My baby. 1 month away for TWO! Happy 23 months.

10.11.12

{written 10.8}

Dear Elliana,

I won't even begin with the sappy things that keep popping up in my head to write to you. I could sit here for hours on end talking about how unbelievable it is to me that you will be turning two here in a month. TWO. I am baffled by the idea of having a TWO year old. And it brings great joy to my heart to have been blessed to be your mother all this time. Words just can't begin to describe how amazing motherhood is. How much love your papa and I have for you. There are truly not enough words. And here I am getting sappy when I said I wouldn't.

We will save that for next month when you turn two, okay?

Otherwise, this month has been all sorts of fun! Lots of fall activities. More and more talking and communicating. More learning. More fun. And plain old keeping busy.

I CANNOT wait to celebrate your second birthday and shower you with gifts and lots and lots of love.  You are amazing. You shine. So beautiful. And we are ever so blessed.

We love you to forever and ever to the moon and back again,
Mama and Papa

Weight: 27 pounds
Clothes: 18months- 2T
Diaper: 4
Shoes: 6

Officially no more sippy cupts. We have been drinking out of a cup now since you were about 18 months old? But would go back and forth throughout the day. Last month you drank mainly out of cups only and a sippy sometimes. Now? Done. And thankfully that was never a struggle.

We learned the game hide and seek and you picked up SO well! You love saying "Hi n seek, mama" and then we hide and then when you find me you say "I fine you!" It's too cute.So we like to play that from time to time.

You love to "find" things or find carson. Whenever you lose something, you say "Mama, I fine it." And if you can't find it, you will ask mama "help, mama." And when you are trying to find Carson? It is just the funniest thing ever. "Cawwson... where are youuuu"

Your vocabulary is booming. You amaze is every day and it's amazing. We are at 200+ and I have officially stopped counting. Baby girl... it's so much fun to "Talk" to you.

You can officially count to 10 at the speed of light, and your favorite is to count while we walk down the stairs at the library {with mama of course}.
You can sing most of the ABC song {when you are up to it... which is rare}.
You know all your colors {green, blue, white, red, black, yellow, orange, brown, purple, pink}
You know most all of your shapes.

Mama put you on the waiting list {sheesh} for mommy and me little gym classes!! AH!

We finished your big girl room this past month and you still get amazed by it. "Oh wow. Cooool." Especially? The stinkin' cute stencil wall that I did for you! Although many people may say you could care less... I completely feel like you know how special that room is and how hard mama and papa worked at it just for you. Just for you baby girl.

Speaking of sleeping. Lets talk about this. Lets have a little therapy session, why don't we. Baby girl... we just can't find a happy place. Although you have this big beautiful big girl room, you will only sleep in it if mama and papa sleep with you {and then sneak out}. And then you wake up in the middle of the night, reach your arm over to touch mama, only to find that she isn't there. So? You march right into our room and come snuggle with us. And? We love it.

My {only} complaint is that sometimes... it takes you a while to fall asleep. We are talking like 45 minutes at times. Which means mama has to resort to lots of "Stories" and "singing" and cuddles {of course}. Which? I don't mind at all. However? A lot of times.... I end of falling asleep with you. AT 730! When I have work to do!

So? We can continue this mama and papa sleep with you gig if you promise to close your eyes and snooze away within 5 minutes. A mama can dream....

Lets talk food. I discovered that now you all of a sudden love kiwis. Which is funny. Before? You wouldn't even open your mouth to them because of the way they looked. Now? You eat by the spoonfuls.... and sometimes 2-3 at a time.

Dinner? Still the same. It's a hit or miss with you. This past month you have definitely been into your carrots though. Often times stealing from papa's plate. One night you ate I think 15? Ahem.

Still weird with meat. Specifically chicken. You really could care less for it and often times just work around it. Okay, all the time.

Some things that you are loving lately:

 Pumpkins. Anytime you see them, "pumpins" and you just want to touch them and smile from ear to ear. Needless to say you had a blast at the pumpkin patch.

The park. As always. This isn't anything new but you seriously LIGHT up, squirm in your seat, and squeal at the top of your lungs when you see the park. It actually brightens my heart and makes me so happy that we get to go to the park so often and to see how happy it makes you. I have to admit though, we go down the "big kid" slide now and it requires mama to have to climb up there with you. Being 7 months pregnant isn't always easy. I'm not as young as you sweet girl. But you sure make me feel like it.

You still love LOVE the swings. You could be on the swing all day and be content with that.
Love to watch the duckies at the lake.

Still love your blocks, puzzles, and COLORING. SOOOO into coloring.

Love your ipad APPS. I still need to write about some of your favorites so I can remember for your little brother.

Speaking of little brother, you love your baby brother and kissing mama's belly. You say "baby brudda" and it's the cutest thing ever. And you will hug the belly. And you will place your head on the belly. And I just KNOW that you will be the best big sister ever.

You still zoom around the house in your pink little car and it actually just made me giggle out loud just thinking {and typing} about it. Your papa and I always say it was the best toy we ever bought {actually it was free} for you. I wonder if you will share with your brother or if we should get him one? What do you think baby girl? Or maybe we will stick with pink for you :)

YOUR HAIR! IS SOOOO long. Way past your shoulders and I love to brush it. I can tell you love your hair too because you still play with it all day every day. Twirling it. Putting it in your face while you suck your thumb. Running your hands through it.

And yes, people still get so confused about the "blonde."

I could sit here and not stop writing to you. So many things pop in my head. So many important little details of your life. This past month. Everything about you.

Like always, I am so proud when I talk about you. You make our world complete. You fill our hearts with unconditional love. And I am so so so blessed to call you ours.

We love you baby girl! This time next month.... YOU WILL BE TWO!!! Oh baby do we have some fun things planned for you!

22 months of amazing-ness!

9.14.12

{written 9.8.12 on 22 month birthday}

Elliana,

Short and sweet. Short and sweet. I say that every time I begin these letters, and then I just can't stop talking. Why? Because there is always so much to say about you, what you are doing, and how much we absolutely CANNOT get enough of you. This month continues to be similar to the last, lots of talking, learning, and personality. You add new words to your vocabulary on a daily basis and showing us that you know so much more than we think you do. We have settled into such a lovely routine with you this past year, and it's been so wonderful to add new things and activities to the plate. We spend every day outside, multiple times a day, and its where you blossom the most. I just have to say your obsession wtih "balls" is out of this world. I am going to call it now. Soccer player.

We love you more and more with each passing day. I can't tell you just how much. There aren't enough words. The months are flying and before you know it, you will be two!!

We love you, forever and ever, to infinity and beyond.

Love, Mama and Papa.

Weight: 26.5 lbs
Height: Not sure?

Clothes: 18-24 months
Shoes: 5-6 {5 in your sandals and I purchased a 6 in sneakers! Room to grow}
Diapers: 4

Still love to twirl your hair like it's your full time job. The funny thing is that now when I put it up in a ponytail, you will manage to get a few strands out of the clip JUST so you can twirl those strands. And yes, you still get it to the point where sometimes your thumb gets stuck. And yes, it is still the cutest thing in the world.

You are so funny with your eating habits. One month we have a great month, then next okay. And this month is just OKAY. Why I say this? Because you are once again acting funny come dinner time. It's a hit or miss.  You either eat a lot or you eat nothing. Overall, I think you do well so I don't mind too much. But still.

You also strictly drink out of cups only {and out of a regular water bottle}. You will get a sippy cup for your morning milk, but that's per mama's choice, not yours.

You do however LOVE your carrots. You will eat all yours then ask papa for his. "Carrots pease." You also LOVE your snacks and bananas. This banana craze is getting out of control. I have to hide the darn things after you eat one in the morning. Because hours later? "Mama, baaann pppeeeeeease." It's in the most pitiful voice ever and I promise I think your heart is breaking every time I say no. Same with the snacks. Now that you get in the pantry as you please, I had to start putting the snacks to the top. Oh man. Drama rama with the snacks.

Like last month {but more now}, you are just a talking machine. You know over 150+ words, too many for me to even sit and count, and you amaze us every day. You still aren't saying full sentences, but you do say things like "Carson, Sit." "Mama, please." Thank, mama or papa." "I find it.", "Carson where are you" and so forth. So you have a lot of two-four word sentences. Which again, is awesome.

**I decided to go ahead and sit down and write down all your words you can say at this point {at least ones that I can think of, there are more I'm sure}. For memory purposes. Probably so I can keep track of your brother as he gets older... and tell him how amazing his big sister is! And he is ;)

A

Apple. Ant. 

B

Bear. Bird. Banana. Bye bye. Baby. Bath. Bus. Brother. Brush. Bug. Book. Ball. Boat. Barking. Beach. Bowl.

C

Cookies. Cake. Crying. Car. Cat. Carrot. Cow. Color. Crayons. Corn. Crab. Chair. Cereal. Castle. Cup.

D

Duck. Drink. Dog. Dress. Diapers. Dolphin. Door. 

E

Elephant. Ears. Eyes. 

F

Frog. Fish. Flower. Fingers. Feet. Fly. Food.

G

Giraffe. Grandma. Game.

H

Horse. Hello. Here. Hair. Hairbow. Hands. Hat. Heart.  House. Home. 

I

Ice cream.

J

K

Kite. Kitty. Knee. Keys. 

L

Lion. Leaf. Lights.

M

Monkey. Milk. Mama. Mirror. 

N

Night night. Nails. Noise.

O

Owl. Orange. Outside. On. Off. Ocean.

P

Pig. Parrot. Peach. Pee. Papa. Please. Pillow. Puppy. Pants. Present. Phone. Pictures. Pizza. Pebbles. Park. Pool. Purse.

Q

R

Rabbit. Rain. Rainbow. Robot.

S

Snake. Snack. Sorry. Sandwich. School. Shirt. Show. Shoes. Socks. Star. Sheep. Swing. Stop. Stinky.

T

Turtle. Thank you. Truck. Toes. Teeth. TV. Tree. Tractor. Train. Tree. 

U

V

W

Wolf. Water. Where. Wipes.

X

Xylophone. 

Y

You. Yo yo. 

Z

Colors

Yellow, brown, white, black, green, pink, red, yellow, purple, blue, orange

Shapes

Oval, square, circle, star, heart

Sentences

2-4 words together. 

As far as learning goes we are just continuing to push on the letters, alphabets, shapes, and colors. You know a little of everything, and have mastered your colors. You can do ALL your flashcards at the speed of light. So of course I have ordered you more. You have a whole bin full of flashcards. It's all that you like to do all day {flashcards and puzzles}. I'm contemplating getting rid of all your other toys!

It's just so funny to me how much you love to learn. You don't really play with your other toys much, you just prefer to do the learning stuff. Puzzles? O-M-G. Your ultimate favorite. The two you have {alphabet and numbers} you have mastered. You haveYou probably could do them with your eyes closed. Now the numbers you get mad when they don't go in the right way, but you have it. It's funny when you get frustrated. I recently ordered you the shapes and colors puzzles, and you already mastered the colors one. So we push the shapes one even more.

You absolutely adore our time outside. We have started to take longer walks in the morning {more like 3+ miles} and it's such a peaceful time for the both of us. In the afternoons we go outside and color with chalk, kick the soccer ball {which you are OBSESSED with... definitely going to get you into soccer}, shoot the basketball {mama does and you watch and cheer me on}, and throw around the golf ball. Do you notice the trend with BALLS?

Because of all this running around, wild side of yours, I got you a nice pair of nike sneakers for the outdoors. And you ABSOLUTELY adore them! You will bring them to me {or any shoes in fact} and say "Mama, shoes, outside." And then you will proceed to bring me MY shoes. I get the memo :)

Another favorite part of the outdoors for you is watching the school bus. Oh man. You are OBSESSED. And the great part about it is that we see the bus about 10 times {I think there are 3 different ones that go through}, so each and EVERY time your expression is priceless. "SCHOOL BUS" you yell and then run to the edge while waving at the bus. Often times the sweet drivers will wave back. And I'm holding back tears now just thinking about the day that you have to ride a school bus. Which probably won't ever happen because we will be driving and picking you up. Maybe mama will ride with you once. Okay okay, don't kill me already.

Potty training? Eh. On hold. We had tried there for a little while and you had made it very clear to me that you were not ready. You still say "pee pee and poo poo" and will run over to the corner or under the table to take a number 2, but as far as having the desire to actually sit on the pot? No way Jose. But at least you understand the concept. Lets just say mama is reading you the Caillou book about potty training. Over. And Over. And Over again.

Lets talk about your sleeping. So I had mentioned last month how you started crawling out of your crib right? And how we had ordered your big girl bed, right? And how you were sleeping with us for naps, and bedtime, and so forth, right? Well it's a new month girlfriend and you sure got your new big girl bed and you have been a TROOPER sleeping in it at night. Not falling out or anything. However, you do STILL insist on mama laying down with you {or papa if mama is at work} until you fall asleep. And If I try to sneak out? No no. It's a scream fest. And if you are laying there with your eyes closed... you will randomly swing your arm across to make sure I am still there. It honestly cracks me up child. At the same time? HELLO. Please and thank you. Back to our old ways where we just layed you down and night night you went? At least you still sleep about 11-12 hours throughout the night.

On the bright side, your big girl room is ALMOST done. We have your room painted, your bed up, your curtains up. Your quilt set is purchased. Your dresser and bookcase just need to be painted. And then the accent wall. Oh the accent wall. I just can't wait for it to be all done. It truly is a room fit for a princess, just like yourself baby.

You also nap about 2-3 hours a day. If it's with me it's a good 3. And you always nap with me now when I had worked the night before. We shut those blackout curtains in mama and papa's bedroom and we hit the sack. Often times you were try to be silly and play around with me. But eventually you pass out. And sometimes? Okay, a lot of the times...I will wake up before you and just watch you sleep. Kiss on your cheeks. Touch your soft skin. Oh it is my absolute favorite time of day and I wouldn't change it for the world. That and when you wake up and see me and have THE biggest smile on your face and basically scream "MAMA!" all while puilling me in to hug me. Melt my heart why don't you.

You had a playdate this past month with your little friend Maggie and you loved it, of course. You were wild and SO so happy to see her. You also had a playdate with some younger babies, and it's so funny how you can tell a difference. You really had no interest playing with the "just turned 1 year old" and everytime she tried to touch you or your toys you were very prissy and hesitant. We will definitely have to work on that.

Your cousin also came over and spent the night one night. And can I just say you adore that big boy Dawson. You chase after him like he is some sort of candy bar walking on earth. It's pretty cute though.

We added another show to your "love list." Okay the list consists of only TWO but still, that's a big deal to you. You see the only show you would watch before is Caillou. All we would hear is Caillou this and Caillou that. One day mama had enough of Caillou and decided to turn on Bubble Guppies. Oh man, you were hooked 2 minutes in. So there you have it, two shows you love. I like to limit you to an episode in the morning and one in the evening. But I can't always say that it turns out that way, especially on the REALLY early mornings :)

You finally started responding what your name is! And it's so funny, we will say "What's your name, baby" and you'll say "Name? Ewee!!" And then clap and say "YAYAYA!"

Clearly, you do well with compliments and positive reinforcement :)

And my ultimate favorite thing in the world that you do is when you give us kisses... you put your hands on our face and draw us in and smooooch. I think you do it because mama always grabs your face to give you big kisses. Oh and its just the absolute best.

I am really looking forward to fall and the next couple of months. Looking forward to taking you to the apple orchard multiple times, pumpkin patch, and spending lots of days at the park. We already do that, but at least we won't be sweating like crazy after 5 minutes.

Thank you for being the brightest light in our lives. 

You inspire me every day to be my very best and more. 

Elliana 21 months

8.21.12

Dear Elliana,

Another month has come. Another month full of great memories and laughs with you pretty girl. We have had such an amazing month, especially due to the fact that we took our first real family vacation and went to Hilton Head Island. I have written all about that, but lets just say your girly side definitely shined through the week. This month has also been an amazing "Talking" month for you. Not only do you know over 100+ words, but you are putting them all together and you are communicating with us so much more. I love every time I hear you say something new. And most the time you just shock us with what comes out of your mouth. Your personality is just growing by the minute and we are soaking it all in. I cannot believe that you will be 2 in a few short months. Then again, I can't believe that you are walking, talking, and in the works of getting a big girl room. Time really does fly, but we are making sure to enjoy every second of it!

We love you to the moon and back, to infinity and beyond, forever and ever baby girl,
Mama and Papa. 8.08.12

Weight: 26.5 pounds
Length: Haven't measured
Size Shoe: 5... going to be 6 soon here
Size Diaper: 4
Size Clothes: 18-24 months

You love to play hide and seek. You will run away and hide while I'm
yelling for you, and you are seriously dead silent. And 99% of the time?
You are behind the curtain.

You are OBSESSED with Caillou. I think I mentioned this last month, but the obsession has only grown. You know how to access it on our phones, the ipad, and the TV. We recently purchased you the Caillou doll and some puzzles, and you are just over the moon. I am convinced that you will call your little brother Caillou when he comes out. If it was up to me... I would definitely name him that :)  ... only joking.

Went on your first vacation. Saw the beach. Stood on the sand {after four days}. Traveled in the car for the longest time ever {12.5 hours each way}.

Had your first boo boo. On vacation. I have written about this already, but will mark it here also for memory purposes. You were running in the kitchen of the condo, slipped on what looked like to me to be melted ice, and busted your lip. It was quite traumatizing for the both of us, and we spent countless hours just cuddling and loving on each other. You were a champ though and the next couple of days acted like nothing ever even happened! I never want you to get hurt, ever, again.

Talks an insane amount.

Really into saying "please and thank you." When you say please you tilt
your head to the side, fold your hands behind your back, give me the biggest grin and say "pppppeease." Usually it's "peeeease, mama, snack." But seriously, how in the world, at this young of an age, do you know how to "Work us."

It's SO hard to say no to such a pretty sweet face.

But you aren't the sweetest to everyone, all the time either. When you are in a mood, girlfriend, you are IN A MOOD. You throw out things like "Go away." And "Stop it." And when you say no? It's not just a "no." It's more like... "NooooOOOOOOO." No exaggeration there.

Thank you to *everything*. Pass you a spoon? *Thank you mama*. Give you a
toy? *Thank you mama*. Give you dinner? *Thank you mama.*

Still SO obsessed with bananas. It's like you were born a monkey. A cute one at that. But honestly, sweetheart, it's getting bad. The first words out of your mouth when you wake up is, "Mama," "Caillou," and "Ban {banana}." After eating your morning ban, you will start asking for another. "Peeeeasss mama, peeease." It is by far the cutest and most pathetic thing I ever did see. I have started to hide the bananas for this reason alone. Out of sight, out of mind right?

Speaking of food, you are still a little stinker when it comes to eating dinner. You eat great for breakfast, lunch, and snacks, and come dinner time? No thank you. A couple bites here and there. And vegetables? Oh a battle yet again. Looks like we will be making more veggie smoothies more often.

Refuses to sleep in the bed. In your bed. Let me back up here... before we left for vacation, you learned how to climb out of your crib. Not only that, but you learned how to open your door, come out, and say "hey mama." Needless to say, both your papa and I were shocked and in disbelief. Well? After vacation? You decided you no longer wanted to sleep in your crib PERIOD. Which meant every night, and for every nap, I was forced to lay on the ground with you with pillows below us until you fell asleep and I could put you back up on our bed.

That said, your daybed is on its way to our house baby girl. MUCH needed. Which also means that the big girl room is now in the making.

We found out that you are going to have a BABY BROTHER! And you said "brudda" for the first time ever. Cutest thing in the world. I think you will be an amazing big sister.

You still love to twirl your hair and suck your thumb. As far as the twirling hair goes, you twirl it so bad that you will get your finger stuck because the hair is wrapped up around it so hard. It gets to the point where you will start whimpering and mama has to help you. Your grandma says that I used to do the exact same thing.

Diaper changes are still the end of the world. You will still run to the corner and hide though when you have to go #2. We are still just testing out the potty chair. Nothing serious, yet.

Next month we are looking forward to taking you to the apple orchard, pick some raspberries, and plan picnics in the park! Oh and hopefully getting your big girl room alllll done!

We love you baby girl. We can't say it enough. We can't get enough of you!

**Check out the amazing clothes Kiki La Rue has to offer**

20 month Beauty Queen

7.23.12

7.08.12
Elliana,

20 months! TWENTY! Are we really out of the teens? Is my baby really growing up? Am I going to say the same thing when you turn 20... years old {of course I will}. Needless to say, time is flying. And also? I'm loving it. I'm loving each and every milestone and month that we share together. You are such an amazing baby girl. So loving. So happy. So talkative and interactive. SUCH a personality. This month has been, as always, an absolute joy. We have really soaked in all this warm weather {sometimes a little too warm} and have enjoyed taking you to the pool, driving to Cleveland to visit family, and taking lots of fun pictures together. One thing that I really want to remember about this past month is how attached you have been. This has been ongoing for quite some time, but it has definitely increased. You are all about mama mama mama. And you vocalize that more than ever before. I'd be lying if I said that I didn't like that. I LOVE IT. Your grandparents think I have spoiled you. But is it really possible to "spoil" a child with too much love? I didn't think so. You are my baby girl, Elliana. Forever and ever. I will always be your best friend and your shoulder to lean on. If you need me, I'm there. And that my precious daughter... will NEVER change.

Papa and Mama love you forever and ever to infinity and beyond.

This month:

Weight: 25 pounds
Height & Head: Not sure
Shoes: 5 {no change}
Diaper: 4 {no change}
Clothes: 18-24 months

You are definitely losing that baby weight more and more. Some pictures your little belly still sticks out, but for the most part you are getting taller and leaner. Your face is still nice and round and oh so kissable. I hope that doesn't change anytime soon.

One word. Cailou. Oh my dear, I can't wait until you are old enough that I can tell you about this little obsession of yours. "Cailou, Cailou, Cailou... Caaaaaiiillllooouuu." All day every day. This month has been this crazy obsession with this bald headed four year old cartoon character. And it cracks us up. If mama is watching a show? You are so persistent and push that remote into my face all while repeating over and over again his little name. I joked to your papa that we need to name this baby Cailou if its a boy. We wont though... I promise. For your sake, his, and ours.

Still talking away. You can say so many words that I am done even writing them down. I can't remember them as you go. Still just putting a couple words together, "go away, stop it" but no real sentences. No worries, you're not supposed to at this point anyway and you know more words than you should for your age, so when you're ready... we'll have those in depth conversations :)

You run run run and RUN. And when you run its the funnies thing in the world. Your little legs make sure much noise and you are still a little bow-legged so it looks absolutely hilarious. Oh, and your arms fling around.

You hate sprinklers, splash pads, etc. Not sure why, since you love the pool, splashing water in your face {and others], and absolutely don't mind when you fall in the baby pool and go under.

Loves when we say "what kind of sound does a monkey make?" And then we go up to you and tickle your armpits and say "ooouuu-ouuu-aahhh--ahhh" while you do it too. Now? Whenever you see a monkey or hear the word, you start doing it to yourself!

Still go down between 7-730 and wake between 7-8. Nap 1-2 times a day {most of the time one}. Anywhere from 2.5 hours to 3. And then if you take a second nap it is about 45 minutes.

You have been a great eater this month. Your favorite things for breakfast is a banana, cup of milk, and organic cheerios. Your favorite thing for lunch is soup or chicken salad sandwich with side of fruit and carrots. Your favorite thing for dinner is anything that doesn't involve meat. You are still so strange with meat.

You vomited for the first time ever in your life on your 20 month birthday. You had just eaten dinner and drank a cup of milk and then you were goofin' off on the couch and the next thing I know it... vomit EVERYWHERE. It didn't seem to phase you one bit. You were smiley and happy as ever. Mama though? End of the word. I had to hold back tears. Just reminds me how blessed and thankful I am to the Lord for your health.

You continue to love to throw off your bows in the car. Which I completely understand why... you are a play with my hair kind of girl.

You run to the corner when you have to poopy. We are trying out the whole potty training deal... but I just know you aren't ready yet. I put the pot right next to the same area you run to every day and when I know you are going I try to beat you to it and sit you on it, but as soon as I do that, you stop having any interest in going. We will get there.

You still despise diaper changes. Oh heavens.

And you just love to say "stinky" and "ewww" and "pee-pee" when we change your diaper. Such a funny little lady you are.

You love car rides and immediately climb into the car and into your car seat when I open the door.

There is just so much more to say, so much more that you do...and I hope I am able to capture all of these special moments as the months go by. Through words. Pictures. And videos. You are just so special.

Never stop dancing princess.

19 months Elliana {a litttttle late}

6.08.12
Dear Elliana,

We can officially say on here now that you will be a BIG SISTER!!! Although we already knew last month when you had turned 18 months old, we still hadn't told anyone so I couldn't quite write it in your letter. But here we are, my beautiful darling baby, you will soon be one amazing loving big sister. Can you believe it? Of course not! I don't think you really care, nor understand... but one day you will realize how important this is to our family, and to you. I hope that you form an amazing bond with your brother or sister to be, and that you two always are close and true to one another. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about how special our family is going to be. A family of four. And although I do have my moments where I worry about whether or not you will adjust well, and whether or not you will think that mama isn't giving you enough of her time, I know that all will be okay. But, anywho, this month is all about YOU so lets talk about YOU.

You have been a talking talking TALKING machine. You repeat just about everything we say. You say so many words every day and are able to communicate with us with what you want, and then you jibber jabber the rest of the time. You have been a dancing, twirling, and KISSING little nugget. It has been such a fun month with you darling.... but then again when is it not?

It just gets better and better with time.

We love you to the moon and back, forever and ever, to infinity and beyond.
Love,
Mama and Papa, and your baby brudder or sista.

Weight: 25 pounds {75th percentile}
Length: 33 inches {75th percentile}
Head: 48 cm {90th percentile}

Size 5 shoe
Size 4 diaper
Size 18months-24 months clothes

We had your 18 month visit this past month and you again passed with flyijng colors. The doctor is amazed that you have yet to be sick and have never had to go in besides your well visits. We knock on wood and thank the Lord to keep it that way.

You did however, shortly after your appointment, catch a little cold and had a low grade fever. Of course it only lasted a day and it didn't phase you one bit. My little cuddle stink monster.

Saying more new words {we are up to 50-75 words}: apple {appa}, stop it {sop-it}, please {peas}, thank you {ten you}, teeth, baby, ni ni {night night}, miiine, naase {nose}, beach, boa {boat}, swim, poo {pool}, sween {swing}, knees, head, hair, hairbow, pee pee {pee}, poo {poop}. perrr {pear}, keys, pashlee {lets go in russian}, lego {lets go}. And all the other ones that you know.

Into this weird twirling phase. We will just find you twirling and twirling around in the living room until you flop down and make youself belly giggle up a storm. Then? Get up and do it again. You think its the funniest thing EVER.

Kissing like crazy. You hand out kisses like you are getting paid. And if you were? You would be one rich lady right now. We don't even have to ask for them. You sit there on the couch and turn around and smooch. You will come up to us randomly and smooch. Then another after another. And now you give them out to other family members and absolutely love with spoil them with kisses. Of course I think they love it even more than you do.

You give tons of hugs too.

And you get SO upset if mama "fake cries." In fact, for the first time ever you broke down in tears when I did this and it absolutely broke my heart. I felt so bad because I didn't realize that you would be so sad for mama. Of course it touched me that you care so much about me.

You reverted back in the eating department. Again, you aren't doing great with your dinners... just eat about half. And now you are picky wtih your lunches too. EVEN peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, you eat about half your plate. We do however make up for it during the day by incorporating lots of fruit and snacks.

As far as sleep, still doing wonderful with a couple of bumps in the road. A few times now {and by a few I mean like 7-10 days} you have woken up at 630 instead of your usual 730. Not sure about where this change came from, but either way, you are up and ready. However.... you are MUCH more crankier and needy because of this time change, which again, just confuses me. Also, you have fought naps a few times. You would go down just fine, and then randomly you would just start crying and whining and then as far as yelling for me. A few times, I have done just that... went and got you, played for a couple hours, and then put you down again. However, I quickly learned that you just figured ou that you could get out that way. So within no time, you would fall asleep and nap your usual 3-4 hours.

You completed your swim lessons. And if I'm going to be honest... we skipped just a couple... due to the fact that the neighborhood pool is now open... and well... thats a whole lo more fun.

Speaking of the pool, you LOVE the pool. LOVE. We can go for 2-3 hours at a time, and you still are as happy as the minute you arrived. You love to sit at the top of the steps and splash at the mama, point to the kids, jump into my arms, and shriek with excitement. You think you are such a big girl. But all the kiddies at the pool come up to you and call you baby. Well, thats because you are still a baby :)

You grandma S came to visit you for a few days and you showed off all your tricks, loved on her, and had an absolute blast.

Wagon rides have been an absolute must in his house ever since mama whipped it out from the attic. You adore your wagon.

We went to the zoo again, twice actually this past month, and as always, you loved it. However, the most recent time you were grouchy and not feeling your best so you were being feisty and did NOT enjoy the dolphin show one bit. In fact, mama had to take you out. Which is strange because the first time, you sat there with our mouth dropped in amazement throughout the whole performance.

Like I said last month, you have all your teeth {all the spaces are filled}, however you still drool a ridiculous amount. You can saturate a shirt in just an hour or two.

You have been extra cuddly with carson. I will walk into the room and you will just be laying on him and rubbing his head. It is super sweet.

Itsy bitsy spider is still your favorite song ever. You will put your hands together and imitate the spider as a request for us to sing it. And we do.

You are into this attachment phase {will go into depth on this on another post} and it's all "mama mama mama." No one else. And if your eyes aren't on me at all times? Meltdown city. I don't know baby what's going on, but your papa hasn't been too pleased with the constant neglect and thrashing out of his arms. We will work on this. Promise, baby.

Again, a beautiful amazing fun month. I look forward to the more summer months to come!!

18 months of lots of Love.

Dear Elliana,

A year and a half old. That's a big deal. That means we are 6 months away from the big TWO birthday. And to say I am shocked, saddened, and overwhelmed would be putting it lightly. But in reality, really, truly, this is just the best times of our lives. Watching you grow into this beautiful little girl has been a complete joy. Although I always miss each baby stage, I enjoy the next even more. 


Your papa and I are always so shocked by the amount of love that we have for you. Sometimes we sit at the dinner table and we just talk about how much we love you. Over and over again. Because its true. You make us a family. You have given us this permanent bond that strengthens us, inspires us, and motivates us to be the best parents we can be to you.


Thank you for being you, smiling every day, and showing us unconditional love.


We love you, forever and ever, to infinity and beyond.


Love, Mama and Papa.

18 month clothes
Size 5 shoe
Size 4 diapers
Weighs 24 pounds
Approximately 33 inches tall.

Loves to say "Caw-seeen" multiple times a day, clear as day. How come the dog gets called by his name more than mama? I get it out of you here and there, but you just smirk when I ask you to say it. You know it bothers me... yet, you still do it. Tricky child.

You love to give mama spontateous kisses all the time, multiple times a day. You have always been a kissy child, but now you won't give kisses on demand. Just random. Sometimes when I am laying on the couch, you will walk up to me and give me a kiss. Sometimes when you are in your crib you will kneel down and put your face through the crib and plant me a kiss. Its so random, and I think that is why I appreciate it that much more.

You squeel when you see papa's car pull in the driveaway when he gets home from work. Its so fun to watch you run up to him with joy. The two loves of my life.

You say "Busss" whenever you see the bus drive by. Or if you hear a truck outside that sounds like a bus, you'll run to the window waiting to watch it drive by. Sometimes, often times, on the weekends you will ask about the bus. Mama has to remind you that there is no school on Saturday and Sundays.

When you hear the camera click on your camera toy you say "Cheeese"

You say your "Byes" so funny. Its so drawn out. "Bah-Byeeeeee"
When you see the bunny that has bubbles in it, you say "Boubbbles"

Words you can say: Carseeen{ Carson, your dog}, Dawwwseeen{  Dawson, your cousin}, go go go, cheeeese, baaan {banana}, mama, papa, baaubles {bubbles}. cwak {clock}. ddjuuice {juce- aka WATER}. seeet {sit}, shoooww {show}, shooee {shoe}, door, caaar {car}, hiii, bah byeee, teeeese {cheese}, bussss {bus}, pwweeety {pretty}, tooorrtle {turtle}, cat, hawt {hot}, go away, toeees, bath,  and all the others I've mentioned in previous months.

We will have your 18 month well visit at the end of the month {or early next month}.

Like I said before, just a couple teeth are left coming in, otherwise all the spaces are filled for now. I can't believe we survived teeth without any issues. You never woke up in the middle of the night crying. You never fussed. You never rejected food {besides your usual dinner rejections}, and you were overall always happy and chipper. You drooled a lot though. That's for sure.

You've been into sitting on top of everything. On top of your toy chest. On top of your toy bucket. On top of the toilet. In the cabinet. Its your thing these days.

You're starting to get more excited when other loved ones come around. Even if mama is around. So you don't cling as much to me and are more open to going to them. Lately Grandma P has been coming over often, and you just squeeel with joy.

You still love jibber jabbering on the phone and more random phone calls. You know how to slide the iphone to unlock it, open the contact list, press the call contact, put on speaker phone, and then hang up when you are finished. Pretty sure you know how to work technology better than some people I know.

You absolutely love when we sing the ABC's, twinkle twinkle little star, the itsy bitsy spider. You put your fingers together like I do for the spider and then give me the biggest cheeese.

Speaking of cheese, you are LOVING cheese as a snack. You ask for it, and then convulse until I give it to you. Cheese lover.

You are a much better eater this month. Dinners have been easier, and you no longer refuse meat like you used to. And you have taken a liking to deli sandwiches.

We started swim lessons this past month and you are LOVING them. You cry when we have to get out and you are one happy baby when we are in it. Lots of songs and dancing around in the water. You're not exactly the fan of the dipping you in the water though. Prissy little thing you are.

We got our passport pictures done and the funniest thing of this day was when the lady noted how big your head was. And mine. And how papa had a "perfectly porpotionate head." Why thank you sweet lovely lady. What she really meant to say is that our heads were BEAUTIFUL. Yes.

We look forward to seeing what the next month has to offer.

I have a feeling lots of warm weather, bathing suits, and swimming pools.

Yes, bliss.