The Guide to Speaking Ella

As a two-year-old, figuring out what things are called is a daily job. Need to know that's a cat, dog, spoon, or house? No problem. Oh, you need to know that those things on your feet are called shoes? Got you covered. Of course, there are a few words and phrases that are either a little too boring or too hard to remember, so that's when Ella really gets creative.

Washyhan = Hey, my hands are dirty, are you going to do something about it?
Ellacopter = Planes, helicopters or pretty much anything that flies in the sky.
Mmm Mmm (while eyes are closed) = The sound a giraffe makes
Shake, shake, shake! = C'mon, let's crazy dance!
Snack food = Fruit snacks. Don't mention snacks if you don't have any fruit snacks. There is no substitute.

Communicating with a toddler is like learning a new language--one that changes daily on a whim. Just when I think I have it mastered, she learns something new and we start all over again. Good thing I have her sister, Annabel, as an interpreter.