3 weeks old: aunts, an uncle, a cousin, and a swing

We have had many visitors in Eloise's first three weeks of life, which truly makes us feel so loved and supported. I feel very fortunate to have such wonderful and caring friends and family in our lives. I'm highlighting some family visitors in this post.

Last weekend Evan's sister and Eloise's aunt Emily came down from Seattle. In addition to holding her for two hours straight she also brought a bunch of food for us to be able to grab and eat easily. What a lifesaver! And so yummy, too. A few days later and we've gobbled it all up. Aunt Emily also babysat Eloise for a bit so Evan and I could have a mini-date by ourselves and we got ice cream from Salt & Straw, the best ice cream in town. We both got our favorite: sea salt with caramel ribbon in a waffle cone. 

Evan, Aunt Emily, and Eloise

Yesterday my brother's family and Eloise's uncle Jay, aunt Leslie, and 14-year-old cousin Heath flew in from Illinois for a visit. They brought her some cute girly outfits and an awesome swing that she loves. Uncle Jay was the first one to hold her and she studied his face very carefully. I wondered if she saw a resemblance to her mommy. But then later she did the same thing to Aunt Leslie. Eloise cried in all of the adults' arms so Heath passed on holding her. After a bit we walked to Fifteenth Avenue Hophouse for dinner. They are very family-friendly and it was our second time going with Eloise. Evan carried Eloise in the Baby Bjorn front carrier this time instead of the stroller and she slept the whole time. He ate and drank beer over her with her strapped to him the entire time and was careful not to spill on her head. It's always stressful for me when we leave the house with her because we're still getting used to doing all the things we do at home in public: changing diapers, soothing her when she cries, and especially breastfeeding without flashing a boob or leaking milk everywhere. I know it will just take repetition and practice to get more comfortable. When we got home from dinner, we finally got Heath to hold her and she didn't cry at all! It was his very first time holding a baby and I can't wait to tell that to Eloise later in her life. How very special! 

Heath and Eloise

Jay, Leslie, and Heath are combining this trip with a family vacation over a week and a half and are now off to do some exploring of the Pacific Northwest for a few days. My mom, Grandma Zuber, will be flying in from Arizona on Tuesday so we'll all spend some time together again once she arrives. In the meantime, Grandma Harris will be coming up from Salem for her fourth visit with Eloise this weekend. It sure warms my heart to see Eloise so loved.

And finally, a video of Eloise breaking in her new swing: