Such a chunk! I love my chunk-a-monk!
This month was all about getting into a rhythm with Eleanor. While there is no such thing as a schedule in our house, a routine can be expected. In the morning she wakes up and nurses first thing. This used to happen around 8am, but lately it is more like 7. Then we change her diaper and pick out her outfit for the day. I love dressing her up. I am not sure I have ever put her in the same combination of clothes more than once. She certainly has enough outfits, and they are fun to play around with. Her latest thing is to play with her skirts or dresses. She grabs onto the skirt and just swings it about. So cute!
After she is dressed and ready to go, we head downstairs to let Penny out and Eleanor hangs out in her swing while I cook and eat breakfast. We typically play for a while after that. Tummy time, toys, pet the dog, etc. After about an hour she starts to get cranky and I put her down for a nap. She only naps for 45 minutes to an hour, but that time is treasure.
The rest of the day is on repeat. Eat, play, sleep. Eat, play, sleep. Usually in three hour intervals. And if we are lucky it will hit this pattern just as it is nearing bedtime. Bedtime can be anywhere from 7pm to 9pm. This week she is really reaching closer to 6:30 or 6:45. We try to keep her awake just a little bit. Bath time helps to calm her down and keep her up until at least 7.
Of course every day is different. Some days we play with friends at the library, others she hangs out in Childwatch at the gym, and still others we go to bible study or even stay home. Regardless of where we are, her routine can be expected to pretty much stay the same. I like it.
This month's photo shoot was taken without Alex in the background making funny faces. Unfortunately I didn't get many smiles, but I did get all this hand action. Eleanor is really becoming grabby, and in a good way. She loves to play with her toys and smiles at them, she holds her own hands and it looks like she's praying, and she'll even reach over and touch the puppy. During the photo shoot she just couldn't get enough of those hands!
We had a ton of fun with our little girl this month. Our biggest adventure was when we took her on her first airplane ride to visit family in Chicago. But even the every day things seem like so much more fun nowadays. More work, yes. But definitely more fun. I always have a companion, and the co-dependent personality in me really enjoys this. I honestly couldn't ask for better company during my days. She warms my heart and makes me smile. Just one look into those baby blues just makes me melt.
Eleanor is now going to the sitter's twice a week. And recently she has recently had a bottle regression and refuses to take it. This results in a very sad little girl, and a very sad mommy. We are working on it, and trying different bottles. It will get better as she gets more used to the sitter's again.
In addition to her regular babysitter, I also take Eleanor to childcare at our gym as well as the church during bible study. Honestly, I have no problem leaving her for a few hours while I catch some "me-time." She typically sleeps while I'm not around so I really don't feel like she is missing me at all. And even when she is awake, I know she is in good and loving hands. Her caretakers always comment on how sweet she is. Sweet is really the one word I could constantly use to describe her.
So sweet!
This month has been so much fun to watch her personality bloom. However, I know that we have a lot more fun ahead of us. I am told that months four through six are really amazing to watch them grow, change and learn. I love being Eleanor's momma, and I love watching her develop. I can't wait for more!
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