Halloween Treats

Today my Visiting Teachers came and brought some Halloween cupcakes to share. When Elaine saw the cupcakes she suddenly became very attentive to my visitors. She waited patiently and then when they said they were leaving she walked them to the door and waved goodbye. As soon as they were outside she slammed the door, turned and yelled "cake". She demolished an entire cupcake faster than I have ever seen her do. I guess I am most surprised by the fact that she knows exactly what cupcakes are.

Oh, the weather outside is...moderate.

Since it is almost November and the temperature is finally in the mid 80's+ during the day we have been able to pull out some long sleeved pajamas. Elaine was not so sure about this at first. She obviously had no memory of wearing them before. (It was a very long hot spring/summer/fall.) She was a little upset as we searched to pull her fingers out of the sleeves and she kept trying to get the cuffs off her wrists. Now she thinks long sleeves are fun. She won't let us get her fingers out. Of course she won't need to get incredibly attached. She won't need them for very long. Actually, she does not really need them now.

Daily Play

Elaine spends as much time as we will let her playing in the sink. She loves to wash her hands. It is a little OCD but it keeps her occupied for at least 20 minutes. The down side is the wet clothing.

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Picture Day

Yesterday I finally decided it was time to get Elaine's picture taken to mark her second birthday. Anyone with children knows the stress that goes along with this. My biggest concern is always her level of cooperation. You have probably picked up on the fact that Elaine has her own way of doing things. We were able to get a couple cute pictures which I was happy about. After all, it only takes one. Playing catch with a soccer ball was the only way to get her to smile. She would smile as we cheered her throwing. I can't believe our tiny baby is a little girl! Where does the time go?

In preparation

With the number of days until our new arrival dwindling we have been discussing babies a lot. Sometimes Elaine is more aware than others. Yesterday she invited her Cabbage Patch doll outside with her by saying "come on baby, outside". Then she carefully situated the doll so they were sitting next to each other in the sandbox. They played nicely for a few minutes but when Elaine came inside she refused to bring her baby. I think this will be indicative of the real thing. I suspect Elaine with think the new baby is a novelty for a few minutes and then be ready to abandon her the first chance she gets. She has, however, learned to say Charlotte after receiving the animated Charlotte's Web for her birthday. It sounds like Charwet. It is pretty cute.

I don't have a picture to go along with this one so your imagination will have to be your guide. I am the first to say that we have a crazy kid who is borderline really naughty. Let me tell you about church yesterday.

Elaine refused to sit through any part of sacrament meeting. We used to get about a half hour out of her but the last few weeks we are lucky if she will stay for more than 10 minutes. I know some of you are now questioning our parenting but to you I say if you can do better please try. Then we will talk. Finally, it is time for nursery. Our haven of free babysitting. How much we love those two hours a week were someone else is in charge. Everything went fine until about 20 before church was about to end. The nursery leader came and found me and luckily was laughing. Elaine apparently decided snack time should double as time for a water fight. She started by pouring water on her own head and then turned to the little boy next to her and poured the remainder on him. Poor Matthew. Everyone was fine just a little damp. She then went around the table and sampled gold fish from every kids pile. This was not appreciated by the other children. Her final act: removing her diaper! Oh yes! It was wet so she just took it off and handed it over to the person in charge. Apparently she had no more use for it. At this point church was moments from over so Elaine was delivered to me bare bottomed and ready to go. I think any mischief she caused was forgiven when she said goodbye and thank you to her nursery leader without any coaching.

Bucktooth Beauty

Today was Elaine's 2 year check up with the pediatrician. Everything went very well and the pediatrician said we must be doing something right. Developmentally she is right on and size wise she is making progress. Her current stats are:
Weight 24lbs even

• This is almost a 22 pound increase from birth
  

Length 33.5 inches

• This was a little tricky to get. She had to stand with her heals to the wall while the nurse lowered a metal piece to the top of her head. Elaine was very concerned about what was going on above her head. Her exact words were "Oh no, my hair". Oh yes, she is a girly girl.
• This is a 17 inch increase from birth
  

Head circumference 17.5 inches

• This is were the picture comes in. Her head circumference has not changes in the last 8 months. She may have inherited her dads pin head. It's ok. I still love them both. Maybe some day she will grow into her front teeth.

She also received 1 vaccination and a flu shot. She didn't even cry. After much deliberation she settled on a Dora sticker as a prize. The funny thing is she calls her Dorie. Apparently a blue fish and little girl are all the same thing to her.

Present time!

Elaine had a good birthday in terms of presents. Her favorite gift is either her Disney Princess slide which she refers to as "wee" or the mechanical stuffed kitty. Once she got the kitty she would not open any other gifts. We actually had to take the kitty to church with us. Good thing it has an off button.

Happy Birthday!

Is there a better time to start a blog than on your cute kids birthday? Probably not. Elaine just turned 2 but thinks she is at least 10 and has the attitude and personality to back it up. It is amazing to think back to this day two years ago and believe we have made it this far. We are truly blessed to have her in our lives.