Sooo last century.

So, when Bill and I were first dating, he had a truly indiscernible style. There were shorts year-round, socks with flip flops, wool hats, sports t-shirts, nary a jacket to be found. I just couldn't decipher what on Earth was going on. So, I asked Bill in a round-about way, "So, like, what's your style? What's a piece of clothing you really like?" He paused, as if the question of his own fashion identity had never crossed his mind. After a few moments, his face lit up. "You know, I really like those long sleeved shirts with the three buttons." Wow. Well, there it was. Not a nice suit, or a button down, witty, vintage t-shirts, or even a secret penchant for euro-jeans. The long sleeved shirts with the three buttons. Despite my misgivings, I smiled encouragingly, in a way that screamed through gritted teeth and with a laugh in my throat, "Thank you for sharing."

And since that day, my husband has insisted on dressing like it is an episode of 90210. If there is an opportunity to dress for an occasion midway between a suit and pajamas, Bill will don the exact apparel debuted in the Brandon Walsh senior photo. With all the pomp he can muster (which is quite a bit), Bill will tuck his three button thermal into his pleated, belted dockers, worn over lace-up brown boots. He pranced down the stairs this morning, and I did an actual double take. I kid you not, I cried out, "What, is it 1991?" Enjoy.

(PS. I love my husband, and this post is Bill-approved. And, contrary to what you might imagine, this wardrobe was not purchased at County Seat.)

Is it me...

...or is Eleanor getting cuter?

And to think I was worried...

For a little while Eleanor's hair was an issue of concern for me. It was a little out of control. But, as long as she doesn't mind being compared to Jimmy Neutron...

Tubby!

Pardon the bits of food in the tub. Eleanor is a very messy eater, and these are remnants of breakfast, eaten mere moments ago.

Fruity Cheerios on the Floor.

With Daddy! (Crazy Daddy, sweet Daddy, fun Daddy.)

Friday with Grandma Jean!

(Aunt Marie has asked me to clarify her "just back from the barn" status!)

"Don't leave me, Pig."

(Just a little inside "joke". I use "joke" liberally, in so many ways.)

Eight and some.

Well, our little baby is not so little anymore. Eleanor is growing and doing more every day! She has been standing holding onto things for a few weeks. So, the couch, crib, coffee table, pews at church, and piano bench are all fair game.

She is "talking" constantly, and imitating sounds we make often. There are a few things she says that are "real" words (like "again" when we are playing certain enthralling games and sometimes "dog" (I think?)), but her favorite words are "diddle" and "diggity". She tries so hard to stay positive that even when she is the most angry with me (at dressing time), she balls up her tiny fists and mutters, "Diddle, diddle, diddly, diggity, diddle diddle." There has never been a cuter thing.

She is getting a little attached to me, hugging me very tightly when confronted with overwhelming social situations. She is still incredibly engaging, but she needs her mommy just enough - and I love it. I like that she is a little shy. (A very little.)

She is eating all sorts of fun things. Her favorites? Slices of orange and toast with apple jelly (or any jelly, but she is my little Apple Jelly, so that's what she gets).

Eleanor loves to be kissed on the tummy, and when she decides to laugh, it is truly infectious.

Here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure (my favorite is the last one - fist pump)!

Wow. Sorry about that.

We are finally back with photos dating back from two weeks ago (our camera mysteriously began to work, just as it stopped working two weeks ago). And, then some from today. Look how Eleanor has changed. Now that she's eight months (last two pictures), look how mature! :o)

Bows, Bows, and More Bows.

A friend of mine made these gorgeous bows for Miss Eleanor! They are as awesome as can be, and comfortable in a little girl's hair. It is a fledging venture, but let me know if there are any little ladies out there in need of reasonably priced, absolutely magical bows!!!

-"Well, I am magic."