Wishful Slacker

Dear Eleanor

 

Friday, November 11, 2011
12:48 pm

Dearest Eleanor,

You were born at 12:58 pm on Thursday, November 11, 2010, one year ago at almost this moment.

Just now I rocked you to sleep, and instead of quickly transferring you to your crib I continued to rock with you so that I could feel the weight of your sleepy head on my shoulder.  It reminded me so much of our early days together, when you would fall asleep in my arms after nursing.  I would scootch down on the couch and we would nap together, my sweet little baby and me.  Often Major joined us, making our little nest even warmer, while winter made frost on the windows.  I knew that those cuddles would eventually be replaced by real hugs and laughter, with you pointing to your mobile's movie playing on the ceiling of your bedroom.  And yet, here we are, and it is so hard to believe how lucky Daddy and I are to have such a beautiful little girl as you.

It is now 12:58.  Happy birthday, Sweetheart.

The ways that you have added joy to our lives are immeasurable.  I love you more than I ever thought it would be possible to love, and even with that I continue to love you more and more each day. 

I hope you always understand how very special you are, not just to Daddy and me but to your whole family.  I want to take each day with you and treasure it, and at the same time I cannot wait to see who you become- as a 3 year old, as an 8 year old, a 13 year old, an adult.  I can't wait to witness you explore your interests, and to find a hobby or activity or career that enlightens your life.  And I know we may not always get along, but I pray that we can always get back on track.  It is impossible to think that one day we may disagree, but I think it is inevitable :-)

You had a very nice 12th month.  We met Aunt Piper and Aunt Stacie at an apple orchard and got some fun pictures of you with pumpkins.  We went to Aunt Beth and Uncle Avery's and celebrated Cameron's 6th birthday with them, Grandma, and Lila.  You participated in the Halloween parade at daycare, and impressed everyone by walking the perimeter of the building in your duck costume, while holding my hands.  We had a great time at the Roscoe Village Halloween party, and you got lots of candy Halloween night when we went trick or treating. 





You are now an independent walker, which is so exciting for your daddy and me to see.  We got you a wooden puzzle which you opened this morning and really enjoy.  You kept banging the pieces LOUDLY on our coffee table, and even tried fitting the pieces back into their slots.  You now say "ma ma" and "da da" with meaning.  When Daddy comes home from work you shout "Da da!" and move to the door as quickly as you can.

You have become a very sweet and content little girl.  You play on your own very well and love books.  You hold out Cheerios to us with a little smile that says, "Here you go!"  You are patient when I take you grocery shopping.  You continue to love Major to bits, and he has been very sweet and gentle with you while you learn to be gentle and soft with him.  You like to bang his kennel door open and shut even while he naps inside.




Grandma and Grandpa Walker are on their way here from their cottage, and tomorrow Aunt Beth, Uncle Avery, Cameron, Lila, Grandma Rhodes, Aunt Piper, and Aunt Stacie will come over to celebrate your birthday.  Daddy and I made you a little cake to dive into.  We have decorated the house for your first birthday, and last weekend I put together a special photo garland for you.  I chose one picture from each month of the past year, and strung together all the pictures with ribbon.  We hung it in our living room, and you can stand in front and see how much you changed.  It is lovely.


With that, my darling, I think I will end here.  It has been such a joy to write you each of these months.  You are amazing, and Daddy and I love you so very much.

Thank you, Eleanor, for making this the best year of my life.

My love always,
Mom
xo

Dear Eleanor

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Dear Eleanor,

Happy 11 months!  It is hard to believe that this starts my second to last letter to you in this little book.  I was downtown this afternoon for work and walked past the hospital where you were born.  I could not help but smile at the memories of when you were born, and our first few days together.

I would say that for the first time I have much to report on your language development in addition to your advancing motor skills.  For a while I have been using sign language with you, mostly for now when we have been eating.  You continue to sign "more" to us.  Last night you really wowed us.  We were sitting at the table eating dinner, and you were at your high chair.  There was not much food left on your plate, and you lifted your hands in the air, and flipped them palm-forward, then backward, forward and backward- the sign for "all done!"  You were finished eating, and you let us know it!  Daddy and I were so excited.  It is such an amazing experience to have you communicating with us- to suddenly give us feedback and to let us in on your thoughts.  I still feel that way when you point at things.  You communicate with us in sing-song.  You will say something that sounds like, "eh?" and we will echo you.  Then you seem to reply with a "huh!" or another sound, and we go on and on with talking back and forth.  My favorite of your sayings is "oooo wah! oooo wah!"  Daddy and I start to say it with you, which makes you "ooo WAH!" with even greater enthusiasm.  Sometimes you start laughing at us trying to join you in your game.


You enjoy pushing buttoms, so do very well while waiting at our building's elevator.  You also like to watch the numbers change from inside the elevator.  We drove to Aunt Beth's house on Saturday because Grandma was there watching Lila.  You blew sloppy raspberries in the backseat on the entire trip to Oak Park.  By the time we arrived, my cheeks hurt just from listening to you!


You grow stronger on your feet and now balance for several seconds while standing unsupported.  And tonight, you stood up and I put my hands out toward you.  And you know what?  You almost took your first step!  You lifted one foot, appeared to consider taking the plunge and stepping forward, and then set your foot back down.  Soon you'll do it!

You love your books and are now really enjoying the board books with different textures you can feel.  You reach out to touch a fluffy dog or soft chick.  Your favorite pastime continues to be yanking all your books away from the book case.  You now enjoy throwing your balls out from the inflatable duck bath tub where we keep them.  Grandpa Walker made you some soft dice to play with.  Daddy plays a game with you where he tosses the dice so that it bops off your head, and you laugh and laugh.  You love playing with your daddy, and I know how very much he loves to play with you.  It is his favorite thing to do.


A week and a half ago we got together with our friends from our new mom's group.  All your boy pals are getting so big!  You are still in your Gymboree class.  Your favorite object is a rocking rowboat.  You like to make it rock back and forth while sitting inside and standing up against it.  You got to play with Lila last week too.  Aunt Beth and I look forward to having you girls play together more in the future.  Grandma and Grandpa stayed with us a couple nights last weekend before leaving to visit England.  They went with us to Gymboree and every-so-often you looked around to see if they were watching you.  It was pretty cute.

We stopped nursing this past month.  I think it has been harder on me than you.  You just woke up crying so I rocked you for a few minutes.  Even though you are such a big girl now, you will always be my little baby.  The feeling of rocking you to sleep will always stay deep within my heart.

My child, I wish I could stretch out this letter as long as possible to delay its conclusion.  I am not sure I am ready for the last of my first year letters to you, but at the same time I am so excited to watch you grow.  I hope you know how much I love you.  Daddy and I are such better people with you in our world, and we find no greater joy than experiencing life through your eyes. 

I love you, Ellie.

Mom
xo

Dear Eleanor

Sunday, September 11, 2011

My sweet baby girl,

You are 10 months old today- hardly a small helpless infant any more.  Already we are beyond Labor Day and into fall, and just around the corner looms your first birthday.  You act like a big 1 year old already, attacking your surroundings with confidence and a deep desire to explore with earnest.  At my last letter time you had recently pulled to a stand.  A couple weeks later Aunt Piper held your hands over your head and coaxed you to take steps forward by gently pushing your feet with her toes.  The following day you courageously stood at your baby walker and began to push it, taking steps as you went along.  Grandma and Grandpa Walker were here and were thrilled.  Aunt Piper and Aunt Stacie felt cheated because they missed this big event by just one day.  Since then you have become even more steady on your feet, and enjoy cruising along our couch and moving along the coffee table.  Occasionally you lift your hands up and balance for a few seconds standing unsupported.  And last Wednesday I was sitting on the floor with you when you crawled over, placed your hands on my knee, and pushed yourself up from squating position into a full stand.  And then you let go!  You wobbled for a few seconds before kerplopping on your bottom.  It was quite the moment!

The baby walks from Lindsay Rhodes on Vimeo.

You like to bounce and bop to the rhythm of music, and we often hear when we pick you up from daycare that you danced the afternoon away.  You crawl quickly and love doing full laps around the kitchen island and all over the house.  Daddy and I take turns following slowly behind to make sure you don't get into anything you shouldn't!

You are becoming more and more expressive and will mimic the sounds we make when we read you books or sing to you.  Many of your babbles sound like real words and you make a sound that sounds like "itty!" when you see Major.  Last weekend Daddy and I both saw you use the sign for "more" when you saw your food sitting on the table.  We were so excited when we saw that!  Since we were both present, we were able to confirm that you truly signed "more" and to not have any doubts about it!

Other big achievements this past month include your very first tooth!  Down on the bottom gums there is now a sliver of white poking through!  I have honestly been happy to have you get your first teeth on the later side.  I think it has allowed me to hold on to the fact that you are my little baby a while longer.

Like I mentioned earlier, Grandma and Grandpa Walker came in for a weekend visit a few weeks ago, and Aunt Piper and Aunt Stacie drove in for a day while they were here.  That evening we went to Scooters, a custard shop nearby, and you had your very first ice cream in a little toddler-sized cone.




A week after that visit, Grandma Rhodes came in and stayed here for a few days.  She even watched you for a whole day while Daddy and I were at work.  Yesterday we drove to Aunt Piper and Aunt Stacie's house in Kalamazoo.  Grandma and Grandpa Walker met us there and we celebrated Aunt Stacie's and Daddy's birthdays.  You had a good time and did very well in the car there and back.

We started going to Gymboree classes with you this past month.  At first you and I went on Wednesdays, but then we switched to weekend classes so that Daddy and I could enjoy it with you together.  You really seem to love your classes there.  You have crawled through tunnels and over inner tubes.  We sing together and at the end play with bubbles and a parachute, which you really love!  We are pleased you enjoy our time there so much, and it is great for all 3 of us to do the classes together.  Daddy and I have a lot of fun just sitting back and watching you!





Today is September 11th, and I feel like I must comment on this to you since it has been such a meaningful day.  Some day, your daddy and I will talk to you about what happened on this day in our country.  I wish with all my heart that I could always protect you from these events- and not just about September 11th but about other events you will one day learn about- wars and hardship and injustices in this world.  One part of me wishes that you could go through your life without ever knowing about any of it.  But, I know that this would be a disservice to you.  To know and understand what has gone on before us, even the bad things, gives us the power to create our future, and to take in this past makes us human.  Yes, there are bad people out there.  But so much more importantly, for every bad spirit there are thousands of good ones, and if the events of September 11th taught us anything it was that our love and compassion for others will always beat out any ill-intentions.  When we think of families out there who are experiencing difficult times, we are reminded of the fragility of life.  Sometimes we need those reminders that we should never go to bed angry, and that we should be thankful each and every day for our family and friends.  And when someone is in need, we should always do our very best to help.

During the memorial service on TV this morning, you squealed and babbled while playing with your toys.  All day long you were the loveliest and most pleasant little sweetie that you can be.  Again and again I found myself thinking of how very much I love you, and how very much I love Daddy, and how blessed we are to have you in our lives.

So on that note, sweet Eleanor, I will sign off.  I look forward to seeing what the next month brings in the story of you growing into your childhood.

I love you,
Mom
xo

Dear Eleanor

 

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Dear Ellie,

Happy 9 month birthday, my sweet girl.

You spent the early part of today at daycare and in the afternoon you had your 9 month check up with your pediatrician.  Daddy took the train from work and met us there.  Dr. Donahoe thinks you are doing great.  You have become very long and lean.  You measure at the 95th percentile for length and 75th percentile for weight.  He commented on how well you seem to be doing socially, specifically with how comfortable you seemed with him, and thinks you are really benefiting from your time at daycare.

After the appointment we sat outside at the Starbucks down the street.  We three enjoyed a blueberry scone together before you moved on to snacking on some puffs.  We threw the puffs you dropped over to some birdies and got to see them peck away at the puffs with their beaks.  You were so zonked from your busy afternoon that you fell asleep against me in your baby carrier on our walk up from our garage.  I got to give you many kisses on your head while you slept.

The past month seemed to go by very fast and I think in part that was because Daddy and I were so busy chasing you!  You are a crawling machine now.  It is actually very fun for us to watch you find your way around, but we need to keep a close eye on you because you are so fast!  You love to pull your books and stuffed animals out from the bookcase.  You love your books and we added many new ones to your collection.  You continue to enjoy your playzone and quickly demolish any towers we build out of your blocks.  You have learned how to throw your balls around and will even crawl after them.

Last Wednesday you pulled to a stand for the first time.  Grandma Rhodes and Aunt Beth were here when you did it, so you had a very excited audience.  I pulled out your Bounce and Spin Froggy for Lila to play in, and you made a beeline across the room the second I placed her inside.  Then you tried pulling yourself up along the side and would have bumped her out of it had you known how.  It was comical to see you become so bothered by someone playing in your Frog!  Hopefully you and Lila will learn to share your toys and will have a peaceful relationship!

Two weeks ago we went to Grandma and Grandpa Walker's cottage in Michigan for a full week.  You seemed to have a fun time swimming in the lake and playing in the tent that Grandpa set up for you.  You were able to do lots of visiting.  Grandma and Grandpa seemed quite excited for your visit and had got you some toys to play with down by the lake and in the cottage.  They got you a baby floatie for swimming in the lake and a kiddie swing which lulled you to sleep several times.  Auntie Piper and Auntie Stacie got to see you at the beginning and end of the week.  They slept outside by the lake in their tent!  And Grandma Rhodes came and stayed with us for a night too.  Later in the week Liz, Will, Lucy, and Emma drove up and stayed at a hotel in East Tawas.  You got to meet new baby Emma and saw what a big girl Lucy is.  One morning we met them along the pier in East Tawas and had breakfast outside on Lake Huron. 









On the long drive home to Chicago we stopped in Frankenmuth and you had your first Frankenmuth chicken dinner- chicken, mashed potatoes, and corn.

Speaking of food, your tasting menu continues to expand.  When we pick you up from daycare we find out about all the wonderful and fun new foods you tried that day- sloppy joes, meatloaf, fish, watermelon, pancakes, and waffles have been some of your new fancy dishes.  You readily accept the pureed foods I've made you but also really enjoy eating with your fingers and eating the same foods we are eating.  You also like making a big mess with your meals!  We have a big circular mat beneath your high chair and that helps to catch all your crumbs!

This past month you began making the "ma ma ma" sound, which of course I like!  You also now tend to come to me and hug my legs when you are getting sleepy.  You occasionally become hesitant with meeting new people or people you haven't seen in a while.  You lean into me if I happen to be holding you and gingerly squeeze my arm with your little hand.  I actually love feeling you cling to me like that- it is my guilty pleasure.  Of course I wish for you to be comfortable with the people that Daddy and I want to be around you, but there really is no feeling like that of your own baby holding onto you.  When you have your children, I know you will understand what I mean.

You continue to love Major and he is constantly trying to get closer to you even though you end up clutching a fistful of his fur!  You liked being with Grandma and Grandpa's doggies Rugby and Charley.  Even today you shrieked with glee when we passed a woman walking a Golden Retriever on Paulina. 

At the doctor's we scheduled your next appointment which will be your ONE YEAR check up!  We find it hard to believe that we are approaching your one year birthday.  We love you so much and each month with you has been our greatest gift.  You are such a sweet girl and take on your surroundings with such pure innocence.  There is no other way we would wish to begin our day than rounding the corner to see our lovely Ellie waiting for us in her crib. 

Next time I write you will be ten months old!

All my love,
Mom xo

Growth parameters today:
Weight 20 lb 8 oz    75th percentile
Length 30 1/2 inches    95th percentile

Dear Eleanor

Monday, July 11, 2011

Dearest Eleanor,

You are giving me a chuckle right now.  You are very tired and are very much wanting to nap, but every time I look on the baby monitor you have sprung back up into sitting position.  I've gone into your room a couple times to help you to lie down, and as soon as I get you on your back you stick your thumb in your mouth and roll to your side.  Then sure enough I sit down on the couch, take a sip of tea, and turn on the monitor to find you popped back up in a sitting position!  It appears now that you have successfully snuggled down with your Anne bear and are entering into a happy afternoon nap. 

You, my dear, are 8 months old today, and you grew so much in the past month that I am excited to tell you about it.  You have had a nice day today.  You ate some banana this morning and spent some time playing in the living room with your toys.  Our living room was looking like a disaster-area with your toys spread all over the place.  I began putting them back in their bins, and stacked your tower of blocks, and I know that you will find great enjoyment over the next couple days in tearing everything apart again!  After your morning nap we got all packed up and met your friend Jackson at the Lincoln Park Zoo.  You saw many animals for the first time and enjoyed all the fishies.  You also seemed to pick up on the great big polar bear as he swam in front of us, and the little meerkats were entertaining.  We said hello to the big kitties just like Major asked us to.

Your 8th month began with us in Michigan.  Your christening on June 12 was a wonderful day and that entire weekend was very nice.  You wore a beautiful bonnet, cardigan, and shoes that Grandma and Grandpa brought back to you from England, over a very pretty white dress.  You received many special christening gifts, including a silver bracelet from Great-Grandpa, a silver heart necklace from Grandma and Grandpa, and a glass prism to hang in the window from Aunt Piper and Aunt Stacie.  Dangling below the prism is a small glass hummingbird to remind you of your namesake, your great-grandma DeLisle.  You received other very nice gifts including a start to your college fund.

A weekend after we got home from Michigan was Father's Day weekend.  We got Daddy some nice Father's Day cards and you spent the day playing with him.  We went for a nice long walk with him too, and took some pictures of you together.




The weekend following we had a lot of fun.  We met your friends Brayden, Eva, and Paloma at the mall.  The following day we got to see your baby boy friends from our mom's group.  Everyone is growing so big!

The Monday coming out of that weekend we were joined by Aunt Piper and Aunt Stacie for the afternoon.  We had a great afternoon with them.  That was also a day of many milestones for you.  1) That morning, before my eyes, you managed to get yourself up into sitting position all by yourself for the very first time.  It was a very special moment and you are now able to enjoy your playtime from a whole new perspective.  2) We always learn of great tips from our friends in our mom's group, and one shared idea from the day before was that many of your friends have started eating puffs cereal.  With Piper and Stacie we walked to the grocery store, bought you some puffs, and back at home you began to grab the puffs cereal pieces sprinkled on your high chair tray and bring them into your mouth.  It was the start of a whole new experience with food for you.  3) After sitting up that morning, you were very eager to see what else you could do with that skill, and that afternoon you reached onto the surface of the coffee table and managed to pull yourself into the kneeling position.  It really was quite the day!



A couple days later you gave me quite a start as I rounded the corner into your bedroom to get you up from your nap and found you sitting upright in your crib!  And not only that, but you had your legs dangling through the crib slats, almost as though you were perched off the end of a dock with your toes in the water.  It was quite funny and that night Daddy adjusted your crib mattress to its lowest setting before another moment went by and you learned how to somersault your way out.

Every so often we catch glimpses of you trying to hone your other skills.  You emulated a clap after we clapped our hands to you one day.  You have not replicated that since but we know you'll surprise us with it soon.  Similarly, the weekend in Michigan you waved your arm in response to your grandma, aunt Beth, uncle Avery, mommy, and daddy, who all looked rather goofy standing in one row and attempting to get you to wave to us.

Your babbling continues to sound more distinct.  You like to tell us stories about someone named Bob by saying, "BOBBOBBOBBOBBOBBOBBOB!"  A couple weeks ago you were in the kitchen with me and fell backward, smacking your head on the hard floor.  It was a hard fall and you were very upset, and as I held you and you finished crying, you switched into an angry conversational mode, as though reviewing with me the injustices of wood floors and inadequate rug coverage.  I felt like I was talking to Woodstock.

One action you just started this past week- and we might just be imagining it but both have seen you do it a couple times- is to bob and bounce your trunk when you are sitting up and music comes on.  You continue to love your music, especially your Mozart magic cube and the tambourine toy at daycare.  Your teachers at daycare have also introduced you to bubbles, so we recently got some for you here at home too.


As you can see, darling, you had an exceptionally fun month.  We look forward to all the new tricks you will show us during your 9th month.  I love my baby girl and am so unbelievably proud of the little person you are becoming.

I love you,
Mom xo

P.S. Crawling!  I completely forgot to tell you about your amazing ability to now crawl like a big kid!  That's my girl :-) xo

Clapping! from Lindsay Rhodes on Vimeo.

Clapping! from Lindsay Rhodes on Vimeo.

Dear Eleanor

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Dear Eleanor,

I am writing this in the bedroom where I grew up while you try to nap.  We are in Michigan this weekend and have many things planned.  You were very good on the long car ride in and have enjoyed smiling at and petting Grandma and Grandpa's dogs and cats.  Yesterday you spent the evening at Grandma Rhodes' with Aunt Beth, Uncle Avery, Cameron, and Lila, and Grandpa Rhodes came over to visit too.  It is not often that you are able to see all of your grandparents in one day!

That brings us to this morning and your 7 month birthday.  7 months, my dear!  You continue to delight us each and every day with your cheery temperment and quickly emerging independence.  You are able to get where you want and what you want through your highly efficient army crawling.  You can hold yourself up in a sitting position unsupported and enjoy lying on your back with your feet in your mouth.  Your babbles come out in clear conversational syllables and it definitely feels like you are telling us stories sometimes.  You love books and hold them opened up above your head while you lie on your back. 
 


Your exploration of solid foods is going well, and now you enjoy bananas, apples, mangoes, sweet potato, green peas, carrots, zucchini, avocado, potatoes, cereal, and oatmeal.  We offer you a small sip of water when you finish eating and you love to play with the cup once it is empty.
Major continues to be one of your best friends and he lets you pull on his fur and ears.  You kick your legs, laugh, and squeal when he comes over to you and he seems to love the attention you give him.  Speaking of squealing, that is another new trick you are perfecting.  You love to screetch and shriek at very high decibels and in public, as I learned when we went to the drugstore last week.  You like to hear yourself and the louder the better!

A few weeks ago we set up a playzone in our living room.  It is basically an enclosed gated area with bright colorful panels and a red door.  On the floor within the playzone we now have colorful foam tiles.  It is a fun and bright place and you enjoy rolling around inside and playing.  You love your toys that have buttons and play music, but also like your more traditional toys too.  You like knocking over your tower of stacking rings and your red bucket of plastic circle, square, and star-shaped toys.  It makes me wonder how your bedroom will look when you are older, if perhaps you prefer your belongings be scattered across the floor than kept in their places!


We stayed more or less close to home in the past month prior to coming to Michigan.  Grandma and Grandpa Walker were here for Memorial Day weekend and you went to a birthday party.  We have had some strange weather- either it's been cold and rainy or very hot and humid- but when we can we continue to go to the park so you can swing in the swingset.


When you wake from your nap we will meet Grandma and Grandpa Rhodes and your aunt, uncle, and cousins for brunch in Rochester.  Later on we will go to two parties, one with the Rhodes' family friends and the other with the Walker family friends.  There will be many people there who will get to meet you for the first time.  Tomorrow, you and Lila are being christened.  Auntie Piper, Auntie Beth, and Uncle Avery will be your godparents.  Afterwards we will spend the afternoon at Uncle Aram and Aunt Kathy's.  You will be with your entire family and it will be a special day for you and Lila.  You received sweet christening cards from your great-grandpa, your auntie Sarah and Uncle Pete, and your Uncle Eric in England so they will all be thinking of you tomorrow too.

 

Your daddy and I just love watching you grow, sweetie.  Each month we follow you as you explore and develop and we have adored every second of our time together as a family.  We love the sweet little person that you are now and look forward to the months ahead.  We can't believe you are a big 7 month old!

As soon as you get up from your nap I am going to give you a great big kiss!

All my love, Eleanor,
Mom xoxo

Dear Eleanor

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

My darling baby girl,

Six months ago, at this very moment, your daddy and I were holding you for the very first time.  You will see as you get older how life falls into phases of slow and gradual progression, such as the years you will be in elementary and high school, and then suddenly you feel as though you are blazing through moments and days when every thing changes.  That is how these past 6 months have felt to me.  I never realized how tangible love could be until I felt your solid body in my arms, and could never have imagined that my gorgeously frail newborn baby- my daughter- would be taking on her world with her giant blue eyes, hammy smile, and unstoppable curiosity in a mere 6 months from then.  I know I speak for your daddy to say that we have so enjoyed these unbelievable past 6 months with you and watching you become the baby who can physically get anywhere she wants now!  I will move on to the events of this past month, but wanted to express to you the joy we feel at the reaching of your half-year milestone.


Two days after I wrote your 5 month letter, you rolled over for the first time from your back to your tummy.  I was on a conference call for work and was sitting on the floor next to you.  Thankfully my phone was on mute because we did a lot of clapping and cheering, which prompted you to instantly roll again, only this time it put you almost beneath your crib!  I knew we had definitely reached a new level at that point, and now you basically are able to flip all over the place.  You can also spend a lot more time and energy on your belly, and even began to rock back and forth this week.
You have started giving us some absolutely terrific laughs in the past couple weeks.  We had a Chicago Cubs game on last night, and when one of the players went up to bat I said to you in a high-pitched voice, "Oh look, there's Marlon Byrd!"  You thought that something about that was the funniest thing you ever heard, because when I continued to squeal "Marlon Byrd!  Marlon Byrd!" you giggled uncontrollably.  I think you practically giggled yourself right to sleep.

You started eating some solid foods this past month!  We started with some rice cereal and have added some mashed banana to your menu which you seem to enjoy.  You like to pull the spoon into your mouth when your hands.  We have started to offer you a little water from a cup which you really seem to like based on the enthusiastic manner in which you tip the cup to your lips.  Two nights ago I gave you a sippy cup with a straw, on a whim, and sure enough we noticed water going all the way up the straw and into your mouth!  The action was difficult to replicate but you still liked gnawing on the straw.

The Easter Bunny stopped by for Easter morning, which we thought was very kind of him.  He got you a yellow bunny that sings and plays music.  That afternoon both Mommy and Daddy's families got together which was a lot of fun.  Cameron has a green balloon (it's like a cross between a ball and balloon) which he shared with you.  You tried to throw it several times.

This past weekend was Mother's Day.  You were very sneaky and at daycare you made me a nice CD of songs that had our picture on the CD case, along with a certificate that says you think I am the best Mom on the planet!  On Mother's Day itself, you and Daddy got me some tulips, a cool pair of shoes that I've been wanting, and a picture of you and Daddy together.  I have it hanging up at work.  That afternoon we went to the park and you loved going in a swing and being able to sway back and forth.  The weather is getting nicer so we will likely be going there frequently!


You had a great appointment with the pediatrician this morning and were very brave with your shots.  He is very pleased with how you are doing.

Well my dear, you are beginning to stir from your nap, so I will wrap this up.  I love you so much and am so proud of the big girl you are becoming. 

Love you!
Mom xo

Your growth, as of today
Weight: 18 lb 13 oz    90th percentile
Length: 28 inches     >95th percentile

Dear Eleanor

Monday, April 11, 2011

Dear Eleanor,

Happy 5 months, Sweetheart! 

This was a really nice month for you.  We spent a great afternoon at Aunt Beth's and Uncle Avery's at the beginning of your 5th month.  Grandma Rhodes was there, and Grandpa Rhodes and Aunt Kathy came in to town to meet your new cousin Lila.  They were very surprised to see what a big girl you are now.  It is amazing to see how much you have grown in comparison to Baby Lila, who is still so little.

This was a month of many firsts for you.  You took your first trip to the airport to drop off Grandma and Grandpa Walker.  They are in England now with your great-grandpa, aunts, uncles, and cousins.  You had your first trip to Costco a couple weekends ago.  I put you in your baby carrier and we walked around while Daddy pushed the shopping cart.  Last weekend you went to your first kids' birthday party, and this past weekend Daddy, you, and I went downtown for the night.  You got to see Millennium Park and Michigan Avenue and the Chicago River.  You also rolled over for the very first time this month!  You rolled from your tummy to your back and have done it several times since.  You are very close to rolling over from front to back too.


You are becoming more and more interactive with the world around you and it is so enjoyable to watch.  At Brayden's birthday party you loved watching the other little kids.  There was a woman playing guitar and singing and you really were enraptured with it all.  You got to take home a red balloon and were very pleased with that!  Aunt Piper and Aunt Stacie came over later that day and we posed you for pictures with the balloon.



Last week you began to blow raspberries and it is now one of your favorite forms of communication.  When we played with you this past weekend, you and Daddy got into a very silly raspberry spitting competition.  You blew a raspberry at Daddy, and then he blew a raspberry at you, which then made you spit back.  This went on and on for some time!

You were holding a teething toy the other day, and every time you dropped it you became very fed up and frustrated!  In the past you would have moved on, so it was very amusing to see you become that attached to that one toy and to become mad when you lost it!

Daddy and I found a cool sign language app for the ipod that is teaching us many signs to use with you.  It will be some time before you'll be able to use these signs yourself, but it is fun to think that you are moving into that stage.

You and Major continue to be great pals.  He lies down next to you and you enjoy petting his soft fur. 

The weather is improving and yesterday it was so warm that all you wore while we pushed you in your stroller was a onesie!  We look forward to being able to spend more time outside with you.

Well darling, we are off to Oak Park to see Cameron and Lila, and your cousin-in-law Nora.  It is my birthday this week, and I must say that you are the greatest gift I have ever had.

All my love Sweetie,
Mom
xo

Dear Eleanor

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Dear Eleanor,
Wow, there's a big, happy 4 month old baby girl in our house!  You had a very nice fourth month.  We ventured down to Chinatown a few Saturdays ago to celebrate Chinese New Year and you enjoyed watching the many plates of food spin by on the turn-table. 

On the Saturday following that, you woke up bright and early.  We took advantage of the early time and ventured outside for your very first brunch.  You seem to be soothed by the noise and constant hum of many restaurants and coffee shops.  If they seem to have space for your stroller we now feel more comfortable going inside.  The Thursday following, your auntie Piper came into town and stayed home with you the whole day Friday while Daddy and I worked.  You developed a mild cold and she helped you through your coughs and sneezes by playing her ukelele for you, which of course you loved, being the music connoisseur you are! 


Right after Aunt Piper left, Grandma Rhodes came in and she took care of you several times throughout the week.  You liked smiling at her.  She knit you a pretty shimmery blue hat that has heart shapes as the ear flaps. 

Then, Grandma and Grandpa Walker came into town for the weekend and got their turn to play with you.  Everyone was sad they couldn't see you more often this winter.  Our weather is slowly becoming milder so it will hopefully be easier now to visit with everyone in Michigan.

The most exciting event of this past month only just occurred a few days ago.  Your new cousin, Lila Kathleen, was born on March 9!  She weighed 8 lbs and was 21 inches long, which is funny because those were her brother Cameron's birth stats, and you were also exactly the same in length but weighed just 1 ounce more!  It will be very easy for Grandma Rhodes to keep track of the birth stats of her 3 grandchildren!  We are so excited that you now have a girl cousin so close in age to you, and look forward to watching you grow up together. 

I put together a baby book for you this past month.  It includes photos and other momentos of your first 3 months.  I hope you enjoy looking through it when you are older. 
  
I looked at a picture of you from a little over a month ago the other day, and it struck me that you have grown so much from even then.  Your hair is much longer, especially in the middle so you have a cute sporty mohawk going on.  We used to say that you looked like your daddy when you wore a hat, since it accentuated the round face you inherited from him.  In the past month you really started to favor your daddy's looks.  Even your daycare teachers have commented on it.  I now refer to you as "Little Jimette."


Your social smile has developed into quite a look of glee and you are starting to let out a little pseudo-chuckle, a precursor to the larger baby belly laughs that we anticipate are soon to come.  On Thursday afternoon we were reading Peek-a WHO? together, and when I got to, "Peek a....BOO!" you let out a little chuckle, which was adorable.  It was the first time you directly responded to being read to, which I think is great. 


We put together the Bounce 'n Spin Froggy that you received from John and Kathy G. for Christmas.  Even though your toes barely touch the pedestal, you love sitting in it and spinning the toys, which makes the music start up.

You had a great 4 month check up at the doctor's last week.  Your pediatrician is very pleased with how well you are growing and developing.  He says we can try giving you some solid foods soon!  Can you believe that?!

So, darling, it's been another great month together.  We love you oh so much and are thrilled to watch your beautiful face as you play and sing to us.  This time next month you'll be a springtime baby, and we can't wait to take you outside when it becomes green and warm again. 

All my love to you, sweetheart,
Mom
xo

Your current measurements:
16 lbs 3 oz (90th %ile)
26 1/4 inches long (97th %ile)
and sugar and spice and everything nice!

Dear Eleanor

Friday, February 11, 2011

Dear Eleanor,

You are 3 months old today!  We can hardly believe it.  This was my first week back at work.  You spent two full days at daycare and did very well.  You were lying on the floor and sucking your hand with great satisfaction when I arrived to take you home this evening.

As I have said in my previous letters to you, you are growing more beautiful each and every day.  I would not be surprised if my next letter includes the news that you have rolled over.  Currently you are able to pull your legs up to your tummy and roll over to your side.  You have a growing interest in your toys and can grasp many of them and bring them to your mouth.  In preparing you for daycare we are working on you growing more accustomed to sleeping in your crib.  We are also experimenting with putting you down with one arm out of your swaddle, and tonight you have actually fallen asleep in your crib with no swaddle at all!  We got you a fancy crib mobile which arrived this week.  A stuffed bear, whale, alligator, and lion rotate to music, while images project up onto the ceiling.  You seem to really love it!

Shortly after I wrote your 2 month old letter you came down with your first head cold.  It was so sad seeing you so miserable.  You were very brave and came through it all the stronger I think.

We weren't able to take you out all that much in the past month because of our winter weather.  In fact, just last week you had your very first blizzard and here in Chicago we received almost 2 feet of snow!  We bundled you up the next day and walked down the sidewalk with you so that you can one day say that you were there for the blizzard of 2011.

The past few Mondays you and I travelled down to Hyde Park to attend a new mom's group.  You like looking at the other babies (all boys!) while the other moms and I chit chat.  Two weeks ago you slept through the whole session and I think that made some of the other moms a little jealous!

You are sleeping for longer stretches at night, and last night slept all the way from 8 pm to 5:45 am!  It must have felt fantastic to get in all that sleeping!

Now that I've returned to work, your daddy will be staying home with you on Thursday mornings.  He seemed to really enjoy having you all to himself yesterday.  I found myself thinking of you a lot while I worked this week and I am so relieved knowing you are in such good hands during the day.  After work on Tuesday and Friday I felt like skipping to my car because I was so excited that it was time to pick you up!

I can't wait to see how much growing and developing you'll do in the next month.  Oh my goodness- you'll be 4 months old when I write next!  If only you knew how often your daddy and I comment to each other about how madly in love with you we are, or how much we miss your pretty face even when you're only asleep in the next room.  There are times when I say to your dad, "Look at us.  This is our baby!"  You are just so amazing.

With that, sweet darling, I will say good night.  Happy 3 months.  We love you so, so much.

Sweet dreams,
Mom
xo