Toddler

Tod·dler (tdlr) n.

1. One who toddles, especially a young child learning to walk.

2. A size of clothing for children between the ages of about one and three years.

Today we decided to change Ella's crib into a "toddler bed" which basically means we took the front of it off and installed a separate little thingy which has a much lower frame and a hole in the frame where Ella can come and go from her bed as she pleases. Not my idea, believe me. I had the pleasure of being the first to try and get her to go to sleep in her new toddler bed. Upon reaching bedtime, Ella happily ran into her room and closed the door, which had me thinking things might go quite smoothly. Well, she hopped into bed and flopped down. Super! Then she promptly sprung up and jumped out of bed and into my lap. Then back into bed. Then back into my lap. Over and over. For an hour.

"I am going to KILL Angela for suggesting this and then leaving me to deal with it myself!" I thought.

Finally, I just picked her up and told her to lay her head on my shoulder, which she did, and she fell asleep. I put her down in her "toddler bed" and all has been quiet since. That was about 2 hours ago...we'll see how it goes! I anticipate being woken up by Ella smacking me in the head at around 3 am, her all bright eyed and bushy tailed, myself again professing hatred for the suggestion of allowing her such freedom at such a tender young age. *SIGH* I guess we had to do it at some point.

OK, here's some photos/video.

Gymnast in the making?

Alexa and Ella eyeing up the same blue balloon


Ella settled for a white one.


A budding Sarah McLachlan fan.

*WARNING* - The following video is now officially the cutest thing ever. Just wanted to let you know before you indulge in its splendor.

Dr. Doolittle?

January Beach Day?

As the unseasonably warm weather creeps its way to the area, we decided to take Ella for a walk on the beach. Below are the cutest pics/video ever of us frolicking around, and Ella showing mad love for her mom and pops. Tomorrow I am heading out for a nice leisurely hour long run on the boardwalk in 50 degree weather. Tuesday is meant to hit 60! Greenhouse effect anyone?

Obligatory posed shot with daddy...

...and with mommy.

Soccer! With a pink ball! Yippee!

More soccer fun!

Showing love for pops.

And for mom. Look at that sly eye on her...!



How could I resist some video of the frolicking?

Happy New Year!!!

Welcome to the first post of 2008! Today we got up, did the usual morning routine (i.e. Angela up with Ella, Daddy asleep until Ella walks in and starts smacking him in the head saying "Hi. Hi. Hi. Hi. Hi. Hi. Hi. Hi." It's like a cartoon or something.), I hit the gym for a while, and then we had a nap!! By "we" I mean all 5 of us (Ella, Angela, Ainsley, Silvio and I). It was AWESOME. Then we got up, went and saw Susan and Dave and finally met their adorable daughter Eden. Pictures attached! We went straight from there over to Dr. Niesenbaum's place for a New Year's Day Party, where we overindulged in delightful food. Ella behaved exceedingly well, probably because of the presence of doggies at both venues. We headed home, got Ella bathed and in bed, then watched the newest installment of Biggest Loser (couples edition!). All in all, a superb way to start the new year. Here's hoping that 2008 is filled with happiness and wonder for all of us - appreciate each day, because no matter what...life is beautiful.

Suzie and Eden

Look! How friggin' cute! I think she looks exactly like Susan's mom.

Angela, Ella and my nephew, Joey. The best dog EVER.

Eden, meet Ella. Ella, say hi to Eden.