18 Months

Our little girlie is 18 months old today! 

Here are a few facts about her:

Favorite Foods: Homemade pumpkin cake (she calls it "appa"), peas, bacon, blueberries, grapes, yogurt with maple syrup...she loves food!

Favorite Books: Nice for Mice, Wiggle!, My Big Animal Book, 

Words: It seems like she's learning new words all the time. She can easily say 2-word sentences, and she's said 3 word sentences a few times. She'll say "love you" and "back Daddy" (come back Daddy). She also says complete words instead of just the beginning consonant sound and the vowels. Sometimes she'll repeat the last consonant sound a few times. 

Social: She LOVES being with other kids. She'll rattle off Justin and Audra's kids' names. But she doesn't necessarily know how to share yet...

Potty Training: Helen has gone on her little potty several times. I'm pretty sure she could master toilet training if I was willing to take the time to teach her, but there's been so much going on lately. I'm thinking of trying this fall. She loves "undies," so that's a good sign. 

Sleep: Helen usually goes to bed between 6:00 and 7:00 and sleeps until 7:00 or 8:00 in the morning. She takes one nap at around 11:00 or 12:00 and sleeps for about 1 1/2 - 2 hours. 

Other Things of Interest: She had her first haircut (see last photo)! I just had to trim the mullet she had going on. I think it's a big improvement; Reuben isn't so sure.

She's still nursing, but it's down quite a bit. I'm thinking about starting the weaning process...not sure how she would handle it! I've tried to limit her feedings, but she gets pretty agitated if I refuse. Any tips from veteran moms?

I think she's getting some molars! Which might explain her wanting to nurse constantly and her cranky moods. 

Much to Reuben's chagrin, I've been singing "Let It Go" to Helen. She says "Go, go!" It's pretty cute.

Here's a video of Helen talking:



[If you can't see the video, click HERE]


You can view all of Helen's updates HERE


And that's all for now!



Note: some links are affiliate.

Recent Helen Cuteness

Helen's first time on the beach this year. She was terrified of the waves at first, but she eventually became bold enough to sit right down in the water. I hope she enjoys swimming!

Gus Gus. She even tripped on the beads.

I can finally put Helen's hair in pigtails - when she'll hold still long enough.

Mud + Baby = Happy Baby.




Helen had (additive free) bacon and (sprouted) pancakes for the first time! She loved them.

I really wish she wouldn't pick her little barrettes out of her hair - they're so fetching.


xoxo
Erica

Chickenpox!

Well, we got the chickenpox! 

Helen has been pretty miserable the last few days from the itchiness. 

The yellow stuff on her head in the first two photos is a mixture of Swedish Bitters and goldenseal. The white stuff on her head in the last photo is homemade calamine lotion. The calamine really helped to sooth.

Here's hoping we get over this soon! We had a night where I got about three hours of sleep. Ugh.

How old were you/your kids when you got the chickenpox?

Easter

I have a new respect for anyone who can get a decent picture of several young children in a group. It was quite the ordeal just to get everyone in the same place at one time.

I bought a beautiful silk dress for Helen from thredUP, but it turned out to be far too big. So it will be her Easter dress next year! 

Here's a breakdown of Helen's outfit: 

Dress: Carter's (thrifted) 

Cardigan: hand-me-down

Shoes: Robeez (thrifted) similar here and here

Headband: Target (similar here).

How was your Easter?

Note: links are affiliate. 

Puddle Jumpers

The other day the kids took advantage of the massive puddles that were created by the fast-melting snow. It was quite the job trying to keep Helen happy with the smaller puddles and away from the deep ones.

Is the snow gone where you live? Or do you live in a climate that never see's snow?

Messy Eater

Helen has really started to enjoy her food over that past few weeks. She loves to feed herself, and that makes for a very messy little girl. Especially when she eats blueberries, like in this photo.

This is my entry for the I Hear Faces Black and White photo contest.

You can see all of the entries HERE.

My Project 52: Completed

I forgot to tell you guys that I completed my project 52!

Last year I committed to taking a picture of Helen every week until her first birthday. It's wonderful to look back at the photos and see her change.

Here is a short video compiling all 52 of the photos. Enjoy!

)

Best Face Photo of 2013

I had a hard time deciding on a favorite face photo this year (What can I say? I love every photo of Helen), but this one is just so sweet.

On Easter Sunday, Susan (11 months old at the time) got to "hold" little Helen (2 months old at the time). I love the look on Susan's face. And their little dresses are adorable. Paints a pretty calm picture of these little rascals.

Make sure to stop by I Heart Faces to see more entries for "Best Face Photo of 2013" HERE.

December Photo-a-Day 2013: Days 24 + 25

My family had a Christmas Eve party for the family. Helen enjoyed playing with the cousins.

We spent Christmas Day with Reuben's family. The brunch was delicious: ham & egg cups, French toast, sausages, oranges, Rommegrot (made by yours truly), and orange juice.

Little Bella is already changing and getting a double chin. She has such nice hair (no fair).

The kids got minion hats (from Despicable Me). Helen got an evil minion hat - I thought it was quite fitting. ;) I'll have to get a picture of all of them wearing their hats.

December Photo-a-Day 2013: Days 21, 22 + 23

Day 21: I forgot to take a photo until dark, so Reuben offered to shine a flashlight on the trees outside our door. I really liked the eerie effect.

Day 22: My sister had her baby! Audra went into labor last Sunday, but it stalled. One week later, little Bella arrived safe and sound.

Day 23: Helen climbed into the corner cupboard, but couldn't get herself out again. It was hilarious. I'm such a bad mom. ;)

Little Elinor

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© 2009 by Erica Lea

5 Responses to Little Elinor

1. Hannahlee 
   June 16th, 2009 at 5:46 pm Moderate
   Adooooorable shots! Well done. :) Thanks for commenting on my blog – I appreciate it and thought I’d return the favor. :) Love the photo at the top of your layout too. Blessings!
2. Ruth Knapp 
   June 16th, 2009 at 10:28 pm Moderate
   Soooooo Adorable! :)
3. Hannah 
   June 17th, 2009 at 7:11 pm Moderate
   I absolutely love your photography!
4. Erica Lea 
   June 18th, 2009 at 8:25 am Moderate
   Thank you all for your very kind words. They are so encouraging.
5. A Shirt Dress for Elinor | 
   August 10th, 2009 at 7:20 pm Moderate
   [...] Look at the adorable dress that my sister Katelyn sewed for our niece, Elinor. [...]