Ellia's 3rd Birthday Party a Success!

Our little girl is not so little anymore... she wasn't glued to my hip at Cerritos Park East, as she was during her 1st birthday party. She didn't obligingly follow us from one spot to another at Adventure City at her 2nd birthday party. No, this was her 3rd birthday and, once the doors to Pump It Up swung open, she took approximately 0.4 seconds to spring into action!

Kids were sliding, parents were sliding, grandparents were sliding. Many had never been to Pump It Up, including ourselves. But it worked out perfectly for what we needed this time around. It was such a special day & we're so lucky to have shared it with so many family and friends. Ellia is blessed to be surrounded by such friendship, love and support. And when the day ended, she was sad, asking "Where's everybody? Where's my friends?" Thanks to all who traveled the distance to make our little girl's day a wonderful memory.

HEY KIDDOS! Invites are in the mail!

For those of you who have asked
"What kinds of things does Ellia like now?"
We have updated her WishCentral list.
You can check it out by clicking the link on this page (top right) called "Ellia Chai's Current Interests" www.wishcentral.com.
Click on the catagory named "Toys"

Ellia wanted a JUMPER party for her birthday so we looked high and low for the best place we could find. It proved difficult to find quality jumping places in our area but we've heard really good things about PUMP IT UP! www.pumpitupparty.com
We hope Ellia's friends and their parents can make it to the party for lots of cardio jumping (in two different rooms), pizza, munchies, refreshments, cupcakes & cake!

Play Dates (Part I)

It was a GIRLS weekend! Daddy was off on a BOYS Vegas trip. So, Auntie "MeMe" came over for a sleep over and friends Janice & Jeff brought Jaelyn (age 3) to play with Ellia. They haven't seen eachother since they went Trick or Treating together (both as fairies!) last October. They played together adorably (pics to come soon)
Claira had her own playmate show up as well! She hasn't seen Ella since she was 3 months old. Ella and Claira are both trying to crawl, but Ella's skills inspired Claira to pick up the pace! They actually were very aware of eachother and seemed to like eachother - Ellyn & I can't wait to see them play as they grow together!

Ellia is always in heaven if she gets to spend time with the handsome Jackson Soong! They ran around together, giggling and telling eachother ideas of what to play next. Kristi and I marvelled at how we have reached a stage where the two of them can play on their own and allow us to have a breather and a drink or two!

Ellia's little sister had her first meeting with Jackson's little brother! Griffin and Claira are starting their relationship as polar opposites for now. We'll see how things progress - it should be fun!

Portraits of Claira

July update (so far)

We're settling into the new house. It's not quite "home" yet but it is definitely getting there!
Claira, as always, adores Ellia. She gives us the most insight into her personality when we catch expressions that she gives Ellia.

Claira still doesn't have a set wake up time for her mornings. It could be anywhere from 5AM to 8AM. One things for certain, when she's up - she is up and ready to go. In the wee hours she plays on our bed, enjoying her sturdy sitting up ability.

I thought this picture of Ellia was beautiful...she finally wanted to wear the "BIG SISTER" shirt we made together months ago, she's actually wearing a shirt, and her face...well, she looks so much older...and I get a glimpse of her future "big girl" beauty.

June SISTER update (after the fact)

Bath time in the new house!

Matching PJ's from Auntie EJ...too, too cute! (And I wish I had a pair)

Long awaited new crib and mattress for Claira! Ellia is still very helpful with Claira; dancing for her, bringing her toys or giving me suggestions as to why she might be crying ("Maybe dirty diaper"). At times she swipes toys right from under Claira's little hands and it makes Claira cry immediately. We're practicing asking for the toy first or bringing another toy for Claira to play with. By then, of course, Ellia has usually lost interest in the entire situation anyway. (sigh)

Both girls love spending time with their Grandpa's. And they light up their Grandpa's eyes whenever they are around them. Ellia is much more excited about Angel's games now. She was absolutely giddy on the way to this game. It used to take her about 3 innings to warm up to the situation (the huge crowd, lots of noise). This time she leaned in to me and whispered "Mommy, I not scared anymore. Not too loud."

June ELLIA update (after the fact)

Ellia adjusted to the new house very well! Sometimes if she couldn't find a toy she would say "Aw man...at old house...aw maaan..."
This month she went bowling for the first time. She has a 'new move' when she's proud of something she's done. It's the athletic "YES" with the arm pump.

During the days that were actually warm and sunny this June, Ellia got right into the summer swim season. She felt very special to get swim instruction with star Register reporters Jen and Laylon who taught her to "motor boat".

She always enjoys her time with Mikayla ("kayla"). She'd pretty much do anything Mikayla asked, she thinks so highly of her.

Yay! Finally her own pool! We bought a cheap-o blowup pool & I bought a nice sturdy slide from a dad on Craigslist. She's loving it and we're loving her having her own backyard.