Sarah and Ella... Sister, Sister

We've been working pretty hard around here to get into the groove of our new normal now that Scott's deployed and gone. Thus the sporadic posting on my part.

Even though I've been adamantly opposed to adding one more thing potty training to the list of "adjustments" I'm trying to make these days, Sarah has had other plans. She's been begging for big girl panties for the last week or so and for the last four days now I've given in. She is no where near finished with this little project, but so far she's doing great.... only 2 accidents in four full days time!

Today, for some unknown (only a preschooler would understand, I suppose) reason, Ella started pouting and whining because her panties were the wrong color. After sweet Sarah discovered what the trouble was, she quietly lifted up her dress, did a quick inspection to see what color she was wearing, and then removed them to give to her beloved big sister. At exactly 3pm today they made an even swap... Sarah's pink for Ella's green. I didn't know whether to respond with "Eww, gross" or "That was so sweet".


Ella and Sarah are quite a pair to behold. They both love their Maggie and Kate to pieces, but the similarities in personalities and demeanor for Sarah and Ella are becoming more and more pronounced every day.

They both have incredibly girlie tendencies and flares for all things fancy. Ella has always loved to dress up. Given the choice she will choose a dress or skirt over pants or shorts every single time.

Sarah has started to pick up on this fact and now prefers dresses as well.... specifically Ella's dresses. And she's painfully picky about exactly which one she wants just like big sis. A few days ago KayKay was standing in Ella's closet helping Sarah pick an outfit for the day. Kay pointed out a dress and Sarah said "Oh, that's not my choice KayKay!" As if to say, how could you even suggest such a thing. Imagine! Sarah has also taken to wearing her little plastic high heel shoes constantly, including wearing them to church for the past two Sundays. (Attire is one of those battles that I just choose NOT to fight.)

They are both fairly eager to please and be in charge. Sarah has started doing things to help out either myself or one of her sisters only to turn and ask for a smiley immediately when she's done. Smileys are the things I draw on their little behavior charts, ideally when I "catch" them doing something nice, good, sweet, helpful, etc. Ten smileys earn them a treat of their choice. They are both fairly motivated by treats, and Ella did the same thing Sarah now does when I first implemented this system.

I just can't get over how similar they are already and how much more so they have become in the last few weeks. Clearly, if they are willing to trade panties mid-day just so that one can be happier, they would do anything for each other!