Little Miss Hamilton x 2: Terrible 2 1/2?

So I read a book that suggested that 2 is a pretty great age but 2 1/2 is a difficult one...

uhhh- "fixing" a hole in the wall with a set of keys and a pacifier of course!

Ellie talks up a storm. She says full sentences without blinking. She questions almost everything and loves to discuss what is going on. The most common phrases out of her mouth are "WHY?" and "I do it MYSELF!" That's how they learn, right?!

School is still going really well. She has adjusted to going and is starting to figure out the whole nap routine. She is the shortest napper and still wants to be rocked to sleep but the teachers are being super nice about that. She still loves to have her "Sue days" and it really helps her to have that familiar routine that she loves so much.

Watering bean plants in the school garden

Typing at school!

We've been busy this summer playing outside at all the local parks (We love finding new ones) and swimming. We found a new sprayground right down the street that is super fun. Ellie has also spent some time out with her water table and she still love love loves bubbles!

Ellie is still loving art- she will sit down and draw for very long periods of time and absolutely loves to paint! She enjoys building towers and is really very good at it. Right now she will spend hours playing pretend with her baby dolls, kitchen, or little people. She has elaborate conversations on the "phone" and makes up conversations between her figurines. It is pretty much awesome.

Check out those letter "Es"

Taking Baby Jesus for a tractor ride!

I'm amazed at how caring and sweet Ellie is to her little sister. She seems to really love having a baby sister and is patient and gentle with her. We are curious how this will change as Ruby starts moving around and can get her toys. The relationship is pretty mutual--Ruby things Ellie is pretty much the funniest thing she has ever seen!

Playing horsey with Ruby....

Ellie and Ruby had their 1/2 year doctor's appointments together this morning (convenience of having almost the same birthday!) Ellie weighed in at 31 pounds (between 50 and 75th percentile) and was 36 inches (50th percentile). She didn't have to get any shots (Yay!!) but did have to get her finger pricked, for which she was amazing- sat perfectly still and didn't cry at all. That is a strong cookie! Best news yet- she doesn't have to go back for another 6 months when she is 3!

So we don't think there is much terrible about 2 1/2. It does however require much parental energy, creativity and patience. It is amazing how much personality, opinion, and knowledge Eleanor has already! We love it!