Just the Facts

I haven't done a baby book-oriented update lately, so here are some of the basics:

Size: About 25-26 pounds, 33 inches tall, size 4 diaper, size 7 shoes, size 2T shirts, pants 18 months or 24 months

Best Friend: stuffed monkey, alternately called "Munka" or "Happy"

Best Human Friend: Maddie at daycare

Daycare Update: Ella is transitioning to Toddler IIs in the next few weeks, and we are happy her current Toddler I lead teacher (Elsi) will be moving to Ella's new room. She will just be across the hall and will know most of the kids in her class already. We are hoping it will be an easy transition.

Sleeping Patterns: Bedtime is 8 PM, up between 6 & 7 most days. Naptime is between 12 & 1 PM and usually lasts 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Just moved to the toddler bed and doing well.

Bedtime Ritual: She gets a bath every other night (unless she is really dirty), and then one book, puts pajamas on on "Mommy's bed," sing a couple songs (Ella Claire, Alphabet, Old MacDonald) and have lots of "last hugs" as we try to exit the room.

Eating Habits: Big milk drinker (2% at home, whole at school). Eats a couple bowls of cereal at home and a hot breakfast at school each morning. Lots of snacks at school, and she only eats OK at lunch most days. She has one package of crackers on the way home, and eats a little bit of dinner before bed. Top foods are hot dogs, cheese, Goldfish, raisins, cashews and any kind of sweets. She loves Mexican and Chinese food, too. Her favorite Chinese food is Cashew Chicken.

Verbal Update: The kid repeats everything you say - so careful! She is reciting nursery rhymes on her own (Humpty Dumpty and Hey Diddle Diddle are the best) and can give us a full recap of her days.

Favorite Bathtub Toy: The cap of her bubble bath. It is a hat, a cup, a scoop to pour water in the big bucket, a way to catch water as it pours. Why do we spend money on toys!?!?

Favorite Hair accessory: blue Hello Kitty barrette that she wants to wear everyday.

Personal Hygeine: Besides loving baths, she is very into brushing her teeth and is getting better and better at it. She also wants to put "Mommy's lotion" on all the time (any bottle with a pump), so we have to make sure those are out of her reach or she shows up in the living room dripping with lotion!

Here is also a quick video of Ella & her cousins sneaking off to read together last weekend.