I have not forgotten about Ellie’s monthly photo and update. However, when she turned two, I consciously decided that I would reduce the frequency to quarterly.
At 2 1/4, Ellie loves school, the pool, and music class. She can count to twelve, say her ABCs, and recognize many of the capital letters when she sees them written out. For example, she can recognize her name and she likes to point out letters at gas stations, such as the “K” at Circle K. She is amazingly proficient at puzzles. She started out doing the large 24-piece puzzles and doing them by herself after only a few attempts. She’s now even begun to do some small jig-saw puzzles.
Ellie has started to be able to dress herself, and even if she needs help dressing, she insists upon picking out her own outfits. Her vocabulary and ability to communicate clearly impress us, but also make life much easier than if she had limited communication skills. Although we don’t have to deal with not knowing we she wants, we still have to deal with whining and tantrums when we refuse to give in to her requests. Thankfully, she can usually be redirected quickly.
We often hear Ellie singing. The large number of songs and verses she can recite by memory is quite impressive. As mentioned in a recent post, Ellie is very friendly and loves seeing and being with familiar people.
Although we do think she is quite amazing, in full and humble disclosure, she still sleeps with a pacifier, is content to remain sleeping in her crib, and although she understands how to use the potty, she prefers–and uses exclusively–her diapers.
Although you’ll have to wait another three months for a formal update, we hope that our improved blogging have kept you connected to all of our happenings.
The Barry Patch 