Kite flying

We had a beautiful breezy spring day on a Monday so we decided to try out the kite Grandpa bought us. Unfortunately, the wind died down as we packed up to go fly our kite! We had fun catching a random breeze here and there though. (Even if we weren't the best kite flyers)

Ella Says the Cutest Things

Ella had a couple really cute things she said recently:

Ella's "Little Buddy":
Ella has been learning about underwear. Her favorite stuffed friend, Pooh Bear, wanted to wear underwear after nap time. She sat down with Pooh and reassured him that diapers were perfect for watching a show and that he would be so comfortable. She comforted him by patting him and saying "It'll be okay Little Buddy." She is going to be a great big sister to the Little Buddy coming in June.

What is that sound?
Ella was playing outside and heard something. She put her hand up to her ear and said "What's that sound?" She hasn't quite figured out how to put her hand behind her ear though. Which makes me smile a little every time.

Mailbox Surprises

Ella decided to send a note to cousin Ellie! (She selected the card herself.)

Ella also got a card from Grandma and Grandpa. She loved it so much she put it up on her shelf in her room.

Since watching a Daniel Tiger episode she has taken to decorating envelopes for people she loves. They all say the same thing. "Dear _____ This heart is for you. Love _______" (Insert the name of recipient on the lines)

And Baby Larsen is...

Closet Redo

After our pile of coats and jackets at the bottom of the stairs multiplied (6 pairs of shoes and as many coats? There are only 3 of us!), I decided that we needed to make our coat closet more functional so we would use it.

We put a shoe rack in the bottom, and bought some coat hook racks to hang our coats on instead of the standard bar and hanger method.

It seems so spacious! We have room on our shelves above! We could put a hanging stuff holder on the back! It is amazing!

Mommy Goes Away (For the Weekend)

In a first, Mommy went away for the weekend. I needed to go to my Grandma's funeral, and it seemed impossible to pull off pregnant with a toddler in tow. The plan was hatched that I would leave early on Friday and come back in the afternoon on Sunday.

I tried to plan lots of fun surprises for Ella and Daddy while I was away. After leaving on an early flight, I was excited to see this cute video on my layover! Nothing makes you miss your toddler more than seeing them being cute and not having them nearby to do something un-cute to spoil the image.

I may have forgotten to do the laundry before I left...  but she picked out the outfit herself. 

One of Ella's favorite surprises was her new "cat house." The day before I left a neighbor posted on the neighborhood facebook page: "I'm leaving tons of toddler/preschool toys on the curb. I want them gone before my kids are home from school. What is left is going to get donated." We brought home bags of things, (Mari Kondo is cringing at the thought of me picking up bags of things on the curb. :P) The winner was definitely the tent/cat house. 

We prepared Ella the best we could for Mom going away. She seemed particularly excited at the thought of seeing the Thinkery! I understand that it was a hit! They also enjoyed the warm weather to visit the park. 

I had a quick, productive trip. It was good to see my family, and it was even good to have a little time away from my full time job.;) It was also good to get back to my happy family. 

Surprises for Ella

January came with lots of fun surprises for Ella! Better than Christmas? Maybe.
When Grandma and Grandpa came and visited they brought a fun kid sized table. Ella enjoys playing with it and tells us that "Grandpa  made this table. Grandpa worked hard."

Grandma left her shoes after visiting. Ella promptly claimed these princess shoes for her own. Sorry Grandma.

Ella also got new boots from our friend Joanie. Ella said "They are perfect! I'll wear them everyday." Joanie also gave us a fun toy stroller and our very own pink pony.