Hammonds' Household Happenings

Mini-Me

2012-01-18T08:10:00.002-06:00

Do you have a mini-me? Andrew does, his name is Marshall. Marshall loves to do anything Daddy does and always knows where he is. Wearing Daddy's hat and shoes has become a regular habit. (This post was originally about to be about Marshall's clubfoot check-up at Shriner's last week, but I wrote it and came back to add pictures and the post was gone. The check-up went great and Marshall's doing remarkably well!)

What have we been up too?

2012-01-02T21:26:00.001-06:00

Hmmm? Last post was at the beginning of March you might be wondering what we have been up too if you are not a close friend or family. Well, I was growing this beauty -

We welcomed Edith Molly Hammonds into our family on December 15th at 8:22 pm. She was the runt of the litter weighing in at 7 pounds, 2 ounces. (Eleanor was 8 pounds, 10 ounces; Marshall was 8 pounds, 1 ounce) She has fit right into the chaos, in fact sleeps through most of it. Her big brother and sister adore her. Eleanor loves to hold her and kiss her. Marshall is always on watch and is the first one to know when she wakes up and stands at her door says, "ki, ki. ed-e" (cry, cry. Edith.) While she's eating he pats her and say, "ni, gent" (nice and gentle). We are loving getting to know her and how she completes our family.

Over the spring and summer Andrew redid our attic, the kitchen and tiled the floor in the master bathroom. We also repainted the entire interior and have done a lot of work outside improving the landscape, etc as well as tending to our garden.

We traveled to New Zealand in July/August and have decided to move back in February.

See more New Zealand photos here.

Hopefully, in the new year I am more diligent about updating the blog. I'm sure there will be lots to talk about on our new adventure.

Dinner

2011-03-03T09:38:00.000-06:00

The other night we got Mexican food and we had chicken "chuchuchimekananugas". And I only think I have it spelled phonetically.

Boat Playing Video

2011-02-25T20:12:00.000-06:00

Someone's ready for summer

2011-02-25T19:47:00.000-06:00

Eleanor pulled out hers and Marshall's sunhat this afternoon and then hopped in her "boat" and paddled. She even let Marshall in the "boat" and gave him a kiss. Once he started pulling her hair though he was sent overboard. (Side note: Marshall thought eating his sunhat was better than wearing it.)

Eleanor obviously decided that one paddle was not enough and retrieved another one from the kitchen drawer by herself. Note to Mommy - check the toy box when you are missing your kitchen utensils.

Monkey Mashall

2011-02-20T22:36:00.000-06:00

Marshall has a little blankie with a monkey and his name on it and sometimes I call him "Marshall Monkey". Today Marshall proved he was really a monkey. Love it!

2.5 Glue Sticks Later

2011-02-11T19:49:00.000-06:00

The "playhouse" has turned "clubhouse and I got to play with hot glue gun!

Snow Days

2011-02-10T21:29:00.000-06:00

Here are some pictures of our week with snow.

Sticking her tongue out and trying on Mommy's old gloves and hat

Painting inside

After 3 days at home Eleanor decided to go tribal.

Watching the snow from the window

Standing

Marshall was nice and warm in the snow suit Gran made him

Sitting in the sled

Daddy pulling Eleanor up the hill

Riding together

Love the falling snowflakes coming down the camera caught

Daddy and crew

Mommy and crew

Eleanor pulling the sled; Marshall eating snow

He found out it was a little deep for crawling

Instead of a snowman we built a snow mound and put icicles on top

Eating an icicle and looking cold! We went in soon after.

Warming up with hold chocolate. Obviously, this was a popular idea


Looking lovely with rosy cheeks. (Marshall came right in and took a nap!)

The New "Old"

2011-01-25T19:39:00.000-06:00

While Eleanor was eating her "bekfest" this morning we had the following conversation:

Eleanor: Mommy, you're old!

Me: I am?

Eleanor: I'm old too. I'm two and half! (proudly displaying two fingers)

Its so interesting to see how they define words. Also, I wouldn't call myself "old", but apparently I have been that way for about 28 years. :)

Building Castles

2011-01-23T16:09:00.000-06:00

Eleanor got some blocks for Christmas and she has really gotten good at building towers. (This was one of Mommy, Uncle Zach, and Uncle Sam favorite things to do!) She likes to build them in her playhouse and is fantastic at picking them up when she's finished.

Baby Doll Sliding

2011-01-18T21:57:00.000-06:00

A wise (and biased) dad just told me, "Eleanor is being really cute these days." As a biased mother, I agree! It is so much fun to watch her play and listen to her self-talk. Her conversations with Baby Doll and Elmo often resemble conversations she has with us and other people. She takes everything in and has a fantastic memory.
Anyway, here she is playing with Baby Doll in playhouse.

Awesomness!

2011-01-07T10:00:00.000-06:00

Here are some pictures of the playhouse that Andrew built with the materials from Santa. Eleanor helped too!

Climbing the stairs

At the top

Let's relax!


View going up; Baby Doll sleeps under the stairs

The stairs. Andrew made them from wood he milled out of our yard after the Ice Storm

Baby Doll and back wall

View from the front

8 Months

2011-01-06T21:26:00.000-06:00

Eleanor and Marshall at 8 months. Not identical, but definitely related.

Together

2011-01-02T19:45:00.000-06:00

Success! I got a good picture of both Eleanor and Marshall together today. Does anybody have any tips for getting them to take a good picture together?

Marshall thought he was big stuff getting to sit in a real chair!

Bathtime Fun

2010-12-31T10:23:00.000-06:00

Its so much fun in the bath now that Marshall can sit up and get around. The other day my camera happened to be in the bathroom during bath time. (Eleanor, how did this happen?) Here's some of the fun! Pictures of the new playhouse to come soon - ITS AWESOME!

Moving Forward

2010-12-26T23:25:00.000-06:00

Marshall can now officially do the "the worm" and move himself forward.

Christmas 2010

2010-12-26T23:07:00.001-06:00

Well, we were definitely all well remembered again this year. Eleanor helped Mommy make and decorate gingerbread men to leave under the tree for Santa.

On Christmas Eve we had a yummy dinner with The Hoys at MarMar and JonJon's. When we got home we left cookies and beer for Santa. He must have enjoyed them, because he left some really nice presents!

For Eleanor he left a pink guitar and in her stocking new bath stickers and magnetic shapes and letters for the fridge. Marshall got a ride-on giraffe and in his stocking new bath toys and balls. For both of them he left materials to build an indoor playhouse (along with a note asking Daddy and his power tools to help with construction) and a set of table and chairs to sit at. The table even has a dry erase surface on top! WOW!

Mommy and Daddy got Eleanor a new big girl backpack and lunchbox and Marshall a big boy car seat. They also got quite the haul from Granny Jill and Grandad. Marshall got a blue bear-bear, sand toys, linking rings, and a ball. Eleanor got finger puppets, sand toys, a ball, and her very own wallet with money in it! Score!

For lunch we traveled across the street to MarMar and JonJon's for brunch and more presents. Santa remembered to stop there too and left Eleanor a new Baby Doll. MarMar and JonJon must have some psychic connections with the Big Man in Red because they got Eleanor doll furniture. Marshall has been wanting a new Merino Kids sleep sack so that his other one can be washed and his wish came true! Not to mention all the wrapping paper one could eat. (Too bad no one let him!)

Click here to view all our December pictures on snapfish.

Playing Around the House

2010-12-17T19:32:00.000-06:00

Eleanor loves to sit in Marshall's bumbo seat and get "stuck".

Marshall likes to "eat" whatever he can get his hands on. And he's pretty well creeping. He is definitely moving and getting where he wants to go. No clubfoot is slowing him down. I'm sure there will be no stopping him soon! We have had to lower the bed since he was starting to pull up on his knees and stick his head over the top.

We are all looking forward to Christmas!

A New Favorite

2010-12-16T21:03:00.000-06:00

Here is one of Marshall's new favorite things. Riding the bike around the house with Daddy.


Why are we not moving? Let's get going!

Santa Sighting

2010-12-15T19:47:00.000-06:00

Here are some pictures from visiting Santa at CSI. Not quite the Christmas card-esque one from two years ago. However, it is better than we did last year as we got nothing!

Eleanor Singing

2010-12-12T15:47:00.000-06:00

Here's Eleanor singing a Christmas song she learned at school and "Fruit Salad" by the Wiggles. She also has "phone conversations" with Daddy, JonJon, MarMar, Uncle Sam, and Uncle Zach while "working" on her 'puter.

Racing Car

2010-12-07T19:18:00.000-06:00

Checking out the finished product

We have been saving toilet paper rolls lately so that Daddy and the kids can build something. On Saturday Eleanor and Daddy were motivated to make a racing car. If Mommy had helped Eleanor make the car it would not have been nearly as cool as Daddy's design! The car included working wheels, a driver, and a rocket (small pop firework) to propel the car forward!
The great thing with the rockets were that Daddy could add more! (He is already thinking about how he can make a new and improved rocket...) This is the best take:

Eleanorisms

2010-12-03T10:54:00.000-06:00

I want to give Marshall is his "omeo". oatmeal

When Eleanor is sick she gets "tygena". tylenol

Now that's it cold outside she wear "mininsoves". mitten-gloves

This weekend we are putting up our "mismis" tree. Christmas

Wearing Mommy's shoes and socks

Yep, I'm Cute!

2010-12-02T21:09:00.000-06:00

Marshall is a handsome guy! Unfortunately he is just getting over another ear infection! After seeing the doctor on Wednesday he will be getting ear tubes next week. Eleanor went too to get her ears looked at and they looked "perfect".
I am so ready for these guys to be caught up on sleep and not grumpy! Mainly, because then I will be caught up on sleep and not grumpy! Eleanor has pretty much recovered from her surgery and the big Thanksgiving weekend so here to hoping after his second surgery Marshall will start sleeping through the night again too!

New Family Photo

2010-12-01T21:35:00.000-06:00

So I finally updated the family photo at the side. We are still looking for a good one where we are all at lease semi looking at the camera at the same time, but this one is better than one when Eleanor was 2 months old.
This was taken on Halloween. In case you are wondering what the lines on my face are its Eleanor's artwork. To let me paint whiskers on her, the deal was she got to paint them on Mommy. It was a win-win. Eleanor looked super cute as a kitty cat with whiskers and Mommy got a costume (Eleanor's artwork)!

November 2010 (123 photos), by Hannah Hammonds

2010-12-01T19:02:00.001-06:00

I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.
Click here to view photos

Making Pie

2010-11-30T21:51:00.000-06:00

Eleanor's Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie

I love making pies and am glad to already be sharing this fun with Eleanor. It makes baking even more fun! Here are some pictures of Eleanor's pumpkin pie she made for Thanksgiving Day and of her helping to make raisin pie for Leftover Night. She actually made the pie crust and the pumpkin pie filling herself (Well, maybe she had a little help measuring, but she poured everything in the bowl!)
For her birthday she got her own baking set which included a pie plate and rolling pin that are "just her size". It makes helping even more fun when you can use your own stuff!

She cut the "leaf" herself. (With supervision)

Only a Month Late...

2010-11-28T20:53:00.000-06:00

Trick-or-Treat

Kitty Cat

Showing off her whiskers

Cute!

Quack, Quack!

With a little tail

From the side

Big Foot

2010-11-27T15:42:00.000-06:00

Marshall got new shoes and a bar last week. We use the Dobb's Bar and with the longer length and getting ready to pull up and walk soon the new bar attaches to the shoe at a flatter angle to make these thing easier. Because he's growing like a weed Daddy is checking and adjusting the bar length every two weeks now! The new shoes (Mitchell Sandals) are much easier to put on and have quite a bit of growing room which makes Marshall look a little like Big Foot.

Big Foot

Flatter bottom

Just a happy man!

Eleanor's Trip to the OR

2010-11-27T15:33:00.000-06:00


Eleanor checking out what Elmo packed in her "packpack" (backpack)

Daddy reading Wheels on the Bus after getting her gown on

Smiling for the camera

Playing peekaboo with the curtain to her room

On her way to explore!

Update

2010-11-22T20:58:00.001-06:00

Eleanor's rash is completely gone! She got ear tubes put in this morning and we think its going to be a great a thing. The doctor "sucked out" a current infection in one ear and a very thick old infection from the other. After a short nap, a big macaroni and cheese lunch, and a long nap she has bounced back really well and its feeling much better.
Now, if we could just get Marshall better! Marshall and Mommy spent Friday night at the ER because he was retracting when breathing in. The ER doc diagnosed him with bronchitis, sent us home (with antibiotic), and told us to see Dr. Schell as well. He didn't seem much better so we got him in today and yep, another ear infection. He goes to see the ENT next Wednesday. Yay for already maxed out insurance.
Memo to our kids immune system: You'd better buck up, after December 31st an a new insurance year begins! haha...
Our goal for the weekend is not to go to the ER!

Eleanor's Rash

2010-11-16T21:16:00.000-06:00

Well, we have been through quite the ordeal lately and this is going to be quite a long post! A little background:
Eleanor has had an ear infection (since October 25th) that has not cleared. She was first prescribed Amoxicillin and after 7 days was still complaining of an ear ache. We took her back to the doctor and was given cephzil (sp?). She finished this 10 day course of antibiotics. After being off the antibiotics for 1 day she again complained that her ear hurt. So back to the doctor we went to have ears rechecked. This time she was prescribed Biaxin and referred to an ENT for an ear tube consult (another post). This was all on Thursday afternoon. Thursday night when I went to get the new antibiotic Eleanor started throwing up with a totally unrelated 12-24 stomach bug. She had one dose of the Biaxin and threw it back up and didn't have anymore because the next morning she still didn't feel 100%. Friday afternoon she broke out in a rash. We made to Redicare too late be seen by a doctor but a nurse was kind enough to unlock the door and look at Eleanor. She said to give her some Bendryl and come back in the morning if it was worse.
Saturday morning: It was worse! She woke up with the rash covering even more of her body and had a temperature of 103.5. Redicare sent her to the ER. Andrew and Eleanor stayed all day at the ER where she was given a steroid shot and a shot of antibiotics, as well as a saline IV to get her temperature down. (The doctor did not impress us, but that is also another story...) He sent us home telling Andrew it was probably an allergic reaction to Biaxin (only had one dose and threw it up almost immediately). Eleanor was to return to the ER for a recheck in the morning. These were taken after arriving home Saturday night.

This is Eleanor's camera smile.

The rash is looking much better in these pictures than before they left. The middle parts where it is a little whiteish looking were a bit blistered, but had really gone down since the morning.

Sunday morning she looked much better and we took some more pictures after a bath with Marshall.

The "blister" looking thing in the top right is a water drop.

Still looks bad, but much better than before. The rash was pretty flat and seemed to be really reduced.

The rash on the top part of her back looked bruised and we took pictures of this in case things went down hill again.


Bruised rash on her arm.

Mommy took Eleanor to the ER for her recheck on Sunday. The (insert sarcastic voice here) lovely doctor that saw Eleanor on Saturday saw us again on Sunday. He attitude was improved, but he said she was fine. She had some "insect bite" looking parts to the rash on her leg, which is what we first noticed when the rash started on Friday afternoon and I showed them to the doctor, but he dismissed them, saying she was fine, but if we were really concerned to call our regular doctor on Monday. The rest of the day she acted fine and the rash seemed to not be growing.

Monday Morning: RASH IS WORSE! When I went in to get Eleanor up I noticed that the rash had spread again and also she was having trouble opening one eye! After turning on the lights it was very obvious that she was NOT better! Her face was swollen and the rash was completely covering her back. The fever (which she had not had on Sunday) had returned. Andrew immediately took her to the ER and Mommy joined them later after Marshall had woken up and been dropped at MarMar's.
While at the ER Eleanor got more Benadryl and another steroid shot. Andrew also asked to see a different doctor than we had previously seen and wanted them to get us in to see Dr. Schell (our regular pediatrician) as soon as possible.

The places that aren't covered had previously been covered. Pretty much everywhere looked like this.

You can see that her face is swollen. This is shortly after having the shots. It was much worse when she left the house.

After examining her Dr. Schell told us that the rash is mostly likely an allergic reaction to the Cephzil. Even though she had had it before he explained that sometimes on the xth time you are exposed to something that's when you react. He has put us on a course of Benadryl. We are giving it to her several times a day at the moment and are going to slowly ween her down from it. She looks way better now. There are still a couple of marks on her face from the swelling and she has a couple of new rash spots, but Dr. Schell said this was normal and it might take 2-3 weeks for all traces to disappear. We are happy to report she is feeling much, much better and things are going much better!

I Think I'll Drive

2010-11-15T22:31:00.000-06:00

Where to m'am?

Cool Dude

2010-11-12T20:07:00.000-06:00

What happens when you leave Marshall and Daddy alone together? FUN!

November 2010 (12 photos), by Hannah Hammonds

2010-11-11T15:36:00.001-06:00

I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.
Click here to view photos

October 2010 (93 photos), by Hannah Hammonds

2010-11-11T15:10:00.001-06:00

I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.
Click here to view photos

Grocery Shopping

2010-11-08T21:19:00.000-06:00

Taking Eleanor to the grocery has not been happening lately as she's two. Her options are to ride in the cart, walk holding Mommy's hand, or ride in the "car cart". She hates sitting the cart, likes to run away from Mommy, and Mommy hates the car cart as it drives like a tank and she won't stay in it past the produce section! Yesterday, it all changed. There is now a small cart that is just Eleanor's size and she got to use it! At times it was a little like a plow and people were definitely needing to give her a bit of "wiggle room", but all in all it was a success! I was lucky enough to have had my camera in my purse from something I had done earlier in the day!

I Need Better Entertainment!

2010-11-04T19:32:00.000-05:00

Someone get me a bed!

Sweet Potatoes and 6 Month Check-Up

2010-11-03T20:59:00.000-05:00

Marshall had his 6 month check-up today. He weighs 16 pounds, 1 ounce and is 27 inches. Putting him in the 50 percentile for height and 25th for weight. He got an all around good report from Dr. Schell. Marshall and Eleanor have both had a bad ear infection lately and Dr. Schell said he was well on the way to recovery! Marshall has been eating cereal for about a month now and tonight he tried sweet potatoes. His first solid food! He appeared to really like them as he kept opening his mouth for more and very little came back out! Last night we discovered his first tooth had also cut through. Our little baby is growing up so fast! We can't believe he's already 6 months old!

Clubfoot Update

2010-10-28T20:08:00.000-05:00

A couple of weeks ago we went to St. Louis to have Marshall's feet checked out by Dr. Matthew Dobbs, a leading clubfoot specialist very close to home. We went to see Dr. Dobbs for a few reasons. One - he is a leading specialist, two - we just wanted a second opinion to make sure Marshall's feet were corrected properly, and three - its not that much further than Nashville. Wow! Its a great visit. Dr. Dobb's thoroughly checked Marshall's feet and talked to us about what he was doing. He said Marshall was doing really well and said he would put Marshall in a low risk category for relapse. (Very good news!) He also showed us some simple stretches we can do with Marshall's feet to help keep them loosened up. Marshall is also now brace free for 6 hours a day, wearing them only for 18 hours a day, which is pretty much only while sleeping! We really enjoyed our visit with Dr. Dobb's and will be returning to St. Louis.
The next day we took the kids to the zoo. More about that later with pictures. Just wanted to let everyone know about our great visit.

Pumpkin Patch Field Trip

2010-10-22T19:52:00.000-05:00

Eleanor's class went to the Pumpkin Patch on Thursday. Parents were invited to attend and both Mommy and Daddy were able to go!
Mommy and Daddy got there just before the bus and we could see our excited little girl in a window seat. She was bouncing up and down and waving to anything outside the window. The waving increased in speed when saw a couple of familiar faces!
Once they got off the bus they took a class picture and had fun playing with the fall mum and pumpkin display. The tractor for the hayrides were soon heard and the kids climbed aboard and headed to the pumpkin patch. When they got there they ran around, sat on pumpkins, and had a great time. Upon returning they got to eat a special lunch on the picnic tables, have a cookie and apple cider for dessert, and they brought home a little pumpkin. Eleanor painted hers this afternoon before dinner.

Some New Firsts

2010-09-22T19:17:00.000-05:00

Eleanor had her first "big girl" haircut last Saturday. A week before she went to the hairdressers with Mommy and MarMar to check the place out for a "Girl's Day". Throughout the week she would comb her hair and say, "Haircut. Big Girl Saturday!" Ashley did an excellent job of trimming her hair and Eleanor was in fact a "big girl" and did so, so well sitting still and staying calm!

Big girl!

Sitting still

and staying calm.

Checking out the end result.

Marshall's first was eating rice cereal. He has been grabbing at our plates and bowls lately so it was time he had his own!

Already a pro with a spoon

Yummy!

Maybe not?

I just want Daddy to feed me!

All done!

Gimme that cloth! I'm ready to eat something else...

New Snpafish Photos

2010-09-15T21:17:00.001-05:00

Usually I just hit a button on snapfish and its does this for me, but for some reason tonight I'm having to share the link myself. What's up technology?!?!

Anyway, these pictures are mostly from September, but some are from April/May when Marshall first came home! (Can you believe that was almost 5 months ago?)

http://www2.snapfish.com/earthlink/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=5627696013/a=109505960_109505960/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=earthlink/

Big Girl Bed, part 2

2010-09-12T21:28:00.000-05:00

Here's some video of Eleanor showing us how to get in and out of her bed.

Big Girl Bed

2010-09-12T20:54:00.000-05:00

Eleanor was promoted to a "big girl bed" this weekend. First she found all her tools so she could help Daddy.

You can see she was a very good helper. (Marshall helped by sleeping soundly and Mommy was helping by documenting the event.)

The rail was successfully removed (verdict is still out on how successful the switch has been, but I think she's coming round...) and we have one happy big girl!

First night: she looks comfy, eh?

Clubfoot/Weekend Update

2010-08-26T19:01:00.000-05:00

We just returned from Nashville and Brevard. On the way to the 75th reunion at Camp Gwynn Valley (where Andrew and I worked and met) we had a visit with Marshall's clubfoot doctor. He has had his boots and bar on for a month now and the doc was very pleased that Marshall's foot had maintained all the progress made with the casts. Two more months of 23/7 wearing.
After our trip to the doctor we continued east and stopped in Pigeon Forge for the night. In true Eleanor fashion she did not sleep AT ALL in the car and we hoped she would nap at the hotel - wrong! Instead she was so excited all she could do was run around on her tiptoes. Once she calmed down a little we took both kids for a swim. Eleanor and Mommy chased and tried hard to catch Marshall and Daddy. Let me just say that Marshall is already a little fish at 4 months and was very hard to catch!
Once we arrived in Brevard we stayed with Jeff and Shelley and met Arlo, their new puppy. Eleanor thought he was great as long as he was in his "house". On the way home she kept wanting to play with him so they must have ended up as friends. While in Brevard we enjoyed catching up with old friends at the reunion.
It was fantastic to get away and see our friends and be in a place that we love. I'm hoping to post pictures on snapfish tomorrow and will add the link once I do.

Mad Skills

2010-08-12T20:09:00.000-05:00

Marshall has developed some mad rolling over skills. In this video he was having some "boot free time" but he can do it with his boots and bar just as well! He has also mastered rolling onto his tummy, but I have yet to get that on tape as he usually does after he goes to bed. We love this little guy!

Occupational Hazard

2010-08-06T19:28:00.000-05:00

There are really lots of occupational hazrads of being a Mom, but one I've encounted several times this week is listening to "The Wiggles" or another sing along in the car WITH NO KIDS! I've even been singing along. And I'm sure this will continue to happen. Hopefully, I will keep the dancing in check.

I Scream, You Scream

2010-08-02T20:54:00.000-05:00

We all scream for ice cream!

Recently, we took the kids downtown to get ice cream and sit by the river. Eleanor enjoyed her very own and sampling from Daddy's. Check out Daddy's skills as he holds two cups of ice cream and Eleanor and manages to eat some of his own too!

Marshall is looking forward to the day when he can try some too.

Playing

2010-07-20T22:09:00.001-05:00

Mommy's (please note the o and NOT the u in the middle of Mommy) been playing too - with the blog title and layout. I guess its time to update the family picture as well. :) Something to do tomorrow.

Dancing

2010-07-20T19:44:00.007-05:00

Its so awesome to see how well Eleanor and Marshall are already playing together. Yesterday, I put Marshall in Eleanor's bed while I was changing her diaper. When we were finished she wanted to get in and play with him. She turned on her kick 'n play piano and away they went Eleanor dancing and Marshall laughing at her. I missed most of the dancing because I had to get the camera, but here's what I got. These kids are awesome!

Here's the rest. The hug at the end is priceless!

Special Shoes

2010-07-20T19:31:00.004-05:00

Marshall got his special shoes and brace last Friday, which means no more casts for awhile and we don't have to drive to Nashville for a whole month!!

He seems to be adjusting very well. We haven't had any blisters or sores, something I was kind of expecting after reading posts on the Clubfoot Group I belong to on Yahoo (nosurgery4clubfeet). He is wearing what are called Mitchell sandals and a Dobbs bar. We have been really happy with both - the sandals go on easily enough and the bar lets him move his feet up and down independently. I think this is why he has adjusted so well. Marshall hasn't had any fussy periods that are due to his new foot arrangement. (He has been hungry and tired though and does let us know about it from time to time!)
Eleanor likes to try to help take them off and has been really good about knowing they are not a toy to play with. And how awesome was it that they could take a bath together! Previously, I was giving them separate baths due to the fact that Marshall's cast couldn't get wet.
Here's hoping the boots and bar continue to go well!

All About Me

2010-07-15T22:51:00.005-05:00

As life should be when you are two years old life is "all about me". This week in creative parenting Daddy has gotten Eleanor to help feed Marshall and share her balloons. Marshall loves to watch the balloon fly around and Eleanor now knows "Eleanor's turn" and "Marshall's turn" very well. Here she is holding the bottle. Again, there's an "Eleanor's turn" and a "Daddy's turn". Daddy has the longest turn...

Decorated Cast

2010-07-15T22:48:00.003-05:00

As we speak the last cast (hopefully) is soaking in vinegar and will soon be removed. Here are the decorations Eleanor and Daddy put on.

Last Cast!

2010-07-13T21:00:00.003-05:00

Marshall is on his last cast at the moment. The clubfoot has been corrected and he gets his new shoes and brace on Friday. Dr. Martus is very pleased with the movement in his foot, which is really good news. From what we've read it sounds like the foot being able to move is super important. He will start off wearing his special shoes for 23 hours every day for the first three months. Hopefully, he will transition nicely into them and not be too fussy. He's a pretty content little guy so we think it won't throw him too much. :)
Eleanor and Marshall have been playing together a lot lately. He fully has control of his head and loves for you to hold him sitting up so he can watch her run around like a yay-who. When he lies on the floor Eleanor likes to give him hugs and kisses and make faces at him to make him smile. It so cool to see that they are already interacting. She and Daddy have even decorated his last cast. (pictures to come tomorrow, I'm not on the computer with the pictures.)

Happy Second Birthday Eleanor!

2010-06-08T21:19:00.002-05:00

2008 - What have I gotten myself in for?

2009
2010
Obviously, cake and muffins improve life's outlook!

Eleanorisms

2010-06-06T21:42:00.003-05:00

How to speak "Eleanor"

* Fit Up - Spit Up
* Farklie - Sparkley
* Foamy - Smoothie
* Hay-Lep(that's two syllables) - help
* kew - cool
* gases or sunnies - sunglasses/glasses
* padoh - potato
* Bay-ed (again two syllables) - bed

There are many more, but these are a few favorites.

"Hoed Him"

2010-05-24T21:29:00.005-05:00

Eleanor is a fantastic big sister and likes to hold Marshall. Here she is showing off her skills.This face says it all!

Busy Bee (part 2)

2010-05-24T21:13:00.004-05:00

Eleanor loves going to the park. Her favorite part is the slide. She could spend whole afternoons climbing up the stairs, running around at the top, and the sliding down into the "dirt" (bark chips) she throws on the bottom. Life is good!

Going down.

Giving the camera a kiss

Made it to the top

At the top

Busy Bee (part 1)

2010-05-24T21:05:00.005-05:00

Eleanor is a very busy bee these days! Here are some pictures of her in our backyard by the corn and in the sandbox, and wearing one of Mommy's dresses (she was very busy that day and couldn't keep still long enough to take a picture from the front.). She keeps us smiling and on our toes and we wouldn't have in any other way!

Check out the Cutness

2010-05-18T16:25:00.003-05:00

Here are a few recent pictures of some cutie pies! I will upload all of them onto snapfish soon and then post the link like usual.

Anatomy Lesson

2010-05-06T22:41:00.003-05:00

Eleanor shows us some of Marshall's body parts.

Chillaxin' and Relaxin'

2010-05-06T20:58:00.002-05:00

Marshall is a pretty chilled out baby. He even likes riding in the car! (Unlike his big sister...)

Marshall's Here (83 photos), by Hannah Hammonds

2010-04-27T02:39:00.001-05:00

I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.
Click here to view photos

Where's Marshall?

2010-04-18T19:35:00.003-05:00

Well, the short answer is not here yet! But we are ready and will welcome whenever he is ready to come!!
Eleanor seems very excited about her new little brother. She knows where his room is and that she needs to be gentle with "Baby Masha" and quiet when he is sleeping. Here is a video of her giving him a kiss and showing Daddy where he is.

Eleanor's School Pictures

2010-04-14T19:31:00.003-05:00

Here is the scanned collage of the school pictures we bought for Eleanor. We think she's the cutest one in the class, but then we are a little biased...
She knows everyone's name and always wants to give them a hug and kiss before she leaves for the day.

Easter Egg Hunting

2010-04-12T15:12:00.004-05:00

Eleanor is a big fan of the Easter Bunny. He hid eggs and new books in the yard! We don't have video of the books, but check out the link to the snapfish page for pictures.

Winter 2010 (42 photos), by Hannah Hammonds

2010-04-12T15:10:00.001-05:00

I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.
Click here to view photos

Easter (23 photos), by Hannah Hammonds

2010-04-12T15:04:00.001-05:00

I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.
Click here to view photos

Marshall Garcia (11 photos), by Hannah Hammonds

2010-02-11T19:07:00.001-06:00

I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.
Click here to view photos

Marshall Garcia

2010-02-11T18:59:00.005-06:00

Today while waiting for the doctor (who was running behind because of an emergency surgery) I got to have a surprise 4D ultrasound. So we have some new pictures of Marshall! (Then I realized last time I forgot to post any on the blog, but I did email them to some people...) He moved constantly and wasn't in the mood to be cooperative (already taking after Daddy???) he kept his head pointing away for the first few minutes and then when he did look as us he kept putting his arm over his face. The ultrasound tech was really nice and chatty today and got some good photos anyway. Here is one of him smiling (it is hard to tell, but trust me, he was!) and I will also post the link to the snapfish album which has all of both new and old pictures.

Reading Books

2010-01-30T20:04:00.003-06:00

Eleanor got her own rocker for Christmas. She enjoys sitting in it with "Baby Doll" and her milk and water (she's a two fister...must take after her dad...) and reading.

Favorite Food

2010-01-30T19:55:00.003-06:00

One of Eleanor's favorite foods is salsa. When at the Mexican restaurant she gets her very own bowl and uses one chip to shovel the salsa in until it dissolves. The other night we got Mexican to go and Eleanor decided it was easier to just use a spoon instead of the chip. This kid cracks us up!

Yaya's Islandx2

2010-01-25T09:18:00.004-06:00

Well, really its Yaya's x3. We took Eleanor for her third visit to Yaya's Island and she had a blast. She played for 2 hours and then had a dinner date with MarMar and JonJon for Mexican. Here she is playing in the bouncy pen with the ball pool. She even met a friend!
Please excuse her mother's video editing as she doesn't know how to crop the song, but wanted to cover up the non-existent sound track.

Diaper Registry

2010-01-16T20:14:00.005-06:00

We are looking forward to the addition of our family in April. You might be aware that we cloth diaper. It has been a great success with Eleanor and we intend to cloth diaper Marshall as well. Under the "My Links" section on the side we have added a link to our diaper registry. While we don't expect anything if you do want to help out this is something we really need. Thank-you.

Picture is of Haute Pocket diapers from Nicki's Diapers

Snow Days

2010-01-10T16:08:00.005-06:00

Recently we had a couple of inches of snow and lots of cold weather! Here are some pictures of a bundled up Hammond's Family and short, very bad video of sledding in our yard/driveway.

The snow was very powdery and hard to sled in so Mommy and Daddy had to pull each other and Eleanor on the sled. Its very hard to pull the sled to get it going and then take a good video.

Christmas 2

2010-01-08T10:58:00.002-06:00

Here is Eleanor opening some of her presents Christmas morning.

Christmas

2010-01-04T20:30:00.003-06:00

Eleanor had a big Christmas. Santa Gran and Kimmy visited early with a rocking chair and "Skippy" the kangaroo. She loves climbing into her chair and reading to herself.
Christmas Eve brought lots of excitement. We hosted dinner at our house so it was a day of getting food ready and playing with Daddy. Eleanor got to Skype with Granny Jill and Grandad in New Zealand and unwrap her first present. She loved it - both the books and the unwrapping! It was then that she realized all those wrapped presents under the tree contained things to play with. Daddy spent the rest of the afternoon keeping presents under the tree and the wrapping on. He did a great job, only one bow was lost! Before it got dark Eleanor left some reindeer food on the front lawn to help Santa and crew find our house. She had a lot of fun and you can see some in the video below. (Please excuse the camera woman, as she was also being Mommy.) This must of helped because Santa had no problems.
Christmas morning Eleanor found an awesome tool bench complete with tools and building materials next to the tree. She went from saying, "No" and wrinkling her nose when Santa was mentioned to saying, "Santa" with a smile. (Hopefully, this means next year she will visit with Santa...)
After a big morning at home with more gifts from Mommy and Daddy - a booster seat to eat at the table with and a coat, hat, and mittens we traveled to MarMar and JonJon's. There we got to play with Jazz the dog and Cephus ("Kitty") the cat. Eleanor also scored a cool dollhouse and remote control. She was also great at being Santa's helper and taking gifts around the room to others. All this fun was followed by a big brunch and a nap!
We hope everyone had just as much fun as we did this year!

Christmas 2009 (29 photos), by Hannah Hammonds

2009-12-31T11:54:00.001-06:00

I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.
Click here to view photos

Music Class

2009-12-09T09:47:00.004-06:00

Eleanor has been taking a music class on Thursday morning this past fall. She loves all the singing and dancing we do and gets super excited when we sing the same songs at home. Her favorites are "Shake and Stop" and "Walter, Walter Wagtail". Another favorite are shakers - she LOVES them! One of the big concepts Ms. Amy was trying to teach them was "up and down" with their voice. Last week, after music had finished for Christmas break, Eleanor's new thing to do in the car is say "up and down" while raising her arms in the correct direction! YAY for music class!
Here we are with all our music friends.She has now graduated from "Babies Make Music" to "Toddler Tunes" and will start going to music again in February.

Surprise Face

2009-11-27T18:49:00.005-06:00

Well, dear blog, you might have thought we had forgotten about you, but we have just been busy and neglectful! Apologies all around!!!!
Hannah got all the photos on one computer and organized and upload to Snapfish today and linked the albums in the side bar. Feel free to click and view and enjoy. Here are a few of our recent favorites of Eleanor making her "surprise" face. Its one of our favorites and very hard to capture on camera!
Along with organizing our photos Andrew and Uncle Sam went for a round of disc golf and this afternoon we took Eleanor to YaYa's Island, an indoor playground. She had a great time and there are photos in the November album. Videos will be posted soon.

Going down the slide (that she can climb up by herself now!) at YaYa's Island

Looking cute around the house

"Oops! I'm not suppose to have this remote!"

July 2009 (18 photos), by Hannah Hammonds

2009-08-12T14:22:00.001-05:00

I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.

Entering a Contest

2009-08-04T08:09:00.001-05:00

http://themeanestmom.blogspot.com/2009/08/260-portrait-studio-package-giveaway.html

This is a contest we (and in we I mean me) are entering. Hopefully, we will win.

More new pictures soon!

July 2009

2009-07-23T08:20:00.005-05:00

Here is Eleanor playing some barrettes and a bowl. She can now put things into a container rather than just take them out! We also got some baby gates and she found the empty boxes in the corner. She likes to crawl over and give the baby kisses. Enjoy!

Swimming Movie

2009-06-19T13:39:00.003-05:00

Eleanor shows off her swimming skills. These consist of being cute and splashing Mommy in the face!

June 2009 (12 photos), by Hannah Hammonds

2009-06-18T08:19:00.001-05:00

I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.
http://www2.snapfish.com/fbshareredirect/p=923181245331098442/l=2052065013/g=109505960/redirectURL=share/otsi=SALBBL/AlbumID=1216529013/a=109505960_109505960/usercomments=I_xqd%20like%20to%20share%20my%20Snapfish%20photos%20with%20you.%20Once%20you%20have%20checked%20out%20my%20photos%20you%20can%20order%20prints%20and%20upload%20your%20own%20photos%20to%20share./counttext=12%20photos/COBRAND_NAME=earthlink

Eleanor Turns 1!

2009-06-12T13:07:00.005-05:00

Eleanor turned one on June 8th. She has made a lot of changes since last year! For her birthday we grilled out hamburgers and invited the family over. She had a great time playing with her cousin David on the swing and he was also a big help opening presents. She was very tired when it came time to eat cake and so she enjoyed it more when she had it on her real birthday. Here are the birthday clips from the big day.

Eleanor's First Birthday (56 photos), by Hannah Hammonds

2009-06-12T12:14:00.001-05:00

I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.
http://www2.snapfish.com/fbshareredirect/p=830121244826831605/l=1933385013/g=109505960/redirectURL=share/otsi=SALBBL/AlbumID=1136101013/a=109505960_109505960/usercomments=I_xqd%20like%20to%20share%20my%20Snapfish%20photos%20with%20you.%20Once%20you%20have%20checked%20out%20my%20photos%20you%20can%20order%20prints%20and%20upload%20your%20own%20photos%20to%20share./counttext=56%20photos/COBRAND_NAME=earthlink

More May 2009

2009-06-03T13:16:00.007-05:00

Watch this to see
* Eleanor playing with an empty bottle
* Eleanor sitting on the roof with Daddy
* What a swinging lion sounds like
* How to play 52 Card Pick Up, Eleanor's favorite card game

p.s. I apologize for some videos being sideways. Rotating video is beyond my editing skills.

Video Retry...

2009-06-01T20:35:00.003-05:00

Trying again. Same video as I tried to post last time!

May 2009

2009-05-22T12:58:00.001-05:00

Click to Play

Eleanor discovers the cabinet, talks and eats in her high chair, and swings outside in the sun.

Back at Last

2009-05-21T20:43:00.004-05:00

OK, I have had good intentions of sitting down and updating, but that's exactly what they have been - intentions!
Since the last post we enjoyed a great visit with Granny Jill and Granddad. Check out the adventures they had with us here, on their travel blog. It was so nice that they could come and visit and we had a great time!
Lately, we have just been working and playing. Here are some links to our snapfish albums for a look at the pictures we have taken the past two months. A video is also included at the bottom of this post of the "best of" takes.
April 2009
Kentucky Derby
March 2009

Eleanor has had a little bit of a cold virus/chest infection, but is already back to feeling her best and brightest. She still prefers the army-camando type crawl and is starting to pull herself up by herself. At the moment she can only do it by herself using the bathtub or our hands, because they are the only thing low enough, but she is learning. Cruising is not far behind and then watch out world. We are finding it hard to believe her first birthday is less than a month away!!!

On the Move

2009-03-25T11:38:00.002-05:00

Eleanor has started creeping. She likes the army camando style at the moment. Soon we won't be able to catch her!

Kiss Me I'm Irish

2009-03-25T10:10:00.004-05:00

....wait! Eleanor's not Irish, but she is cute so she gets lots of kisses. We celebrated St. Patrick's Day eating steak and potatoes with MarMar and JonJon. Eleanor thought JonJon's necklace was pretty awesome and got to wear it for a little while.

Banana Lover

2009-03-25T10:03:00.004-05:00

Eleanor loves eating bananas. Life's especially good when she is allowed to feed herself!

Recent Visit

2009-03-17T09:40:00.002-05:00

We love having visitors. Recently Hannah's friend from college, Alison, came to say hello to the family. It was great to catch up and visit. She even helped us make a batch of wine. We are looking forward to Granny Jill and Granddad Jim's visit in early April.

Bookworm

2009-03-17T09:20:00.004-05:00

Our little bookworm LOVES to read!

Eleanor and Daddy

2009-03-17T09:19:00.001-05:00

Here is a fantastic shot of Eleanor and Daddy at the park.

Shape Sorter

2009-03-16T17:15:00.003-05:00

One of Eleanor's past times includes dumping her blocks out of the bucket and clapping them together. Once she's tired of that she likes to play with the bucket. Lately she's been in to eating it and using it as a drum. Its one of her favorite toys.

Swinging

2009-03-16T13:21:00.003-05:00

Eleanor loves to swing and play at the park. Mommy and Eleanor went with Daddy to take pictures and then we took advantage of the warm afternoon to play in Columbus-Belmont Park. We are looking forward to going back to see the chain that went across the river. In the meantime, here's Little E on the swing.