Elli

Elli is a delight.  She rarely gets upset and even says “I’m happy” when Taye is crying.  While Taye gets frustrated with her, even he thinks she’s funny and sometimes takes advantage of her helpful nature.  Lex adores her (and is enjoying helping me write this post).

Getting her to sleep is often a challenge.  After many failed attempts and finding her naked in the front yard when I thought she was napping, I have given up putting her down.  She usually ends up napping on the way home from picking up Lex (2:45) or on a rare occasion falls asleep while the kids are watching their afternoon show.  I put up a baby gate at night and read outside her door while she plays around delaying sleep – and sometimes find her asleep and completely naked.

She is constantly talking on a “phone” – my iPod, a battery, a block, or one of our old phones – though she prefers one that is “working”.  When she isn’t talking to Papa or Daddy on the phone, she is usually playing pretend with a baby, her mickey mouse, or small animals.  I love hearing her little conversations and reenactments.

Whenever I can’t find my phone or keys, she likely has them in one of her many purses.  She is very particular about her outfits and can change several times a day.  I often bring a practical pair of shoes along with us in the car because she wants to wear her rain boots, ballerina shoes, ruby slippers, flip flops, or a pair that she won’t fit in for another year.