Just Practicing For Florida

Except in Florida I can ditch the fleece. 

SUNDAY, FUN DAY

Today we went to OMSI with our dear friend, Gabrielle.  We played, played, played.

Balls, my favorite toys!

Gabrielle, your mom packs better food than mine....

Playing with the balls and air current kept me entertained for a long time!

Reading books in the puppet playhouse

Artist at work: making a bookmark

So focused. 

Exploring the cave with a flashlight

Weights and balance with bugs.... Yuck!

A Rare Shot

Being pregnant the first time was all-consuming;  it was all I thought about.   I kept a pregnancy journal, took photos regularly, made lists, and read books.  

This time I am too busy to do all that.  I am too busy chasing after Miss Ella.  And if you know her, you know she DOES. NOT. SLOW. DOWN. EVER.  Therefore, this is my second intentional belly shot.  And although I look H-U-G-E, I can tell you that I have gained less weight.  Please ignore the dingy shirt; it is well worn.  

Pregnancy #2 30+ weeks

Pregnant with Ella

If you can't tell, I think I am carrying the same... round like a basketball and all belly.

Disaster Zone....

Seriously.  Our house is in the process of transition.  Ella's current room will soon become the baby's room.  The guest room is in transformation to becoming Ella's big girl room.  And, the office is merging into the office/ guest room combo.  It is not pretty and I am sure Ryan is very unhappy with the ever growing to-do list.

It looks a little like this (with a completion goal of the end of April):

1.  Paint Ella's new room  (this is half done.  We have the chair rail left)
2.  Order new big girl bed
THIS is the bed we went with. It is in two large boxes waiting to be assembled. However, that can't be done until everything else moves to their rightful new room.
3.  Put said big girl bed together
4.  Sell computer desk (it doesn't fit in the office/ guest room)
5.  Organize garage (we need to store Ella's too small clothes there)
6.  Hang pictures (just found some at Homegoods and the hanging thing-a-ma-bob is not centered.  I have already put 5 holes in the wall)
7.  Donate computer
8.  Clean out/ organize closets (Half done...)
9.  Curtains for Ella's new room
10.  Hang shelves in Ella's new room

Luckily, baby's room needs nothing but the baby....

21 Months...

Yes, this dusting of snow cancels school for the day!

Dear Ella,

Today you turned twenty-one months old!  And luckily for me, I had a snow day so we were able to spend it together.  What a treat!  Bright and early we went outside and frolicked in the snow.   You were a bit skeptical of the fluffy white stuff at first, but came to love it, as you were running up and down the sidewalk and lawn.  Daddy and I loved watching you experience something new.  We only wish we had a sled.

This past month you have learned MANY new skills.

~You began swim lessons and can splash, you try to blow bubbles, and you don't mind being dunked fully underwater.  In fact, your favorite part of swim lessons is Humpty Dumpty when you actually sit on the poolside wall and "fall" in.

~  You started telling us when you filled your diaper.  And now will even go on the potty.  You love earning a M&M treat when you do.  You always ask for a certain color, usually blue or red.  At first you were reluctant to eat your treat, as you wanted to tote it around.  You would place it in bowls, cook with it,  once you took a nap with your M&M, and one time you insisted taking it in the bath with you.  Silly girl.  Now you tend to eat your treat straight away and always ask for more.

~  You are a climbing machine.  You are testing limits.  You want to do everything yourself.

~ You help unload the dishwasher, like to wipe down the table, but very rarely pick up your own toys.

~ At mealtimes you like to use a fork now and you no longer are content to sit in your highchair.  You want to sit on someone's lap or a chair of your own.

~ You know your colors and animals.

~ Hardly ever do you give out kisses... to anyone.

~ You are trying to dress yourself and you love to wear mommy's bracelets.  In fact, you also like to carry around her make-up brushes, but you hate wearing a bow in your hair.  Go figure!

~  This past week you had yellow curry for dinner and liked it.  Your father and I thought this was very funny.  We are lucky to have such a good eater.

~ And most amazingly, during this past month your speech has exploded!  New words include: Ella, I did it, potty, snow (just today), flower, house, purple, blue, red, boot,  catch, rice, scarf, and turtle.

You amaze us everyday.   And we love you beyond any words could possibly describe.
XOXOX,
Mommy and Daddy

Grammy

Dear Grammy,

I miss you.  You have only been gone five days, but I really liked when you were here.  You helped teach me my colors.  (By the way, I can say purple VERY clearly now.)  You got me started on the potty and you looked at endless books and magazines with me.  You even let mommy and daddy getaway for the night and we had a girls' weekend.

I can't wait to see you in Florida.  I have been practicing my swimming so we can go in the pool.  And tell Grampy that I hope to eat lots of ice cream.

XoXoX,
Ella

Grammy, I love you like I loved the cake at Riley and Tyson's party! 

Just LIke Mommy .... and Daddy, for that Matter

Ella got a package in the mail today.

 And since it was not her birthday, a gift-giving holiday, or a package that I ordered, we were unsure of its contents.

But as soon as Miss Ella saw it, she had to put it on.

It was "Pretty" and she could hardly contain herself while we took off the tags.

To expedite the process, Ella proceeded to take off her vest.

She thought she was pretty hot stuff.

A Big Fat Boo-Boo

Check out the egg right between Ella's eyes.  I guess when one bang's their head into the wood coffee table something has to pay.  Sadly, this time it was Ella's sweet little noggin'.   Poor baby.

Ignore the pasta-face....

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.