Hi there! I had to post pictures of Ellie "shopping". Her favorite thing to do these days is put on my shoes, or her new lady bug rain boots (a gift from a sweet friend) and her red sun hat (also a gift from a dear friend)...and clothes are optional! Haha! Jim and I look forward to embarrassing her with these photos someday. The dogs just hide when she is "shopping", you never know where that cart is going to go! She is such a ham...had to also include the "Marilyn Monroe" pose in the diaper and boots.

Ellie is an absolute delight! Jim and I are enjoying her so much. She is talking much more and putting words together. Her first ones are "bye bye dada". I know this will come as a shock, but she can pronounce the word "shoe" perfectly and knows how to take hers on and off (the velcro kind). Each day is a new adventure. A few nights ago I was getting ready to walk the dogs and she brought my jacket to me. Amazing how much kids understand even before they can speak well. When we turn into our neighborhood she starts saying "home". She is still loving Elmo "LaLa" as she calls him and Barney and especially the "Wiggles". I am pretty sure I know every one of their songs now!

We went to see the international adoption doctor for a follow up visit and she said Ellie is doing extremely well and is right on target for her age. She is actually a bit ahead in cognitive reasoning (ooh I am in trouble!)

I can't believe she turned 22 months yesterday and will be two in two months! Time is passing so quickly.

I better get some sleep...I am feeling my age these days!

Much love!

Donna