Some of my favorite Ella-isms from the past few weeks -
I asked her what she was doing. "I'm going shopping. By myself! Sound good guys?"
Nomar was playing and kind of running around. Ella says - "Oh Omar, Omar's being silly. I go check him. See what's doing." Ella goes into the laundry room and I hear "Hi Omar, what doing? I close the door, go downstairs." Very proudly - "Mommy! I made Omar go downstairs."
I was making her lunch one night. "You're making pasta for my lunch. What else?"
Eating breakfast one morning, "I need to get down and go pet Cory REALLY NICE (with hand gestures to show just how nice she was going to be). Then, with a finger point, "I not hit Cory EVER (very big eyes) - I am REALLY NICE to Cory." And then she yells to Cory, "Hi Cory. I be nice!"
"I need to stand up and put my shoes on, Mommy says."
Me: How do you feel this morning? Ella: Happy!
Ella was working on stamping a piece of paper with her stamps. I asked if I could see her project and she said "no, you cannot." I said "why won't you show me?". Her reply - "this is MY chore, not your chore."
"Daddy used my stool to hang a picture. I shared!!!"
"Thank you Steve!" (this one really shocked us and seemed to surprise her too!)
"I love my toys. In my house. All my toys!"
Erin: Ella, your hair is getting so long! Ella: And very beautiful.
With Glenn, walking up the stairs. Glenn: "Ella, do you want to come to New Jersey with me?" Ella: "I can't. It's too late!"
"I used my manners!"
On her toy phone. "I call Grammy. Grammy, Hello? Hello?" Annoyed - "Her's not talking!"
We were in a parking lot waiting for Steve. Ella: "I see Daddy!" Me: "That's not Daddy, that's a lady!" Ella: "Ohhh, a neighbor!" (it was not a neighbor)
"I get older, to 3 and a half, and I eat peanuts and drink coffee!"
Playing with her birthday cake toy. "Mommy, wait - don't sing Happy Birthday! I add a candle!"
"Mommy, what happened at work today?"
Completely unsolicited, "I had a good night of sleep."
"Sometimes, the playground gets broke. Can't play on the playground. Daddy fix it tomorrow?
"Daddy, talk with your voices!"
"I see an old lady!" (Said within very easily heard earshot of the not-so-old lady.)
"I drink milk and it makes me really big. And strong. And FAST!"
"I give big kisses to Mommy all day long."
Monday, August 30, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Visit from Grampy G
Glenn came to visit a few weeks ago, we all had dinner together, and Ella got to spend an afternoon with him. It was quite a success - he put the frog and fish pools up for her in the backyard and she played in the water for hours.
It was great to see him and Ella had lots of fun with her Grampy G!
It was great to see him and Ella had lots of fun with her Grampy G!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Marshmellow
The other day Ella took the tiny eyeglasses from her Potato Heads and put them on. I tried to catch a video of her wearing the glasses because she just looked so adorable. It got even more adorable when she went to pretend to put on a mustache, which she called a "marshmellow" - too funny!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Girls Weekend
I took Ella to Charlotte to see Erin the weekend before last. We had an all-girls weekend and it was so much fun!
We drove there on Friday night, and Ella was so excited to see Erin, she probably asked me no less than 800 times on the way there when we were going to see her. It was also her first 3-hour car ride since being potty trained, so we had to make 2 stops on the way there. Add in about 100 rounds of ABCs and Itsy Bitsy Spider, and I was quite happy when we arrived!
On Saturday we painted pottery for the first time with Ella. She painted a little kitty and I although I wasn't sure what to expect, I was pretty impressed with how much she painted and how well she behaved. (She also was greatly entertained by a big basket of stamps!)
Erin did an expert job of painting a Nola-look alike and we managed to keep Ella from making any contributions to it (although she would've liked to!)
We went out to dinner and rented the Frog Princess to watch. We all liked the movie and Erin showed me how to make french braids which I've been trying to learn but it is not easy!
On Sunday morning we had brunch at the restaurant where we're holding Erin's shower in a few months and it was fantastic. Ella couldn't get enough french toast and we kept telling her what a big girl she was being at our special girls' breakfast.
Checking out a little fountain outside
It was such a great weekend - relaxing and fun and so great to have some girl time with just the 3 of us. It's so neat to see how much Ella loves Aunt Erin and I am so excited for the birth of my nephew in just a few more months!!
We drove there on Friday night, and Ella was so excited to see Erin, she probably asked me no less than 800 times on the way there when we were going to see her. It was also her first 3-hour car ride since being potty trained, so we had to make 2 stops on the way there. Add in about 100 rounds of ABCs and Itsy Bitsy Spider, and I was quite happy when we arrived!
On Saturday we painted pottery for the first time with Ella. She painted a little kitty and I although I wasn't sure what to expect, I was pretty impressed with how much she painted and how well she behaved. (She also was greatly entertained by a big basket of stamps!)
Erin did an expert job of painting a Nola-look alike and we managed to keep Ella from making any contributions to it (although she would've liked to!)
We went out to dinner and rented the Frog Princess to watch. We all liked the movie and Erin showed me how to make french braids which I've been trying to learn but it is not easy!
On Sunday morning we had brunch at the restaurant where we're holding Erin's shower in a few months and it was fantastic. Ella couldn't get enough french toast and we kept telling her what a big girl she was being at our special girls' breakfast.
Checking out a little fountain outside
It was such a great weekend - relaxing and fun and so great to have some girl time with just the 3 of us. It's so neat to see how much Ella loves Aunt Erin and I am so excited for the birth of my nephew in just a few more months!!
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Visit from Grampy and Grandma Carole
Steve's Dad and Carole came to visit us for several days a few weeks ago, it was great to have them here. Ella spent many hours in her playroom with Carole, they did some painting and stamping, and lots of playing.
She loved pretending she was a monster and chasing Grampy all around with her blankie on her head. She would also laugh and yell "that's not right!" when Grampy would say the alphabet letters in the wrong order.
They all went swimming one day and to a museum downtown one day when I was at work, and I got great reports on all the fun they had. It was so good to have them visit and hopefully we'll see them again soon!
She loved pretending she was a monster and chasing Grampy all around with her blankie on her head. She would also laugh and yell "that's not right!" when Grampy would say the alphabet letters in the wrong order.
They all went swimming one day and to a museum downtown one day when I was at work, and I got great reports on all the fun they had. It was so good to have them visit and hopefully we'll see them again soon!
Friday, August 20, 2010
Weekend at Grammy's
While Steve and I were at the beach, Ella stayed at Mom's house and had quite the weekend! Grammy built her a fort and she spent lots of time in there, played with all of her toys there, and of course went swimming in the kiddie pools both afternoons.
A few pics that Mom sent me during the weekend
Enjoying a delicious dessert
In her fort watching Little Einsteins
Yummy breakfast
Mom also painted Ella's fingernails and toenails for the first time. Ella was very proud of her manicure and pedicure!
It is so great to know that we are able to get away for a few days and that Ella is so well-taken care of by Mom and she gets her own little vacation too!
A few pics that Mom sent me during the weekend
Enjoying a delicious dessert
In her fort watching Little Einsteins
Yummy breakfast
Mom also painted Ella's fingernails and toenails for the first time. Ella was very proud of her manicure and pedicure!
It is so great to know that we are able to get away for a few days and that Ella is so well-taken care of by Mom and she gets her own little vacation too!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Our 8th Anniversary
Steve and I had our 8th anniversary on August 10th. We went to the beach for the weekend, just the two of us. It was soooo much fun. We had 2 nights away and it was just the best.
We got there on Friday night and went out to dinner and some bars on the boardwalk. Our hotel was right on the beach and we spent Saturday on the beach and at the pool - there was a bar and restaurant by the pool and we had drinks, read, and spent the whole day relaxing. That night we went out to dinner and then to a dueling piano bar. We even had a little bit of time on Sunday to read by the pool.
It was just a perfect weekend and a great way to celebrate our 8th anniversary!
(really weird picture but we had to attempt to get one of the two of us!)
We got there on Friday night and went out to dinner and some bars on the boardwalk. Our hotel was right on the beach and we spent Saturday on the beach and at the pool - there was a bar and restaurant by the pool and we had drinks, read, and spent the whole day relaxing. That night we went out to dinner and then to a dueling piano bar. We even had a little bit of time on Sunday to read by the pool.
It was just a perfect weekend and a great way to celebrate our 8th anniversary!
(really weird picture but we had to attempt to get one of the two of us!)
Monday, August 9, 2010
Memorable Moments at School
Ella gets a report every day at school and it tells which activities they did that day, how much she ate for lunch, how long she napped, and when she used the potty. There is also a little section called 'Memorable Moment' and has something memorable about the day. I usually throw out the reports but keep my favorite of the 'memorable moments.
Friday was Ella's teacher's last day. Ms. Dina is going back to school to get her masters degree, and since we're just starting with a new teacher (Miss Ashley), I decided to put together my favorite Memorable Moments from her time with Ms. Dina -
- Ella did a great job listening at story time. She also participated with the group discussing what type of clothing we wear in cold weather and when it snows.
- Ella played with Gillian today. She used her imagination in the cozy corner and they pretended to read to each other.
- Ella had a blast at water play today. Great job with your table manners!
- Ella got to play on the "big kid" playground. Lots of fun!
- Ella played with Gillian today in the kitchen. She did a great job using her imagination.
- Ella said water play was the best part of her day when I asked.
- Ella did a great job sharing the toys with her friends today!
- Ella is a such a joy! She did a great job making her rainbow fish. She also did well on the balance room in the gross motor room.
- Ella played tea set with Tess - so cute! They had fun.
- Ella sorted fruits and vegetables today. She was able to name almost all of them and their colors.
- Ella led the group in the ABC song!
- Ella did a great job using her words and sharing with her friends.
We are going to miss "my Dina," as Ella calls her, but we plan to keep in touch, and we are so glad for all of the "Memorable Moments" that Ella has had with her.
Friday was Ella's teacher's last day. Ms. Dina is going back to school to get her masters degree, and since we're just starting with a new teacher (Miss Ashley), I decided to put together my favorite Memorable Moments from her time with Ms. Dina -
- Ella did a great job listening at story time. She also participated with the group discussing what type of clothing we wear in cold weather and when it snows.
- Ella played with Gillian today. She used her imagination in the cozy corner and they pretended to read to each other.
- Ella had a blast at water play today. Great job with your table manners!
- Ella got to play on the "big kid" playground. Lots of fun!
- Ella played with Gillian today in the kitchen. She did a great job using her imagination.
- Ella said water play was the best part of her day when I asked.
- Ella did a great job sharing the toys with her friends today!
- Ella is a such a joy! She did a great job making her rainbow fish. She also did well on the balance room in the gross motor room.
- Ella played tea set with Tess - so cute! They had fun.
- Ella sorted fruits and vegetables today. She was able to name almost all of them and their colors.
- Ella led the group in the ABC song!
- Ella did a great job using her words and sharing with her friends.
We are going to miss "my Dina," as Ella calls her, but we plan to keep in touch, and we are so glad for all of the "Memorable Moments" that Ella has had with her.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Potty Training
We just finished Day 6 of Official Potty Training and I am amazed at how well it is going. I decided that Ella was going to be happy with pull-ups forever because it was the best of both worlds for her - she could use the potty when she wanted to but also could wet them when she wanted to. She wore underwear several hours at a time at home but never out of the house and really preferred to wear pull-ups, because that way she didn't have to be worried about stopping whatever she was doing to go to the potty.
We realized that we were going to have to make it happen, so we decided last weekend was going to be it. We told her for a few days that after school on Friday she was switching over completely to big girl underwear and no pull-ups, except when she was asleep.
On Friday after school she did not want to put on underwear and really wanted to still wear pull-ups but I told her she could have a gummy bear if she decided to put it on and her mind was miraculously changed. We set up a potty chart on the fridge and she got a magnet every time she went.
I was prepared for several accidents all weekend but she didn't have a single one - even to Little Gym on Saturday and some errands Saturday afternoon. On Sunday I wasn't sure how church would go because I didn't know if she'd tell the ladies at nursery if she needed to go, but she was good; and then Sunday afternoon we were out for a few hours and although there was a near-emergency when we were getting her pictures taken (but she still made it!!), she did awesome - although I did go to more public bathrooms this weekend then I usually go to in a month.
The big test was Monday at school and she did have an accident on the playground in the afternoon, which I was not at all surprised about at all, that was my guess as to what would happen. But, the last 2 days at school she's been accident free both days! She's still in pull-ups to sleep but I'm really happy with her daytime potty training so far. I am so proud of her, she's such a big girl!!
We realized that we were going to have to make it happen, so we decided last weekend was going to be it. We told her for a few days that after school on Friday she was switching over completely to big girl underwear and no pull-ups, except when she was asleep.
On Friday after school she did not want to put on underwear and really wanted to still wear pull-ups but I told her she could have a gummy bear if she decided to put it on and her mind was miraculously changed. We set up a potty chart on the fridge and she got a magnet every time she went.
I was prepared for several accidents all weekend but she didn't have a single one - even to Little Gym on Saturday and some errands Saturday afternoon. On Sunday I wasn't sure how church would go because I didn't know if she'd tell the ladies at nursery if she needed to go, but she was good; and then Sunday afternoon we were out for a few hours and although there was a near-emergency when we were getting her pictures taken (but she still made it!!), she did awesome - although I did go to more public bathrooms this weekend then I usually go to in a month.
The big test was Monday at school and she did have an accident on the playground in the afternoon, which I was not at all surprised about at all, that was my guess as to what would happen. But, the last 2 days at school she's been accident free both days! She's still in pull-ups to sleep but I'm really happy with her daytime potty training so far. I am so proud of her, she's such a big girl!!
Monday, August 2, 2010
2 1/2 Year Photos
I took Ella to get 2 1/2 year photos taken yesterday. I started getting her excited the day before with the promise of a trip to the mall for a merry-go-round ride and a pretzel after pictures, and it worked beautifully. She was excited to wear her princess dress and wanted to put it on all morning. It even made her cheerful for church because she was looking forward to what was coming after.
She did so good taking pictures, I was so proud of her - she was really shy and serious at first but still did everything the lady asked her and eventually started giving big smiles. I love how they came out, here are my favorites!
The photographer told me that Ella was the most well-behaved 2 year old she's ever photographed and couldn't believe how well she followed directions - this is quite an amazing statement because "well-behaved" does not make the list of adjectives I'd choose to describe her lately! However - Ella plus the prospect of a little celebration after equals quite the little photo subject!
She was in such a good mood that she played the whole time we were waiting to pick up the photos, and then we went to the mall after. We ate our pretzel and lemonade at the food court, and then went on the merry-go-round. She picked the teacup instead of a horse this time so we sat in there together and she really liked it. All in all, a wonderful afternoon with my little chum!
She did so good taking pictures, I was so proud of her - she was really shy and serious at first but still did everything the lady asked her and eventually started giving big smiles. I love how they came out, here are my favorites!
The photographer told me that Ella was the most well-behaved 2 year old she's ever photographed and couldn't believe how well she followed directions - this is quite an amazing statement because "well-behaved" does not make the list of adjectives I'd choose to describe her lately! However - Ella plus the prospect of a little celebration after equals quite the little photo subject!
She was in such a good mood that she played the whole time we were waiting to pick up the photos, and then we went to the mall after. We ate our pretzel and lemonade at the food court, and then went on the merry-go-round. She picked the teacup instead of a horse this time so we sat in there together and she really liked it. All in all, a wonderful afternoon with my little chum!
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