in explanation of my hiatus, or: what it's like to have a 'spirited' baby

Obviously I've done a terrible job updating the blog for approximately four months, and even before that, it was pretty spotty.  All I can say in my defense is that parenthood is no joke, especially when you have what is called in most holy-moly-help-me-anybody-help-me parenting literature as a 'spirited' baby. 

Don't get me wrong: I love Nora and I love her crazy personality, but it is just that: crazy.  This child never stops moving.  I know that you think I am exaggerating: I am not.  It takes us at least 90 minutes to get her to bed.  She wakes up between 3 and 7 times per night (some amazing nights have only been 2!...some not-so-amazing nights have been 10).  She learned to walk at just over eight and a half months.  She wants constant interaction.  Today, she is ten months and she toddles around everywhere, stands up on her own without anything to hold, and climbs everything.  The other day she dove into the banister on the steps, cried for a minute, and then tried again.  She has exactly zero chill and it's hilarious, but it's also exhausting.

Here's a list of other things (besides updating the blog) that I have not done since she has been born, strictly because I don't have the time when I'm chasing her around everywhere:  

-opened any mail within 3 days of it arriving

-shower regularly (disgusting, but some days it just doesn't happen #momlife)

-cooked dinner more than twice a month

-edited pictures within two months of taking them

-exercised (that doesn't involve making sure Eleanor stays alive)

-slept more than a few hours at a time

-watched a movie

 

So, without further ado, let me catch you up as much as I can over the next few posts.  Here's a brief look at July (Nora at 6 months):

 

pool parties with cousin Mary and Aunt Amy

first tiny fam vaca! we went to the lake for a few days, just the three of us.

then Travis, Blythe, and the Malone boys joined us and this happened.

Nora showed her Hufflepuff pride.

Nora INSISTED on walking everywhere.  Crawling is for suckers.

We literally did this for 2 months.

Loved walking on her own in her Joovy Spoon.

Still amazingly stunning.

Loving on Dad.

     Next post: August...

happy birthday, gg!

You guys, look how cute my grandma is:

 

...and today she turns 80! We actually celebrated with a surprise party (planned by her four daughters) a few weeks ago. 

Happy Birthday, GG! We love you!

 Here are some of my favorite shots:

hugs after the big surprise

famjam

cousins

nora and some of her fave aunts

whats up just hanging out in a field i don't know

"Excuse me, sir, that's my GG up there!"

jilly just jillin

finn

nora just totaling blue steeling

ugh, c'mon dad

cuties

gg clicked her heels and then...

check this: starting with GG: Bethany Grace >>> Grace Christina (skip the babe for a sec) >>>> Tina Jayne (back to baby) >>>> Eleanor Jayne #namechain

everybody (kind of)

       

eleanor jayne gets baptized

Eleanor Jayne got her first sacrament on April 11, 2015. It was a day filled with family, cake, cookies, and grilled cheese bars.  Nora wore her great-grandma's baptismal dress from India (also worn by her great-great-aunt Margaret and great-aunt Susie). I wish I had gotten more pictures of more family members with her, but the camera got lost in the party shuffle.  She didn't cry at all during the actual baptism, but we had a near-disaster during mass (crisis averted by very creative holding on the way to the changing table) and the dress and baby remained intact. 

Party Time: Grilled Cheese Bar

We had assorted breads, butters, cheeses, and toppings ready for everyone to assemble their own sandwich (with combination suggestions), and 2 griddles ready to go.  It was a hit, regardless of this conversation I had with my dad the day before:

Dad: Are you sure you want to do a grilled cheese bar?

Me: Yes.  Why?

Dad: Because it's weird.