Daycare hysteria

Today was Ellie's first official day of daycare. Considering that her trial day a few weeks ago was so traumatic for her (initially), I arranged to have Tom drop her off this morning. (I knew that I would not be able to handle it.) So last night I carefully packed her bag with diapers, wipes, an extra set of clothes, and an emergency pacifier. This morning I dressed her in an outfit that was cute, but not so cute that I would be terribly upset to see it ruined. Then I passed her off to Tom and escaped to work, relieved to have avoided the drop off drama. Well, apparently it was even worse than last time. She remembered the place instantly and began wailing and clinging to Tom's legs. Tom said he has never seen her so upset. Just absolutely hysterical. And guess whose turn it is to drop her off tomorrow? Sigh. I know it will get better and this is just one of those things that working parents have to go through, but dang, it sure does suck.

On a lighter note, one of Ellie's favorite games to play these days is Name That Body Part. I noticed yesterday that whenever I would say to Ellie "I love you," she would point to her eye. I guess she thinks I am saying "eye love you!"

A note to Rachel Coleman

Dear Rachel Coleman,

I just wanted to apologize for my previous post in which I insinuated that you just commented to plug your stuff. I really was/am excited that you commented on my blog (and also a little embarrassed that you had to comment again to explain yourself)! To show what a fan I am of Signing Time, I am going to share a little story:

My oldest brother and his wife adopted a little boy a couple of years ago. Michael's birth mother used drugs throughout her pregnancy and they were unsure of how it would affect Michael. He learned to crawl and walk early and was your typical little boy except that he wasn't talking. And he was getting really frustrated and angry with his inability to communicate. The speech therapist started teaching him sign language and the family started watching Signing Time. He picked it up really quickly and was a much happier little boy. He was also very, very excited when he got to meet you and Hopkins in Hawaii!
I am sure you hear success stories like that all the time, but I just wanted you to know how great we think Signing Time is!

Your fan,
Holly

p.s. I really think you should have "people." Maybe Hopkins?

Friday fun

I had yesterday off from work so we decided to meet up with the cousins and go to the splash pad. Ellie loved the water. She kept trying to sit on the big geyser one coming up from the ground. There was also a park next door so she would run from the splash pad to the park and then back again. I tried to get some cute pictures, but there isn't much time for picture taking when adults are outnumbered by children.

In the evening, Tom and I went to dinner at P.F. Chang's with some friends of ours. Ellie does well at restaurants until she is done eating. Then she just wants to run around. (Of course I don't let her.) So, we always resort to drastic measures to keep her occupied, like giving her the lemons from our waters to suck on. I know the acidity is bad for her teeth, but she loves it so!

Anyway, I am back at work today. My last Saturday I have to work at the library! Wednesday is my last day of work and then it is the life of a teacher for me.

Rachel Coleman and my dad (but not together)

Rachel Coleman commented on my blog y'all! It is almost as exciting as when author John Green commented on my other blog. Almost. Rachel Coleman's comment was nice and all, but then she kind of promoted her own thing afterwards whereas John Green was just like, hey send me an email for that interview you so want. But still, I know Ellie would be totally excited if she knew her favorite TV personality commented on her baby blog!


On a completely unrelated note, my dad's birthday was this week. I don't want to say WHICH birthday it was because I don't want him to feel too old (but after 7 kids and 18 grandkids, I'm betting he does feel kind of old). Anyway, I just wanted to give a belated birthday shout out to my old man (enough with the old already!). Happy birthday, Dad! I love ya!

p.s. I hate that I am wearing that stupid watch in all my wedding pictures. Why did no one remind me that I was wearing it? Grrrr.

Ellie, Ellie, Ellie

Good news! I discovered this weekend that Ellie will keep bows and pig tails in her hair now. Because I would always say "pretty" when I put them in, she thinks that is what they are called and will say "pret tee" and pat her head. I made the mistake of telling her she was so pretty when I was feeding her and she heard the word pretty and started patting her head looking for the bow. Unfortunately, her hand was covered in food which was promptly smushed into her hair.
But, yeah, she loves wearing them now and all I have to do is say, "You want a pretty?" and she will run to the bathroom and try to get her hair stuff out of the drawer.
She is still wanting to climb everything. She climbed up the back of the rocking chair the other day and I caught it just as it came crashing down to the floor. She also tried to climb up a stool in the kitchen and when it fell over, she stood next to it crying and saying, "uh oh, uh oh" like a broken record.
I sure love that kid.