Exploring

Elizabeth and I explored this monument and garden, dedicated to emergency preparedness in the Oakland Hills. It is a neat structure, with stairs, paths, and this strange circle filled with rocks.

Elizabeth is her usual, happy self; however, I think she has entered the stage where everything must be questioned: bedtime, personal hygiene, following rules, and listening to parents (yes, Elizabeth, I really meant it when I said "Don't throw rocks!"). Although frustrating at times, I guess I would worry if my child was completely agreeable and compliant all the time.

Big Eyes

Don't let those big, beautiful eyes fool you! Helen has learned to be quite mischievous (taking away a toy from her sister and running away, stopping only to turn and smirk) and also very headstrong. If Helen wants to wear pajamas in the middle of the afternoon or run around without pants in the evening, there's really no stopping it.

However, these are good signs that she is learning. She has started putting two- and three-word phrases together. She will sing little parts of songs that she remembers her sister singing. She imitates her sister's actions (E stopped to tighten her shoe strap at the park, and Helen stopped too, to bend over and adjust her shoe). And, obviously, she is learning the fascinating realm of human interactions.

No! It's MY Turn!

They really do argue, and Helen has become the master of taunting her big sister. It doesn't help that Elizabeth is going through the phase where she just has an emotional meltdown over any little disappointment. Last week was rough, I think because she was feeling under the weather. This week is much better, and I am relieved to see my happy girl, despite the occasional tantrum or outburst.

Bye Bye, Baby

Helen's hair has grown long enough for pigtails, and it makes her look so grown up! So now I have two little girls instead of one baby and one toddler. In addition to her new hairdo, Helen has learned all sorts of new things: many, many words; how to throw a tantrum; running; climbing; and how to undress.

Most of the time she's pretty happy. This month has been tough because she's been trying on the "terrible twos" and cutting her two-year molars (at least that's what I assume is causing the excessive drool and grumpiness). Alas, she is still waking up at least once in the middle of the night, and I still indulge her in a bottle of milk and a cuddle.

In the Garden

Elizabeth and Helen have become quite the garden helpers. Most of the time they work on "flower appreciation" but they have occasionally helped me plant seeds and water plants. On the patio, Elizabeth helped plant beets, tomatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers.

Elizabeth received a play stroller for her birthday, which she insists on taking everywhere, unless Mommy protests. Her Lamb is the usual occupant, and the underseat storage is superb for carrying her lamb's toys and food.
Despite having just turned three years old, Elizabeth seems to have hit a tough phase. She is very high maintenance, requiring lots of attention and cuddling. I think this is merely a transition from babyhood to girlhood.