Ellie is 3

Mostly potty trained, pees but has only pooped a few times

Can swing a baseball bat like a pro. She has great hand eye coordination.

She gets out of bed on her own now, opens her door and comes into our room every morning. She is up when the sun comes up. Thanks heavens for the PBS app, she watches cartoons while I sleep for another 30 minutes.

She is obsessed with the show Octonauts. It teaches her all about marine biology, so I guess their could be worse shows to watch.

Insists on standing on a chair and helping me with most things I do at the kitchen counter.

Likes to draw circles and trace her hands.

Talks about relatives all the time: cousins, grandma's and grandpas

She remembers so much, she recalls past events like, going to Salt Lake, the Zoo, the beach, etc. 

Quotes:

"Oh, it's nice and crunchy"...in reference to crunchy foods

"it's belicious".....meaning delicious.

"Oh that's nice of you" "please" "thank you" "excuse me"....she is very polite

she sings most of "Jesus wants me for a Sunbeam" and "I'm Like a Star Shining Brightly"

She claims anyones farts as her own and says, "No, it's me"

"oh thats awesome Mom" or "this is so cute"...when shopping at most stores

counting "1,2,3,6,7,8,9,10,11" What happened to 4 & 5?

Ellie is a typical toddler. She throws fits over irrational things and definitely likes to push my buttons. She likes to climb on me and doesn't like to play independently often. However, she is getting older and more capable of doing certain things on her own. Somedays, when her mood is right, she will use the bathroom all by herself. Somedays she will wander around the back yard and swing and play in the dirt while I relax in the sun. She is still the greatest little sidekick. I love our time together. Our walks to the park, the conversations we have, having her help me make cookies or bread or popcorn. Snuggling on the couch, her letting me take cat naps in the afternoon, and dance parties almost every night after her bath. She exhausts me most days but it's worth it. I can't believe she is going to have a sibling, I know she is going to be a great big sister. She is already such a loving and friendly little girl (to complete strangers) I know she will love this little baby so much. 

Happy Birthday Ellie Bell. You are so smart, funny, energetic and passionate. Thank you for making parenthood such an enjoyable experience. We have some days that are better than others but you hold a special place in my heart little one. I have loved the time we have had just you and me the last few years. I know it might be hard to get use to a new baby but you are going to have so much fun having a constant friend to play with. You are constantly changing, and I cant wait to see what this next year will bring. Never loose your curiosity, passion, humor, and energy. We love you so very much little one. Happiest of Birthdays to you.