Ear Tubes

Today Eleanore had tubes put in her ears. She has had terrible ear infections since the winter and this was the best option to get the fluid out of her ears. It was an early morning procedure and was done in the ambulatory surgery center in the North Memorial hospital complex that we can literally see out the back window of our house. Very convenient!

The procedure went just fine. She was only knocked out for about 15 minutes and after waking up a little slowly (she just wanted to snuggle) you never would have known it wasn't just an ordinary day. She had a lot of energy and ate well. It was nice to spent the whole day with Daddy and Mommy.

The only bump in the day was an actual bump - on the head. While we were waiting for the surgeon, Eleanore leaned against the curtain in the hospital room not realizing it would give way. She fell and knocked her head into the edge of the door to the room. It immediately started swelling into a big goose egg. She didn't break the skin, but she has never had a bump that big before! Already by tonight it was looking better, but what a way to start off the day!

Photo above is pre-surgery. Photo below is post-surgery with the big bruise on her head and playing with the little bear they gave her to bring home.

Memorial Day Visitors

Patrick's brother Christopher (aka Uncle CT) and his girlfriend Kim came into town for the long Memorial Day weekend. We had a great time seeing some of the Minnesota sights (like the Mighty Mississippi and Lake Minnetonka), and grilling out. It was a fun and relaxing weekend.

Photo above is Patrick and Christopher with Eleanore. Photo below is Christopher and Kim at the river looking at the Minneapolis skyline.

Eleanore is getting "So Big"

Eleanore is learning all kinds of new tricks: If you say "Hooray" she claps her hands. If you say "No" she shakes her head side to side. And if you say "So big" she raises her arms and puts her hands behind her head! Not exactly your traditional "so big" but she is not your traditional girl!

Photo above is of her doing "so big"!

She also finally got her top two teeth in. Both came in the week of her birthday and have been slowly inching down ever since. This is a funny photo of her in her car seat, but you can see the teeth clearly!

Eleanore's Birthday Party

We had Eleanore's party the Saturday after her actual birthday. Patrick made authentic North Carolina BBQ and brewed some beer. I took care of the rest! There were about 25 adults and 8 kids. It was great to see so many friends. In MN, everyone seems to disappear in the winter to hibernate so there were many people we hadn't seen in months!

It was a lollipop theme for our little Lolly. Lots of candy too -- and a lollipop cake!

Party Dress

Eleanore loved dressing up in her pretty pink party dress. She would play with the skirt and kick her feet in the crinoline when she was sitting down. The little monogrammed bloomers were a perfect match!

Visits from the Grandmas

Eleanore is one lucky little girl. BOTH of her grandmas flew in town to celebrate her birthday with her. She loved spending time with them!

Happy First Birthday to Eleanore

What a year it has been! Hard to believe we didn't know this little person 12 months ago. She has changed our lives so much - in wonderful ways!

Eleanore continues to be a good-natured, loving, little girl. She laughs and plays and toddles around. She has so much energy!

Here are two photos from her actual birthday - May 6th. She had a little cupcake. Unfortunately, Eleanore came down with another ear infection and mommy was suffering from a nasty nasty case of strep throat - but we celebrated anyway!