A Little Late...

My dear, brown-eyed, girl turned two almost a month ago to the day (June 24th) and I feel the need to document it properly. Unfortunately, there really are no words to describe this very special age. She is an absolute joy that gets cuter and more challenging by the day. I am amazed with how fast she is learning new things. In a way it's easier because she is so much better at communicating what she wants, but she is also becoming extremely opinionated. She is a good listener, but can also throw a mean tantrum when she doesn't get her way. She is very sweet natured, nurturing, clingy, shy, and silly. Ellie loves to look at books and be read to (Little Miss Spider is her favorite), swing (for hours if we'd let her), swim, play with her dolls (Little Suzie and Megan), color, blow bubbles, dance, sing, and watch Sesame Street. Ellie is a good helper and likes to set the table, unload the dishwasher, do laundry, water the garden and flowers, and sweep (but only at her convenience). She loves her dog and likes to bother him and boss him around (she then gets frustrated because he never listens). She hates bugs, is obsessed with chocolate (See's candies and M&M's are among her favorites), and gets very excited on trash day (we have to stand in the front yard and wave when the trucks go by). She only likes to wear her Crocs and tennis shoes (absolutely no sandals or cute, dress shoes), yet she doesn't like getting dirty or playing in sand. Her favorite thing to sleep with is "Mope," a pink blanket that has to go everywhere with us. Mac and Cheese is her favorite food followed by any kind of buttered noodles, corn on the cob, bagels and cream cheese, quesadillas, waffles, and pancakes (or any other sort of high fattening or sugary carb). Our bed is her favorite hangout spot, where she likes to cuddle, read books, try on all my jewelry, eat cereal, drink juice, watch TV, and play with Rudy (our bed is always a mess).

It's really quite impossible to sum up Ellie without going on for hours. She is a very unique little person with a lot of personality. Mostly, she is very gentle and loving, which I think are characteristics that will make a great big sister. I can't wait to see the changes that this new year brings, yet I kind of want to freeze her at this age forever. She is one well loved little girl!