

Daylight Savings Is for the Birds

Daylight Savings is for the birds.  Ryan, Ella and I all agree.  In fact,  I want to go to bed now and it is 6:52 pm.  And Ella nearly had a melt down with the kooky schedule.  Whoever thought of Daylight Savings obviously did not have a toddler at home at the time!

So Worldly

When you have slippers from Greece (thanks Aunt Gillian and Uncle Brett), you automatically gain street credit, and you have comfy slippers to boot!

Psst.....

Psst....

This is what I do as soon as mommy turns her back....

And believe it or not, I even stand in the drawer,  although I am not sure if I will do that again anytime soon.  I *might* have learned my lesson when I fell and bumped my head.  On second thought, it didn't hurt *that* much!

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween from the Cutest Duck... Ever.

Ella's Big News

Ella would like everyone to know that she is going to be a big sister this coming May.  And although she is not happy about sharing her birth month, her toys, or her parents, we are confident that she will be a wonderful sister.... eventually.   

You Know You Are Pregnant When....

You know you are pregnant when the vegetables you have been avoiding for the past three weeks all of a sudden sound delicious.  So delicious in fact, that for dinner you choose to consume an entire plate of raw carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower with a side of ranch.  

Then, while having a tough time falling asleep you think, "Well, maybe I am hungry."  

So you go downstairs and consume a bowl (or two) or pesto pasta, mushrooms, and sun-dried tomatoes with a tall glass of apple juice.  Gross!

Another Ella Talent

It is no secret that my daughter is talented.
I mean, she CAN point to almost all of her body parts when asked.
She CAN make almost any animal sound.
She is also a great decorator.

I guess she thought my kitchen floors needed a little sprucing up!

Our Adventure to the Roloff Farms

This is the one minute I sat still while at the pumpkin patch.  There was just too much to see and do!

I had a conversation with the ponies and kept saying "Neigh, neigh."  However, the stubborn ponies just ignored me. 

Mommy and me. 

Exploring.  You can tell that we must have been the LAST family on the face of the earth to arrive at the Roloff Farms.  Pumpkin picking was pretty slim.  But, don't worry.  I have a nice 23 pound pumpkin that looks just perfect on our front steps. 

Trend Alert

New trend alert!  Ella has made layering bibs the new "in" style.  According to this fashionista,  the more bibs, the better!

New Shoes

I have a "thing" for shoes.  When I had discretionary income I would often buy myself a cute pair of heels or a swanky pair of boots.  That was before baby and before new house, both of which I would rather have than spending money!

Like these.  Aren't they cute? 

Times sure have changed.  Now my discretionary income is minimal so no new boots or heels for me.  But that is okay.  Instead I get to indulge my daughter in new shoes since she actually needs shoes.
And because I am still a shoe snob, Ella gets adorable See Kai Run shoes.   After all, foot development is really important and Ella has pretty complicated Flinstone feet.

Carley by See Kai Run

Gemma by See Kai Run 

And don't feel too bad for me, I  did manage to get two new pairs of shoes this past weekend, but they are not nearly as cute as Ella's new kicks!

Just Practicing

                            MY QUACK!

Grandpa's Pasta

I L-O-V-E pasta!  And I must say, I am a lucky girl because both my Grandpa and Grampy AND my mommy makes delicious pasta.

Obviously I love pasta because it is yummy.

But I also love pasta because it guarantees me a bath!

Too Cute to Pass Up

So, I am one of the few people who actually *LOVE* all things Christmas, even in October.  In fact, it might be because of me that holiday decor is already in the stores.  Already I am thisclose to ordering outdoor sconces to flank the garage (I already contacted customer service with my questions),  have  scoured the Christmas card designs on Shutterfly, and have bought Ella a Christmas dress.  It was just too cute to pass up!

Sunday= Special Breakfast Day

Growing up I remember my dad making a special breakfast on Sunday.  Sometimes it was french toast or maybe it was eggs, or more likely, both french toast and eggs.  Regardless, it was the best thing about Sunday morning.  I like to make Sunday mornings a little special around here too.

This past weekend I made Ella strawberry- banana pancakes.  And I must admit, they were pretty delicious.  Ella also gave me her seal of approval with a few, "More, mores."  And THREE kisses before she was even finished eating!   For those of you who don't know, Ella is a very stingy kisser.

Looks like strawberry-banana pancakes will be on the menu again next Sunday!

BOOM BOOM

Ryan made stew for dinner tonight.
I know, I know.  He IS husband of the year!
And while Ella was eating hers, we were all gathered around the table watching and talking.
Surprisingly her little body let out two very loud (for lack of a better word) farts.
Ryan and I looked at other in dismay.
And Ella very proudly sang,  "Boom, boom!"

Competitive Moms.....

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Thanks, Ali.  I had to share....

Forced Hiatus

BLISS has been shut down for the past 5 days.  But, have no fear, the hubs is back in town with the camera.  Accidently it was left in the diaper bag that was left in the car that was then parked at the airport all this time.  Welcome home, camera, welcome home.