Half a year gone...

Just as every parent told Brian and I it would, time has flown by. Eleanor is almost 7 months old now. It's amazing to think that seven months ago she was so tiny and helpless. She still needs her mommy and daddy a lot, but she's becoming so independent. Her favorite thing is to sit up and play with her toys. She likes it so much that she cries when she throws herself back and realizes she's not sitting up anymore.
Now that she's mastered sitting up, Eleanor has decided that it is time to become mobile. She is pushing herself up so high off the floor and rocking back and forth. That means Brian and I have to get in gear and babyproof this house. Soon!
Another great development has been Eleanor's sense of humor. Brian and I have become quite hilarious in the past few weeks. Let's just hope she thinks we are funny when she is 13 and we are trying to joke around with her friends...or boyfriends...yikes! I talked with Joe, the father of the family I used to babysit for, today. His oldest girl, G, is now 13 and has the boys calling all the time. It really puts things into perspective for me. G was just 2 years old when I started babysitting her and her little sister, M. It makes me realize that I really do need to cherish time with Eleanor, because before I know it, she'll be grown. That is one reason why I am so thankful to be a stay at home mom, though. I never miss a moment with my amazing little Scout!

The red piano tour.

Our first Christmas with Eleanor was pure joy, and we know it will only get better as she ages and understands what is going on. As with any baby, wrapping paper was a huge hit this year. In at a close second, though, is the little red piano that Santa left under the tree. Watching her bang on the keys is the ultimate entertainment. We'll see if Brian and I feel the same way after a few weeks. Eleanor was also lucky enough to get a lot of books, a big stuffed dog and a Care Bear, and a cool Radio Flyer wagon for walks when the weather is nicer. She also received a lot of good stuff from her Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, cousins, and friends. I can't imagine getting this many presents for her every year.

A blog is born.

I feel awful that I haven't created a blog for Eleanor sooner, but there is no time like the present. Brian and I are so amazed at all that Eleanor has learned over the past 6 months. Right now she loves sitting up and playing with all her toys. She still falls backward sometimes, but she's getting stronger every day.
Her latest discovery is her hands and feet, which is great because she always has something to keep her occupied. She's also rolling over, but she refuses to roll back from her tummy to her back. Instead of trying too hard, Eleanor will just cry until we flip her over.
Brian and I were so surprised last night as we watched Eleanor getting her legs up and under her belly and pushing forward. It won't be long now until we're chasing her around the house.