Twenty-Three Months

This month has been a fun one. I've already discussed her deep and abiding love of chocolate, but there are so many more things Eliana has found a passion for recently. Much to my delight, twirling and pettiskirts are two favorite things. They go together so very well. She will often ask me to put a pettiskirt on her if she sees it in the morning. Ellie is very interested in other clothes, too, but not to the same extent. She got really excited when we bought her new jammies.

Jumping is a new talent/interest. We left Ellie overnight with her grandparents while we went to Stadium of Fire. When we came the next morning to pick her up we were greeted by a LOT of happy jumping. Enthusiasm is also shown by running all over the place. It doesn't take much to get that particular response.

Eliana is also continuing in her affections. Hugs and kisses are given often. Sometimes we don't even have to ask for them. She especially loves to give hugs while she's in a shopping cart. I'm getting to that point in pregnancy where I cannot easily give shopping cart hugs. Eric is much better with those. Ellie also loves to put her little hands on our cheeks to pull us in for a kiss. Few things are as sweet as that.

"Princess" is another new word that I take great joy in hearing. It shows that she truly is my daughter. The other day while we were swimming she recognized a princess on someone's towel and pointed it out to me. Then she said, "I princess." I had to agree with her.

Her current favorite movies are The Little Mermaid and the Toy Story movies. That's all she would watch for two solid weeks. She starting to ask for a couple of others now, but those are the most popular. Of course, we do other things than watch movies. Swimming is at the top of the list. Eliana loves to go down the slides, ride in the lazy river, walk up and down the stairs into the water, and jump around in the wading areas to make giant splashes. We used to go to the park, but the walk there has been too much of a strain recently. Maybe after Ellie's little sister comes.

We also participated in the baby contest again this year. Ellie got second place in the costume category! Go Ellie! She placed better than last year but, sadly, didn't have nearly so much fun. The lines to stand in for judging were so long that we didn't have time for anything else. I had really looked forward to having the same great time as last year, but it wasn't meant to be. That's okay. It was still fun to show her all the stuff that came in her little winner bag.

We eagerly look forward to her second birthday. It should be another great time with our little darling.