It's a zoo out there.

Everyone (me, EM, Papa and Nanny; that would be essentially everyone in Ellie's world, minus a few notable exceptions) took off of work today (yes, Nanny works) in order to escort Ellie on her first trip to the zoo. We managed to stay dry and in doing so saw: pretty flowers, frogs, snakes, alligators eating, rhinos, elephants, sea lions, polar bears, overly affectionate chimps, geese, baboons, turtles, penguins (we didn't have the heart to tell her they were actually puffins) and I'm sure I'm leaving a thing or two out. Anyhow, it was a good time and everyone was sufficiently tired when we left. Ellie's favorite part: the "Rockin' Safari Ride" - go figure.

-ED

Sneaky

When I turn my back this is where Ellie likes to go.
She loves playing Elmo games. This one is her favorite.

-EM

Mommy, Mommy. . . .

Ellie has learned my name. Yesterday I caught her twice calling me Theresa. The first time it took me by surprise. The second time I was sure. I told ED. He did not hear it until this morning.

Like every morning, I left for work before Ellie woke up. ED overheard Ellie in the crib. At first she called out Mommy, Mommy. Then she called out Theresa, Theresa.

-EM

Possessive

I'm sure if we tried to correct her, and if she were a bit older, Ellie would ask: "If a ball can be:

• yours
• mommy's
• daddy's
• nanny's
• or papa's

why can't it be mines?"

But why bother with that right now? It's so darn cute when she says something is "mines" that we don't mind if she stands uncorrected for the foreseeable future. That said, issues of sharing (or not) is something we will definitely be working on sooner rather than later.

-ED

Astonished, part two

Earlier this month, I commented on my amazement over the things this girl says. Fact is, she does it every day. And it's not just the words; it's the thought process - I'll remind you, she's not even two. Anyhow, I just usually fail to post about it all because I don't have the time or the energy. Well, tonight she gave several more examples and it just so happens that I have the wherewithal to post about it. This particular moment started with her asking me to hug her baby doll.

Ellie: Daddy pat baby's back.

I comply.

Ellie: Daddy sing baby song.

Me: Which song do you want me to sing?

Ellie: Rock bye baby in treetop.

I comply.

Ellie: Boo-boo take picture of daddy and baby.

She then proceeded to take her toy camera and snap a picture. All EM and I could do was smile and shake our heads in disbelief.

-ED

Emphatic

The following conversation took place this morning as we arrived at Nanny's for the day:

Ellie: No see Nanny.

Me: Do you wanna see Papa?

Ellie: Yes. Not Nanny. No see Nanny.

I know no harm was meant. I also know she loves her Nanny dearly and enjoys spending time with her. This was evidenced by Ellie's wild laughter on the bed, moments later, as Nanny played with her. I only bring this up because it was so funny to me given the emphasis of her declaration.

-ED

Ellie's Easter Egg Hunts

Our first Easter egg hunt was at Grammy and Poppy's on Saturday. Ellie loved it. She was great at finding the eggs. She loved opening them to find what was inside. Most eggs were filled with goldfish and "tebby bear" cookies. Ellie then had about fifteen more egg hunts. Eggs were hidden again at Grammy's, in our living room, in Ellie's bedroom, and outside our house over and over again. The egg hunting never got old. She had a great time!