Odds and ends

Back on Ellie's birthday, we created a list of some of her "accomplishments." It is in that spirit that we present some of what's been going on that, for whatever reason, we've neglected to post about until now:

• Ellie performs magic in the tub. Ask her where her hand is and she hides it in a cup, pauses dramatically and then pulls it out to proudly display it. And, by the way, she now enjoys taking baths.
• She is giving more hugs and kisses.
• Ellie is following more commands; for example, "sit in your chair" (she walks to, and stands by, her highchair when it's time to eat) and "let's change your diaper" (as long as we're in the house, she'll walk to the changing table in her room).
• She stomps her feet when asked and dances.
• Ellie once loved wearing shoes. Now she just about pitches a fit when we put them on her. We can distract her a bit and she'll walk around in the shoes like everything is just fine; but, once she has more time to reflect on it, she again expresses her displeasure with the shoes.
• Two big falls have resulted in a busted lip (the blood was really gushing on this one with a frantic phone call to mom at work) and a very bruised cheek, respectively. Poor baby, but I'm sure there will be more to come.
• Ellie has "mastered" the following animal noises - elephant, monkey, cow, kitty cat, doggie, sheep, horse, chicken, duck and pig.
• When asked what a dog does when hot, she responds by panting.
• Ellie says bubba (another name we have for Q, her white doggie), nanny, pa, mama, dada and nanner (banana).
• She's become a very good sleeper.
• Ellie is no longer drinking from a bottle even though she still hasn't mastered the sippy-cup. For some reason unbeknownst to us, she apparently enjoys letting her drink dribble from her mouth resulting in many wet shirts and puddles on the floor.
• When asked how old she is, Ellie raises her index finger.

And I'm sure there are others we're forgetting, but you get the idea - she's coming along just fine!

It's not a spork

I'm not going into the details. I don't have a photo to document what happened. I just want to share with you all the fact that Ellie decided to use a crayon as a utensil at dinner tonight... and she succeeded at so doing.

-ED

Tot Spot

Today, Ellie and I attended the meetup at the mall (caution: website plays music). There they have what has been referred to as the "tot spot" - a fenced in area with seating for parents, a very well padded floor and some child-friendly activities. It started off quite well with a small group; but, as time passed the group grew and I felt it was too crowded. Ellie didn't appear to mind at all and, in fact, seemed to really enjoy herself. As such, I'm sure we'll return.

-ED

No more dining out...

...at least for a while.

AK treated us, me specifically, to a belated birthday dinner (thank you, AK). When discussing where to go, my first suggestion was take out. EM and AK sort of balked at this notion (and I understand why), so I gave in even though I knew what was coming.

You see Ellie is, and has been, in a loud-kind-of-whiney phase. I've especially noticed this the last several times we've eaten out as that is when it becomes most painfully obvious. And I'm certain it is just a phase, as is the case with most baby-related things as I have come to find out over the past year. And I still love my baby girl madly, and I am so proud to be her father. However, that doesn't make this phase any more tolerable especially for those who are subjected to Ellie's outbursts.

After dinner tonight, EM commented that she couldn't enjoy herself or her food (a sentiment I share; sorry, AK); and, after all, what's the point of going out if you're not going to enjoy it? Anyhow, I'm sure we will eventually be able to dine in public again. Sometime. Not just now.

-ED

Big Band

Just like last year, we attended the free concert in town today. This year we were joined by Nanny and Grandpa's longtime friends - Sam and Deirdre from Lynchburg, VA. Ellie danced a little bit, the weather was nice for August and, once again, fun was had by all.

-ED

Loud

We spent last night in Nanny and Grandpa's hometown - Salisbury. We enjoyed dinner - minus Ellie's very loud demands - at an Italian restaurant. We strolled the streets while listening to the loud music playing courtesy of the night's sponsored event. And we stopped by our absolute favorite toy store, and bought Ellie this:

The product description reads as follows: "Everything needed for a solo performance or to form a marching band. This musical set includes a tambourine, cymbals, maracas, clacker, tone blocks and a triangle! Ideal for involving preschoolers in the musical experience." We tried it out... and, guess what, it's loud.

-ED

P.S. - If only we had known Esbee's plans, we could have invited her and the boys to join us!

Lunch

Yesterday, Ellie and I drove out to the Farmers' Market. There we met Grammy, Aunt Laurie (in from Texas) and my nephew. Ellie was understandably shy - I can't remember the last time she saw my sister and her son; but, she was well behaved and all went well.

-ED

She learns so fast

Ellie watched today as we gave the dogs a much needed bath.



A few hours later she was giving Spunky a bath herself.

As a side note: Ellie has a new friend, Woody. In fact, for the first time she has taken a stuffed toy to bed with her. We think a new friendship has started. The interesting thing is that she has never seen Toy Story. We will be getting the DVD soon.

-EM

Nothing new...

...to report. I'm working this weekend and so that means sleeping in late. Nanny, EM and Ellie are at the pool. This will be followed by a little shopping. By the time they get home, I'll almost certainly be suffering from heat exhaustion as I mow. All told, I will probably see very little of my angel today; however, Grandpa is off tomorrow so I fully expect the four of us will spend some time together fawning over Ellie - as it should be.

-ED