I’m still enjoying my maternity leave, though I’m eager to open the shop again too. Now that Eleanor is getting used to being in a sling, I can get more done during the day but it’s not consistent at all. Some days she takes a nice long nap (or two), sometimes it’s just 20 minutes here and there.
Although Eleanor doesn’t nap much, she’s doing remarkably well at sleeping through the night! I start her bedtime routine around 8:00 and on a good night she’s asleep by 8:30. If she’s fussing a bit it might take an hour or more for her to finally fall asleep, but once she’s asleep she’s often out for the night. I always get one of two variations… she sleeps straight through from 8:30-5:30, or she sleeps from 8:30-3:00, nurses, and then sleeps again from 3:30-7:00. Either way, I get a decent night’s sleep so I’m happy.
Eleanor plays with her hair now to soothe herself when she’s tired. We first noticed her doing it a couple of weeks ago. It’s cute to watch her do something so deliberate! I feel like we’re getting a peek at her burgeoning personality. And she’s always been very alert, but now she’s becoming more curious too. She loves to be in her bouncy chair or on her play mat so that she can bat at her toys. She makes little cooing noises as she explores.
And she smiles! It melts me a little each time and of course I give her one right back. She’s even started laughing… well, it’s more like the precursor to actual laughing. Practice giggles. It’s not the squealing baby laugh you might think of, but more of an abrupt breathy sort of thing accompanied by a beaming smile.
Lately though, Eleanor has been crying for Brandon when he holds her. She calms down right away when she’s back in my arms. It’s way too early for her to be experiencing separation anxiety and we don’t know why it’s happening, but it’s heartbreaking. She smiles at Brandon, but it seems she just doesn’t want to be held by him.
When she was three weeks old, I mentioned that I was having a hard time with breastfeeding. I’m happy to say that things have finally improved! I was feeling discouraged when I was still in pain at six weeks because even though I now there’s no magic time frame, I kept hearing “give it six weeks”. I had taken a breastfeeding class, seen lactation consultants, read books, applied lanolin religiously, kept soothies in the fridge, varied positions, carefully latched the baby on… I was doing everything right and I was still in so much pain.
The left side had actually felt better since around the fourth week, but the right side was awful. There was some damage early on (probably by the third day), and it seemed like it would never heal. I dreaded each feeding because even if it was the side that didn’t hurt, that meant I was just that much closer to nursing her on the painful side again. Well I don’t know what changed, but all of a sudden one day nursing didn’t hurt anymore! Maybe Eleanor finally grew into her high palate, or maybe she changed the way she latches on? All I can say to someone having the same difficulty is that it does get better (even though I was afraid for a while that it never would).
Oh, and our little girl is quite the chunker. At her one month check-up, she weighed 12 pounds! That’s off the charts. Now she’s already outgrowing her 0-3 month clothes. She’s getting so big so fast.
Ali
June 24, 2009 at 10:16 amSo excited for you Nicole :). And the sleep at night…consider yourself super lucky.
Bonnie
June 24, 2009 at 10:28 amAdorable. Tell Brandon to keep on holding her. Her discomfort in his arms will pass! Keep thinking that I might run into you on the streets of Chicago. We go in at least every other weekend to shop at Whole Foods (now the new one off North Ave.) and to pick up breads at Fox and Obel. Then we just walk around thinking of how we could afford to move from Indiana to Bucktown or…. .
Tamikko
June 24, 2009 at 10:47 amAbsolutely adorable. The first few months are so precious. So nice to see such a happy, beautiful baby. Congrats.
cindy
June 24, 2009 at 11:00 amShe is so adorable! love her little outfit too! That is wonderful she is sleeping through the night, I dont have kids yet, but i pray for a baby like little elenor!
oh and congrats on winning the 48 hour challenge! I voted many times:)
lori
June 24, 2009 at 11:09 amSO cute! congrats again on mommy hood. it’s the most challenging, but also the most rewarding job on the planet!
Miss HoneyDew
June 24, 2009 at 11:12 amAwe she is beyond cuteness!!
Emily
June 24, 2009 at 11:12 amIt’s hard for the father at the newborn stage. Brandon might like to bottle feed her a few times to experience her “needing him” and to give you a break. In time all that will change and eventually she might even prefer him. They go through so many phases!
RisaJ
June 24, 2009 at 11:19 amso cute!!
Diana
June 24, 2009 at 11:22 amWell if she isn’t about the cutest baby I’ve ever seen, I don’t know who is! Adorable!
Nolita Morgan
June 24, 2009 at 11:26 amBeautiful girl! Maybe she has a problem with facial hair? I’ve heard that about some babies…I predict that she will become Daddy’s girl soon…Take care!
Ann Ever Russell
June 24, 2009 at 11:30 amHi, I have loved you blog for a long time and your daughter gets more beautiful by the day. My sister in law recently found out she is expecting, what were some of you favorite sites/blogs/resources for nursery and baby decor?
Thanks so much
Ann Ever Russell
June 24, 2009 at 11:30 amHi, I have loved you blog for a long time and your daughter gets more beautiful by the day. My sister in law recently found out she is expecting, what were some of you favorite sites/blogs/resources for nursery and baby decor?
Thanks so much
Kalee
June 24, 2009 at 11:31 amShe’s darling! And I love the mix of patterns and colors, so she looks fantastically dressed as a bonus to being cute!
Amy Awesome
June 24, 2009 at 11:35 amShe is so beautiful!
I had similar experience with breastfeeding at first, but we powered through it and now Esme is 16 months and we’re still going strong.
luuvely
June 24, 2009 at 11:35 amshe is cuuute…i bought my best friend’s daughter the same little dwell shirt :)
she kinda looks like brandon :)
susan
June 24, 2009 at 11:37 amTell Brandon not to worry about this phase too much. My daughter went through the same thing when she was just a baby. There’s a really strong bond between you and the baby still and she is just reacting to that. His time will come, trust me. :)
Laura
June 24, 2009 at 11:38 amLook at those arms! I just want to eat them up!!
Christina
June 24, 2009 at 11:51 amShe is absolutely beautiful! Good thing she’s letting you sleep at night, a friend of mine says she didn’t get sleep for the first 6 months so you hava great baby =)
FullertonRegan
June 24, 2009 at 11:52 amIt’s true about Brandon. Little Elenor may be crying now, but like so many other things it will pass. Though it is heartbreaking, I totally agree. Tell him not to worry, one day (VERY SOON, I promise) she will be crying for him instead of because of him.
Nuit
June 24, 2009 at 11:58 amOh I can’t get enough of Eleanor!
Mateja
June 24, 2009 at 12:04 pmOh, how sweet she is!
Karolina
June 24, 2009 at 12:49 pmShe is adorable!!
Melissa
June 24, 2009 at 1:22 pmShe is so adorable! It sounds like things are going well for you :) It’s so fun to see how baby’s pick up on things and grow so fast!
Eileen
June 24, 2009 at 1:52 pmOH MY GOSH… ADORABLE! I think she totally looks like you too.
Michelle
June 24, 2009 at 2:13 pmI am so glad to hear you’re in the swing of mommyhood and things are going well. Tell Brandon not to be disheartened, Finn went back and forth between my husband and I being his favorite. His day will come and mommy won’t matter at all. For now, she’s all about the boobs so you’re the best. She is absolutely gorgeous!
Emma
June 24, 2009 at 2:14 pmshe is lovely and soooooooo big. congratulations to you both xxx
Jessibee
June 24, 2009 at 2:14 pmI love the first picture…so casual! haha
Ana
June 24, 2009 at 3:02 pmI’m SO glad the breastfeeding got better, believe it or not I think about you often when feeding my own 10 week-old boy, breastfeeding has been a breeze for me with both boys and I enjoy it so much that it broke my heart to hear it was so hard for you.
Lisa
June 24, 2009 at 3:08 pmEleanor has such beautiful eyes. It’s amazing to see that she has developed such charater after only 8 weeks. You are very lucky to be able to get good sleep. Tell Brandon not to get discouraged, whatever it is I’m sure Eleanor will stop crying and love being in his arms, especially when she discovers how wonderful being “daddy’s girl” is.
Take care,
Lisa
Jenni
June 24, 2009 at 3:15 pmEleanor is so beautiful!
Katie
June 24, 2009 at 3:18 pmShe is so very adorable! Children get very picky at different times about which child they want to be with. For weeks it will be mommie, mommie, mommie, mommie and then like a switch was hit they want nothing to do with mommie and only want to be with daddy. It’s weird and heartbreaking but just have faith that it’s totally normal.
gesikah
June 24, 2009 at 3:33 pmAwww, I can almost smell the baby head through the screen. ;)
While we don’t have kids, I have several younger siblings and being a daughter myself I feel qualified in saying with confidence that she is instinctively playing hard-to-get so that her “But, Daddy, pleeease?” *cue puppy eyes and limp quiver* is all that more irresistible. ;)
Jodee Leader
June 24, 2009 at 4:47 pmShe is simply adorable!
laura
June 24, 2009 at 5:07 pmnicole, she has the most gorgeous eyes.
donna
June 24, 2009 at 5:12 pmcute baby- but.. yawn.
MJ
June 24, 2009 at 5:56 pmmy little one, 7 weeks, has the same sleeping pattern as your little one. i own more carriers now than i ever thought b/c she wants to be held all the time and has little cat naps while doing it. but no complaints when she sleeps like she does at night. glad to know there’s another one out there like her :)
Marie Pier
June 24, 2009 at 6:10 pmShe is so cute! Congradulations! And it’s interesting to get the point of view of a new mother.
Tracey
June 24, 2009 at 6:18 pmAww, she’s such a cutie, looks so much like you! I’m so glad to hear breastfeeding is going better now. You might encounter other bumps along the way but just let us know, you have tons of mommies out here that’d be happy to help!
captain kk
June 24, 2009 at 6:25 pmwhat a little cutie pa tootie! you are VERY lucky with her sleeping through most nights. well done :)
Kylie
June 24, 2009 at 6:37 pmMy little son Flynn did the same thing when my husband use to pick him up, it would really upset hubby but I am please to say they soon grow out of it and then want their dads all the time so tell Brandon not to fret it seems to go away after a few weeks.
Tara
June 24, 2009 at 6:57 pmAwww. She’s a beauty. Glad the breast feeding is going better. Don’t worry about her preference for you. She will grow out of that very quickly – my daughter (now almost 8) and her dad are as thick as thieves. She doesn’t want me to read and sing to her at bedtime – she’d rather have her dad, and his voice is terrible in my opinion. Could it have something to do with being his little princess? I’m sure it does. Someday soon, your husband and your daughter will race out the door on a Saturday to do something wild they’ve devised and you’ll be left thinking, “am I really necessary in this equation?”
Cheryl Ann
June 24, 2009 at 7:05 pmPurdy, purdy, purdy!!! I’m so jealous, mine are all grown up. Wish I could hold one of them when they were that size one more time. Or maybe more….cherish your baby time!! I loved having mine fall asleep on my chest. And I breast feed back when it wasn’t so widely accepted, so I understand. I had one breast become IMPACTED. Sounds bad? Almost unbearable, but I perserved and have amazing memories of my babies. Sometimes I would let the baby fall asleep in the bed and their daddy has fond memories of their feet planted firmly against his back….
Lourdes @ The Higher Nest
June 24, 2009 at 7:08 pmIt sounds like so many amazing things are happening. My husband would not have survived if our child hadn’t started smiling. It really did change everything. Happy to hear you’re all falling into a groove!
Pencils
June 24, 2009 at 7:52 pmShe is so sweet. They grow so fast and change very day. And congrats on breastfeeding finally improving! I’m very impressed that you worked so hard. I wasn’t able to, I did my best but I just didn’t have any milk. Even my lactation consultant told me to give it up. I was very relieved! It’s amazing how difficult it can be.
Those first smiles and laughs–they are just amazing. Magical.
Charla @ For the Sake of Time
June 24, 2009 at 8:18 pmIsn’t motherhood amazing! It sounds like she is doing as well as you are with being a mother. It also sounds like she may feel a little insecure when held. Tell him to hold her real close so she feels safe. I remember that with my children and also now with my grandchildren.
Good Luck.
Charla
patricia fontes
June 24, 2009 at 8:57 pmI thought my baby was good sleeping 5-6hs straight (she is 6weeks old), but Eleonor is GREAT! What is the secret? :-)
She is so adorable, congratulations!
Bri
June 24, 2009 at 9:04 pmThose pictures are so adorable! What a sweet little face. And i totally love her outfit as well.
32Flavors PR
June 24, 2009 at 9:10 pmDoes Brandon have facial hair right now? It seems early (usually it’s 2 year olds that freak out about beards) but she may be scared of that and want to see his face.
bee
June 24, 2009 at 9:35 pmwow, good for you for sticking with it. nursing is tough enough even when it’s easy. (does that make sense? haha.) i guess i mean: i had a pretty easy time nursing, but it’s still not easy, y’know? but i’m glad it’s gotten better!
Jo
June 24, 2009 at 9:36 pmWhat a gorgeous little chunker! Babies can freak out about glasses too..
Hilary
June 24, 2009 at 9:43 pmHey, my baby is eight weeks today too. That’s funny, Mine was born April 29th.
I love the green with the pink blanket.
She’s a cutie!
Tommy Bahama Bedding
June 24, 2009 at 9:48 pmShe’s such an adorable baby :)
Your Mother
June 24, 2009 at 10:36 pmShe is delicious! Brandon’s time will come soon and you will be left wondering “hey, what about me?”. I can’t wait to hold Eleanor again. Even short times away from her and then bam, she is that much bigger!
gardenspirit
June 25, 2009 at 12:08 amYour little one is just precious, and I’m enjoying your updates on her (and your) progress. Glad the breastfeeding issues have cleared up for you. I had similar problems with my daughter many, many years ago, and like you, it got better with time.
A suggestion: Try leaving the room when hubby holds her. Let him find his own little ritual with her that doesn’t include you, and he will soon develop a rapport with her that will last forever. Daddy/daughter times are so important.
Many blessings upon your beautiful family!
lale
June 25, 2009 at 4:26 amNicole, won’t you publish the photo of the 2nd month on the chair?
Natasa
June 25, 2009 at 8:56 amShe is soooo sooo sweet :)
Meggan
June 25, 2009 at 10:06 amYour baby is delicious! I’m so glad breastfeeding doesn’t hurt for you anymore, that had to be rough.
Gretchen
June 25, 2009 at 10:30 amGorgeous little girl! You’ll have to share her 2 month button pictures with us.
Janaan
June 25, 2009 at 2:13 pmShe is a doll. I love to hear what is happening with your new little one as my first baby is a month old too. I am struggling with our bedtime routine. It is taking her 2 hours to settle in. Would you mind sharing a little of what you do?
Kelly
June 25, 2009 at 3:02 pmI love chunky babies. My first was just the fattest happiest girl you ever saw, til it came to bedtime! My second was skinny minny but so easy to coax to sleep. I really enjoy reading your blog as I am pregnant with my 3rd, and even though it hasn’t been too long I have forgotten all of these delicious things that they did and you are bringing them back to me!
Laura
June 25, 2009 at 3:49 pmEleanor is lovely! We named our little girl Eleanor too (we spell it Elanor). Sometimes it is hard to feel so “needed” right now, but as she grows it will get easier! Our Ellie now (10 mo.) makes cute faces and special coos just for her daddy. Adorable! Brandon’s day will come!
Stephanie
June 25, 2009 at 4:04 pmAwwwww, what a cutie! I just love babies. My littlest one is just about to turn 3. Enjoy this time. Take lots of videos and pics.
nkc
June 25, 2009 at 4:32 pmThank you so much for posting about your breastfeeding woes. My little guy is only 8 days old and I am definitely experiencing significant issues with latching on and the accompanying pain. I’ve been tempted to quit so many times as the pain can be excruciating, but hearing stories like yours gives me hope that things will in fact get better. We did meet with the hospital lactation consultant and have an appointment with one at the breastfeeding center tomorrow, so I’m hopeful that an end is in sight.
Eleanor’s eyes = beautiful.
allyse
June 25, 2009 at 5:49 pmi LOVE the outfit and have a 10 week old, where did you get it???
TracyKM
June 26, 2009 at 7:33 amShe’s adorable! You get more sleep than I do, and my youngest is 3 1/2!
It’s not too early for separation anxiety :) Babies are born with the biological instinct to be near their mothers—it ensures their survival. Your husband doesn’t have your smell, which is her primary sense of recognition in the first couple of months. And since he doesn’t smell like you, and doesn’t have the soft squishy chest…he can’t keep her alive, in her mind. My kids got over it once hubby could feed baby foods.
Christina
June 26, 2009 at 10:02 amGreat! She’s soooooo lovely…
sometimes the nipples just have to get used to it, but man, I’m glad you’re not in as much pain!
Niki
June 26, 2009 at 11:30 amShe’s beautiful, Nicole. Happy to hear the nursing has improved!
Tell your hubby not to get too down about the crying. Baby’s cry for all sorts of reasons and not always because they’re upset. It’s their only way to communicate and I seriously doubt she’s crying because she doesn’t want your man to hold her. Things will get better, I promise.
Remember to take some time for yourself, even if it’s only a ten minute shower. And any time you need support, we’re here for you! Trust me, other mommies always understand.
katie
June 26, 2009 at 4:57 pmShe’s so gorgeous, and looks LONG, not chubby for being off the charts. As for nights, you are very lucky.
It’s good you are not tied to a strict routine, because each month her sleep patterns will change. I guess for consistent work, you’ll have to be a night owl. Hang in there and try to be happy with doing a bit less for now–she’ll only be small for a little bit.
k
Kimbydee
June 26, 2009 at 10:14 pmI see some Dad in her but for the most part I think she looks like you! She’s adorable, enjoy being able to sleep through the night, and I’m glad breast feeding is finally feeling tolerable. ;o)
Nikki F.
June 27, 2009 at 11:43 amShe’s just beautiful. She may not favor being held by Brandon right now, but she sure looks like him (holy smokes)! Everything changes so much, so fast, and of course there’s no hard-and-fast schedule. And let’s factor in that she’s a girl – her preferences may 180 by tomorrow!
Thanks for letting us peek into your world.
holly
June 27, 2009 at 12:07 pmPRECIOUS!! Nicole and Brandon, she is absolutely beautiful!
katelynjane
June 27, 2009 at 2:54 pmWow, I can’t believe she’s 8 weeks old!! I wasn’t around when the big annoucement of her being born happened, I guess that means I’ve been gone a while!! Congrats on the little angel, she’s beautiful!
And congrats on having the willpower on staying with breastfeeding! That must take alot, but I know the benefits are huge, so it’s great you stuck with it!
jennifer ramos
June 28, 2009 at 3:48 pmShe’s PERFECT…i like all the color coordination you use in your pics…you’re so good at it.
Jen Ramos
http://www.madebygirl.com
madebygirl.blogspot.com
Heather in Washington State, USA
June 28, 2009 at 8:47 pmMy daughters used to cry when daddy held them, until we found out why. They didn’t like his stubbly beard against their skin when he held them against his shoulder. Have Brandon hold her in cradle position for awhile. If that was the issue, it may take a few days or so for her to stop associating him with stubble burn.
Fifi Flowers
June 29, 2009 at 6:49 pmADORABLE baby and FAB decor!!! LOVE the flower drapery… FUN!!!
Sheri
June 29, 2009 at 8:24 pmi want that shirt!
Lori
June 30, 2009 at 8:59 pmI just found your blog while searching for baby girl nursery ideas. Eleanor’s nursery is fabulous. And I must tell you I had the same painful breastfeeding experience with my son-it took 12 weeks before it was just great. We finally stopped 2 1/2 years later so congratulations for working through it. I know how truly hard it is but it was SO worth it.
Sally
July 8, 2009 at 5:26 pmJust a thought, because it happened to me many times: Could you have had mastitis or a clogged duct? Both affected me only on one side (I guess I have a gimpy breast!) but with mastitis you also feel flu-y and have a fever, and feel sick everywhere. With a clogged duct it just gets red and painful and hurts when your milk lets down. But when it finally clears, it is cool to watch your milk shoot across the room!
katie in WA
July 17, 2009 at 7:14 ami had THE SAME EXPERIENCE w/ b.feeding! i, too, remembered the “6 WEEKS” proclamation and thank God @ 6 wks on the dot, wa-la…no more mommy-tears! i am sure the anticipation of the EXCRUCIATING pain made me tense, which makes it worse. HARD TO RELAX when you’re about to HAVE YOUR NIPPLE SLICED OFF –or so it felt… =) Bless you and your sweet babe. i’m w/ all the others on making sure he’s not stubbly, not too bouncy, and get outta the room –maybe for a while– she can hear you, see you, smell you…
i used to put on about 3 jog bras to go for a run and when i got back to my neighborhood i could hear my son’s cries from blocks away….i’d turn the corner, come in view of my home, and there was my poor, frazzled hubby holding dear sweet CRYING boy…it was all i could do to de-jog-bra myself and sit, sweat and all, haul out the boob and let him latch on! good grief! you’d think i was OXYGEN! but i miss them needing me so much!!! =) take care!