Road Trip!

Eleanor went on her first road trip to Vacaville last weekend. Aunt Alexa and Uncle Chad had the whole family over to celebrate Todd Farmer's birthday and break in their beautiful new backyard. Eleanor was a little under the weather because she had just received her 2 month vaccines the day before, but we had a great time! Thanks Alexa and Chad!

Eleanor's first time on the freeway

Eleanor and Grandpa sleeping in the car

Alexa & Chad's new fountain

Abby & Todd

Figaro!!

Alexa & Chad

Babies and Friends

Two of my college friends stopped by last week for a visit with all three of our baby girls. Stephanie has a beautiful, independent & sweet daughter named Josilyn who is 17 months old. Rennie's baby, Eliya, is only 4 weeks old and has a sweet and kind disposition. And of course, there is Miss Eleanor...who is adorable, happy & ever so curious! Is was so fun to get together with all the babies and create new memories with old friends.

Stephanie & Eleanor (& Ron in the backround!)

Funny girl Josilyn

Me, Rennie & the babies

Brag Time!

I have recently learned that Mothers LOVE to brag about their babies, so here I go! Eleanor made it through the night in her yellow taco for 9 hours!! A proud moment in the Rand household! Of course she ended up in bed with us after her first morning feeding, but we are making headway towards independent sleeping. Here are some pictures of the fabulous yellow taco sleeper and the little sleeping beauty.
















Also, she discovered smiling! She has been flashing it all over town and it really melts your heart! Look out Aunt Alexa & Abby, you'll be addicted!

Same blog, new look

I decided to mix it up and change the look of my blog. The old look was reminiscent of pregnancy and bedrest, which weren't bad things, but I am just ready to move forward and embrace my new life with Eleanor. Plus, I love change!

Today was a first for Eleanor. We went to Subway with the ladies! The whole gang was there...Mom, Kris, Nancy, Shelby, Courtney & Luke. We had a great time and the babies (Eleanor & Luke) finally got to meet. They were so cute and even exchanged a few smiles...future friends, I know it! As we were cleaning up, I looked at my watch and realized we had been there 3 hours! Who knew Subway could be so entertaining!

So Nancy (Courtney's Mom) has encouraged Courtney and I to write a book about pregnancy, fertility, motherhood & babies. It sounded crazy at first, but between Courtney and I, I think we have some good material. I am excited at the prospect and already have lots of ideas swirling around my brain.

Eleanor update...she is great! Not only am I her best friend, but I'm her bed as well! She has struggled with falling asleep on her own at night, so we simply let her sleep with us in bed (or rather ON Momma). I know, I know...I'm probably creating poor sleeping habits, but after hours of trying to get her down, I give in due to complete and utter exhaustion. We have purchased a new sleeper (which my friend Courtney calls, the "yellow taco"), and I am VERY optimistic for sleeping success.

Elizabeth update...work is going great and Eleanor takes the bottle perfectly for Daddy while I am gone. Even though I am only at work for 4 to 5 hours at a time, I miss little E terribly :( It is nice, however, to get out and socialize with other adults.

Here are some new pictures of Eleanor. Enjoy! More to come, I promise :)

The Forgotten Blog :(

So, it's been a few weeks now and I haven't forgotten the blog, just postponed it for a while. We've been so busy, but I wanted to give a quick "Eleanor Update" before she wakes up from her morning nap.

She is 7 weeks now and absolutely amazing!! We love her so much and cannot imagine life without her! She recently slept through the night 2 nights ago from 10PM to 6AM, and last night made it from 10PM to 4AM. Pretty good for a 7 weeker, I say! We "try" to start her out in her bassinet at night, but somehow she ends up in our bed with us!! I have no idea how that happens...lol. We will have to wean her from the habit eventually, but for now she sleeps with Mom & Dad! What can I say, she loves to snuggle!

We have been going on more outings recently (with the help of Grandma Bubby), but I am doing pretty good managing the car seat and stroller (they are SO heavy). She hates the car after about 10 minutes so we try to stay close to home. She loves furry blankets even though it's still 100 degrees in Sacramento!

Anyway, that's our life for now...I'm sure it will change next week :)

Picture for Mom :)

My parents return from vacation tomorrow and we are so excited to see them! Eleanor has changed so much in just 2 short weeks and cannot wait to see her Grandparents!

Have a safe trip home Mom and Dad! We love you :)

Update & New Pic

It has been such a busy week that I have forgotten to post! On Tuesday Aunt Alexa came to help with my post-op doctor appointment and we ran errands all afternoon. It was fun, but tiring to say the least! We went to Babies R Us, Bed Bath & Beyond, Borders, and the mall! Oh, and Taco Bell for lunch (very healthy...haha). Thanks for all your help Alexa :)

Yesterday was Eleanor's first stroller walk. The two of us walked across the street to Target and cruised the aisles for bargains. We also went to starbucks and got a coffee (decaf of course, for the breastfeeding Momma). As I was walking along I noticed a huge smile across my face. I realized that the past year of sadness and months of tiring bedrest has paid off! This is my new life and I couldn't be happier!

Tomorrow I go back to work and I am really looking forward to seeing all my clients. My clients have become such amazing friends over the years and they have supported me through it all. Can't wait to catch up with everyone! I will only work 4 hours on both Friday and Saturday and Michael is planning on bringing Eleanor to me for her feedings. I am a little nervous about how to time her feedings just right, but we will figure it out, I hope!

I told my sister-in-law Amber that I would post pics of our new slipcovers so she could check them out :) Got them on Tuesday at Bed Bath & Beyond and I think they look pretty good. The cats have destroyed our furniture, so I guess this is a temporary fix!

Here's the little Missy!