Happy Halloween

London I Hardly Knew Thee

Eleanor and I are going home on Tuesday. I could write 1,000 words explaining why we aren't "sticking it out" for the next month, but all that's really important is that it is the best decision for our family. We've learned from experience, and from the examples of important people in our lives, that there are times to work hard and fight for things, and there are times when you just need to do what is best for your mental and physical well-being, even if that means folding your hand and not playing anymore.

I am excited, and I am sad. Ryan will be staying here to work, and I am terrified of the month ahead without him. But I know that with the help of our family and friends (and Skype!), we will make it through the time apart.

Wish me luck on Tuesday. The flight home is going to be a challenge, but I am thankful there are so many people (and puppies!) who love us waiting on the other side of the ocean.

Brrrrrrrrrrrrr

It's getting cold here. Today the high is 10; the low is 3.
I'm using Celsius for effect.

Oh, and Eleanor slept in until 7:45 today!
Oh, and that's because Eleanor was up from 12am-3:30am.

Celebrity Sighting

This past weekend, while in the Princess Diana Memorial Playground, we saw Maggie Gyllenhal, or however you spell her last name. Ryan's quote: "Wow, she really looks like herself."

Pity Party

Over the past couple of weeks, Eleanor's sleeping habits have become worse and worse. Last night, she was up from 10pm - 12am, and then again from 4am until... well, I just had to hold her from then until 6am to help her get some sleep. The worst part is that she is crying about a quarter of that time. The next worst part is that she weighs about 23 lbs, and of course there is no rocking chair or glider in the apartment so we have to walk her around rocking her. The lack of sleep is bad, but the pain in my arms, shoulders and back, is much, much worse - I think Ryan would agree.

And yes, whatever you are thinking, we tried that.

It very hard to determine what is causing her lack of sleep. She has two new teeth, but they broke the gumline long ago and there are no new bumps anywhere. She had a cold, but it seems to be cleared up. She is eating new and different foods, but seems to have no trouble "passing wind" as it were (that is why her new nickname is Thunder Pants); we also give her gas relief medicine. She is sleeping in a pack-and-play in a clearly unfamiliar room, but wouldn't she be getting more used to it, not less? She is 8 month (tomorrow) and I know separation anxiety can set in now, but then wouldn't being with her calm her down, get her to stop crying and fall back asleep? So the mystery persists. Any more ideas?

Swing Vids

Followers

Eleanor has 10 followers now! Double digits - WOOHOO.
What a popular baby.