Musings

Lately, I have been really trying to think of something to write about. I want to write something clever and intelligent and get several lovely comments.That is really quite vain of me... However, I have been quite busy with Elanor and really don't have anything to write. I used to spend so much more time writing stories, but since college I have found my life a busy blur. After having Elanor and graduating, I have had quite a bit more time on my hands--if Elanor cooperates. [The trip to Oregon was a lot of fun, but a little difficult for Elanor coming back to Virginia (with the 3 hour difference and she caught a cold). So lately, she has been a little fussy and difficult to get to sleep---but I have done my reading (Babywise and many online articles) and we are starting fresh tomorrow and will wake up, eat, have wake time and nap time all at the right times.] Alright back on topic--where was I? Writing. Yes, I would love to write something lovely and pretty or interesting and entertaining. As I said before, I used to enjoy writing stories. I had and probably still do a terrible habit of never finishing any of them. When I was 8 or 9, I came up with this great story (I thought it was at least) about a rather spoiled and rude princess whose parents wanted her to get married. A prince offered and  presented her with a beautiful crown. Once she put it on, the crown made her look like how she acted--ugly. Eventually, with the help of the prince she repents of her ways, becomes kind and loving and marries the prince and they live happily ever after. Unfortunately, I only wrote maybe half of it. My other writing weakness is writing too much--as I have already done. The point is, I am going to try and write again and hopefully it will be decent...

If you would like to read something worth reading, my sister was recently published in the Deseret News, (click here) for reviewing the kids TV show Wishbone. It is really quite exciting that she is published--even for something as simple as reviewing a show.

I know this is really getting long----but--- I would like to apologize for my past terribly written posts. I would usually just describe the pictures and mutter something about being too busy. I really was too busy (2-3 jobs, school, and usually in a play or ballet) and uploading pictures takes way too long, so I sacrificed my writing. I apologize and hopefully my posts will be better written, more worth your time, insightful and someday I would love to write something clever (like my sister or brother Erik).

Here's to a better blogging future!

Un Bebe Classique

To put it frankly, I like a well dressed baby. I also like it when babies look and dress like babies. If there is one thing that bothers me it is a baby dressed like a teenager or adult. Baby clothes are so cute, so why dress them in clothes they will wear for the rest of their life? I love smocking, peter pan collars, light colors (but also purple), and cotton tights.

Give me this:

Isn't this outfit adorable! It was actually mine and has survived these 22 years.

Don't you just want to squeeze those cheeks?!?!

A baby is so cuddly and kissable (especially Elanor!), so why not dress them in clothes to match?

On another note, Elanor and I have been having a grand old time in Oregon. We had Elanor's baby shower today hosted by Caitlin and Mallory (thank you!). It was wonderful to see so many good friends, eat tasty food, open up some really great gifts, and Elanor decided to be well behaved, which was the icing on the cake. All in all, a wonderful afternoon!

At the shower, we played a game to guess who said what quote about childhood. I loved this one and will end with this:

"If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales."

~Albert Einstein

For Tyler

Since Elanor and I are in Oregon/Tahoe for another week, I am posting some pictures for Tyler. We miss you so much!

Elanor hearts Daddy

Southwest airlines gave Elanor her wings...

Elanor is working hard to hold her head up!

She loves looking at this bee/butterfly toy...

Home.

Elanor and I are making the trek out west (well, by airplane) this Friday so family and friends can meet Elanor. I am pretty excited, but slightly nervous for the airplane ride (what if Elanor screams the whole time?!?!). I'm sure she will surprise me and be a perfect baby, but I am still a little worried doing it by myself. In Oregon, my wonderful friends, Caitlin and Mallory, are throwing me a baby shower, which I am excited about. My mom is also directing Twelfth Night (which my brother, Erik, is also in) and that will be playing while I am there! We will also be seeing lots of family back home including Kim (Tyler's mom), Tyler's dad and family, my Aunt Tina and Uncle Jerry (in Tahoe) and many more I am sure... Elanor is quite popular. We are so excited to see everyone! Tyler is not coming with us as he has class and work. He especially cannot afford to miss work because we need to save up to move back to the West Coast. It will be a long two weeks for him and I will miss him a lot... He has a backpacking trip planned for one of the weekends though with our friend Brandon Seeberger and he is looking forward to that (I mean super boy scout excited).

Well, enough rambling from me. Here are some of the preview pictures Leigh Stoddard took of Elanor:
More pictures to come!

The Many Hats of Elanor

Elanor has sooo many hats... So, I thought I would put up pictures of all the hats she owns and see which one you all like best. So here goes:

The link to the video works now! Sorry about that... Here you go: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2yvASl53p8

Two Months.

Elanor will be 8 weeks tomorrow. She had her two month appointment today and I just can't believe she is already two months. Elanor is now 9 pounds, 13 ounces and 22 1/2 inches long. She is doing marvelously, besides those times when she knows what she wants, such as sleep for instance, but won't sleep until she has had a good cry. I don't understand it and I don't think she does either. Elanor smiles a lot and is making so many noises. To see a video of her click: here. I think she is going to be a talker. She loves being held, getting her diaper changed, looking at her mobile and dancing to music. Her favorites (as far as I can tell--she seems to enjoy them and calm down when they are played) are Bob Marley, Cat Stevens, Bob Dylan, Bach, and the calm Lord of the Rings songs.

Here are some recent pictures:

Looking at Tyler

Her sad face is so cute, but so pathetically sad too.

She looks like such a chunk here, but you can see her cute little dimple.

Lately with the Laurents...

Like the title? It sounds like a sitcom, doesn't it? Well, I thought it was funny.

Lately...

Tyler has been working on grad school applications and contacting the professors at the schools he is applying to. He is looking at applying to: University of Idaho, University of Washington, Oregon State, Humboldt State University, and University of Arizona-- in Fishery Resources. He is also looking for a second job, which has been proving to be difficult. Tyler is loving being a dad and he is great with her and so helpful. Oh and as a matter of interest, he is reading the 5th Harry Potter book again, which he will finish tonight.

I have been taking care of Elanor (which is a lot of fun), reading North and South (so good!!!!), teaching ballet, and finishing up some school stuff. I have two classes I did not get to finish before Elanor came and my professors have been so understanding. I am almost done with my scene painting project and the paper for my Shakespeare class and then I will be finished with school!

Elanor is doing wonderful! She has been smiling at us since she was 3 weeks and is smiling more and more everyday. She has also been making a variety of cute little noises. She is so much fun and we are loving being parents!

Here are a few pictures of Elanor at 5 weeks old ( I can't believe she is already over a month old!):

Ian made Elanor this awesome mobile for Christmas:

The black and white patterns are supposed to stimulate her brain.

She loves looking at her mobile.

She just looked so pretty in her little dress that I had to get out the camera:

I love this face. The picture is unfortunately blurry, but still so funny.

She was in such a good, silly mood here:

Another day-- She was doing funny faces again and I have been trying to catch her smile on camera. Somehow the smiley pictures always end up blurry.

She looks so pretty! I love this outfit and she has almost grown out of it already!

That is all from us for now!