When did I get such a big girl

I just wanted to write down what happened today.
Elin, Caylin and I were playing in the kitchen with the "new" alphabet toy. She put one of the letters in the main part and looked at me and clapped and said " Yea!" This is the first time I've seen or heard her do this.

I wanted my mom to hear this new word. I asked Elin if she wanted to call grandma. She said, "aaa-ma."
She has said what sounds like grandma before but never this clear.

If my phone beeps or rings, she immediately puts her hand on her ear, tilts her head and says "eye." Every time. It's so cute.
Today she also started a new thing. If I bring out a camera to take a picture she is now saying "...eese." And smiles, it's so cute. It just make me giggle. Now I know I take a lot of pictures but I don't ask them to ever say cheese. So I was taken back when I saw her doing this today.

Also now that she is saying more words, she is finally signing! I have been working with girl since she was 6 months old to sign. Every meal, anytime she wanted something "more" to eat, or more to play. Anytime she needed to have a drink. I have been telling people this girl will not sign no matter what. I couldn't believe that she is doing it now. She did it a little bit yesterday, but today she was signing please for everything. I love it.

It was a big day for Elin. She is just doing so much and I feel like she is really growing up and expressing what she wants and needs.

The other thing I have been noticing with Elin is now that Cay is home with her while Ivan is at school, she is closer to Caylin. They play really well together now, and what I love best, Caylin "reads" to Elin. Elin loves books and there is now a couple in each room. She just carries them around and wants you to read them to her. Cay takes advantage of this anytime she can. They will get on a chair, couch or bed without my help Cay will open the book and make up the story she thinks is on the page.  I find them "reading" all the time and it just melts my heart.

Just a big week for Elin.

I really hope I get on here more often and just write what is happening in our house. The kids are getting so big and I know I'm going tho forget some wonderful things that are happening.