Elliana Works, Learns, and Plays

In the course of a day there are many tasks we need to complete.  We need to complete our chores, take some time for learning, and then get out for some playing time.  Elliana enjoys all these activities and in these short videos, she shows how she likes to enjoy each of them.

First, in the course of a day, with Cheerios to spill, crackers to crack, and cookies to crunch, the carpets get plenty dirty.  So vacuum we must, to keep the bugs away . . .




After the work is complete, we need to get off our feet, but learning comes next to challenge the brain.  Elliana learns on this day by putting the pieces together.  She does her best and even gives herself a little pat on the back.



When we've finished our work and learned for the day, it is time to stop and play.  We chased around a neighborhood cat.  Into the house and back out we went.  Eventually the cat got tired and went on it's way and Elliana finished her day.

Spring Into Fun

Elliana is enjoying the spring and we are enjoying it with her. Here are some recent photos of some of the things we've been up to.

Here is Elliana on our adventure in the cave at the Natural History Museum.  She and I went on the advanced trail while mommy stayed behind.  We only lost her shoes in there once.

Even with all the fun, there is a lot to do.  I found her and mommy doing laundry.  I didn't realize Elliana was part of the job.

After all the work was finished, we stopped to "Smell the Roses".  She really likes to smell flowers.  Luckily she doesn't appear to have allergies, but she does have a lot of pollen on her nose.

While we were outside, she took some time to explore and enjoy the place where mommy and daddy got married.  It was a beautiful day and Elliana approved!

Finally, even though school is still a few years away, she insisted on going.  Unfortunately, she needs to wait for the school to be built.  Yes, this is where it will be:  I think we all can wait!

We have a lot of fun together as a family and these are just a small portion of the events I've captured.  Thanks Elliana, for all of the great times and funny moments.

My Favorite Job

Although I don't earn money each day in my role as a stay-at-home mom, I have already learned that this is by far my most favorite job that I have had in my lifetime. I am rewarded with so much more than anything money can buy. I am rewarded with the smiles and laughter that my daughter randomly emits; the kisses and hugs that come from tiny little legs running toward me. I am rewarded with so MANY, MANY things.

Fun with Elliana

15 Months...

Last week, we had Elliana's 15 month check up. Our little peanut is now weighing in at just 20.4 lbs (11%) and measuring 31" (66%).

Each day, Elliana's new talents amaze me. She seems to understand everything we say and mimics us more than I sometimes realize. Today, we ate lunch on the deck. I saw a few crumbs on the deck floor, so I bent down, picked them up and threw them into the grass. Not realizing Elliana would make the connection, she dropped a piece of her cracker, bent down and threw it over the side of the deck. Umm....guess I learned not to clean up until AFTER meal time is over.

Yesterday, I learned not to give a 15-month old a chocolate chip granola bar when it was 80 degrees out. Oh, and then not to pick her up once finished eating, while Momma is wearing a light colored shirt. Ahh...I love learning new things. But most of all, I love the lessons that only Elliana is able to teach me.