Ella: 23 months and a Birthday Wishlist

It's hard to believe this is the last month before our beautiful girl turns 2. The growth between the first birthday and the second birthday always amazes me the most...from baby to big girl! Ella continues to show us her independent, fun loving and sweet personality everyday. She loves giving hugs and snuggling everyone.  She is communicating so freely now and continues to surprise us with new words and entire sentences all the time. Ella stands her ground and is very opinionated. She throws the most over the top, dramatic tantrums when things are not going the way she wants them to, but is  quick to snuggle me and say I'm sorry as soon as she catches her breath. And her cheeks...they beg to be kissed ALL DAY LONG!

Favorite phrases: "Tank you", "Oh!", "Why Mommy? Why?", "Nunull (snuggle) my mommy", using "my" before everyone's name (My Abby, My mommy...), "My birtday parpy now? (birthday party)", "because", "otay?!"

Favorite Things To Do: ride her bike, play mommies, color, play in water, play store, play Doc McStuffins and all kinds of imagination games with Abby, dancing

Favorite TV Show(s): Fresh Beat Band, Curious George, Sesame Street, Doc McStuffins

Favorite Foods: any kind of "nack" (snack), cheese, tomatoes, pepperoni, chips and dip, all kinds of berries, watermelon

Favorite Books: Snuggle Puppy, The Belly Button Book, Elmo Books

Ella can not wait until her birthday! After lots of celebrating with other people, she understands all the birthday hype. She's been waiting patiently for her turn to open gifts, eat lots of cake, get balloons and hear everyone sing Happy Birthday to her. Ella knows hers is next. Abby is helping to plan the party, so she's also helping Ella with her countdown. 

 

The other day, we were in Target and had to walk through the toy section to pick out a gift for someone else's birthday. I was kind of shocked by Ella's new phrase and sincere desperation when she saw things she wanted. "I need dat. Mommy, peeeese I need dat!" We had a whole chat about how she didn't NEED that, but her birthday was coming soon and maybe she would get it as a gift. She understood and took me very literally because then she changed her tune to, "Mommy, get dat my birtday, otay?" I started to take some pictures on my phone, so I would remember and could show Joe. When I got home and looked through them again, I realized the theme. She made her little heart's desires clear and I love seeing her almost exclusive preferences. Our girl is seriously hoping for new Doc McStuffins gear, a grill and a toy puppy on a leash! She was very specific too. She didn't pick the Doc toys she already has. She picked out all the ones she doesn't! I'm not sure which we will give her yet, but I can't wait to see her face when she opens up her gifts and her birthday dreams come true!

• Doc McStuffins On Call Accessory Set 

•  Cuddles and Hugs Stuffy 

•  Cuddles and Hugs Lambie 

• Cuddle and Hugs Hallie

• Doc McStuffins Make Me Better Playset

Doc McStuffins Remote Control Car

Doc McStuffins Beach Towel

Doc McStuffins Play-Doh kit  (her two loves: Doc and Play-doh)

A toy puppy on a leash

 Little Tikes Get Out n' Grill Kitchen Set

Conversations with Abby

The other day I read a blog post on MomLife Today that shared a list of questions to stop and ask your kids in an effort to get to know their hearts a little more. The following is my interview with Abby. When we sat down to eat lunch together, you could see her little love tank filling up as I gave her my complete attention and looked into her eyes while I asked and she answered every question. It was a great reminder of just how much undivided attention means to our little ones.

1. What are the five best things about you? 

• My hair is getting longer. 
• I have a mommy, daddy and a sister. 
• I love a lot of foods. 
• I love to be outside. 
• I'm a girl! 

2. What is the happiest memory you remember? 
     When I went to Skytop because I got to see a lot of family. I think Disneyworld will be my next happiest memory.

3. Why do you like being a kid? 
     Because I can play a lot with my sister.

4. What is your favorite thing to do in the summer? 
     Go in the pool. Be in the water.

5. Name two things we should do as a family on the weekend. 

• Go to Florida.
• Be outside all day and be together.

6. What is the nicest thing you've ever done for someone? 
     Helping people with the ways they need help 

7. What is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for you? 
     Cooked dinner for me like Mommy does

8. What do you love most about your sister? 
     That she cares about me and helps me and loves me

9. What are Mom's favorite thing to do? read books

10. If we could spend the day doing anything you wanted, what would we do? 
     Eat popsicles all day!  (Amazing moment when you realize you could easily make all your child's dreams come true as long as you can endure a mega sugar high!) 

Snapshots

First 100 piece puzzle complete with only a little help from Mommy

These girls play mommies together for hours.

Ella now refuses any high chair because she is a BIG GIRL, so Oliver made sure to establish who the baby in the family is.

Meal time in our house is messy business.

Sometimes breakfast calls for shades.

Abby loves when we go to the library on a date. Just the two of us. Doesn't she look like such a big girl in this picture?

My sweet sleeping girl

My other sweet sleeping girl

at the doctor with Mommy and making everyone in the waiting room smile

those eyes

We love our afternoons with Joseph.

waiting so patiently with me like a big girl

Sheriff Abby. She wanted to take this one to show Uncle Cory.

We are still trying to figure out what song this is, but Ella knows it really well!

Ella LOVES Doc McStuffins, so a trip to the doctor's office is like a trip to the zoo for her. 

The girls sent this Happy Birthday video to their favorite babysitter and dance teacher, Miss Margaret.

Summer Nights and Celebrations

This time of year is always full of celebrations. Our mailbox is flooded with invitations to birthday parties, all kinds of showers, weddings and graduation parties. With my birthday mixed right in, I've been partying my way through summer since the day I was born! I guess it only seemed fitting that Joe and I got married when we did.

Last Friday night, we celebrated a friend's high school graduation.

On Saturday night, we celebrated our friend Ryan who received tenure as a professor at a local University.  BBQ and s'mores with friends on a beautiful summer night while the kids played together in the yard. It was a great time! I'm so thankful to be a part of our friends' celebrations and milestone moments. 

the guys

Joe, Brian, Ryan and Josh

the ladies and my little buddy Isaac

Makena and Abby

Isa and Carter

happy kids sharing their chips

Ella waiting to try her very first S'more 

On top of all that fun, it was my birthday weekend, so we spent lots of time relaxing and hanging out as a family. My 29th birthday was on Monday. Joe had to work all day. The girls and I had nothing on our calender. So, instead of letting a Monday squash my birthday, we hopped in the car and went to spend the day with my parents. What better way to celebrate a birthday than spending the day with the people who gave me life, right?! We spent the morning with my dad. He took us out to breakfast, then we got to help him pick out his new plants at the nursery. The girls loved being Papa's helper. They also loved that he let them stick their fingers in a sugar packet to see what it tasted like. No big deal...just literally feeding the kids sugar like a true grandpa. He said it was an educational moment. They were curious and wanted to see what it tasted like! :)

I was on a birthday vacation. No kids needed me. The girls wanted Papa to carry them to the car and buckle them in. I was following them around the nursery with all the plants because the girls had to hold Papa's hand.

This was my view most of the morning! It makes my heart so happy.

Papa's little helpers

hanging out with Uncle Cory's new dog, Cooper

My mom joined us around lunchtime and we even got to spend a little time with Cory. My mom arrived with a big bunch of birthday balloons that made me feel like a little kid again! The girls were equally as thrilled as Grandma made sure to pick ones they would love too. We spent the afternoon in the front yard hula hooping with my Mom and blowing bubbles with my Dad. Then, off to get smoothies at the mall with Mom before heading home.

this picture means more to me than you could ever know

Love my mom and dad.

This is the best! We had a lot of fun!  And seriously, my mom can hula hoop better than all of us, though Abby is coming in a close second. I'm totally impressed. You should see her and Abby go at it! They are both really good. I think the next video will have to be them side by side.

 

 After a great day, we headed home to a birthday dinner with Joe! When we walked through the door, he had the dining room decked out with streamers, balloons and party hats. Dinner was cooking and an ice cream cake was calling my name. He's the best!

The girls took my birthday very seriously this year. Ella has been practicing the Happy Birthday song for weeks and was so proud to sing it to me first thing in the morning. Abby has announced that she would like to be a party planner when she grows up and she takes the role very seriously in our house. She also wants to be an artist, so not only does she intend to plan your parties, but she is also most likely planning your birthday card filled with her unique artwork! This was the conversation we had in the car the week before my birthday. She is really proud of the way she knows her momma so well. It melts my heart!

Abby: I'm not sure what Daddy and I are going to give you for your birthday. There are so many options.
Me: I bet you have lots of ideas. What are you thinking?
Abby: Well, first of all I know that I will make you a card with lots of colors and glitter. I was thinking maybe a really pretty notebook that you can make lots of lists in. OR...a sparkly necklace and bracelet. OR...maybe I could take you to get a manicure...
Me: You know me so well. I love you!
Abby: I do know you so well! These are good ideas. I want to take you to get a manicure...maybe at the place you took me on my birthday...but if I take you I want to get one too, Mommy. I would be too sad if only you got one. Do you think we should get manicures and pedicures?
Me: Well, I would love both of those with you, but that costs a lot of money, you know?
Abby: Ohhh I'll just count the money in my piggy bank and buy it. No wait. I'm saving that for my trip to Florida. Oh don't worry. Daddy has money. I know he'll give me dollars.

I got a manicure and pedicure date with Abby for my birthday. Daddy gave her dollars! ;) 
 

Abby gave a birthday speech before they all sang! 

love love love

I had a wonderful birthday! I'm thankful to everyone who helped to make it a special one. I'm thankful to have spent it with so many people I love. Every year is truly a gift and I intend to enjoy every bit of the last year in my 20's. Look at those faces, how could I not?!

My pretty birthday hat seemed to call for my very first selfie.

Memorial Day Weekend 2014

For weeks, we were counting down to our first Lake Bluff visit of the season. Abby kept telling Ella all about the exciting things to expect because she knew Ella had been too little to remember the year before. Plus, not only was it Oliver's first time at the Bluff, but also his first time meeting Uncle Greeley. We had lots of fun spending time with Grammy, G-Diddy, Uncle Brad, Aunt Alex, Nana and Uncle John. Abby loved the chance to be even more independent as she played and ran between cottages with Lauren. As always, it was the perfect way to kick off summer.

Almost time for that mini-van. Our backseat is officially maxed out with our third kiddo in the middle.

the breathtaking view from the top

We're here...

...and it's good to be back!

already making weekend plans with Lauren and excited to learn of their shared love for Frozen

my sweet little love and her favorite rainboots

her infamous "cheese" face

a little Lion King reenactment

Joe went with the girls  down to the back beach to throw rocks, but Ella decided it would be way more fun to jump right in...freezing water and all.

Ella loves swings as long as she is in control and no one is trying to push her.  This was the first time she got herself up onto the swing all by herself. It was a big girl moment for her!

 

Abby and I walked the white lines (pretending not to fall into hot lava) and took picture of our shadows. 

 

Sunset at the Bluff is a big deal. Everyone gathers together at the top of the Bluff to watch the sunset at the end of the day. Ella was wiped out and needed sleep, so while everyone went up to watch, I put her to bed . After her loud screaming and protests ("No eep, Mommy!"), I went upstairs to see if she had finally fallen asleep. Nope. She was wide awake and enjoying the sunset.

It was a puzzle weekend at the Bluff. Grammy and Abby were working on this 100 piece puzzle. Brad, Alex, G-Diddy and I were working on a 1000 piece puzzle.

Of course, there's always time for a good nap or two. There was something about this chair...

Oliver had a great weekend too. Once Greeley got used to having a little squirrel sized dog around, they settled down and became buddies. Ollie enjoyed hanging out by the fire.

The first day, Greeley was so excited and curious, he wanted to pounce on Oliver like a new toy. By the end of the weekend, they were snuggled up like this.

 

The girls love having Nana read them stories. I love listening to Nana read to them. She asks  questions in all the right places and makes the books come alive even more.

 

We had two beautiful boat rides. Abby loves speed and takes any chance she can to help G-Diddy drive and go faster. She is thrilled by it all. On the other hand, Ella gets motion sick pretty easily and spends the boat ride snuggled into me. She doesn't object to being on the boat, she just needs comfort while she's on there. I love every minute of the extra snuggles. On the second ride, the boat rocked her right to sleep.

Abby and Lauren

Abby went fishing for the first time with Lauren and caught her first fish! :) 

Ella and Nana