The girl who used to run away from hugs, is now very affectionate. Eila has been seen giving hugs to the legs of several adults, but even more to her little friends. It is absolutely adorable to see her hug Lucie or Annabelle or Josiah - sort of a cross between a bear hug and a bear attack. Also, one hug is never enough; at least six must follow with a kiss or two.

Today has been book reading day. We spent all morning reading. The first hour was spent in bed reading books and then we moved to the recliner to rock and read at the same time. Eila loves to be read to, but also thorougly enjoys reading to herself. We spent the next 45 mintues reading aloud from different books. If I decided to stop reading or read quietly, I was given a new book or a stern look that said clearly, Read! I'm so glad that Eila loves reading.

You may or may not be aware that Eila is in process of potty training - very relaxed and by her initiative. Basically, we use cloth diapers and ask her if she needs to go and take her when she does her telltale move that she is holding it in. She is wearing training pants during the day when we are at home and stays dry most of the time. Today, she said "pee" and so I took her and she went! Yesterday, she grabbed herself and so I took her & she went. Eila is still in a diaper for naps and definitely overnight as well as when we are out & about, but tells me even still when she goes...

Sometimes though, Eila needs to go and yet pretends she doesn't. She will fight it with every inch of strength she can muster - doing her move on the toilet as long as she can. She'll say she's done and say "down?" and then suddenly she will let loose and take care of business. Then, Eila will refuse to get off the potty and want to read books or sing songs indefinitely while sitting peacefully on the toilet. She is also starting to wipe herself very proudly, but does not like to wash her hands after. Tant pis!

So, this morning when I got up, I went to the bathroom (as usual) and heard a small voice call out "Pee, yeah, pee-pee!" and then the little patter of clapping hands from her crib. Eila comes in the bathroom at least 75% of the time when I am taking care of business and cheers for me, as I do for her when she goes on the potty. It is very sweet and I really feel like I'm doing a good thing when she applauds me with her hoorays and smiles. If only everyone had a cheering squad in the bathroom, what a wonderful world it would be.

Eila Rose is a music lover. She loves to sing, dance, listen to music and make music. At night, she now insists on having music playing as she falls asleep. During the day, she is almost constantly singing to herself, listening to music or asking someone else to sing for her. She has great rhythm and especially likes songs that have a dance or really any movements associated with them. Her favorites right now are: I'm a Little Teapot, Ring Around the Rosie, Wheels on the Bus, and Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes. She also loves to sing lullabies to Josiah and her baby doll. Soon, we'll have a video of Eila dancing (if you want to search YouTube for "Eila Dancing", you could find it now...)