Our Last Week

Well, it is one week until I return to work and I am both terrified and eager...I know I will be a better mom if I have work that I enjoy and feel good about, but leaving my kid while she is still so young is very hard. I know the pull is not unique and that most parents feel this tension, but I just hope she will be OK. So, here are some of the latest pictures of Eleanor, sleeping and in her Bengals cheer leading outfit (Dad is teaching her how to yell "Who Dey" right now). We think she is so darn cute, we keep taking her picture! So, here is the latest from the Grove household...

Eleanor will be going to various family & friends' houses for the next 3 weeks while her school is being finished. Then, she will be starting at a brand new Goddard school in downtown Columbus. Her mom & dad, in the meantime, will see how they handle a baby and working full time! It has been so luxurious staying at home for 7 weeks, so wish us luck that we don't get all crabby.

Eleanor gets to meet her uncle Whit and uncle Ben this weekend, both visiting for her Daddy's annual fantasy football draft. That means lots of Mommy & Baby time Friday and Saturday, so we are planning on going to the Greek Festival and doing some shopping, and hanging out at Starbucks (Eleanor's favorite). So, maybe we'll see you out and about! Hugs from us, the Mama

Neglecting Our Loyal Readers

We have been neglecting our updates! For you faithful readers, our girl is now 6 weeks old (tonight at 12:34 am, that is) and she is changing everyday, growing bigger and stronger, sleeping longer, and smiling! She is even turning herself over from her back to her side! It is amazing to watch her change and grow up every day.

Since our last post Mama Wendy had her 33rd birthday. She got some flowers from Dad and a baby seal from Eleanor. Grandpa Grove's present was to watch Nora for a couple of hours while Mom and Dad went out for a nice lunch. It was nice to sit down for a meal and not worry about a Nora interruption (thanks grandpa!) although after a couple of hours we both missed our girl.

One Month Old

This afternoon we had Eleanor's one month Doctor appointment. Nora was not happy to be there and was screaming while her dad carried her down the hall to be weighed, several of the nurses/techs/people in the waiting room all commenting on how healthy her lungs sounded. She has to be healthy to make that much noise and embarrass dad right? The doctor said everything looked good, Nora's weight is up to 8 pounds 14.5 ounces and she is in the 75th percentile for length at over 22 inches. Her next appointment is in a month and that is when she will get her first shots . . .we are not looking forward to the noises she will make during that visit.

Home Visits

Did you know that every mother in Franklin county is entitled to a newborn home visit from a registered nurse who comes and checks out the mom & baby within 6 weeks of the baby's birth? Yep, it is true! And, our home visit was yesterday. Eleanor was a true hostess and charmed the nurse from minute one of introductions (they don't call every baby beautiful, do they? I doubt it!). Along with getting the big thumbs up that both Mommy & Nora are growing and healing wonderfully, we also found out that Eleanor is now 8 pounds, 8 ounces and 22 inches long. Her head is 14 inches around (and normal is between 13-15, so her melon is right on target size wise). Go Baby! It is funny to me how much of your first months of life involve being weighed and measured, but hey, I am tickled pink that she is healthy and growing strong.

In other updates, we have now visited both Mommy & Daddy's workplaces and various restaurants and coffee shops, grocery stores and friends' homes, and had our very first family portrait done. We get out at least 1-2 everyday and we just recently figured out that the air conditioning wakes our girl up, while her July blood prefers the 90 temps raging our fair city these days. She sleeps peacefully amid the haze and humidity while her parents sweat like they are sitting in a sauna.

And, the latest news from today: Remember the great daycare I thought we were so ahead of the game by getting on the waiting list in pregnancy month 4? Yeah, we are somewhere on the list with an estimated wait time of OVER A YEAR!!!! Well, we'll stay on the list, but we are now exploring other options *sigh* for Eleanor's start of daycare in 3-4 weeks. Wish us luck!

A Moment

Dear all,
It has been a wonderful three weeks since Eleanor was born. But, as you can imagine, I have hardly had a minute to read, write, or clean. When Geoff or I do get some time, he gives the boys some much needed attention and I sleep. Today, I am lucky enough to be at my favorite coffee shop while Nora is asleep, so I thought I would write a quick note of thanks. To everyone who has called, made dinners, sent cards and gifts, Thank You. I have been surprised how many of you have connected with us to simply say "Welcome" to our daughter. She is indeed a lucky girl to be surrounded by so many friends and family. My mom stayed with us 2 weeks and was so much help, it was wonderful to get out and feel human again. Thanbks Mom! Eleanor is growing and doing GREAT. Look at my sweet baby! Love you all, Wendy