The Campoamor's Adventure: Get Out! Outside that is...

Oh how our perspective is squewed here in Southern California. Unless the temperature is 70-something, it is either too cold or too hot. Lately it's been 'too cold' to play outside, which means it's been in the low to mid-60s. And when we do go out, we bundle up. It is amusing to stroll around town, and easily spot the tourist. Locals are in Ugg boots and parkas, and tourists in shorts and t-shirts. We did finally get a nice, sunny and 'warm' 80 degrees on Saturday, so we took Ellis on her maiden visit to the beach. It was also Leyton's first trip in a long time, and finally... she LOVED it! The water was so cold, about 55 degrees, but that didn't stop her from wading out as far as Ryan and I were comfortable to let her go. Eventually her little feet got so cold she had trouble standing, so a little wave knocked her over and she got all wet. Even then, we had to drag her away. It's rather high maintenance to take two babies to the beach, so we will probably alternate taking just Leyton.

Ellis is still rapidly outgrowing her clothes. I had to pack away several 9 month shirts and jeans that are too tight around her belly. She is a pro at rolling over, but only from her back to her tummy. As soon as you put her down, she kicks her leg over and she is on her tummy. She is happy there about 12 seconds, and then starts to fuss because she is stuck. I can't complain though. Other than putting herself in tummytime, she is possibly the best behaved baby on Earth. She occasionally is fussy in the afternoon, but only if I have lugged her around and messed up her naps. She can finally reach her toes, and she can grab anything within reach now, no problem. Whatever she grabs is then immediately pulled into her mouth. No teeth are poking through yet, but she is a drool monster. And, very excitingly, we are fairly certain she is actually growing hair! She has as much hair as her sister did at 12 months -which ain't saying much, but still. Just another thing on her list to do Bigger, Better, Faster than her sister. Watch out, LC! She's gunning for you!

It's a good thing Ellis is so well-behaved, because her sister is not. Leyton is often up to no good. Whether it's hitting her sister with a doll, running away from Mommy, or just sassing in general, Leyton can be a challenge. Her new thing is yelling "NO THANK YOU!" and running into her room and slamming the door. It is so amusing it diffuses my anger. Of course, she can also be such a sweet little girl. She gives the best hugs and kisses. Her new favorite activity is dressing her princesses up in 'new' Play-Doh clothes and hats. "Ariel new blue dress" is a common phrase. She can count up to ten, but she gets stuck at 4, so you have to give her 4, and then she can take it from there. She still loves to sing, and has added 'Winnie the Pooh' and 'Mary had a Little Lamb' to her set list. Still very picky with her clothes... girlfriend will NOT wear jeans or these really cute corduroy pants I bought for her. Sigh. Volatile, unpredictable, passionate... all good words to describe this -and most, two year olds. Just look at this sweet face.

Now, see that lip? She busted it during a fit of rage. She threw herself on the floor (I think because I asked her to get in her highchair for lunch) but misjudged and smashed her lip on her table. Drama can be painful.

Meanwhile, Ellis is just chillin.