Playing together

Tonight after dinner I saw the kids really playing together and having fun - both of them were doing what they wanted to do and laughing.

Max got on his little train and Ellie offered to push him. He accepted with pleasure and they both enjoyed it for about 2 minutes (until I pulled out the camera.) Still there were no tears and some smiles! It's great seeing them enjoy one another.

Holding Hands with Max

Ever since Max started walking, even attempting to stand, he was not at all interested in using my hand, or any other, to help him walk. He would push them away and insist on trying to accomplish his task alone.

Since going to Miss Sara's, he's learned to appreciate what a helping hand, and/or finger, can deliver in enabling him to explore and climb things. He particularly likes this support in coming down from things like steps, or the red bench here at the house tonight.

Although I'm not all that into his climbing, becuase it makes me nervous, I love when he reaches for my hand to help him. I really love when he's holding one of my fingers as he walks and moves. It's a good Mom feeling!

Soft as a verb

One of Ellie's early word creations was to make Soft a verb. When she touches something soft and cudly, such as Lady Grey, she would say she was softing her.

Ellie's speach is really great for her age. It always has been. But one thing that still remains in her vocabulary is the use of the word soft as a verb. I can't bring myself to correct her on this becuase I think it's so cute. David also gets a kick out of it.

Tonight when she was going to bed, I was holding Lady Grey. She says, "Awe, Mommy, she's so cute. Can I soft her please?" I smiled and said of course. Ellie "softed" her. She even conjugates her verb! :-)

Two Mommies

This morning Ellie announced she wishes miss sara was her mommy. I come to the table and ask why? I don't even remember her reason. Once I reminded her that I was her Mommy she said, that's okay, I want two mommies and daddies. I asked her which Mommy she would live with. She said, "You of course."

So, I decided not to worry too much. I guess I haven't fallen out of favor, but Miss Sara is loved too and that's fine by me.

Watching Time

When we get done our walks and/or bike rides at night, and I watch Ellie run with vigor down the hill of Old Log Ct, it brings back a few memories and also gives me what feels like a window into time. I can see her aging as she runs down the hill and can just imagine her as a teenager. It's a little scarey and it also makes me smile.

I'm so thankful for all we have in life!

Walkersville Southern

THis morning we had a little family outting on the train in Walkersville. The Holtzople's and Granddaddy joined us. All the kids were pretty excited and so was granddaddy.

The weather was perfect for it - the sun was hiding and there was a good breeze. The trip was about an hour long. The kids even got some special made balloons on the ride.

Max got to hang out with Granddaddy and Tyler for a bit. He had a lot of fun with them today.

Afterwards we all went to Panera for lunch and cookies (which I had thought were to be served on the train.)

It was nice hanging out with Jerred, Vicki, Lauren, Tyler and Emily. We don't see them often enough. Tyler enjoyed giving me a hard time about not liking going over the bridge of the Monocacy in the train!

It was a nice morning.

Shopping with my girl (and Monkey)

This evening Ellie and I went to collect some monthly essentials from Target. Since Irene is slowing things down, it was a fun and easy trip. Target was very empty.

Ellie was hanging off the inside of the cart and amazing me at how well she was holding on and she climbed all over (probably shouldn't have been letting her do this). But at one point I mentioned she was clinging on like a good monkey. This was the start of my trip with a monkey.

Every so often she would bust out with a very real monkey sound. This caught the attention of quite a few people. My instinct was to ask her to stop becuase it was embarrasing, but instead, I choose to laugh and let her enjoy playing like a child. It was really cute.

The role playing continued when we got home too. SHe was a Monkey for daddy and waiting to gage his reaction. It was cute.

Ellie is a great shopping companion! I hope this is something we can always enjoy doing together.