Whitney told me that we really need to post a little about ourselves this week, since this is the Hardie blog not just the Eleanor blog. So I've included some of the Christmas fun we had waiting for Eleanor to get here along with a few videos

Whitney made a little advent calendar for our apartment. I was so busy with school that most of the events were things on Whitney's to do list! She is so fun.

One day when Whit was pregnant she decided she wanted to sit on the counter and watch me cook or do dishes.

Whitney will probably shoot be for putting this one up. She looked great next to the Christmas Tree!

In the days preceding Whit's labor and delivery we played a lot of scrabble. In fact, the night that Whit went into labor, we had just finished a rousing game with the Gibsons about 12:30 in the morning.

Some people go visit Santa, but he usually comes to us. He and Mrs. Clause rock.

Whitney made about 20 burp cloths for Ellie from an retro sheet that we inherited from one of our families. Crafty.

I must admit I didn't help much with these. The week I studied for and took the PHR exam Whitney was busy making Christmas cookies and spreading holiday cheer.

Camouflage Baby

Last night Eleanor slept through the night for the first time ever! Yessss! She is 8 weeks old today and got her first immunizations on Tuesday and was pretty distressed most of the day. She is weighing in at 9lbs 13oz and is a whopping 22 inches. She is as cute as ever.

We got these cool kimono style onsies with squirrels on them- nice choice Becca. Carl made a onesie with Green automatic rifles painted all over it. Ellie loves it.

Ellie is STILL reading War and Peace.

We didn't realize it until we were leaving but we have a little gown that matches the blanket we keep in Eleanor's carseat. It's like a baby-style camouflage- where is she?

This is one of my favorite picture series. You see the tired baby- blanket kicked off, nuk nearby, and burp cloth laid under the head for self-burping purposes...

Then you've got the tired and worn-out mother n the background that can't help but love that baby that made her get mastitis.

Eleanor II

Woot Woot! Whitney and I are so cool that we have matching BYU sweatshirts. I know...pretty dang cool huh?

Every time I hold Eleanor, I ask Whit to take a picture of us. I can't help it- Ellie is just so darn cute!

I think that this picture of Ellie in her car seat really shows us how small she was. I say was because she is growing so fast. It's crazy she's already outgrown her newborn clothes.

My boss at work had a blanket embroidered with Ellie's birthday, weight and length, and full name. Thanks Erva!

I know not a lot of babies know how to read, let alone upside down, but our little Eleanor is just smart as a whip. She has read most of War and Peace with me and is working on Ender's Shadow with Whitney.

Left of right, my missionary companion Rheese Cragon, my dad, Me, Brad Mehan, and Merrill Madsen. They were all there along with my brother Dave to bless Eleanor. It was a great day.

Left- right here: Diane Bowns, Megan Bowns, Me and Whit and Ellie, Karen Madsen, and Tracy and Allen Gregory.