In training

Back in February, I wrote about how we made our first foray into potty-training. It was a short-lived and, needless to say, unsuccessful venture. Fast forward four-plus months and we have a much more "focused" and intelligent toddler to deal with, so we are on to round two of potty-training.

EM has said privately for a while now that this second round would begin in earnest after the vacation; and, true to her word, it has. In fact, last night Ellie pooped in the potty. It was completely by accident, of course, but I can clearly see where we have an opportunity to succeed this time around whereas our first experiment in potty-training was just that - an experiment.

So why am I more confident? One word: chocolate. Take tonight for example when EM informed me she was able to cut Ellie's fingernails without one bit of protest by offering our chocoholic-in-training a single M&M. Mind you, we aren't advocating bribery but sometimes you have to doo what you have to doo (doo).

-ED

We're back!

I know. You didn't realize we were gone. Well, we were. For the first time since she was itty-bitty, we went to the beach. We were joined (actually hosted) by Nanny and Pa (thanks), and for part of the time by Nanny's sister and the sister's youngest daughter. The weather was perfectly beachy. More (hopefully) to follow....

-ED

Our Birthday Girl

Happy Birthday!!!

Two years ago today you, our little bundle of joy, were born! It is so truly amazing to think about all you have accomplished thus far and far more amazing to think about all that is yet to come. We love you very much, Ellie Rose, and we are so proud of you!

-Mommy and Daddy

Another first

It's been a while since I commented on firsts for Ellie. However, since this was one first I was not necessarily thinking about, or looking forward to, I figured it was worth mentioning... her first (and hopefully last) motor vehicle accident. Everyone is ok as far as we can tell, and the identities of the others involved will be concealed to avoid further embarrassment. That said, it's my understanding that these things, as it relates to injuries, become clearer the day after the accident. So we'll see how everyone is feeling tomorrow.

-ED

Celebration

Today we will celebrate Ellie's second birthday with some friends and family. We have no big plans. Just an inflatable pool and sprinkler for the kids, pizza and cupcakes. On the one hand, I'm disappointed we're not doing more; but, on the other hand, we've been overwhelmed with other stuff lately. As long as Ellie enjoys herself, and I think she will since it will involve playing in the water, I'm fine with it.

-ED

Update: Ellie had a great time at her party. She awoke from her nap around 2:30. As soon as she got up we told her that we were getting ready for her birthday party. The excitement began. The balloons were her favorite. She carried them around forever. Papa and Daddy set up her pool out front with her plastic slide going into it. She loved it. She had a great time playing with Payton, Eryn, and Nicky. And she ate two cupcakes!

When one door closes...

...it must mean Ellie is near.

For the last week or so, one of Ellie's big "things" has been to close doors. It's kind of funny - she just goes around closing doors. The funniest thing, however, is when she closes the door and then begs for help to open it; for example, when she closes herself in a room all alone. That said, all this door closing makes me wonder... when will the opening of doors become a problem?

-ED

How did your day begin?

Ellie woke up this morning a little cranky. So I tried to get her mind off of whatever it was that upset her:

Me - Did you have sweet dreams last night?
Her - Ya.
Me - What did you dream about?
Her - You. And me. Daddy loves me.
Me - I sure do!

Needless to say, my day started wonderfully.

-ED