Today felt like such a busy day, and sitting down now thinking about it I can’t say that it was was our normal kind of busy. I guess since we have been in quarantine we haven’t really done much, and normally the days just dragged on. Today we kept pretty busy.

All three kiddos (and mama) had a great morning. CJ doesn’t normally like to spend the entire morning with us, but today we all sat on the floor and played together. Jack was crawling over all of us and having the time of his life. CJ was getting annoyed with everything Jack did, and Ella just sat there and took it all in. Her best times are those she spends watching and interacting with everyone. We did, of course, include her in the fun.

Right before I gave her lunch, Jack was busy drinking his bottle, so I took the rare time with just the two of us to chat with Ella. I always say that she is the best secret keeper. I can tell her almost anything and she is such a fabulous listener. Sometimes she laughs, sometimes she is indifferent, but today she decided to express herself in a different way.

I was telling her how CJ is slightly obsessed with the fish, and had already been to check on both of them at least twenty times since he woke up. I asked her if she loved her fish as much as CJ loved his. For the first time ever, she stuck her tongue out at me. I am guessing that Wanda doesn’t impress her. I, however, was super impressed to see that rare display of sassiness.

I fed her lunch and she went with Steve to see Dr. Joe, where apparently her mood changed. He came back and told me that I sucked all the happy out of her this morning. Only that proved to be false because the second she saw Dani, her face lit up. The rest of the day, she was in a great mood. That’s a lie. She had one moment of crabbiness.

We decided to all go for a walk, where Ella took a very quick nap, and when we got back back we all just hung out. Ella was giggling and interacting the entire time. Dani got her standing once or twice, and for the first time instead of lifting up her feet to get out of the standing position, she was leaning back. Almost as if she was trying to sit down but couldn’t figure out how to bend her legs to do it. We both made a comment on how it was the first time we had seen that.

The highlight of the day came when Dani put her fingers out to assist Ella in sitting up. Like a season pro, she barely grabbed Dani’s fingers and lifted herself up. She has to have some serious ab strength to be able to do that. Dani tried it a few more times, and she did repeat her performance, but required slightly more assistance. This was also a new move for Ella. I really think she is trying to explore more movements. She is certainly getting braver.

My heart is always full when my kiddos have a good day. Tonight listening to Dani and Ella getting ready for bed, my heart was bursting though. I seriously wish every child could have a Dani in their life. She talks to her every second she is with her, and Ella responds to those discussions in her own Ella way.

I used to get sad that Ella didn’t have any friends from school to have play dates with, and was heartbroken that she was lacking that type of connection in her life. I realize, she has something even better. She has Dani. They are truly the best of friends. I could sit here all day and try and describe the bond the two of them have, but it’s something you have to see for yourself. We are all so very lucky to have her.

The final project of the night was the installation of the baby gate at the top of the stairs for Jack. Without fail, he bolts for those steps the second he gets one ounce of freedom. He is going to be PISSED tomorrow when he runs into the hallway and finds there is no way down. The cat isn’t going to be too thrilled she can’t get up and down the stairs freely either. Sorry, not sorry.

Looking forward to one final conversation and check in on the fish before bed. I also promised CJ we would record them for all to see. At some point, I will be posting that video for your viewing pleasure.

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