Staying Warm

Staying Warm
Originally uploaded by bendblock.

We had an excellent Thanksgiving holiday. I was a bit worried about how Eleanor would react to being away from home for so long (five whole days). She did really well, even sleeping through most of our five and a half hour journey home (it's usually two hours, but tornadoes complicate matters).

We went on a walk while we were at Matt's family's house. It was quite chilly, so I put Eleanor in the baby carrier with her hat on and then put my sweater on over her. It was quite cozy and comfortable, except when she would turn her head to see things her eyes would get lost either under her hat or in the sweater.

Eleanor is asleep and I should be too. As usuall, click on the photo to see more.

Long Haired Freaky People

A couple weeks ago I started feeling really guilty about all of the landfills we were filling up with diapers. So I did some research, mostly trying to appease my guilt by proving that using cloth diapers was just too much work and too gross. But like the atheist who set out to prove God didn't exist and became a Christian, I am now a proud cloth diaper user.

The more I read, the more I realized that cloth diapers are not what they used to be. There are no pins involved, no plasticy covers, and no dunking used diapers in the toilet. The diapers I chose have snaps and soft fleece inside (it keeps Eleanor's bum quite dry and cozy). The diapers come in several colors and prints. I even found one site that sells batik diapers. Maybe Eleanor will get one of those for Christmas.

I have to admitt that I feel quite betrayed. I never saw an advertisement for any kind of cloth diapers in all the pregnancy and parenting magazines and books. Diaper companies have money, so they convince us that putting plasticy chemicals up against our babies skins is good for them, and that everyone does it so it must be okay. No one (except April and Levi) told me that cloth diapering could be as easy as it is. Instead of tossing the diapers in the trash, they go in the washing machine. Doesn't that make more sense?

Well, I have to go hug a tree.

At The River

At The River
Originally uploaded by bendblock.

We went on a hayride with our Sunday school class on Sunday evening. It was the perfect day for hayriding, as it was chilly but not cold (and not 86 degrees like today!). The trees are changing into their fall colors and the fields that we rode through were newly harvested.

In other news, we went back to the hematologist yesterday. He told me to take the rat poison for three more months. After that we go back for a couple more tests to see if I have any other clotting disorders that they can't test for while on the medicine. I am very happy to not have to have surgery and to be able to get off of the medication. Matt and I celebrated this with ice cream and a movie.

Matt is still very much enjoying his job and I am learning how to answer the constant "Do you work?" stream of questions. My favorite responses so far include:

"No, I spend my days lounging in a pool with various drinks that have umbrellas in them."

"Oh, good heavens no! That's why I have a husband."

"June Cleaver is my name."

Eleanor beacons and I must go.

Eleanor in Glasses

Eleanor in Glasses
Originally uploaded by bendblock.

Pink Onsie

Pink Onsie
Originally uploaded by bendblock.

Today Is My 1/4th Birthday!

Bumbo Time
Originally uploaded by bendblock.

Eleanor is three months old today. In three short months she has learned to smile, raise her head and hold it up, make all kinds of fun noises, and sleep for eight continuous hours. She has gained over 7 pounds and goes through at least three outfits everyday. She likes books by Eric Carle and LOVES bath time.