Easter and 15-Month Well Visit

Elise celebrated her second Easter this past Sunday. She woke up at 7:30 to discover that the Easter bunny had stopped by with a basket full of goodies- books, a cd for the car (as Mommy is slowly going insane from her other car cd!), pajamas and matchbox cars (yes, she loves them!). After a huge bowl of Cheerios with milk, a whole banana, strawberries and yogurt, she changed into her Easter dress that Nana had made. We had practiced wearing our new Easter shoes ahead of time so there weren't any tears when we didn't wear our beloved tennis shoes. The church service was a success- Elise loved turning the hymnal pages and pointing at the beautiful stained glass windows. Afterwards we hosted a brunch for Grandma, Grandpa, Nana, Poppa, great grandmother Sophie, Aunt Amy, and Uncle Rik back at our house. Elise had so much fun at the brunch that she boycotted her afternoon nap by sleeping a mere 20 minutes. Elise required a second afternoon nap after everyone went home. We are still working on the one nap a day thing!

Yesterday, Elise had her 15-month well visit with her pediatrician. We've grown- no doubt from the massive meals that Elise loves to eat! We are 20 lbs. 6 oz (25%), 29 1/4 inches long (25%), and 17 1/2 inches head circumference (25%). Dr. Kennedy assured me that it's ok that Elise won't drink milk (she only drinks water!) since she eats a healthy dose of dairy rich foods. We continue to fight Elise with a consistent nap each day but hopefully with extra play outdoors, we'll fall into one long
afternoon nap before too long. Keep those fingers crossed! Our next visit will be in 3 months- and then we will be going at a yearly interval once we reach age 2---- which for some reason doesn't seem so far away!!!!!

We have been blessed with an unseasonably warm April thus far. Yesterday and today have been 80-- the average temperature is 53! We've been trying to spend as much time as possible outside. Elise and I are have been eating all our meals on the deck, playing at the park, and pushing our infamous lion around the yard. Elise has turned into quite the neighborhood greeter as she stops to wave at every passing car, bicycle rider and dog walker. Of course we will teach her that strangers aren't our friends!

The video below is something I filmed today. When we were outside, I noticed how pink and flush Elise's cheeks were getting so I casually asked if she was 'hot'. I wasn't necessarily looking for a response but I got one- Elise puckered her lips and started blowing. She had associated the word 'hot' with food. When we cut up food that is too warm to eat, we blow on it and say it's 'hot'. Smart cookie.



But, by the far, the best thing happened today as I picked up Elise at physical therapy..... she walked to me! Ann (our therapist) helped Elise walk out into the waiting room. A few feet away from me, Ann stopped-- and out stepped Elise with those wobbly legs and a huge smile plastered upon her face! Elise took the two best steps in her life towards me!!! I played it off like I wasn't about to cry with excitement and relief but I was screaming on the inside! Ann assured me that Elise may not walk much at home but to be patient-- it's coming! (On a side note, Ann has another patient who walks regularly at therapy but refuses to do so at home- another parent who shares in our misery!) Next time I hope Elise wobbles towards Daddy. I imagine in another month or so we'll be chasing her around the yard!

WALKING!!!!!! and Matching

Elise walked for the first time today! We are finally getting over that huge plateau of waiting! Unfortunately neither Jeff nor myself got to witness this historic event but we gladly give that up in order for Elise to move forward. We are excited, relieved, and happy that this day has come- just a few days shy of 15 months (but only 13.5 months adjusted age!).

The big event happened multiple times (yes, multiple!) during her physical therapy appointment this morning. Ann, Elise's therapist, was able to walk with Elise to an item of interest- a toy box. Then, just a mere few steps away, she stopped. Elise, who was determined to get to a toy, purposefully (that's how I imagine it!) took those last 2 steps forward alone! Now, if we can motivate her like that at home- Jeff and I will get to share in the joy too. Knowing that Elise can't be tricked into doing anything she doesn't want to do, will probably make us wait for a week or two before showing off her new skills. The agony of more waiting...

On a more cerebral level, Elise is starting to match up her Leap Frog magnet animals (video provided). She grabs both pieces to make up one complete animal. Her little fingers need help placing them into the 'barn' in order to play music-- but its her mind that figures out what she needs. So smart-- I think we have a future neurosurgeon or rocket scientist living in our house.

Dear Elise....

Dear Elise,

I love the way you you wave when I tell someone 'bye' on the phone. I love the way you dance when I ask you if you want me to turn on some music. I love the way you squeal with excitement when we pull out the vacuum cleaner. I love the way you scamper to the bathroom when it's time for your bath. I love the way you want to kiss me every time we sing 'Rock-a-bye Baby' on the rocking chair. I love the way you want to help me turn on light switches when we walk into a room. I love the way you brush your hair before going to bed. I love the way your eyes light up and you say 'Dada' when you hear your daddy's ring tone on the phone. I love the way you point at the dog bowls when I forget to pick them up off the floor. I love the way you sleep-- legs curled beneath you and your bottom up in the air. I love the way you smile with your big toothy grin. I love the way you hand me each piece of fuzz or lint you find in the house. I love the way you are enthusiastic about drinking a glass of water. I love the way you look in your sunglasses on a sunny day. I love the way you hug our dogs when you don't know I am looking. I love the way you enjoy reading books with me before going to sleep. I love the way you make me see life in a new, refreshed, exciting way. I love the way you make me want to be a better person.

I love you for all of these reasons and millions more!

Love, Mommy

First Cold (boo!) and Talking with Signs (yea!)

Elise woke up this morning with her first cold. I guess we are lucky to have avoided one this long! The poor thing has a super runny nose. She's coughing and sneezing but trying to stay in good spirits. One second she's walking along the couch smiling and babbling, the next second she wants to cuddle on my lap. Unfortunately, she's on a nap strike-- maybe it's too miserable laying down. Hopefully it'll run its course quickly. We won't be running any errands today but will take advantage of the warm weather (61 degrees today) with a long walk. The dogs will be happy!

We continue to work with Elise on some signing so we can communicate better before she's speaking. Nana babysat yesterday and taught her the word and sign for applesauce. Well, its actually the word 'apple' but we are using it for 'applesauce'. Not only is Elise signing the word, but she's attempting to say it too! We'll count this as another word in her vocabulary! You be the judge in our video! Now that we can say and sign 'apple/applesauce', we have it for every meal and snack!









Just at lunch (about an hour ago), Elise signed and said another word! I asked her if she wanted more puffs (a favorite snack) but she signed the word for water and said 'wah'! Unbelievable! I've been signing water for months and unprompted, she signed it back to me! Wow! Elise is the smartest baby in the whole world! Sorry to all the other mothers out there....

Standing!!! Playgroups and Olympics

It finally has started! Elise is standing!!! Well, she stood just once but it means it's the beginning! Just this morning, Elise was pushing a toy around the living room while I was singing 'If you are happy and you know it, clap your hands'. She stopped to clap her hands- first holding onto her toy. Next thing I know, she lets go and stands totally alone, clapping her hands!!! In my world, it lasted an eternity but in reality, it was probably 4-5 seconds before she stopped and started walking again with her toy. Amazing.

We have officially survived Toledo's second snowiest February in history. I think we missed the #1 spot by a mere half inch but I can't say for sure. Regardless, I've tried extra hard to get Elise out of the house- not just for my sanity but hers too! The Wednesday before Valentine's Day, we headed over to the Hebeka's home for a playdate. George and Julie have three children: Thomas (almost 4), Eliza and Anna (twins, 2). Sonia Brujic also brought her daughter, Zoe (almost 2) over to join in the fun. Elise had a blast- mostly with all the 'new' toys but by watching all the older children buzzing around.



We also have joined a playgroup that meets weekly. This playgroup was recommended to us through Help Me Grow and is a structured 2-hour playtime. They meet from 12:30-2:30 so we had to duck out of the last half hour so we could make it home for an afternoon nap. Unfortunately we missed the snack and singing time. All the children are between 1 and 3 years old- although Elise is once again the youngest. Luckily she hasn't noticed the slight age gap and enjoys playing with all the other kids. She is secure enough to attempt to leave me in the dust so she can scamper off to play matchbox cars with the big boys or play in the kitchen. Elise thought it was hysterical to put the rubber peas into the cabinet. Luckily, Elise let me push her around on a little bike and to take her by the hands so she could walk. Guess she'll be needing Mommy a bit longer.





With the winter Olympics ending, Elise is looking ahead to competing in 2014. She is still figuring out in which event to compete. Her ankles have been taped so she can begin conditioning (her physical therapist tapes her ankles to provide additional support as Elise gets strong enough to walk on her own). Some events she has considered entering include:





1. Competitive Block and Animal Sorting (She loves to sit on her OSU potty and play with her toys. We are contemplating putting her potty away in fear that when she is older, she will refuse using it for her 'real business'!)

2. Downhill Stair Slalom (Elise has just mastered going down the stairs a mere 3 days ago. She is amazingly fast and has somehow avoided getting rug burn.) Elise will be working with a clothing designer who will design a uniform that will prevent wedgies!


We are ready for spring.......

If You Are Happy... Clap!

Today I asked Elise if she was happy... she replied by clapping her hands! This was a 'first' in many ways. First, she's never clapped her hands on her own. Second, we've been working on the song 'If You Are Happy and You Know It, Clap Your Hands'. Elise made the connection between the word 'happy' and hand clapping. She never ceases to amaze me!









(We finally have enough hair to get a cowlick in the back! Sorry it's hard to see.)

Potties and Playland

Our friends, the Hebekas, gave Elise a belated birthday gift... an OSU potty! It is the most adorable thing- complete with magazine rack and toilet paper holder. Elise loves her new little throne, although she has no idea why this seat has a hole in the middle (notice the Michigan bowl insert!). As of now, we put toys in and around the seat. Maybe in another year or so we will be using it for the 'real' deal. Quite a gift from Michigan fans.






Elise's new favorite thing is to show off her belly button. Luckily she only pulls up her shirt when you ask her 'where is your belly button?'. We have come across two challenges in the belly button department: 1) How does one find and show off their belly button when wearing a onesie? 2) Where does a dog's belly button reside? We will get back to you on both of those questions when we find the answers out ourselves.





In light of the current snow storm (predicted 12 inches by tomorrow morning), I needed to break Elise out of the house this morning. I had figured that we would be housebound by afternoon and wouldn't venture out for another day or so until the roads were plowed and the winds died down. So, I took Elise to Sylvania Playland- an indoor playground with bouncy houses, swings, slides and climbing equipment. They have a toddler section so I wasn't concerned that all the 'big' kids would be knocking into our crawler. Elise had a blast!! She let me help her walk around and was distracted enough by her new 'friends' that she stood alone for about 10 seconds before toppling over. We will definitely head back there in the future... it's a place that Elise will love that much more when she's running around all on her own.