Eleanor celebrated her second birthday this week! She had multiple parties to celebrate the occasion, complete with several birthday cupcakes and candles. However, it turns out that she currently prefers puffs to cupcakes, so we had to add those to her tray beside the cupcakes each time. She liked the candle on the cupcake, until the smoke blew into her face, then she didn’t want any more candles.
Both Eleanor and Henry enjoyed our week at the beach in Michigan – and they both had lots of firsts. Henry got in Lake Michigan for the first time, his first trip to the beach, and his first ride on a carousel. During the drive there, Eleanor shared her first Oreo Blizzard with Dad, and at the beach she build sand castles with Grandma and walked in the lake all by herself. I can’t remember for sure, but I think Henry also had his first dinner out at a restaurant. Eleanor really enjoyed the beach and the splash park – although she didn’t like it when her face got wet or splashed. Anytime that happened we were sure to get a “Go back to Grandma’s House”.
Eleanor is really into giving Henry hugs, which is very cute but sometimes not appreciated by Mr. Henry – which makes for some funny pictures. She also really liked watching a quick thunderstorm roll in on Saturday afternoon. She was fascinated by the rain, dark sky and lightning. She and I went out on the porch to feel the rain and wind, and she kept asking to go out again. After the storm was over, she asked for “More Lightning”, and when Mimi and Papa explained that the lightning was all gone, she said “go to the store and buy more lightning” – tee hee. She has asked me every day since for more lightning.
Henry is starting to use his voice a bit more – he now has a wonderful pterodactyl noise which usually precedes a big smile. He seems very impressed with the loud noises that he can make. He hasn’t made much progress on rolling from back to tummy, or on getting into a sitting position, but he is getting better at standing by himself while leaning against something. He doesn’t cruise yet, but he can stay up for several minutes without help.
