Can we take Lily home with us?

If Ella could talk, she would ask "Can we take her home with us, please?"

Lily is the best dog around babies and toddlers.  You can pull her ears, yank her tail, hug her, drag her around, etc. and she will not fuss.  Ella loves this dog more than our own dogs it seems.  I've never seen her so affectionate with Dexter or Claire as she is with Lily.  I wonder if its because she feels like a stuff animal or if it's because she doesn't run away. 

Video:  Ella taking Lily on a walk (November 11, 2012).

Video:  Ella giving Lily some love (November 14, 2012).

Video:  Ella torturing Lily by grabbing her tail (November 14, 2012).

Video:  Ella squeezing Lily (November 16, 2012).

My poor Lily.  Ella now enjoys pulling Lily's tail as a form of walking her.  The moment she realized that Lily had a tail, she went for it.  Good thing Dexter and Claire don't have one for her to pull on!

Picture:  Ella holding on to Lily's tail.

I'll bite you!

I can't believe I got this on video but here it is, Ella will bite you if you continue to mess with her personal space!

Video:  Ella bites Mikayla's finger (November 16, 2012).

I couldn't stop laughing.  My poor niece.

Don't touch me Mikayla.

Ella has always been very big on her personal bubble.  Mikayla must know this as she continues to mess with her cousin by touching her every chance she gets.  I want to say she even enjoys hearing Ella squirm as she touches her.

Video:  Ella feeding Mikayla popcorn (November 11, 2012).

Video:  Ella and Mikayla in the prison play pen (November 12, 2012).

Video:  Ella and Mikayla playing after story time (November 13, 2012).

Video:  Ella sharing the toys at the library (November 13, 2012).

Video:  Ella and Mikayla at the aquarium (November 15, 2012).

Video:  Ella feeding Mikayla (November 16, 2012).

Can't wait to see how Ella handles William when he gets big enough to chase her.

Aquarium of the Pacific - Long Beach

Aquarium of the Pacific - Long Beach

I have been wanting to take Ella to an aquarium for awhile now and finally got the opportunity to do so while visiting the family.  We took the kids to Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach.  At first, Ella seemed to be scared of the facility but towards the end she didn't want to leave.  She enjoyed running around chasing birds, looking at different exhibits and enjoyed her time with Ong and Ba.

Video: Ella looking at the fish (November 15, 2012).

Video:  Ella and the seahorse (November 15, 2012).

Video:  Ella and the jelly fish (November 15, 2012).

Video:  Ell and the seals (November 15, 2012).

Video:  Ella found ducks at the aquarium (November 15, 2012).

Favorite picture of the day:  Ong, Ba, Ella, Mikayla and William. . .  and the penguins.

Sympathy?

Please watch this video of Ella crying/whining while Mikayla is brushing her teeth.  If you didn't know Ella, you would think she is showing sympathy for her cousin.

Video:  Ella showing sympathy to Mikayla? (November 14, 2012).

Truth:  Ella is only crying/complaining because she thinks Ba is using HER toothbrush on Mikayla.  Yes, she is only showing concern because she thinks her toothbrush is being shared with her cousin. 

I went and got her toothbrush and she walked away happy knowing that Mikayla didn't get her toothbrush.

I like the window seat. . .

Ella's last plane ride was back in March when we went down for Uncle Hieu and Aunt Ruby's wedding.  Ella was 11 months and was an awesome traveler.  She continues to be an awesome traveler as we had no problems going through security, boarding the plane, the plane ride itself, and getting off.   Why did Ella do so well?  Let's see. . . 1) the plane wasn't full so we got the whole row to ourselves; 2) Ella had a box of french fries to snack on; 3) Ella sat next to the window; 4) no one touched her or got near her and 5) a special thanks to Tara for helping us through security!

Picture:  Ella has her iphone and backpack ready for the airport.

Picture:  Ella enjoying her french fries.

Video:  Ella enjoying her own window seat.

On a funny note, while waiting in line to board I pulled Ella off her stroller and put her box of fries in the seat.  So Ella stood by the stroller to guard her fries. Yes, she would walk around the stroller, take a french fry and then walk around the stroller.  I think she saw the little girl behind us eying her french fries and she wasn't going to let one fry get away.

Picture:  Ella enjoying a milk shake for being so good on the plane ride.

Play dates 11/5 - 11/09

Ella had an fun week playing with Claire, a play date with Sophia & Gabriella, making new friends and socializing with random kids at the mall.  Good times as usual when we have our morning adventures.

Video:  Ella and Claire at the train museum (November 6, 2012).

Video:  Ella playing with the trains (November 6, 2012).

Video: Ella making a new friend at meeting (November 6, 2012).

Video:  Ella is so happy to play (November 8, 2012).

Video:  Ella learning to socialize (November 8, 2012).

Video:  Ella and Gabriella looking for Claire's ball (November 9, 2012)

Video:  Ella gets tickled (November 9, 2012)

18 Month Check Up

Ella went in for her 18 month check up yesterday and was hilarious.  While waiting for our appointment, Ella was pretty happy watching the fish tank and climbing the steps.  As the nurse called us back, her happy expression turned into a "I don't want to go, help me, lets go home" cry.  She didn't run away or disobeyed, she simply followed me while voicing out her objection.  Ella continued to cry during the entire appointment and was back to normal after we left the office.  She can turn on the water works that's for sure.

Video:  Ella playing in the waiting room (November 7, 2012).

18 Month Check Up:

Date: November 7, 2012

Weight: 24 Pounds 4 ounces (50%)

Measurement: 33 Inches (90%)
Head Circumference: 19.4 Inches (90%)

I can climb up things!

Ella surprised me at the train museum and climb up a bench all by herself.  She had the biggest smile on her face!  Her expression of accomplishment was priceless.  Can't believe how fast she's growing up - physically, mentally and emotionally.

Picture:  Ella enjoying the view on the bench (November 6, 2012).

Video:  Ella trying to climb up the bench again (November 6, 2012).

Crazy right?

I want to dunk water on . . .

Mommy:  What's wrong?  

Ella:  I want to dunk water on baby.

Mommy:  Oh okay.  Here you go.

Video:  Ella giving baby William a bath (November 2, 2012).

I feel bad for William already!

Play dates 10/29 - 11/4

Ella had an exciting week - she got to see the ducks at McKinley park again.  On Monday (before heading to Costco) I thought I would surprise her by taking her to the park to feed the ducks.  Boy did she love it.  This kid really loves animals.  That afternoon we had Claire over and they had a fun time fighting over the stroller.  On Wednesday, Ella spent the afternoon with the Adair kids (I forgot my camera!) at their house while I took William to the Dr. for his shots.  She got to meet their new dog Buster and followed the kids around all afternoon.  Didn't cry or anything - good job adjusting E!  We didn't get to see the twins this week as their mom was sick and it was wet/cold so we stayed in. 

Video:  Ella enjoying the ducks again (October 29, 2012).

Video:  Ella and Claire playing (October 29, 2012).

Video:  Ella taking her morning stroll (November 1, 2012).

Video:  Ella enjoying the train display (November 2, 2012).

Video:  Ella watching the train display (November 2, 2012).

 

Picture:  Ella and Claire enjoying their afternoon snack (October 29, 2012).

Picture:  Ella checking out the toys (November 2, 2012).

Play dates 10/22 - 10/28

We had our first rain day and enjoyed it in the garage.  Ella loved chasing the dogs around the garage with her stroller and found it entertaining to stomp her right foot around. Towards the end of the week the weather warmed up so we were able to go to zoo with the twins, play date at Leila's house, have the Adair kids over, and lots of daddy time during the weekend.  We love our weekends together as a family!

Video:  Ella playing in the garage w/dogs (October 22, 2012)

Video:  Ella sits down and laughs at herself (October 22, 2012).

Video:  Ella, Andrew and Cameron watching the anteater (October 25, 2012).

Video:  Ella and Daddy playing during bath time (October 25, 2012).

Video:   Ella taking a stroll down the vineyard (October 28, 2012).

Video:  Ella's first trip at the Nimbus Hatchery (October 28, 2012).

Picture:  Ella and the twins having lunch at La Bou (October 25, 2012).

Picture:  Ella enjoying Lelia's toy (October 26, 2012).

Picture:  Ella helping with William's bath

Picture:  Ella checking out the alligator.

Learning to jump & dance

Ella loves to "jump" or make attempts at jumping.  It's pretty funny to watch her as she continues to make the hop.  She now likes to dance and jump at the same time too.  While I'm nursing William, she'll grab the TV remote and hand it to me while making the gesture "jump" and point at the tv - translation? I want you to put music on so I can dance and jump.  Yes, she knows how to boss me around.

Video:  Ella learning how to jump (October 16, 2012).

Video:  Ella trying to jump outside (October 17, 2012).

Video:  Ella trying to jump (October 17, 2012).

Video:  Ella dancing in her diapers (October 27, 2012)

Video:

18 Month Portrait

Ella is officially 18 months today - October 22nd!  Can't believe she's officially a toddler.  We took her portraits this past Saturday at the park down our street - Emile Whitey Boisclair Park.  A special thanks to Mary for taking Ella's pictures, making her laugh and capturing her personality on camera.

18 Month Portrait Session

Love it!

Play date 10/15 - 10/21

Ella had a nice week with her friends.  Got to visit with the twins, Claire and Mary.  Kids learn the most random things from each other.  Can't wait to see what other interesting habits (good and bad) Ella picks up these next few months from her play dates.

Video:  Ella and Claire playing with bubbles (October 16, 2012).

Video:  Ella learns to bang from Claire (October 16, 2012).

Video:  Ella roaming around the twins backyard (October 18, 2012).

Video:  Ella and twins sharing chalk (October 18, 2012).

Video: Ella playing with chalk with Andrew (October 18, 2012).

Video:  Ella playing with Daddy (October 19, 2012).

Video:  Ella and Mary playing (October 20, 2012).

Video:  Ella and Claire rolling around (October 20, 2012).

Video:  Ella and Claire dancing/jumping (October 20, 2012).

Picture:  Ella playing basketball with Cameron (October 18, 2012).

Good times.

My second chore

Ella loves holding the mail, sorting the mail and tossing the mail to the floor.  So I thought Ella's second chore should be taking the mail out and picking up the mail.  She enjoys carrying the keys while walking to the mail box, she knows our number 8 slot and tries very hard to put the key in.  Can't wait to see how she does in the next few weeks with this new chore.

Video:  Ella taking the mail (October 17, 2012)

So cute!

Feeding my baby brother

Ella loves feeding William his bottle.  I want to say she even wants me to pump so that she can feed William his bottle. She will point at my chest and then the breastpump as if she knows what the deal is.  Though I encourage her to be apart of taking care of her brother, I do feel sorry for him as he is being tortured by his big sister.

Video: Ella feeding William on October 11, 2012.

Video:  Ella feeding William on October 15, 2012.

Video:  Ella feeding William (October 17, 2012).

Video:  Ella feeding William (October 19, 2012).

Gunthers Ice Cream

Ella definitely knows what ice cream is.  If I open the freezer, she runs and points at the ice cream container - that's how badly she wants it.  As a last minute treat, we decided to meet up with Tien and Claire at Gunther's for ice cream.  Ella's first time at Gunther's was a success as she sat in the chair the whole time and behaved while eating her cookies and cream ice cream.

Picture: Ella and Claire enjoying Gunther's Ice Cream (October 14, 2012).

Yummy!

When we got home, we gave her a bath and washed her hair.  Her hair is getting so long - middle of her back now.  Can't believe we'll be cutting it soon.

Picture:  Ella's hair length at 18 months.

 

Video:  Ella chilling after her bath (October 14, 2012).

;)

Play dates 10/8-10/14

Ella still wasn't feeling well at the beginning of the week so we kept her away from other kids until she felt better.  She did have a blast toward the end of the week as we got to see the twins, Claire and Leila.  My favorite video yet is of Ella and Claire together.  Watching these two grow up has been a real treat but watching them actually play together is awesome.  You can see their friendship blossom as they learn from one another and laugh!

Video:  Ella loves Lilo and doesn't want Andrew to touch (October 11, 2012).

 

Video:  Ella playing outside with Andrew, Cameron and Lilo the cat (October 11, 2012).

 

Video:  Ella learns to bang things from Claire (October 12, 2012).

 

Video:  Ella and Claire laughing on the floor (October 12, 2012).

 

Video:  Ella and Linda looking at a candle (October 13, 2012).

 

Video:  Ella having fun with Lelia (October 13, 2012).

 



Looking forward to next weeks play date adventures.

Self-Feeding

Self-feeding: The books, magazines and parenting websites all recommend teaching your child to self-feed.  Yes, teach my child to feed herself so that I can eat or take care of a quick chore around the house.  ;)  Here are a few attempts at feeding herself and the aftermath.  She is pretty good with her fingers but now she wants to feed herself with a spoon or fork. 

Picture:  Ella eating beans and cheese (May 15, 2012).

Video:  Ella tries to feed herself chicken noodle soup (May 14, 2012).

Video:  Ella feeding her soup (September 29, 2012).

Video:  Ella multitasking with snack and drink (October 8, 2012).

Though messy and time consuming, it is worth watching Ella learn new motor skills!  Ella now loaths her baby spoons and wants to use our utensils ;( Solution?  I bought her non-plastic baby utensils - she loves it!  Gerber thinks of everything.

Blocks are cool!

Watching a toddler figure out how to play with blocks is pretty cool.  Ella usually wanted or needed help playing with her wooden blocks.  She wanted you to build the blocks up and then she would knock them down for fun.  I can't believe how much she has grown up over these past few weeks.  Watching her slowly place each block on top of each other is amazing.  I love her so much - stop growing up!

Video:  Ella and blocks - Part 1 (October 9, 2012).

 

Video: Ella and blocks - Part 2 (October 9, 2012).

 

Video: Ella and blocks - Part 3 (October 9, 2012).

I love it!

Learning to share with William

So it begins - let's learn to share!  Ella resisted at first but she warmed up to the idea of sharing her toys with baby brother eventually.  I think she actually enjoyed sharing with him as long as I continue to praise her when she does nice things.  My goal is to make sure Ella is having a sibling fun and rewarding to avoid any future resentment about sharing my time with another child.  Thank goodness we have another few months to teach Ella to share before William starts to fight over the toys!

Video:  Ella learning to share her toys with William (October 9, 2012).

Video:  Ella giving Liam a toy (October 9, 2012).

 

Video:  Ella likes to share with her brother (October 9, 2012).

;)

Seely Park

Ella still wasn't feeling well and didn't take a long afternoon nap which contributed to her cranky mood on Sunday.  I took her to the park before heading over to the in-laws for dinner hoping that it would get her in a better mood.  She seemed to enjoy people watching (totally gets that from Brian) for the most part.  She did not want to go on the swing or play though ;*(

Video: People watching as she walks around Seely Park (October 7, 2012).

Video: Ella taking a walk toward the water fountain (October 7, 2012).

Video: Ella laughing at the water fountain (October 7, 2012).

Video:  Ella getting brave with the water (October 7, 2012).

Video:  Ella watching the kids play (October 7, 2012).

I'm not the biggest fan about this park so we won't be going back.  I think Ella enjoys McKinley park the best by far so we'll go back to that park in the future.