Ella is TWO

My sweet and spunky Ella, Ellers, El, Ella B, Elle's is TWO today! Ella is a happy girl who knows what she wants (or at least thinks she does). She loves her mommy and wants mom to hold her most of the time. On most days, you can find Ella holding her baby while either singing or rockabying the baby, or both. She loves when her brothers play with her, especially hide and seek, chasing her, or playing puppy. Her favorite show is Dora or toddler tunes on YouTube. She talks, sings, and dances non-stop; some favorites include Baby Shark, Santa Shark, Johnny Johnny Yes Papa, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, and Jesus Loves Me. She recently started gymnastics and LOVES running around and trying all the different stations.

It is quite incredible to see how much Ella has grown (and changed) in the last year. She went from barely walking to running and jumping around. She has an amazing vocabulary. She drinks from a cup and uses utensils like she has never done different. She knows peoples names (family and friends). She is super intuitive and caring. She is potty trained and has a big girl bed (still working on sleeping through the night on a regular basis). She knows the ABC's and can count to 12. She can swim unassisted with her puddle jumper. And, she grew a little bit of hair in 2018!

When she has her mind on something, watch out! She does NOT back down. If she doesn't want you to bother her, you are best to just let her be. If you fall down or are sad, she will be there to give you a hug, kiss, and let you know it is ok. Some things we are working on: not screaming when things don't go her way, sleeping through the night, sharing, and independent play.

Some things about Ella at this stage that I never want to forget are:

• Singing and dancing to Baby Shark a million times a day
• Asking me to hold her hand while she falls asleep
• She moves her head from side to side to fall asleep
• Her caring personality
• Eating cereal with the boys every morning
• Asking me to hold her like a baby after her bath

Yesterday, we had church (and she got to participate in Donuts with Dads), a nice long nap, we went to SkyZone, had supper, and had friends over for cake! Ella smiled pretty big when everyone sang her happy birthday!

I can't wait to see what year TWO has in store for my baby girl. We love you!

I do a birthday interview with my kids. I didn't start until three with the boys, but I gave it a whirl with Ella :) 

1. What is your favorite color? Pink

2. What is your favorite toy? Your toy and puppy

3. What is your favorite fruit? Peaches (with help from Jaxon)

4. What is your favorite tv show? Boss Baby

5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? Carrots

6. What is your favorite outfit? Orange

7. What is your favorite game? Game

8. What is your favorite snack? Eat, candy

9. What is your favorite animal? puppy

10. What is your favorite song? Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star

11. What is your favorite book? No Book

12. Who is your best friend? Jaxon

13. What is your favorite cereal? Cereal

14. What is your favorite thing to do outside? cereal

15. What is your favorite drink? Water in mommys cup

16. What is your favorite holiday? holiday

17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? cereal

18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? cereal

19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday? eat

20. Where do you want to go out to eat on your birthday? cake

21. What do you want to be when you grow up? mommy