I don’t know where the past few weeks have gone.  I wish I had some explanation like I spent a few weeks in the Caribbean or I taught Ellie to walk and speak in complete sentences.  Instead, I think I am realizing that life with a toddler is very busy because every five minutes means we’re doing something new.  And, combine that with the kitchen renovation, which often requires my attention at the most inconvenient and unpredictable times, I have just had very little time to myself.  I’m realizing life as a grown-up is not all that fun sometimes.    

 

Ellie and I did have a very nice time in Denver.  We went to the zoo one day, and I was surprised that Ellie’s interest was so limited.  Most of the time she was more concerned with wanting to get out of the stroller than with looking at the animals.  But, it was worth it to see her reaction a few times when she realized that the animals were unlike anything she’d seen before.  

 

Ellie really likes being outside, especially at the playground.  I have found it is the only activity where she can stay occupied and entertained for more than a couple of minutes...a great accomplishment at this stage.  

 

Ellie is quite the talker.  Somethings are directed at me and are actually easy to understand.  Other times, Ellie will be babbling to her toys for several minutes and I cannot understand a single syllable she utters!  I stare in amazement wondering what all she is saying and why she is so enthusiastic about it. It is quite cute.  The highlight of my days right now is trying to figure out what I said that prompted a response from her (i.e.  she says “thank you” or da-dat and I realize I had said “here you go.”).  Ellie can also tell the difference between when we ask her a question and when we make a statement.  Actually, she can even tell the difference between the types of questions we ask.  Anytime we say “Do you...?” she always responds with “no,” even if she really means yes, because she assumes I am offering her broccoli instead of a trip to the park.  Questions that begin with “What does...?” usually elicit a “woof-woof” response, because we ask her (too) often what a certain animal says.  Ellie is also quite bossy with Savannah and points at her and yells “NO!” anytime Savannah touches her, touches her toys, or even does something that Savannah is allowed to do.  It is really fun to observe this development and it actually challenges my mind to keep up with her way of processing all of this new information!