Growing into the role

Being a big sister has not come naturally to Eleanor, but she is really starting to enjoy the role. She has learned to stop Gemma from crying by playing "Peek a Boo". She also knows which toys Gemma likes and will bring them when asked (usually). She'll push Gemma in her swing outside. Today, it broke my heart to see her assuming the role of big sister by gently holding Gemma in the wagon as we picked apples in an orchard. What a sweety.

Chesire Cat Princess

I don't know about everyone else, but Alice in Wonderland is a big hit in our home. For awhile, Eleanor would run around saying "I'm late, I'm late, for a very important date..." I must say, with all her quick dashing she did a smashing impression of the white rabbit.
When we went to the Arts festival last weekend, Eleanor had her face painted to look like a cat. When asked what color stripes she wanted, she replied, "Purple, so I can be the Chesire cat."(Of course Chesire sounds remarkably like Treasure coming from Eleanor, but most adults still understand the reference.) At the next arts activity, Eleanor decorated a crown and declared herself "The Chesire Cat Princess". And here she is, though the paint is a bit faded as I had to wait till I got home to get a snapshot. I never seem to have my camera when I really need it.

A Justin Timberlake Fan?

I remember the first time Eleanor crawled forward. It was at Grandma Eleanor's house in Michigan. She needed some real incentive, something she really loved to get her moving. For Eleanor, it was the TV remote. Several nights ago, Jud and I watched Gemma crawl forward for the first time to reach the Justin Timberlake picture on the cover of Rolling Stone. And, she's off. Wish us luck...

7 months

Tomorrow, Gemma is 7 months old. Time really flies. She's still a smiley little girl, though she prefers to be cuddled while sleeping or becomes grouchy. Her language is limited to "da-da", playing with other random syllables, and making razzes. She sits very independently and lunges forward, but no major crawling. She will pull herself to standing when a good support is around and loves to jump in her "Johnny Jump Up." As you can see, Gemma is now taking baths in the big girl tub with her sister, who willingly dowses her sister even without a request. Foods are still pretty limited - baby food of the fruit in veggie type along with nursing. But we're not rushing her.
Many happy memories of this little one in the past 7 months. Happy Month Day Gemster!

Angels and Demons

Little girls are mostly angels, but there is a bit of devil in them. Eleanor and I found angel wings and halo at Target (our favorite store). When I tried to put the wings on over her clothes, Eleanor insisted she first needed to remove all her clothes to make the costume work. And I do mean ALL of her clothes. This is the "G" rated version.

In other news, Eleanor had her first day at preschool today. Jud reports she was excited to go and had a great day. I can't believe she's old enough!

Daddy's Girls

I had my first official day back at work on Thursday. I knew that I left the girls in good hands with their father. When I returned, I held Gemma in my lap as I talked to Jud about their day. Gemma clearly said "Da-da" and turned to look at her dad. That girl is a quick study with her father. I've been working on "Ma-ma" with her for months!

Gemma had been sleeping well, but took to waking frequently in the night starting the night before I returned to work (and could really have used some sleep). Good thing she's cute.

The two girls are starting to enjoy interactions, though El still tends to be a little rough. Eleanor would prefer to sit on her younger sister or cover Gemma's head with a blanket, but can pretty easily be persuaded to give her a kiss on the head or make silly faces to make her laugh instead.

The latest technology

Eleanor was playing with the computer keyboard, counting each number as she touched the key. She paused after nine and asked "Where is 10?" I gave her an explanation about how ten could be made using the zero and one keys. She kind of listened and then added at the end. "Momma, maybe next time we get a computer, we'll get one that has a 10!"