I am in the middle of a mental developement spurt. My words are starting to stream in threes and fours. I seem to be picking up new words in each conversation.

We've been practicing colours and counting this month.
Mum thought I could count to two (definitely) and three (sometimes). Often though I think the numbers go as - one, two, five! As in one bike, two bikes and more than two bikes is five bikes :)
Then the other night when we were out walking and looking at the stars and moon, I showed her that I could count to TEN. Just as Dora had taught me. Mum almost fell over in shock.

Much to mum's distress I dropped my midday snooze one day. She hopes that I don't do this again for a while...She quite enjoys the down time, because as you know the life of a toddler is go-go-go for every other part of the day!

I am further testing the boundaries. I now clearly know what they are but just like to check occasionally.

Food is food at the moment and nothing more. I'm not too fussed what I am eating. I'm not too excited by anything either. Some meals I want it. Others I'm not overly into it.

I understand the concept of time. When dad went away during the month, we noted his return day in my calendar and we marked off the days until he came home. I didn't get as upset as I usually would because I understood that he was coming back. I gave hime lots of cuddles when he came home.

I am enjoying both imaginary play and dependant play. Thus enabling me to make "real" friends that I look forward to seeing.

Lachie was a bit put out that his contribution wasn't mentioned in my birthday post.

So I'd like to thank him for doing this (see piccie below) while we made the cake on the morning of the party...

...and thank you for doing this (see piccies below) while the party was on, so that mum and dad could organise the party and so that I could get all of the attention :)

Thanks Lachie, you're a great little brother!

...particularly when you find cool hats...

I have proof that I am no longer a baby :) I moved up to the big cool Toddler Room for the 2-3 years olds at playcare today. My best friends Sophie and Isabella moved with me. The games and activities in the Toddler Room are way more fun!

A big thanks to Dom and Sus for helping mum out last weekend while dad was away.

Thanks to Sus (who had cool sunnies) I still got to go to my swimming lesson on Sunday morning :)

Thanks to Dom, who kept us company at Emergency on Sunday night. You can kind of see my fat hand in the piccies. Unfortunately I had an allergic reaction to some sort of bite and so we had a little adventure. Dom came along for the ride :)

Big kisses to you both!

Has someone been playing with my Lego? Every time I look at my animal enclosure tower it has changed...

Dad we need more Lego, pur-leeeese?

Beyond monthly fact updates, this is a great example of watching Elimena in her natural habitat.

• She loves Iced-T.
• She pronounces her words carefully (Ice-d T) but also enjoys long sentences that clearly make sense to her.
• Elimena likes to celebrate success & happiness with a self-congratulatory clap.
• She is very aware of the people around her, and always talks about her family a lot. Mama? Dada? Baby?
• She enjoys wearing a Dorothy the Dinosaur outfit and likes to point at it saying "Dor-e-thy". When putting it on we always say bye-bye to her toes and "h-ands".
• Lately, Elimena also enjoys her injuries - talking about them, having them kissed better and hopefully remembering to point at the correct spot.

No offense Doh-Doh, but riding around the house in tandem on my bike with Josh and Nate is a lot more fun!

On Saturday mum, dad & Lachie had a birthday party for me and I had the best time ever! We went to Muston Park with some of our family and my play friends. The weather was perfect and we had super company! The food was yummy too...Dad didn't even stop me went I went back for my third mini-croissant! AND I had a cool butterfly cake. Mum and Dad considered attempting to do a Dora cake but as they were making it on the morning of the party they decided on the safer option of a butterfly :)

To those who came to my party - THANK-YOU THANK-YOU THANK-YOU - I had a blast!

I'm two now and oh-so-clever!
* I can run, skip, jump but not hop. Can I walk you ask? What's that?
* I like riding in the stroller while we go for long walks.
* I've started big girl swimming lessons where I don't need a parent in the water with me. I am learning to jump in the water and swim to the side. Mum is very excited about this as my enthusiasm for the water is a concern for her.
* I love playing with other kids and mum and dad think I am an energetic bundle of fun.
* I love climbing and going to the park. Mum and I started Gymbaroo this week. I love it because it involves lots of climbing and lots of songs. Perfect combination for fun :)
* My favourite foods are cheese and chicken of all kinds and my favourite drink (when I am allowed to have it) is Ice Tea. I love corn on the cob too!
* I love colouring in and puzzles.
* I've been learning my colours of late.
* I am good at putting three and four lots of words together.
* My manners are beautiful and I still know the magic of the word "please?" and an innocent smile.