ER

We spent a couple hours at the ER late this afternoon for Ella's nose. We were reading books on the bed and she reached too far for one and fell right off the bed onto her face. To Lahrissa's credit, she did try to catch Ella, but she was standing so that Ella landed on her nose rather than her shoulder or back (Ella's gotten very good at tucking or combat rolling as she falls often - she's got my clumsy genes for sure!) Anyway, she was hysterical, and the bridge of her nose started to swell like crazy. I was in a panic thinking that she might have broken it but once she calmed down, and I stopped the few blood drops, it was apparent she didn't. Though what to do about this swelling?

By the time we left the ER, she was fine, the swelling was almost gone and I feel stupid for sitting around for 2 hours. The doctor said she might have a black eye, but all is well. Ella did suffer some rug burn from her fall under her nose. The doctor offered to give me a head-trauma pamphlet, no thanks, I got that with the last ER visit...good grief!!! LOL

ps. Grandma - we just got your package today and everything is wrapped under the tree..except for these pj's. Sorry, after our day, Mommy just wanted a snuggly me to curl up in bed with as Daddy's working tonight. :)

Chuck E Cheese

Tonight we went out to Chuck E Cheese for our friend, Lukas' 2nd birthday. We weren't quite sure how Ella would take the giant mascot but she had so much fun. She couldn't stop dancing and clapping and having fun. Ooh Disneyland is going to be sooooo much fun one day! How cute are these two!!! Ella and the birthday boy:

Black Out

We have been drowning here with lots and lots of rain. Tuesday we had a storm blow through and knocked out power, downed trees and power lines, and wrecked havoc on the islands. The base was hit pretty bad and our power was out for almost 24 hours. The "pop" that woke me up at midnight which I thought was an outside light was actually a tree that had fallen on our playground out back. We're not sure when they will remove the tree or fix the playground as it's still wet, miserable and raining here. Ella's not too happy about not being allowed to play on "her" playground.

Weekend Pics

We went to Ron's Christmas party on Saturday, Ella stayed with our friends, but while I was getting ready, Ella took my shoes and was walking around in them. It reminded me of all the times my parents went out and I used to watch my mom get ready. I loved wearing her heels around the house too!







Last week, Ella fell and landed, face-first, into the corner of her rocking chair. I'm not sure how well you can see it, but se has a goose-egg and a bruise on the side of her eye....


And because we can't get enough of Ella and the dancing penquins....

Boring Post

There hasn't been anything new these past couple of days. We had a quiet weekend and Ron's been working. I have finished my Christmas shopping and tonight I wrapped presents while Ella was sleeping. Ron's working a night shift so the house is especially quiet...it's very rare I have all these quiet hours to myself.
Ella has become quite trendy. I've been taking her to Starbucks with me when we are out doing errands and she loves her strawberries & creme (really a strawberry milkshake). She'll sit contently in the chair, people watching, not fussing, drinking her way over-priced drink like a big girl. She's getting to be so much fun - minus the momentary temper tantrums a couple times a day.

No new pics, so here are some from this week, and my new car as promised a while ago...

Dear Santa

This has been the most spectacular year! So many changes and so many new friends. Hawaii is treating all of us wonderfully and we are feeling so healthy and tanned. It's so great, in fact, we've had more visitors this year than ever!!! It's been wonderful seeing everyone and showing them all the new things I've learned.

As you know, I've mastered walking and now run, skip and dance everywhere I go... and I go a lot of places! My best friend, Lahrissa, and I are busy laughing, playing and enjoying everything that little girls do. She really makes me laugh and I love playing with her.

I've been a very good girl this year and I love to share my toys and dolls and spend a lot of time kissing, hugging and loving on Mommy and Daddy. 18 months saw a bit of a personality change, I hear the adults call it the "terrible twos", though really it's just a miscommunication. I really wish we understood each other... I'm trying to put emotion to words and have acquired quite the vocabulary. Alas, I have to admit to hitting and throwing as I just don't have the words yet to express myself. One good thing, I have stopped biting and I have learned what "time out" is all about. I'm a work in progress but Mommy and Daddy are taking good care of me.

With so many changes and growing up, I am looking forward to some learning toys like Leap Frog and more books because I love to read so much. I'm growing tall and would like some new clothes in 2T size, maybe even some footed, warm pajamas for this winter. Mommy posted a link in the side bar to help with some ideas.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Santa. I'm looking forward to Christmas morning!

Love Ella.

Pretty Girl

We are so excited, Stpeh, Matt and Oscar are finally coming to visit us for a whole two weeks in February! I can't believe it's been a year already since I've seen them, and I've never even met Oscar!
Oscar - Stop growing already! Auntie wants to see you all little and baby-like. Come February you'll be all big and walking and out-weighing Ella at the rate you're going. Here are some pretty pics of Ella today. We went over to Katie's for a Pampered Chef Party. Ella's hair is really filling out and it's so fun to play with. I love her soft curls and am quite jealous of them!
Since Thanksgiving, Ella has wanted nothing but pie and whipped cream. Every time we open the fridge and she sees it, she wants some and will repeat over and over, "pie-e".

Setting Up the Christmas Tree

I pulled out our Christmas tree this morning to see how Ella will react, will she destroy it or will she have learned a little of what I've been trying to teach her? At first was excited but she's been very good about "look at the pretty tree" and "don't touch". I left it most of the morning before trying to decorate it as I figured if she is in typical Ella form, she will have tried to climb, topple or warp the thing - why let there be ornaments involved. As you can see from the video, the tree and the house are decorated and Ella loves to look at the lights. Just a few stern "don't touch" reminders have all worked. She looks at it from a distance but won't touch it... keep your fingers crossed for me. Here is a little Christmas decoration from a couple of years ago, I figured Ella would love it. I taught her how to turn it on, and we've been listening to the little Christmas ditty all night. Luckily it has a master on/off button underneath that we can use to put an end to the noise. Ella has a bit of a fit when we turn it off and say finished... but it's so funny to see her enthralled with the penguins and snow man and the moving parts.

Happy Thanksgiving

I am thankful for the love, friendship, support and encouragement in my life. We hope everyone has a blessed day, from our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving.

ps. It should be noted that 8 Americans enjoyed a wonderful AMERICAN feast prepared by the only 2 foreigners in the group. :) Complete with Green Bean Casserole, Corn Pudding, Mac n' Cheese, Squash Casserole, Mashed Potatoes, Broccoli Rice Casserole, Stuffing, Turkey and Gravy.

Our House

Here are some pics of the outside of our new house. We chose this house because it backs a small and very private playground; we are separated from our neighbors by huge hibiscus plants; and it has some pretty landscaping. Aside from the cinderblock walls, the ancient slat windows and white tile floors that look like a school room, it's not so bad. :)