The lights are off, the tree is dead, Christmas is over

We are a little behind in organizing in the New Year. Eleanor helped put away ornaments this morning, and with Ryan out of town until Sunday night, we have time to spend cleaning. That's not to say we aren't having any fun playing:

Ellie got these Singamajigs for Christmas, one from Mommy and Daddy and one from Santa. She very much prefers the purple one ; and because she can't push the tummy hard enough to make it sing, she usually looks like this, heading toward me, frustrated it isn't making noise:

First Christmas

We had an amazing first Christmas with Eleanor, surrounded by all of our family, in Raleigh and in Woodbridge. Eleanor was, of course, spoiled rotten by her grandparents, aunts and uncles; and while she really didn't understand it was Christmas (and that she was getting massive amounts of presents), she did understand that she was loved. She spent a lot of time laughing, dancing, and almost running from one person to another (though mostly to her Granddaddy). I didn't get as many good pictures as I would have liked; I was too busy having fun. But I did get a few shots:

First Snow Day!

She loved it! Though, it really is hard to find anything that Eleanor doesn't like these days (besides the obvious, Mommy leaving the room and being really tired). She's been ridiculously pleasant and happy of late. I think she is mostly THRILLED that she can walk and is happily anticipating "Woodbridge Christmas" this Sunday and a visit to Raleigh to show off her new skills to her Grandma and Granddaddy.

Christmas Caroling

Not a bad way to spend a Saturday morning.

In Which You Can See the Awesome Penguin Decoration

Hip Hop Hurray!

So apparently I just wasn't giving her enough room to roam. I JUST wrote how she is taking up to 8 steps at a time mere hours ago. When we practiced tonight, this is what we got:

(That music is from a holiday penguin "decoration" in the background. It is awesome.)

Um, Hello December. Where Did You Come From?

Um, hello walking baby. Where did you come from?

Eleanor is now regularly taking steps. I don't know if I would say she is "walking," since crawling is still her go-to for getting around. But she's taking between 3-8 steps at a time on her own these days - just in time for a giant needly tree adorned in colorful, easy-to-destroy heirlooms to make its appearance. Eh, who am I kidding - I don't think cut out bits of felt and puzzle pieces glued together with a 2nd grade school photo slapped on is considered an heirloom.