Lovebug

My mom has called me lovebug as long as I can remember and actually still does every now and again. Without meaning to, it has become one of the nicknames that both Geoff & I call our girl. It rolls off the tongue so effortlessly, it seems like she was always supposed to be called lovebug. I adore this picture of Nora because she is starting to smile. Every time she grins, it melts my heart. Plus, a cute hat helps that *wow* factor (we actually got this hat from two people: our friend Danyll and Grandpa's friend Brenda. For those of you not from around here, that is a Buckeye on the hat).


And in this picture, our girl is supporting her favorite college football team, Ohio State, in a onesie from Ed & Evelyn Erlanger. Recently, OSU played the Washington Huskies in a game Geoff & I were actually planning on going to in Seattle until we found out our little Buckeye was on her way. The Buckeyes beat the Huskies in that game and this is now Eleanor's favorite outfit.


Peeking out from behind her bouncy chair toys, which she is just starting to pay attention to, Nora wonders why I am taking so many pictures. This outfit was given to us by our friend Elaine and it says, "I pulled an all-nighter." HA! Cracked me up when I saw it as Elaine and I pulled a lot of all nighters in our days of graduate school in Portland. Plus, its a good luck shirt too given that since we got it, Eleanor has taken to falling asleep around 9:00 pm and slept through the night to 5:00 am. This actually started the night before I returned to work, thank god. Proof positive our Eleanor is a very smart girl.

So, lovebug is asleep and I am feeling like a RockStar Mom. We are exhausted every night, but loving our time with Nora as she discovers new things. I completely relish the reports of how she did during the day as well as our own night-time rituals. Walks in the stroller are more fun as we describe surroundings and watch her fall asleep over the bumpy roads. Most recently, I can hold her on my shoulder without her tumbling over. Finally, what I really love is picturing her at various stages and ages of her life ahead. I smile, looking forward to each one, while completely loving this present time. She is growing so big so fast and it is the most fun I have ever had. Thanks for the fun lovebug, Mama

Duckie Hat and Other Cute Outfits

We have received some many cute outfits it is a challenge to get pictures of all of them. Here she is chillin' in her robe and duckie hat after a bath (she's not too sure about the hat yet). The hat and phone rattle were given to us by Michelle a fellow student from our Akron days. The last picture is an adorable outfit given to us by one of Wendy's co-workers, Caroleen. Thanks so much everyone.

Two Months

Today Eleanor had her two month doctor's appointment. She is in the 80th percentile in weight (12.25 pounds) and height/length (over 23 inches). We knew she was growing but were a bit surprised at how much. The rest of the appointment was not as fun as she got her first immunization shots (4 of them!) and she didn't care for those at all. Although, I think the shots were tougher on Mom and Dad than her. I (Dad) took the rest of the day off to spend with her and she seems to be doing well. Right now she relaxing in her swing listening to Modest Mouse, the CD just switched to The Shins and she doesn't seem to like it, so I've got to run.

Welcome Nora Party

On Sunday, Sara & Brandon Lynaugh gave us a party to welcome Nora. It was a wonderful day, with exquisite food and lovely people. This first picture is Sue Laughlin, Sara's mom and our longtime friend.

Below is Julie Johnston, one of Nora's favorite people from Mama's bookclub.


Here are two of Eleanor's urban siblings, Daniel Mack and Taryn Lynaugh, aren't they sweet?



And the Grove clan...Aunt Pam, Grandpa, and Grandpa's friend Joyce holding Nora.



And here is soon-to-be Dad Dave Frymyer (Baby Frymyer is due in late November) holding our girl...he looks like a natural already!

We want to thank all of our friends and family for coming and sharing this day with us. Our hosts went above and beyond, opening their new home (isn't it beautiful?) and welcoming all of those amazing people in our lives. Thank you everyone.

Arrivals & Departures

This weekend we had a lot of activity at the Grove household. Not only was it Eleanor's first Buckeye game, but we had lots of people coming and going. In order of the pictures, Eleanor's Uncle Whit was here from Chicago and her Uncle Ben was here from Zurich Switzerland.

We also had locals, Ed & Evelyn Erlanger stop by for a meet & greet with Nora. The Erlangers gave Nora OSU Buckeye socks for every age of her life, so she will be able to be properly attired for most Saturdays from now through 2020.

The last picture shows our boy Charlie. After much soul searching, we decided to return him to the rescue we adopted him from. He was just a big, sweet lovable oaf who just did not get the concept that the baby was fragile. We adored this pup and miss him, but we couldn't risk some accident happening with Eleanor. He is up for adoption and would be the perfect companion to someone looking for a fun, energetic, sweet pup.