Happy Birthday to our sweet girl!
 
Two years ago today, our lives changed in a profound and most joyous way.  I remember last year feeling sad and a bit regretful over how quickly her first year passed.  This year, I have felt nothing but celebratory.  Last year, I felt like I was holding on to something I did not want to lose, but this year, I am excited about where she is and what each new day brings.  
 
Because I am a bit behind on blogging this month, I have a lot to report:
 
  1. ✤We took Ellie to Discovery Place, which is best described as a children’s museum.  She loved the freedom to run around and explore and she spent nearly two hours on her feet doing so.
 
  1. ✤I observed that Ellie will only eat steak if we call it “cow.”  There is a profound difference in her reaction to the same food with a slight change in description.
 
  1. ✤A few weeks ago, Ellie peed on the potty.  It took very little prompting and was mostly self-initiated.  I’m not sure we’d have even noticed what she’d done were it not for her saying, “I peed on the potty!” We thought maybe she would take to it pretty quickly.  However, since that time, she has not repeated her success and she has had very little interest in sitting on the potty at all.  I feel no hurry, though, and I am content to let her figure it out in her own timing.  
 
  1. ✤We took a family trip to Denver last week.  Ellie flew very well.  She was very fascinated by airplanes and she said repeatedly, “we’re moving.”  
 
  1. ✤For her birthday, Ellie has already had a (Denver) family party complete with a Dora ice cream cake.  Although the cake was good, she seemed even more enthralled by the Dora plates, napkins, and toy cake topper  She also had a school party yesterday.  She got to wear a special birthday jacket and enjoy cupcakes with her friends.  As soon as the teacher gives me photos (no parents allowed at the party), I will surely post them.  This afternoon, 42 mothers and children are coming over for play and cupcakes.  
 
 
Finally, our hearts overflow with love and joy for this special child in our lives.
We love you, Ellie, and feel so blessed to be your parents!!!
 
Friday, February 27, 2009