Making it Lovely

Tag: Eleanor

  • Roller Skating with Eleanor

    Roller Skating with Eleanor

    I recently took part in a record-breaking attempt to be the longest line of roller skaters, and I dragged my family along. I wanted to skate with Eleanor! August is too young still, and so is Eleanor really. Details, details.

    Eleanor, in Roller Skates

    She already has a pair of adjustable Fisher-Price skates with wheels that lock, so when the guy at the skate rental counter recommended them, I balked. The real deal, I demanded! We were given the cutest pair of ancient skates — toddler size 8. E hated them (“too slippery!”). So we swapped them out for the plastic Fisher-Price skates that she knew and loved, locked the wheels, and took one (long) lap around the rink as E held on to the wall. We both loved it.

    p.s. I think the world record attempt was successful too, but I haven’t heard any official word on that yet.

  • Eleanor at the Park with Brandon

    Eleanor at the Park with Brandon

    “It’s gonna be POV.”

  • First Day of Nursery School

    First Day of Nursery School

    No tears here, on the mama’s behalf or the daughter’s. I think it will be harder on me when she starts kindergarten, but she only goes to nursery school now for a few hours a day, four days a week. And the girl is so excited!

    Eleanor on Her First Day of Preschool

    The first day was only an hour long, and Eleanor was able to meet half of her new classmates. Today will be two hours and she’ll meet everyone else, and then tomorrow will be the first full day.

    Eleanor at Preschool

    Eleanor at PreschoolEleanor at Preschool

    Brandon’s family has deep roots in her new school. His mom taught there. His late father helped dig the playground. His two older sisters and he went there as children, and one of his sisters taught there when she grew up as well. Eleanor’s five older cousins each went there.

    Eleanor Playing in the Classroom Loft Her Grandmother Built

    The loft that Eleanor was playing on had been added to the room by her grandma. This was her classroom.

    Helen C. Balch's Classroom Loft
    (The loft was built in 1997. Helen is still alive and well!)

    E will get to play on the playground everyday, do art projects, interact with other kids, and learn so many new things. She’s thrilled.

    This Class is T-Riffic!

    You know how little kids sometimes think they’re giving you a great smile for pictures (“cheese!”), but it really looks like a forced grimace? Yeah, I think Eleanor may be entering that phase.

    Eleanor at Preschool

    And she can put on her backpack herself. (OK, there was maybe a little sniffle there.)

    Eleanor Putting on Her BackpackEleanor and Her Owl Backpack

    Big girl.

  • Lazy Morning

    Lazy Morning

    Pretending to Sleep

    I intended to just show you the new coral bedding, but I like these photos a whole lot more than a well-made bed.

    Eleanor

    I have new decorative pillows to add, and a cute throw blanket too. All black and white, all from IKEA. I picked them up when we got the new outdoor table. I’ve also hung the botanical print in the bedroom since snapping these. E supervised. I’m not sure about it, but it’s huge and maybe I need to get used to it.

    Making Phone Calls

    I painted my IKEA closet doors white. Ages ago. Did I ever show them? They could still use another coat of paint before I really call them done.

    Baby in the Mirror

    This is a funny work week, with the Fourth of July smack in the middle. It feels like everyone is off with their families, and so I hope you’ll indulge me in the sharing of mine. Feel free to concentrate on the new bedding if that’s more your thing. It’s under these fine people.

    Playing with Daddy

  • Good Dog

    Good Dog

    This is why we keep him around.

  • Eleanor’s First Skates

    Eleanor’s First Skates

    Eleanor has been asking for a pair of skates for the past year, since she’s fascinated with mine.

    The wheels on her skates are plastic and terrible, but they’re adjustable (locked, rolling forward only, and freewheeling) and they fit shoe sizes 6-12. I figure they’ll be good for getting used to being on eight wheels, and eventually we could get her a real pair. Three is a little young for full-fledged skates anyway, right? I chose the green “boy” version so they could be handed down, but Eleanor says we should get August a pink pair.

    Here’s my girl on her inaugural run.

    (Looks like Elle DeGore is working on a kids’ issue.)