Just hanging out at home!

Now that the last of our company has come and gone, life had finally started to get back into a routine. Elle's now out of our bedroom (horray) and sleeping in her cradle in the office. Aside from starting sleep training, it's pretty much been an uneventful week over here. I've tried to stay at home as much as possible with hopes of getting Elle on a better sleeping schedule. For some reason she really has a hard time falling asleep. When we're out, she'll fight it as long as she can. And when she does finally fall asleep, it's just short little cat naps. Then she becomes overly tired and fussy and it drives us crazy! Its during these times that Madi will frankly remind me: "Mommy, you need to help Elle." This my friends, is what I do- I spend a good portion of my day "helping Elle". Between trying to get her to fall asleep and/or listening to her crying, it's a full time job! Sticking around home has worked though- the last 2 or 3 days have been better. Being able to catch her tired signs, I've been able to time her naps perfectly- getting her to fall asleep on her own, with no crying (well, ok- it's really only happened a few times, but at least it's a start). A good nap will last anywhere from 45 minutes to 3 1/2 hours. The best part about her actually sleeping is that when she's awake she's happy- we've gotten lots of cute smiles and coos out of her this week (sorry, no pics of the smile though)!  Instead I captured.....

1) Exhausted Elle NOT going to sleep. 

2) Sleepy Elle taking a relaxing bath.

3) Content Elle chillin in her gym.

4) And of course, naked Elle- right after a blow-out!

All the above pics were taken today or yesterday- so at 8 weeks old!

Staying at home all day can only last for so long though. I started to go a little crazy today. Luckily Madi's been good about it. As much as she needs outings, she's been happy to stick around home. She's watched a few more movies than I'd like to admit, but we've also had fun reading, painting, baking, singing, going on walks (short ones- still no double stroller), cleaning, and organizing (I've finally been able to tackle my piles). 

Out on a walk- Madi doing some exploring!

Madi takes all her art work very seriously. I kept asking for a smile- she remained concentrated.

Sweeping and mopping floors are one of Madi's obsessions. Hmmm... wonder where she gets it from?

The hardest part about all of this is not having Spencer around. His schedule this semester is probably worse than if he were just working full-time. Not only does he have a full school load, but the firm asked him to work more hours (again a blessing, but I can't say I don't miss having him around). When Spencer's actually home he's either studying or working on something for church. Of course he still manages to make time to hang out with his girls, but it's definitely not like it used to be.