Santa brought what I wanted. . .

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

Coal

Pretty sure if Santa stopped by the house today, she'd get nothing but coal... and deservedly so. It's really hard to describe just how frustrated and mad she has had EM and I at different times this weekend. It's also hard to believe that for all we do to make her life better she at times seems hell bent on making ours worse. I know it can't be intentional at her age, but there are times when I can't be so sure. And for all the yelling and threatening and disciplining that goes on during a weekend like this, I'm sure when she's a head-strong, hormonal teen I'll look back on all of this as being a cakewalk. But for now, if I could get away with it, I would like to return all her gifts and cancel Christmas.

-ED

PS - As if all this weren't bad enough, EM's birthday was this weekend. Happy-freaking-birthday, baby.

Drat

I was planning on making a post today, complete with video, recapping Ellie's performance in her first school play. Sadly, a dose of winter weather changed those plans. The play will now take place in January. In the meantime, the Christmas celebrations are about to get underway... first stop: Grammy's this weekend.

-ED

Three things...

...I forgot to mention. Ellie can count to 30-something on her own. She can also do some simple addition/subtraction. Finally, she can spell/read several simple words... in/out, stop/go, on/off are some that come to mind as well as her colors. I don't have anyone to compare her to, but I think she's pretty darn smart.

-ED

Long-overdue-update

I guess this entry should begin with an apology - sorry for being slack with the updates. There's really no excuse for going this long without posting something (other than my football post last week which I hope morphs into a long, long tradition). That said, there hasn't been a whole lot going on; and, in my efforts to provide this update I'm sure I'll forget something/someone. Perhaps EM can cover for me in case I do suffer such a lapse....



Ellie is enjoying preschool. She's made several friends (Emma, Colt, Isis (her best friend) are just some of the names that come to mind), and enjoyed "trunk or treating" with them while dressed as a witch. And, as I lay in bed sick (special thanks I'm sure is owed to one of her little preschool friends), she went "trick-or-treating" with EM, Nanny and Pa.



Ellie has really been intrigued this year by the change of seasons. However, more than the change of seasons she especially enjoys the varied celebrations... Halloween... Thanksgiving... Christmas. Of course, I think this comes mostly from preschool and the different crafts they work on that are seasonally appropriate. (By the way, if you're looking for gift ideas - mind you, I'm not soliciting - anything in the arts/crafts genre will be a big hit with our little one.)


In closing, I'll note that Ellie will participate in a Christmas play at preschool next month. She has a spoken part, one that she memorized in the span of an hour. We are now working with her on speaking slowly and clearly so that everyone can understand her (the way she recites it now, she says it so fast it sounds like a jumbled mess). Hopefully, we'll have video to share following her acting debut.


-ED

The Streak

I know an update is long overdue. But before I get to that, I just wanted to point out that Ellie is 4-0 vs. the Tar Heels following today's victory. Could there be a better good luck charm?

We're the red and white from State,

and we know we are the best.

Hands behind our back,

we can take on all the rest.

GO TO HELL CAROLINA!

Devils and Deacs stand in line.

The red and white from NC STATE.

Go State!

-ED

Our first parent teacher conference

While Ellie stayed home with Nans tuesday am ED and myself went to Ellie's first preschool conference.

We are very fortunate to have a great local preschool that has similar learning goals as we do.

The head teacher, Ms. B, brings the children into her room one on one in the week leading up to the conference. Each child is given a set of tasks to complete. The results are reviewed with us.

The tasks that were given to Ellie are all similar to things we have done and do with her on a daily basis. Ellie is able to do all of these things (cut a line with scissors, count to 10, recognize letters not in ABC order, follow three step directions, match similar objects, etc.). The amazing thing is that she didn't do all these things for Ms. B. She would show her some things and then just become silly.

I walked away having to remind myself that she is 3. As Ms. B said "she is intelligent, but she has the maturity of a three year old."

Ellie is our little smarty pants and she makes us proud.

BTW- Her fever finally broke and she is starting to feel better. We have a little ways to go but the end of this virus is in site.

-EM

Our little sickie

We have been so lucky to have made it 3 plus years without too many illnesses. Ellie started with cold symptoms this past friday and since then has been the sickest we have seen her. Two visits to the doctor and a few calls to the nurse line and it is just a virus that needs to run its' course.

Our little one LOVES to drink, especially soy milk. If she had her way she would drink it all day with no limits. All signs pointed to really sick when she started turning her milk away.

This morning the fever broke for a while and Ellie at more at lunch then she had in days, but still no real desire for soy milk. I'll know we are in the clear when this returns.

Fingers crossed that this is the worst we pick up at preschool for the time being and that she wakes up feverless from her 4 plus hour nap.

Visit to the Fall Festival

Treasure Land

The teachers at Ellie's preschool are using a reward system for good behavior. After about two weeks of helping the kids learn the system the teachers rewarded those who have been behaving well. Ellie was one of them. She was rewarded with a trip to treasure land. Ellie picked an item for nans and one for pa. I love that this was a reward for her, but she wanted to get something for someone else. She is the sweetest.

We have been spending quite a bit of time trying to curb Ellie's drive to be first at everything. I appreciate her motivation and hope that she continues to have some of this drive as she gets older, but at this point always being first doesn't fly in preschool. After her visit to treasure land a note came home from one of her teachers that after her treasure trip she was heard saying, "I'll always be second so that I can go to treasure land again."

Papa Smurf?

Ellie is enjoying preschool, and seems to be doing well. She's only been in timeout once! One of the things she most looks forward to is show-and-tell. Tonight, in asking what she'll bring this week, she said she wanted to bring silly bands.

EM: Have any of the other kids brought in silly bands?
Ellie: The blue kid.

You see, she's made one friend thus far (and I apologize for not remembering her name). Ellie talks about that friend by name; however, all the other kids are apparently nameless.

-ED

Mommy and Ellie Weekend

This past weekend ED headed to Las Vegas for a trip with some long time friends. Nans and Pa headed to the beach for a work/fun trip. That left Ellie and myself alone with 2 doggies. We had fun together. We missed everyone ALOT, but we enjoyed the time together.

On Friday we went to the library for story time. We brought home a bunch of books. She loves to read so much. We have read them all a gagillion times.

On Saturday Ellie gave me two Dora stickers for "being so good to her."

On Sunday Ellie told me that "she belongs to me."

On Monday Ellie asked "when will I get my own doctor's office?" She wants to grow up and be a doctor "since she has so many doctor toys."

We had fun, but we missed everyone!
-EM

First Day of School

The first day of preschool seemed to go great! Ellie barely looked back when Daddy dropped her off. She seemed to enjoy her day. The only comment from the teachers was about Ellie always wanting to be first. This is no surprise to us. We have been working on this ALL summer.

It is amazing the drive this girl has to be first at everything, first up the stairs, first out the door, first on the potty. It is deep inside of her. It seems that preschool is the only answer to reigning this in. In fact, I think in one day and she has made progress . . . .

Later in the evening we were letting the dogs out as a family.

ED opened the door.

I said "Let Daddy and the doggies go out first."

Ellie said "It is good to go second."

Preschool is good!

Another first

Tomorrow, September 7th, begins a new first for our baby girl... preschool. Should be interesting, and full of bloggable material. Stay tuned....

-ED

My name

from right to left l, l, e, e, i

Ellie has known how to spell her name for a long time. Tonight I asked her to write her name. We have not been practicing. Occasionally when drawing I may ask her to draw a letter, but never her name.

So I was floored with the above attempt.

The letters may be written randomly on the page, but she got them all
right BY HERSELF!

In the interests of...

...being "fair and balanced," I must report that Ellie has been better behaved today. Included in this "about face" was a surprise visit for lunch at my office (thanks Nans).

-ED

Happy Bday?

Today is my bday. No big deal, really. But, it would be nice to have a little girl who isn't whining, crying and fussing all day long. Alas, that is not what we got at all. In fact, from the moment she woke up she's pretty much been a terror. Really. I can't think of the last time I saw/heard EM this mad. Maybe next year will be better.

-ED

Punchline

Can't say more at this time... but, the punchline is "Boofameyer."

-ED

Our solar system and... jewelry

On the ride home, following a tremendously awful day, the little one and I had the following exchange (after discussing what planet everyone lives on):

Ellie: Daddy, what are the names of the other planets?
Me: Mercury, Venus... etc.
Ellie: Which one has the rings?
Me: Saturn. Why?
Ellie: It's my favorite. The rings around it are like bracelets.

-ED

Trying to stay cool

It's July. It's hot. Consequently, we're not doing much other than playing inside. That said, we will attend Kinsey's birthday party today - our little bit of excitement for the month.

Of course, the concept of staying cool also applies to us as it relates to our little one's temperament. She has been a bit prone, I guess as all toddlers are, to little fits/outbursts. It's a trying task to manage. We can only hope she shows some improvement before preschool starts in the fall.

-ED

Stinky?

Tonight while posing for pictures with Aunt Katie, we instructed Kinsey and Ellie to kiss Jack on the cheek. Ellie promptly refused, protesting "he smells like a boy." It got a good laugh out of all the adults.

-ED

3!!! (It's the magic number)

Happy birthday to the sweetest girl I know! What a wonderful three years it's been! I love you!

This "magic number" also represents the number of parties she's had - Grammy's the 5th, ours the 12th, and Nanny and the quilting ladies today. As per usual, Ellie came home from quilting with painted nails (thanks to Ms. Diane). However, today she also came home with her own make-up/glam kit. She is so excited about this gift! I've already had more glittery lotions and balms applied to me than I ever thought possible - she is such a girly, girl.

After dinner tonight, EM and I sang her happy birthday and let her blow out a "3" candle on some leftover ice cream cake. It was a nice, quiet recognition of this very special day.

-ED

Party

Last week we gathered at Grammy's to celebrate the birthdays of her three June grand babies (including Ellie). It was a nice, albeit hot, gathering and Ellie played nice and had fun.

Today we're having people over to celebrate Ellie's third birthday. Once again, it'll be hot. And aside from the standard birthday fare and the standard cast of characters, this gathering will be special because it will be the first one shared with my dad and step-mom (Lisa).

They arrived last night from Florida. Ellie had never met them prior to yesterday, and while she is still trying to warm up to "grand dad," Ellie has taken to Lisa quickly - it's pretty funny how fast they hit it off.

Anyhow, I'm sure there will be more to write about following the party... we'll see.

-ED

Flying, new bed and classic retort

NOTE: This entry was originally posted Thursday night, May 20, 2010. However, I was quickly alerted that such a posting would possibly give away a surprise party that was in the works. As such, I've delayed the posting until now. Hope this helps.

Sorry the posting is as sparse as it is. That's what happens when real life and a three (nearly) year old wear you down. Oh well.

In the morning, Ellie and EM join Nanny and Pa for a weekend trip to Philly. Once again, I'll be all by my lonesome (sort of). Ellie seems to be looking forward to the experience (Phil-E-delphia) and flying. I'll certainly miss her.

As EM was packing for the trip, it dawned on us that this is Ellie's last night in her crib. She has never once asked to not sleep in her crib. She's never tried to get out of her crib. We're pretty lucky, I guess. But with her third birthday fast approaching, we've been talking to her about getting "big girl" bedroom furniture. Well, we learned today that the furniture we selected for her arrives Monday. So tonight she's in her crib. Friday and Saturday she's with EM in a hotel bed. Sunday we have to have her old furniture out, so she'll probably sleep on a twin mattress on the floor. Yet another milestone. As much as we're all looking forward to this and we've tried to "talk it up", I feel certain it will ultimately be met with some resistance and tears.

Finally, overheard while packing...
EM (to Ellie): How many times must I repeat myself?!
Ellie (without skipping a beat): Three times.

-ED

Neigh Neigh

Ellie took to Neigh Neigh sometime in the fall I believe. She loves to sleep with him and pretend to ride on him. His poor neck is getting so floppy from how she holds him.

She really has an affinity for animals. She loves girlie things like princess and jewelry, but animals tend to be at the top.

Her other love is music. She sings and plays her pretend instruments. Over the weekend her and ED came to visit me at a local 5k that I organize. Ellie was insistent for days that she bring her plastic drum with her to play for the runners as they cross the finish. She brought it and played that drum with pride.

Dinner conversation

Tonight at dinner, and seemingly out of nowhere, Ellie said "damn." Here's what followed:

Me: What?
Ellie: Damn.
EM: Why did you say that?
Ellie: My Mickey phone is broken.
(EM and I struggle to contain our laughter.)
EM (to Ellie): That's not a nice word. Don't say that again.
EM (to me): I blame you.

-ED

Eater Egg Hunts

These pics are a little late. They are from Easter weekend. Ellie had a great time with two Easter egg hunts. Her favorite part was eating the jelly beans.

Spring Update

Sorry we have been so behind in posting lately. The days go by so fast. We try to make the most of our time with Ellie and now that spring has arrived we have been trying to spend as much time as possible outside.

So what has Ellie been up to?

-She has been daytime potty trained since last summer, but her recently she is staying dry when sleeping.

-She is SO ready to start preschool. She will be starting in the fall.

-Ellie has memorized just about every book we read to her. I love it. She knows almost every word and can "read" her books to us.

-She LOVES music. It is amazing how music quiets her. She talks so much that it is hard for ED and myself to hold conversations most times, but turn that music on and we can talk all we want.

I will post some pics tomorrow of an outing we took yesterday.
-EM

Two noteworthy moments from a two yr old

One
Saturday Nans and Pa came to visit for dinner just before Pa was leaving for a business trip to Tenn.

ED whispers to Ellie "Ask Pa to bring you back a souvenir."

Ellie says to Pa "Bring me a super deer."

Pa is going to the yearly Tractor Supply meeting so who knows he might find a "super deer".

Two
Sunday Ellie and I were working on getting her dressed.
Ellie starts whining. I ask her to stop.

She replies "But Mommy I am two."

-EM

Names

If you read Nans comment on the last post you will see that Ellie's new name is

Ellie Rose Doggie Princess Pirate Queen

or some version of that. I felt this name was worthy of its own post. Ellie gave herself this name. She lives life to the fullest to stand up to this name. At any given time she is all of these people and things. She has quite the imagination.
-EM

Not yet!

Ellie's tirade of terrible twos has calmed down. She is still two, but she is much more pleasant these days. My theory is that her cranks show their ugly face right after she is sick. Since she is now better health wise, her attitude is improved.

With that said, her favorite phrase right now is "NOT YET". We have been fighting the fight of Mommy, Daddy, and Nans standing our ground versus Ellie trying to get more out of us. It's a tiring and stressful fight at times.

-EM

OMG!

I can't remember the substance of our last significant bout with the terrible twos. But even if I could remember it, I know it would pale in comparison with this. It's so bad I've had to resort to swatting her butt. It's so bad we're apologizing to friends. It's so bad EM was driven to tears last night. Hell, I think if she were a pet we'd be at the "free to a good home" stage.

-ED

My sickies

Well ED and Ellie are both sick with a cold. ED came down with it late last week and Ellie started yesterday. Last night Ellie didn't sleep well. She was up around 11pm and again around 3am.

What made her feel better? Sleeping on my cheek. In fact her exact request was "Mommy I want to cuddle with your squishy cheeks." Oh what we will do to keep the little ones happy.

It will be a miracle if I don't have a cold in a few days!

Get better my sickies!
Love-
Mommy

UPDATE: No miracles around here. Sadly.
-ED

She's a girly girl and a Daddy's girl

Ellie loves jewelry. She adorned herself with every necklace she could find. I thought it was cute so I took some pictures.

Well as I was taking pictures I was telling her to smile, standup, and all those other directives you have to give to a squirmy 2 yr old. Ellie took a few pictures and then she said "I want to do a Daddy face" (for the camera)

This is what she did.

Now to be fair to ED I need to explain. For those of you who know ED well you know that he has a scowl. We have made mention a few times in front of Ellie that she has inherited her Daddy's scowl. Well we didn't realize until yesterday how she had taken note of that.

-EM

The next big step

EM and I have decided where to send our little one for preschool starting in the fall. Tomorrow I will drop off the application with registration fee. I'll also allow Ellie a little sneak-peak. We've been chatting it up with Ellie as of late, and she is anxious to start. Heck, once we met the director of this particular program, EM and I were excited. I really do think she'll flourish here. I can't wait!

-ED

Under her spell

I'm not sure if this qualifies... but, today I believe she read/spelled-out her first word all on her own. We were finishing breakfast when out of nowhere she started reading out loud the letters on her plate: "E-L-M-O... Elmo!" I was so proud, and surprised.

-ED

A big thanks...

...to AK for bringing Kinsey and Jack, her neice and nephew, to the house yesterday for a playdate! I missed (or hid from) a great deal of the activities. However, based on all the laughs and squeals I heard, I think everyone enjoyed themselves. Ellie says she is looking forward to the next playdate so she can share her playground.

-ED