#2

As was hinted at last month, we are expecting baby number two! EM had a doctor visit today and heard the heartbeat; she's twelve weeks along, with a due date of November 2. We've made no mention to Ellie, yet. That's coming soon enough.

As of now, I think there are three big questions: 1. How can we manage another child? We're beat at the end of each day as it is; 2. Boy or girl? We should find out in June; and, 3. What becomes of this blog? I imagine second baby syndrome is bad enough as it is; I don't know that baby two would stand a chance if he/she was just another "character" at World o' Ellie.


-ED

"I'm awake"

For as long as she has been able to utter those words, that is how EM and I have started our days. That is, for nearly four years, one of us has always gotten up, gone to Ellie's room, and picked her up from her crib/bed. A week ago that began to change.


Monday morning, she uttered those words. But by the time I was able to get to her, we were meeting in the hall. The following day, EM had left for work (as she normally does) long before the little one and I awoke; and, I was greeted, in my room, by the newly brave and independent Ellie. This happened once or twice more during the week and then again today.


As such, EM and I might have to start discussing whether to lock the door or not....


-ED

A prayer wrapped in a riddle (or is it the other way around?)

EM's not been feeling well of late. We've got a handle on it, so no worries. But today, while playing outside at Nanny's, Ellie apparently looked up to the sky and said "Dear God, please make my mommy feel better. And, dear God, please give me a baby brother or sister." Care to figure out the rest? -ED

Smart

For those keeping score at home, you know we've not been shy about declaring how impressed we are with Ellie's mental prowess. Don't look for that to change anytime soon; she continues to impress. Ellie is reading a wide assortment of "sight" words, spelling many of those same words, and doing well with some basic addition (and, to a lesser extent, subtraction). My only worry is, as she advances, how do we maintain her interest in learning? Suggestions are welcome.



-ED

Nightmare

At approximately 3:30 this morning, Ellie could be heard over the baby monitor: "I'm scared." EM checked on her. She was having a nightmare about skunks. EM stayed with her a while, and suggested she think of pleasant thoughts. Ellie's response: "I'm thinking of yellow playdoh."

Over the years we've been awakened for any number of reasons. But to my recollection, this was the first time she clearly articulated a nightmarish scenario. We pressed her for details later. She said the skunks were spraying people. Yuck. I might have been disturbed by that dream, too.

I'm debating introducing her to PePe LePew via YouTube.

-ED

PS - We've discussed when do we stop using the baby monitor. The jury is still out on that one. But 18 doesn't sound too unreasonable.

Pinkie promise

I normally drop Ellie off in the morning for preschool, but due to work I never get to pick her up. Today, I was home sick (again) but I felt relatively well enough that I figured, "what the heck? I should pick up my daughter for once." Driving home, Ellie asks me to make a pinkie promise.

Me: What's the promise?
Ellie: That I'll be good tonight for Mommy.
Me: That sounds nice, dear.
Ellie: And if I'm not I lose a star.

The night isn't over yet but so far, so good.

-ED

Thank you

Just when I needed it most, Ellie has been at her best. The little stinker knows what's she's doing. Sometimes, of course, that's a bad thing; but for now, all I can do is praise her.

-ED