The Family Meets Eleanor

Eleanor took right to Grandpa Gene, as you can see by the picture. Mommy and daddy took a well deserved nap the evening they arrived and we enjoyed resting on the porch with our sweet grandbaby -- as well as doggie Bridget. Luckily they got that nap because Eleanor had a pretty major meltdown from about midnight until two that night. We heard they were thinking about just knocking at our door and handing her over for a while ...

Backing up a bit, Eleanor's first trip out of state was quite successful, although it took longer than normal with the added stops they made. As Kelly and Clint said, it was the first time in her short life that she was out of arms for such a long period of time and she did great. She wasn't really fussy until close to the end of the trip. Her new pacifier helped out.

Uncle Josh got to meet and hold his new niece. The minute he first held her he was surprised how soft her skin was. It was sweet to watch their interaction.


Uncle Matt, almost 20, is not into babies, but he did spend a fair amount of time looking Ms. Eleanor over when she arrived. I think she is cuter than he expected!

Great Grandma Anne loved meeting and holding her first great grandbaby. Since she is almost 87 she feels too unsteady to walk around with her but she totally enjoyed gazing into Eleanor's eyes and holding her. I had to steal her back so I could get some time with her ...

Two more firsts for Eleanor (beside it being her first road trip and first trip out of state): She had her first trip to the pool and wore her first bikini!

The water was pretty cold but she got a little dip in it and then spent much of her time nursing under a beach blanket to help protect her sensitive skin.

She also had her first bath with mommy and I heard it was blissful for both. She went to bed earlier than normal that night before they left without fussing and slept well. What a good girl.

Oh yeah, and another first -- not so pleasant. Eleanor had some congestion, maybe a little cold. Poor thing. She seemed healthy otherwise, eating well and sleeping normally, so her mom and dad are keeping an eye on her.

This morning, before they left, Grandpa carried Eleanor upstairs to lie in bed with me for a while. She was so sweet -- happy and cooing. I hated so much to see her and the kids go back home! Kelly nursed her, sitting next to me on the bed, and it was time to leave. Now they're safely back home and this house seems very empty without them. WE MISS YOU AND LOVE YOU!!