Eleanor is 1 month old!

We have made it through our first month as a family of four humans!  I am so proud of Matt and I for not losing our minds yet.  It is amazing to me how much easier having an infant seems this time around.  I am not sure if that's just because I am more relaxed about it or if Eleanor is easier than Madeline was at this stage.  I am leaning towards the latter argument.  Ella eats like a champ.  She has no problems latching, I have plenty of milk, and she stays awake for a whole meal then she's done for 2-3 hours.  What a difference this makes in my days.  I am not spending nearly as much time reading or watching trash tv as I did with Madi (which I kind of miss and may need to try to do more of during February), but I am getting plenty of laundry, dishes, and work done.

Checking out the playmat

 Eleanor won't be going to the doctor again until mid-February, so I don't have her current stats, but she feels like she is getting bigger.  I am going to have to go through her clothes already to take out some of the newborn things she is already growing out of.  Of course I feel like she has gotten huge . . .  and then Matt hold her and I realize how teeny tiny she really is.  Eleanor loves to be swaddled, worn in the wrap, and generally wrapped up like a burrito at all times.  She takes great comfort in the swaddle, which is so interesting to us after having Madi hate it so much.  I have eaten plenty of meals now with a napkin balanced over her head so that she doesn't get crumbs or noodles on her face while she is in the wrap.  I am trying to take as much time as possible to enjoy the cuddles on days when Ella only wants to be held, since I know that this time will end and we won't have another baby in the future to cuddle again.

Ella's preferred way to nap (if not actually on a living being)

After lunch smiles

Ella is much more alert now.  She is awake for an hour or so out of every three.  Occasionally she will be awake two hours and then she is super cranky.  She likes to look at the blinds, the lights in the bathroom, windows, and the star on her playmat.  She has adorable smiles and laughs sometimes in her sleep.  I often wonder what she is dreaming about that makes her so happy, I am going to guess it is a never ending bottle and a cozy blanket.  Sadly, Eleanor seems to hate the carseat.  She won't sleep in the car or the stroller for longer than 20 minutes.  I hate the sound of her crying in the car.  Probably because there is nothing I can do for her while I am driving!  I have taken to bringing the wrap with me when I go on walks because I can't make it longer than a mile without Eleanor waking up pissed off.  I keep telling myself that walking 2 miles when I have to carry a bowling ball on my chest for the second mile is equal to the five miles I used to get to walk with Madeline.  Why doesn't this child understand that she is supposed to sleep in all moving vehicles?!?!

First bath = pissed

I am so proud of what a good big sister Madeline has been!  I am hoping that she will continue to feel included and not upset if Mama needs to hold her sister.  Right now she keeps telling us to pick up Ella and not let her cry, so we haven't had to worry about jealousy yet.  I have been putting Madeline to bed at night and going to gymnastics with her on Saturdays, this helps me to have some alone time with her.  Madeline also had her first weekend at Grandma T's since her sister showed up.  It was great for her to have some special time with Grandma and for Matt and I to have an easy weekend at home!  Madi also has gotten her very own toddler size backpack to carry her items that used to go in the diaper bag.  She loves her ruff-ruff backpack and I am loving not having to haul her coloring book, extra clothes and snacks around with me everywhere!
Auntie Nee came down this month for breakfast and she took some fabulous pictures of the girls!  I love when we get to spend more time together than the quick lunch and run and Madeline loved having someone take her picture for a lengthy period of time!  Here are some (okay a bunch) of my favorites: