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

Friends

She said what?

Ellie played a game with me this morning as we prepared to leave the house. The game is "guess the animal":

Ellie: I'm pink with long legs, what am I?
Me: A flamingo! Next...
Ellie: I'm found by paleontologists....

I'm blown away by this, only to have EM remind me that one of Ellie's favorite computer games features this word/occupation significantly. But still....

-ED

P.S. The Christmas play rescheduled to January has now been rescheduled for February. Can anyone say "Christmas in July"?