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.

Uncle Jason and Aunt Alicia

Ella in a strange stage of "I dislike boys/men."  Jason didn't get a warm greeting when he visited Ella! Probably didn't help that she wasn't feeling well but she warmed up to Uncle Jason eventually - enough to take her morning walk with him at least.  She warmed up to Aunt Alicia fast though which was nice to see.

Video:  Ella and Uncle Jason taking a stroll (October 6, 2012).

Video:  Ella and Uncle Jason walking (October 6, 2012).

Video:  Ella waiting for Uncle Jason (October 6, 2012).

Picture:  Ella with Uncle Jason and Aunt Alicia

Ella will be seeing you again in March!

Play Dates 10/1-10/7

We're finally getting back into meeting up with our friends during the week.  It's nice to have friends with kids and can meet for play dates - great way to learn how to share, behave and interact with one another.  I love having the week days to myself to plan activities like these for Ella (and soon for William).  Weekends are for obligations but weekdays are for fun!

Video:  Ella and Jack walking around outside (October 4, 2012.)

 

Video: Ella and Jack (October 4, 2012)

 

Video:  Ella sharing snacks with Jack (October 4, 2012).

Video:  Ella chasing Jack around the house (October 4, 2012).

Picture:  Ella, Andrew and Cameron play date on October 2, 2012.

 

Picture:  Ella and Sheryl play date on October 5, 2012.

I'm so glad we're getting back into our routine.

E loves Dexter and Claire.

Studies show that having a dog can extend one's life.  They provide companionship, love and protection. For Ella, they provide entertainment and a source of joy. 

Now that she's walking and running, her new found entertainment is to chase the dogs.  Dexter seems to get her to laugh the most as he manages to let her chase him.  He literally pauses, bounces around, gets her to laugh, and then runs away from her as she continues to chase him.  She'll go around the sofa chasing Dexter for 10 minutes if he lets her.  Whereas Claire will only play with her if she has a ball.  Ella doesn't find too much joy in playing with Claire as she won't let go of the ball. 

Can you believe she use to be this small?

Video:  Ella loves to chase Dexter around the living room (June 11, 2012).

Video:  Ella wants to play ball with Claire (June 11, 2012).

Video:  Ella loves to play with dogs around the living room (June 18, 2012).

Dexter and Claire are going to be entertaining to watch as Ella learns more interesting things to do to them.  I am still amazed at how much fun she has when she crawls into their crate.

Video:  Ella crawling into Dexter's crate and wants him to join her (October 3, 2012).

Video:  Ella crawling back into Dexter's crate (October 3, 2012).

Video:  Ella play with Dexter and the towel (October 3, 2012).

Video:  Ella pushing the stroller/chasing Dexter (October 3, 2012).

Video:  Ella walking Dexter around the house (October 13, 2012).

We're so glad to have dogs that tolerate Ella.

My first house chore

As a member of this family, one must earn her keep.  We decided on Ella's first house chore - yes, she may only be 17 months but she's old enough to help out! What could a 17 month old help with?  Feeding the dogs.  ;)

 

Video:  Ella attempts at feeding the dogs (October 1, 2012).

 

Video:  Ella decides to move the food away from the dogs (October 1, 2012).

Over the next few days Ella has made this chore into a very entertaining game.  How can feeding the dogs become a game?  Well, Ella has decided to not put the food in the dog bowl but to walk around throwing the dog food so to get the dogs to chase for their food.  My child finds interesting ways to get a laugh.

Video:  Ella feeding the dogs - kinda (October 3, 2012).

 

Video:  Ella wants more dog food (October 3, 2012).

 

It took her a few tries but Ella has mastered reaching into the dog food container and scooping out dog food on her own. We're very proud at how persistant she is at getting things done.

 

Video:  Ella scoops the dog food (October 8, 2012).

 

Video:  Ella refuses to stop feeding the dogs (October 8, 2012).

 

I wonder what she'll do next to the dogs.

I know my body parts

We've been teaching Ella body parts these past few months and she's it up pretty quick!  She knows head, eyes, ears, nose and mouth.  My parents taught her belly button and nipples while they were here and now she's all about seeing Brian's, William's or my belly buttons.  We're working on feet, hands and knees.

I finally got a video clip of Brian and Ella going over body parts. . .

Video:  Brian asking Ella about body parts (September 29, 2012). Part 1

 

Video:  Brian asking Ella about body parts (September 29, 2012). Part 2

She is so cute.  Ella also knows her animals too. For some odd reason she really likes playing the mobile.  She likes to point at things (as if she's asking me what that is called) and waits for me to say the objects name. 

Video:  Ella - Where is the bear? whale? allegator? lion? (September 29, 2012).

Can't wait to teach her more words!

Future Broncos Fan

Brian is determined to make Ella a future Broncos fan like her daddy.  After giving her a bike ride (which she loved and was extra nice to him afterward) he sat her down next to him to watch the big football game.  Brian got into the game and cheered his team on - Ella thought it was fun so she joined him! I missed all the excitement and barely caught the end of the fun.

Video:  Ella cheering for her daddy's favorite team (September 30, 2012).

Too bad I didn't get the first time she shouted, apparently it was really loud and very animated.  Next time! I'm going to get them matching shirts and have them take pictures in it.  ;) 

Got diapers?

Ella recently found out where her night time diapers stash is.  What does she decide to do with this new found knowledge?  Yup, make a mess.

 

Video:  Ella found her diapers (October 1, 2012).

 

Video:  Ella enjoying her diaper mess (October 1, 2012).

 

Pictures:  Ella with her diapers (October 1, 2012).

She continues to pull the diapers from time to time and make a mess.  But recently she pulls one out, lays down and signs to be changed on the floor (thanks Ba for teaching her that!).

Baby Yoga

Who thinks yoga is awesome?  Ella does.  Well, at least she thinks doing this position makes me laugh so she continues to do it.  Got it on video and I love watching it over and over.

Video:  Ella doing a funny head stand

Video:  Ella laughs while doing the head stand

Love this kid!  She even does it with friends ;)

Picture:  Ella doing Yoga with little Ray and Genna (September 24, 2012).

I want to help!

I want to help!!  screams Ella in her own baby language.

Nowadays its hard to keep Ella away from her brother and from being jealous of her brother.  During the good part of the day, Ella is dying to help with the baby - diaper changes, feedings, toys, etc.  I can now add giving him his pacifier to the list. 

Video:  Ella giving William his pacifier (September 27, 2012).

Video:  Ella wants to give William the pacifier (September 29, 2012).

The pacifier must look very delicious because Ella decides to take it for herself.  No joke.  After William stop taking his binky, she looks at it and puts it in her mouth, turns to see my reaction, and continues to suck/bite on it.

She loves being a big sister but still wants to be the only child.