Bird Seed

Ellie helped Mommy fill the bird feeders this morning.  The front yard feeder is low enough to the ground that she can reach it.  She poked her little, pointer finger into the hole and flicked out birdseed.  This pleased her so much, that she continued to poke at the feeder.  I could hardly pull her away!  I really need to get her a media table (water/sand table).  This kid loves to dig in the neighbor's sand box, another neighbor's grassy, dirt backyard and the plant-less, flower pot on the patio.  We even have a cardboard box full of shipping peanuts that she digs through and tears apart.   ... first signs of creativity?!?

Ran errands this morning.  Started with the dump to recycle and get rid of household trash.  The RAV4 back was completely full of junk.  Of course, when Ellie and I get to the dump drop-off, I remember the drop-off is closed on Thursdays (locked gate extended over driveway).  The car already stinks of garbage, so I have no choice but to walk the trash and recyclables around the gate, up the driveway and over the ramp... with Ellie in one arm (no way I would leave her in the car on the side of the road...)  Fortunately, I am 1/2 Polish and 1/2 German: strong worker and stubbornly determined!  I carry three bags at a time in my right arm, Ellie on left hip and trudge up the drive.  Ellie can not make it easy... she insists on helping and slides forward to grab ahold of a bag for me... now I am carrying 3 bags among right and left arms with a kid precariously pinned between my left arm and my belly.  Ellie has a grand ole' time.  Two girls also forgot that on Thursday the Drop-Off is closed.  They sit in their truck, watching our antics and consider whether they should carry their trash the distance.  As I take my last load, they make up their minds and each set out with one bag at a time...  I bet it takes them 3 times as long to empty their truck.  I probably should not be gloating... I will never again forget about the Thursday closure!

Ellie's first word, hands down... even though it isn't even a real word is.... "Da".

Whenever Ellie sees her Daddy (who would prefer "Daddy" over "Da"), Ellie lights up with a big grin and announces, "Da". She really works on pronouncing the "D". No, she does not say Ma, Mom, Mommy or any other of the better half versions. I have to admit, I am ever so slightly jealous, but I knew this would happen from day one!

Ellie sees Daddy, announces, "Da!" and crawls right over to him. Daddy is very proud!

Ellie is also starting to freely give out kisses, she will have to learn to close her mouth before too long, but everyone seems happy to receive an Ellie, mouthy kiss. We received the first hug, today and that was very special, too.