Ella is 23 Months

Wearing daddy's fancy hat

 Figuring out how to brush her hair and wanting to do it herself

 Little Nikes for the girl who loves to run

 Playing at Gramme & Grandpa's House

 Photo with mommy

 Playing outside in the sunshine

This girl loves to dance!

Today Ella is 23 months, which means in one month she will turn two! Goodness gracious, I can't believe we will soon have a two-year-old on our hands. She is already exhibiting some signs of the "terrible twos:" throwing tantrums, whining, not listening, running away from us, and getting into things she knows are off limits. We definitely have our hands full with this child, but we are loving every minute of it.

The new thing she learned to do is climb out of her crib. It started last week and now we have to listen to see if she opens her door when we lay her down because it means she is looking for mischief. We plan to put the toddler rail on one side of her crib which will turn it into a daybed and will make it more safe if she does want to get up. I am slowly getting use to the idea of her being so independent, but still am startled when I see her appear on her own after her nap or in the morning! Lately she has been more cuddly and she likes to snuggle between mommy & daddy on the couch in the evenings. She also likes to give other people hugs and kisses, especially her new friend, Henry (tomorrow's post will feature Henry and his family). She will also ham it up for the camera (for a little while anyway) and did great at her two-year photo shoot last Monday. 

She adores being outside and since our summer has been pretty warm, she plays in the wading pool as much as possible. She would wear her swimsuit all day if we would let her! She also loves going on the boat and now will jump off the back platform into the water as long as her daddy is close by to catch her. Jeff wanted to get her on his wakeboard this summer, but mommy is still a little nervous about that so we will wait another summer or two (or three). 

She will happily entertain herself for hours playing with her toys, "reading" books, running/jumping/hiding, but she really likes playing with other kids young or old.

My absolute favorite thing that she just started doing in the last couple months is when I hold her she lays her head on my shoulder and wraps her arms around my neck. It usually happens only when she is tired, but it is always a most treasured moment of the day. She likes to cuddle there while I sway with her for a few minutes before laying her in her crib. 

She is a sweet girl and is starting to develop her own tastes and sense of self. We can't wait to see what the next 23 months will bring. We LOVE you soooooooooo much, Elizabeth Rose!!!!