I'm torn on whether or not I want to find out the gender of the baby. And this time it's up to me. I'll admit that it was a lot of fun not knowing last time, and I'd recommend it to anyone. But this time? I'm just not sure.
I guess it doesn't actually come down to what gender the baby is, though, because I'm terrified of either. Let me re-word that. I'm terrified of naming either.
Last time we had such a hard time picking names (I'm assuming most parents do). The boy's name was the worst. We ended up picking Keegan, but neither of us like it anymore. AT ALL. How would be be able to go through that again if the baby is a boy?
And Ellie's name? We LOVE Ellie's name, but how are we going to come up with another girl's name that we like just as much? We stumbled upon Ellie's name just out of chance. When I google it, I find references to some South American singer, but I've never seen it elsewhere. It's not on any of the baby names sites or even social security sites. It's not in any books. If that's the case, then how do I find an equivalent name for this baby?
Ugh. This baby is going to be named Maux after all because if I can't find a name I like just as much as Ellie's, then I might as well pick one that came from a funny story!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
4-worded sentences
I'm sure most mothers try really hard to not compare their child to other children, but I'm also sure that when the occasional comment about how awesome their child is presents itself, they take it to heart and think "I *knew* she was better!"
Is that tacky? Oh, come on. I think it's has to be normal. I hope it's normal. If not, then I'm just a big mean Mommy who thinks the world revolves around Ellie. Are you trying to say it doesn't? =)
The other day we had our two year check-up and I was filling out the survey to determine if Ellie's progress was normal. I responded "Always" to almost all the questions, but the section that really took me by surprise was the communication section.
Does your child use 1 or 2 three-worded or four-worded sentences?
Huh? Only one or two? Here are a few examples of sentences that Ellie has spoken in the last couple of days:
- Bye Mernin. I go to skool.
- Daddy rides bus work.
- I need a poon.
- I no fee good.
- I watch baby vido?
- Daddy, I see garbage tuck!
- I see it now?
- I see yucky poo-poo?
- No! Lala do it now.
- I no like potoes.
- I push da buttons.
- I push wearry wearry hard.
- No, let's go dis way.
- I lay down stairs.
- Warm mak bottle pease.
- No pants, wear pjs?
- Read da mouse book?
- I sit on da foor y ook at dit.
- Cold - I need a dacket.
- Daddy as siver poon. Lala as geen poon.
- No, I wan pink kwoc shoes.
- I wanna drive geen car!
I've kind of suspected that she speaks better than many other two year olds. The little girl who was born on the same day as Ellie spoke similarly (it was actually quite impressive how much we understood her because she spoke with the same mannerisms as Ellie), but there have been many more children who don't speak hardly at all. It's kind of hard for me to compare, though, because some of them are a little younger and I don't trust my memories of what Ellie was like a couple months ago. However, there are also those who are older and still making more grunting sounds to get what they want.
Anyway, I've always suspected that she speaks more than average, but the doctor confirmed it. Just in the few things that Ellie said in front of her (things like "I go home now" and "No more doctor pease"), the doctor said "Wow! She's definitely talking better than I would expect at this age."
So there you go. Proof that Ellie is awesome. And if you still doubt me, just ask. I'll provide references. =)
Is that tacky? Oh, come on. I think it's has to be normal. I hope it's normal. If not, then I'm just a big mean Mommy who thinks the world revolves around Ellie. Are you trying to say it doesn't? =)
The other day we had our two year check-up and I was filling out the survey to determine if Ellie's progress was normal. I responded "Always" to almost all the questions, but the section that really took me by surprise was the communication section.
Does your child use 1 or 2 three-worded or four-worded sentences?
Huh? Only one or two? Here are a few examples of sentences that Ellie has spoken in the last couple of days:
- Bye Mernin. I go to skool.
- Daddy rides bus work.
- I need a poon.
- I no fee good.
- I watch baby vido?
- Daddy, I see garbage tuck!
- I see it now?
- I see yucky poo-poo?
- No! Lala do it now.
- I no like potoes.
- I push da buttons.
- I push wearry wearry hard.
- No, let's go dis way.
- I lay down stairs.
- Warm mak bottle pease.
- No pants, wear pjs?
- Read da mouse book?
- I sit on da foor y ook at dit.
- Cold - I need a dacket.
- Daddy as siver poon. Lala as geen poon.
- No, I wan pink kwoc shoes.
- I wanna drive geen car!
I've kind of suspected that she speaks better than many other two year olds. The little girl who was born on the same day as Ellie spoke similarly (it was actually quite impressive how much we understood her because she spoke with the same mannerisms as Ellie), but there have been many more children who don't speak hardly at all. It's kind of hard for me to compare, though, because some of them are a little younger and I don't trust my memories of what Ellie was like a couple months ago. However, there are also those who are older and still making more grunting sounds to get what they want.
Anyway, I've always suspected that she speaks more than average, but the doctor confirmed it. Just in the few things that Ellie said in front of her (things like "I go home now" and "No more doctor pease"), the doctor said "Wow! She's definitely talking better than I would expect at this age."
So there you go. Proof that Ellie is awesome. And if you still doubt me, just ask. I'll provide references. =)
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Big Girl Room
So it's not quite a finished product, but I figured it was close enough to post pictures of Ellie's big girl room. The two walls above her bed are a little busy but I think I like them. 
Here is a close-up of one of the four pictures hanging above her wall. Ellie and I made a bunch of pictures of butterflies and flowers using her hand prints and foot prints (there is one butterfly that has my hand prints as well). I think it turned out cute and Ellie seems to be proud of the fact that her hands are worthy of being framed.
A close-up of the bed with the "Luke Father" butterfly pillow and a pillow that Grandma made when Ellie was born. I really like the quilt I ended up getting. Note the picture of Ellie and her best friend on the nightstand. 
Here is the room looking the other direction, complete with more butterflies, a chalkboard, and garden stuff on the shelf. Ellie likes her new bookshelf and how she can pick out her books every night.
Here is a close-up of the butterflies on the wall. I tried to make them look like they were flying out of the water can. I think it goes without saying that Ellie's room has more stuff on her walls than I've ever put up in a single room before, but I suppose whatever goes up can also come down.
And finally, the least finished part of the room. Now would be a good time for me to list the things I'm still hoping to do to the room:1. Picket fence headboard
2. Curtains
3. Framing pieces of lace that Ellie's great grandma made
4. Cross stitch with a girl looking at a butterfly on a branch of flowers
5. Growth chart on her door or door frame
6. Toddler rocking chair
So, other than it being brighter than you probably imagined... what do you think?
Monday, April 27, 2009
So grown-up
Recently I've been noticing a change in the way in which Ellie speaks. For one, she's been repeating every sentence we say, but that seems to have created an unexpected side-effect.
She now says more herself, and it's more than just stating the obvious. She has now come up with explanations and questions. I'm not sure if I can put my finger on the difference, but let me give you a couple examples.
Getting her dressed the other day I wanted her to wear a cute ladybug dress.
Ellie: No nadybug dress.
Mommy: You don't want to wear the ladybug dress? Why not?
Ellie: Is too big. (instead of just repeating "no nadybug dress")
Mommy: You're too big for the dress?
Ellie: No. Is too big.
Mommy: The dress is too big for you?
Ellie: Yeah.
Mommy: What about this one?
Ellie: No. Is too big.
Mommy: How about the one with the polka-dots?
Ellie: Ok Mommy.
At breakfast Mommy didn't believe Daddy that his method of making oatmeal was tasty (he just eats plain oats in cold milk).
Ellie: Oat-mak pease. (cute - oatmilk)
Daddy: You want a bite of oatmeal? Here you go.
Mommy: I can't believe she likes that stuff.
Daddy: Here, taste it. It's good. (Mommy takes a bite)
Ellie: Mommy, nummy? (instead of saying her normal "Mommy's turn")
Mommy: Mmmmm, yes. It is yummy. (in a chalky sort of way)
Ellie: Nummy oat-mak.
Do you see the subtle difference? I'm not sure it's noticeable to anyone else, but it's definitely something we've been seeing a lot lately. She also understands the need for past-tense because she'll say things like "I maked it!" She also has many full sentences like "I need a knife." I swear it's not what you think!
She now says more herself, and it's more than just stating the obvious. She has now come up with explanations and questions. I'm not sure if I can put my finger on the difference, but let me give you a couple examples.
Getting her dressed the other day I wanted her to wear a cute ladybug dress.
Ellie: No nadybug dress.
Mommy: You don't want to wear the ladybug dress? Why not?
Ellie: Is too big. (instead of just repeating "no nadybug dress")
Mommy: You're too big for the dress?
Ellie: No. Is too big.
Mommy: The dress is too big for you?
Ellie: Yeah.
Mommy: What about this one?
Ellie: No. Is too big.
Mommy: How about the one with the polka-dots?
Ellie: Ok Mommy.
At breakfast Mommy didn't believe Daddy that his method of making oatmeal was tasty (he just eats plain oats in cold milk).
Ellie: Oat-mak pease. (cute - oatmilk)
Daddy: You want a bite of oatmeal? Here you go.
Mommy: I can't believe she likes that stuff.
Daddy: Here, taste it. It's good. (Mommy takes a bite)
Ellie: Mommy, nummy? (instead of saying her normal "Mommy's turn")
Mommy: Mmmmm, yes. It is yummy. (in a chalky sort of way)
Ellie: Nummy oat-mak.
Do you see the subtle difference? I'm not sure it's noticeable to anyone else, but it's definitely something we've been seeing a lot lately. She also understands the need for past-tense because she'll say things like "I maked it!" She also has many full sentences like "I need a knife." I swear it's not what you think!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Maybe I can start remembering now
My sweet husband got me a year's worth of massages and yesterday I had my second one. I did lay on my tummy during the massage but it will probably be the last time because my tummy is growing so much.
But exciting news! I felt the baby move! I'm 15 weeks pregnant so the timing is just about right. I tried to look up when I first felt Ellie move but all I could find was a post about doubting myself at 14 weeks. I'm guessing the following couple weeks were filled with "Is that the baby or is that gas?"
But this time I know. It's not gas. However, it doesn't even feel like an upset tummy like it did last time. This time it felt more like a parasite crawling inside me. Doesn't that sound cute and cuddly?
Anyway, I decided to go all out. I felt the baby move yesterday so today I'm wearing my favorite pregnancy shirt (with the baby on the tummy) for all the world to see. Maybe if I start really announcing it, combined with feeling the baby move, I will actually remember that I'm pregnant once in a while. What a novel idea.
But exciting news! I felt the baby move! I'm 15 weeks pregnant so the timing is just about right. I tried to look up when I first felt Ellie move but all I could find was a post about doubting myself at 14 weeks. I'm guessing the following couple weeks were filled with "Is that the baby or is that gas?"
But this time I know. It's not gas. However, it doesn't even feel like an upset tummy like it did last time. This time it felt more like a parasite crawling inside me. Doesn't that sound cute and cuddly?
Anyway, I decided to go all out. I felt the baby move yesterday so today I'm wearing my favorite pregnancy shirt (with the baby on the tummy) for all the world to see. Maybe if I start really announcing it, combined with feeling the baby move, I will actually remember that I'm pregnant once in a while. What a novel idea.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
One step ahead of Mommy
I'm not sure who is staying ahead of who, but Ellie is constantly challenging me. I say this in a good way. I love how she comes up with new ideas or asks for more details and explanations. An example?
Candy. It used to be that if Ellie wanted more candy all I had to do was tell her that it was all gone and nothing was left. Then she started to ask "I see all gone candy?" THE GIRL WANTED PROOF!!! And yes, I shamelessly admit that I once poured a bunch of M&Ms into my lap so that I could show her the empty bag.
She's a smart cookie.
Candy. It used to be that if Ellie wanted more candy all I had to do was tell her that it was all gone and nothing was left. Then she started to ask "I see all gone candy?" THE GIRL WANTED PROOF!!! And yes, I shamelessly admit that I once poured a bunch of M&Ms into my lap so that I could show her the empty bag.
She's a smart cookie.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Family Curse
Do you remember how I once had a very pleasant morning? Most mornings are somewhat similar. If not perfect, then at least it's still close to that end of the spectrum.
This morning, though, imagine the complete opposite. Imagine a morning where instead of wearing the dress Mommy picked out, you convince her to let you wear brown pants, only to realize that the dress is really prettier, but it's too late. Now you don't want to wear either. Imagine a world where all you want to do is stay in bed and suck on Bun-Bun but grown-ups force you away. Bun-Bun can not come where you are going. Imagine compromising by agreeing to watch a baby video but grown-ups insist that there is only enough time to watch it twice. Imagine breakfast with green eggs (from adding pesto) instead of yellow eggs. Imagine what it would be like to be given kiwi when you really wanted grapes. Imagine how mad it would make you if someone ate *YOUR* kiwi even if you had no intention of eating it yourself. Imagine going back to your bed for support from Bun-Bun, finally finding some peace and comfort in the morning, only to be forced away again. Imagine having to go to school when you just wanted to stay in bed, only to find some other kid see-sawing with your best friend. Then when your best friend starts to see-saw with you, she picks the wrong end of the horse to sit on. Imagine how you would feel when your screams start to make your best friend cry and make all the other kids around you stare at you in shock. Don't you hate it when they stare? Then, if you possibly can... imagine seeing your mom upset before leaving. Why would she leave you in such a state? Can't the two of you just go home and lay in bed with Bun-Bun?
Can you imagine it? It's not a pretty sight is it?
Now add to that the family curse. I'll let you in on a well-known secret. Everyone in my family was born without the ability to cry and talk at the same time. We've always joked about it. If one of us suddenly grows quiet on the other end of the phone, we know why. But it's no laughing matter when you are a young toddler just trying to sort through the mass amount of emotions you feel.
That's actually the one comment that the teachers made at parent-teacher conferences. They said that it takes a lot to calm Ellie down when she's upset and that she can't seem to "use her words". Even more so than the other kids. I didn't think about the connection until this morning, but I realize that Ellie probably inherited the same family curse.
The poor thing. Maybe next time I'll take the day off and let her stay in bed with Bun-Bun. Doesn't that sound nice and comforting?
This morning, though, imagine the complete opposite. Imagine a morning where instead of wearing the dress Mommy picked out, you convince her to let you wear brown pants, only to realize that the dress is really prettier, but it's too late. Now you don't want to wear either. Imagine a world where all you want to do is stay in bed and suck on Bun-Bun but grown-ups force you away. Bun-Bun can not come where you are going. Imagine compromising by agreeing to watch a baby video but grown-ups insist that there is only enough time to watch it twice. Imagine breakfast with green eggs (from adding pesto) instead of yellow eggs. Imagine what it would be like to be given kiwi when you really wanted grapes. Imagine how mad it would make you if someone ate *YOUR* kiwi even if you had no intention of eating it yourself. Imagine going back to your bed for support from Bun-Bun, finally finding some peace and comfort in the morning, only to be forced away again. Imagine having to go to school when you just wanted to stay in bed, only to find some other kid see-sawing with your best friend. Then when your best friend starts to see-saw with you, she picks the wrong end of the horse to sit on. Imagine how you would feel when your screams start to make your best friend cry and make all the other kids around you stare at you in shock. Don't you hate it when they stare? Then, if you possibly can... imagine seeing your mom upset before leaving. Why would she leave you in such a state? Can't the two of you just go home and lay in bed with Bun-Bun?
Can you imagine it? It's not a pretty sight is it?
Now add to that the family curse. I'll let you in on a well-known secret. Everyone in my family was born without the ability to cry and talk at the same time. We've always joked about it. If one of us suddenly grows quiet on the other end of the phone, we know why. But it's no laughing matter when you are a young toddler just trying to sort through the mass amount of emotions you feel.
That's actually the one comment that the teachers made at parent-teacher conferences. They said that it takes a lot to calm Ellie down when she's upset and that she can't seem to "use her words". Even more so than the other kids. I didn't think about the connection until this morning, but I realize that Ellie probably inherited the same family curse.
The poor thing. Maybe next time I'll take the day off and let her stay in bed with Bun-Bun. Doesn't that sound nice and comforting?
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Aunt Erin has buttons too
Laying in bed with Aunt Erin, Ellie was telling her about all her buttons.
Ellie: Belly button.
Mommy: Look, Aunt Erin, it's Ellie's belly button.
Erin: Oh!
Ellie: An-o-da button (pointing down between her legs).
Mommy: Aunt Erin, Ellie has another button.
Erin: Oh? (not sure what else to say)
Mommy: Aunt Erin has one of those too (getting a kick out of Erin's response).
Ellie: I see Erin button?
Mommy: You want to see Erin's button?
Erin: (silent)
Mommy: See? (showing Ellie Aunt Erin's *BELLY* button)
Afterwards I went into the next room, where I found Daddy laying on Ellie's big girl bed (we love that thing)...
Daddy: I do not want to know which button Erin showed her.
Ellie: Belly button.
Mommy: Look, Aunt Erin, it's Ellie's belly button.
Erin: Oh!
Ellie: An-o-da button (pointing down between her legs).
Mommy: Aunt Erin, Ellie has another button.
Erin: Oh? (not sure what else to say)
Mommy: Aunt Erin has one of those too (getting a kick out of Erin's response).
Ellie: I see Erin button?
Mommy: You want to see Erin's button?
Erin: (silent)
Mommy: See? (showing Ellie Aunt Erin's *BELLY* button)
Afterwards I went into the next room, where I found Daddy laying on Ellie's big girl bed (we love that thing)...
Daddy: I do not want to know which button Erin showed her.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Introduction to Baby
We haven't really told Ellie anything about the baby that we're expecting. We figure it won't mean much to her until it's closer and I'm showing more. We might take advantage of the 20 week ultrasound to show her, but we haven't really decided.
However, she was introduced to the concept a week and a half ago. I had some friends over, one of which is super pregnant.
Mommy: Look, Ellie, there's a baby in Kay's tummy!
Ellie: I see? (lifting Kay's shirt) Baby! (patting Kay's tummy)
Mommy: Yep, baby.
Kay: Just like Mommy. Mommy has a baby in her tummy too. (not knowing we hadn't said anything before)
Ellie: (looking confused) Baby? (patting my boob)
Mommy: Nope, not there. It's in my tummy.
Ellie: I see? (lifting Mommy's shirt)
Mommy: You want to see the baby?
Ellie: I see baby! (looking into Mommy's belly button)
Mommy: You do?
Ellie: Yeah! Hi baby!
However, she was introduced to the concept a week and a half ago. I had some friends over, one of which is super pregnant.
Mommy: Look, Ellie, there's a baby in Kay's tummy!
Ellie: I see? (lifting Kay's shirt) Baby! (patting Kay's tummy)
Mommy: Yep, baby.
Kay: Just like Mommy. Mommy has a baby in her tummy too. (not knowing we hadn't said anything before)
Ellie: (looking confused) Baby? (patting my boob)
Mommy: Nope, not there. It's in my tummy.
Ellie: I see? (lifting Mommy's shirt)
Mommy: You want to see the baby?
Ellie: I see baby! (looking into Mommy's belly button)
Mommy: You do?
Ellie: Yeah! Hi baby!
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