Sleeping Beauty

I know I just posted something new, but I had to add these. Elena's 'night night' routine is getting funnier. Just look at the full crib -- we're surprised she still fits in there with her baby, pillow, Elmo, lamb, bear, two blankets, four pacifiers and Dee Dee (her giraffe). She seems awfully content that way though.

And lastly, Elena's hair is getting so long! It's actually past her shoulders, but when it dries, it just curls back up!

Oh, how we love our LaLa.

Walking a mile in Mama's shoes

If I've learned one thing in the last 22 months, it's that when a child is quiet for too long, it can't be good. We've gotten pretty accustomed to looking for Elena under furniture or behind doors these days because she just loves to hide. But yesterday, I didn't hear Elena for a couple minutes (Usually, she's in her playroom putting a baby to bed or something... after all, she can't go far). But this time, just as I was about to finish the dishes and look for her, she came walking down the hall very slowly. I think if you look at the picture, you'll see why her usual fast-paced gait was hindered. :) Mama's shoes.

She just LOVES shoes and constantly grabs ours, places them by our feet and orders us to put them on. But I guess she's getting more coordinated, because she managed these. I got the scene on camera and video because it was just too cute watching her teeter in the wedges.

Such a little girl!

The Naughty Seat

Elena had to sit in the Naughty Seat today. Problem is - I think she liked it...just take a look at the photo (Please forgive me the ugly shirt from school).

The scenario: She hit Mommy and was escorted to the little bench where she remained very patient and sat (30 seconds) until Mommy came over and told her (again) not to hit. She was asked to apologize to which she promptly replied, "I sorry." She got down, gave me a hug and padded off to re-claim her abandoned baby. The end.

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Elena is such a good little sleeper (knock on wood). At bedtime, she tells us to 'shhh' and grabs for as many pacifiers as she can find in her crib (as she is only allowed them for 'night night.') She always has one pacifier (or 'fire,' as she says) in her mouth and one in her hand. When she wakes in the morning, she greets us with a VERY LOUD, "HI!" and waits to be picked up so she can return her pacifiers to their places in the crib until naptime. Although yesterday was the exception. I caught her under the dining room table, sneaking a couple of illicit sucks on her favorite red pacifier. When she knew she was caught, she ran to deposit it back in her crib. All the while, a smile was on her face. It took everything I had to resist laughter until I was out of eye/earshot.

What a sweet little stinker.

FISHY

Elena is our little fish. She has been in swim lessons for two weeks and loves them, though going under water is still a little scary. She can pull herself up on the side and 'jump' to mommy and daddy. Her favorite pool game is "Motorboat, motorboat... go so fast!"

Elena is also saying new words every day. She really likes the word peach this week. She is also very obsessed with toes and points them out on everyone. She is saying a few full sentences, including, "Mama, where ARE you?"

Lastly, Elena's hair is getting SO long. She can even wear a pony tail if we get it when it's still wet. Dry, it becomes a bit unruly with her mass of curl.

We think she is the smartest, most loveable child ever. :)

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL?

Our little one is quite the football fan and in this instance, she might be dreaming of punts and pigskin.

Lately, she has really taken to naming EVERYTHING... "Ball, tree, mama, dada, toes...."It's truly endless. She's starting to say, "Sorry, thank you and please" without being asked. Not every time, but often enough to think she's getting it.

In case we haven't said it enough before... We sure love that little girl!