Visitors from the North

My Grandpa Chuck and Grandma DeDe came down from Michigan to visit with me and my family.  I have really bonded with them and love to go on walks with them.  Mommy and Daddy are a little jealous of my affection for G and G but they understand and are happy that they get a little break...maybe.

I am not sure if you know, but I have a baby.  Her name is Kayla.  She is almost one month old!  She's pretty tough and likes to go on walks, too.

I picked a flower.

Hanging around

I have been busy hanging around this past week, but especially today!!! I woke up really early this morning so that I could hang out with Daddy. It was so much fun!!! Then we went in to wake Mommy up at 6a.m. Somewhere I discovered that people have different color eyes and that my are brown.


Today was also monumental since I wore Dora undies most of the day and only had one accident (I didn't want to go number 2 in the toilet quite yet.) I think that I was pretty successful today since the past 3 weeks I have been using the toilet at least once a day.


I think that I am going to have to ask my parents to sign me up for gymnastics. I like to make sidewalk curbs into balance beams, do summersaults, and now instead of rings I use stools.

Life with Ella

My vocabulary has grown significantly, my mommy and daddy have been the recipient of many funny comments and conversations.  Here are some examples of things I have said and done recently.

Mommy and I were on a walk to go see the neighbors' animals (they have goats, horses, pigs, etc.)  On our way home Mommy said, "Ella, there is a bunny way over there!"  I nonchalantly replied, "Good eye, Mom!" and kept walking.  

Shortly after seeing the bunny we both see a helicopter and the moon.  Then I ask Mommy, "Is the helicopter going to hit the moon?"  Mommy was in shock!!!  She couldn't believe I had put that together.  Mommy says that I continue to amaze her!  

Mommy and Daddy say that I have been doing a great job with using the "big-girl toilet"  but when ever I try and am unable to go I say in my serious voice, "doesn't work" and climb off the toilet.  It makes Mommy and Daddy laugh every time.

I have a super sweet side as well.  We were sitting around the counter eating breakfast.  Mommy glanced around to see where her water was to take her vitamin, without hearing a word, I noticed she didn't see it.  I thought it would be nice to give Mommy my water, "Mommy, you may have a drink of Ella's water."  My parents were amazed at my ability to pick up on their body language.

I am starting to give back to my parents.  They have changed many many diapers for me so I thought I could return the favor...Mommy and Daddy were standing in the kitchen while I was sitting on a stool next to Mommy.  Mommy's hands were full.  I decided it was the perfect time to help Mommy.  I waded up a napkin, pulled Mommy's sweats away from her body, and began to wipe her bottom, shouting proudly, "Mommy, I am gonna clean your booty!"  I was really happy;  Mommy and Daddy were speechless.

Yesterday, Mommy and I went to pick Daddy up at the office.  Daddy was looking kind of sharp and I thought he should know.  When he opened the door I said, "You're hot!"  That got a couple of laughs.

Mommy tells me all the time that she cherishes the fact that she gets to be at home with me and is a part of these precious moments.  Thanks Daddy!  You are truly an incredible father, husband, and provider.

Monkey Two! I mean too!

My cousin Brody dressed up like a monkey and I did, too.  Two years running I have been a monkey.  It suits me well because I like to climb and run around like a monkey.

I settled down long enough to get a photo with one of my favorite people, Nancy.  My daddy works with Nancy.  She likes to spoil me and enjoys that I like shoes...just like her!

I hope you are all doing well.  Keep the faith!

Autumn Activities

My parents really like fall.  I understand that it's quite different here in Phoenix than in Michigan where they grew up, but I get the gist of their admiration.  Football, apples, leaves, and...jean jackets?  I rock'em just like Mommy and Daddy!

Mommy and I got Daddy an iPod Touch for his birthday.  I helped him get a bunch of songs loaded on to it.  I have an affinity towards gadgets and explained to Daddy that monkeys have been trained to use them!

My bosom buddy Caeden celebrated his 3rd birthday over the weekend.  I had a great time at the party with my friends and family.  We played with balloons, tricycles, and balls.

My Daddy turned 30!

This week Mommy and I spent a lot of time planning for Daddy's birthday.  We both love him so much and wanted to make his day extra special.  

When we weren't planning for Daddy's 30th I learned how to climb up to the top of my change table.  I was so quick that my parents almost missed me in action.

I thought Daddy could use my help blowing out the candles.

I had to go potty and this is how much toilet paper I thought that I needed.  Think it is too much?  Mommy did!  I may not know how to gage the amount of toilet paper I need but I do know the entire Alphabet.

P.S. This is how I woke my Mommy up today.

"Open the refrigerator!  I want to eat!"

It's cooling off!

Finally, it is not too hot to play outside.  This week we got to go to the park a few times, but Mommy didn't take any photos.  Mommy says that I have to up my bathing since I like to get into the dirt.  Here I am getting some bath toys ready.

Mommy and Daddy cannot believe how fast I am growing up.  I like to be independent and now I know when to voice my opinion.  My latest phrase is "NO, don't touch me!"
I spent some time dropping goldfish for the birds to eat.
Here are some other interesting facts about me:

I like to sleep with the light on.

Mommy caught me with the toilet open, cleaning it with the toilet brush.

I am still crazy, as ever, about blueberries and raspberries (raspblueberries as I call them.)

I started to use a pillow at night.

I am quick to say "I'm sorry," especially if I think it will help me get out of trouble.

I love when Mommy and Daddy sing to me when I am brushing my hair or teeth.

I enjoying look at old photos of myself.

I know how to get my own drink out of the refrigerator and put it back.