The Adventures of Ella

As a mother to four, soon to be five kids, I am slowly starting to figure a few things out. I emphasize, slowly and a few. Children are definitely born with their own unique personality. There is not much you can do as a parent to change that. I have also learned that as a parent, the things that happen in your home and the choices you make impact their behaviors and attitudes. Each of my children are very different and yet somewhat followed the same growth tendencies and behaviors. None of them were climbers, they all stayed in their beds(no matter what the bed was), they never really got into cupboards or drawers. That is until now, Ella has broken all the rules set by her predecessors! Oh she had us fooled for awhile. The first year of her life she was the easiest baby, I do not exaggerate. The kid never cried. People would constantly comment to us on how happy Ella was and how they have never once seen her upset, cry or anything. She was just content and happy to be. The one day, right around when she turned one things changed. She is still the happiest kid you will ever meet, but the hidden adventurer hidden deep inside decided to come out. And boy it did with a vengeance. I find this girl all over the place. At least several times a day I hear, "Mom, Ella is into _____!" or "OH NO, ELLA!" She has to explore and experience everything, often times resulting in some mischief. But no matter the mischief, she is still so happy, you just can't get too upset with her

Her new favorite play place. Pretty much every time the kids forget to close the door, which is often, we find her in here! Oh, she is also going through a coat phase and insists upon wearing it all the time.

That is a guilty face if I ever saw one, right after I found her on top of the changing table!
Let me just say, Vaseline does not clean up easily.



Ella discover she can get on a chair to then climb onto the table looking for any leftover food! This day she scored big from one of the siblings who left cereal in the bowl!

Ella loves to get into the pantry, climb on the wheat and go for the mustard. Not sure why she likes the mustard so much. Last week she broke a jar of minced garlic, that was so stinky!

I heard some cries of despair the other day and rushed to find Ella stuck in this position.

But then she turns around and completely redeems herself by sitting like an angel reading books.

I do have to admit, at times it is exhausting to keep up with her. Deep down inside I don't think I would have it any other way. I love her excitement for life and her curiosity, her infectious smile and super bear hug. And as I have seen with the other kids, this time is so short that when it is gone you can't help but want it back!