She Walks (and LOVES to Talk)!

It was a long time coming, but the Beaners has finally started to walk. She cruised and really had stopped liking to crawl; however, she lacked the courage to take her mobility to the next level. A few nights ago she walked between pieces of furniture and is keen to keep it up. Tonight she walked a big circle around the living room. She still walks like a 'drunken sailor' but she's on her way! She still likes the comfort of holding Mommy or Daddy's hand but she is starting to get more courageous each day.

We're proud to also report that she continues to add new words daily. This week, she learned 'purple', 'party', 'oh boy', etc. She says 'all done' after a meal and has mastered the art of 'yes' and the nod of the head. She likes to say 'please' (all you have to say to her is 'what do you say?'). She also learned that maybe if she says 'please' enough that Mommy may give her something that she's not supposed to have (like the delicate video camera). She has also started to put a couple of words together. Tonight it was 'please, Mom'. She knows everyone's name at daycare too. The staff there report that Ella has the best vocabulary there even in comparison to older babies/toddlers. Mommy, the English teacher, is beaming with pride. I wonder where she gets the chattiness from?! Ella can also clearly inform us what she would like and not like. She means it when she says 'no' and 'yes'.

We're relieved to see her gaining weight. She is a true carnivore! Forget pasta - give her meat. She also prefers to eat with utensils now. She is quite talented at spooning apple sauce and yogurt into her mouth. She is keen to master the fork. She will often stab away at her food until she is successful. She loves french toast, yogurt, apple sauce, cereal (spelt flakes), grapes, cookies, turkey, chicken, beef, broccoli, and green beans.

She is a true sweetheart. She loves to share - she even will share her beloved 'la la' with her baby doll. She gives big kisses and even bigger hugs. She is also realllllly friendly. Ella especially enjoys going grocery shopping where she insists on yelling 'hi' and 'hello' to EVERYONE in the store. She will not stop greeting people until they return the 'hello'. She is thoroughly excited by greeting people. She enjoys men - at a distance anyway. She especially enjoys children. A minute in public does not go by without her declaring 'hi' to whomever she sees. She makes us laugh a lot.

She is a determined (euphemism for stubborn!) and intelligent little girl. Her eyes remain a beautiful shade of blue and her hair seems to be growing in - she definitely has Mommy's hair. We are truly loving being her parents.