Norah got a new trike for Christmas from Aunt Susan and Uncle JM... I think she likes it!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
'Tis the Season...
Not only for excesses, but also for giving.
Each of the past 10 years or so, I choose a charity to support at Christmas time. Sometimes, it's one that requires some work on my behalf, like the Frank Iovieno Caring for Children Foundation, which was founded by a friend and former co worker in honor of his father. Sometimes, I choose something "Quick and Dirty" like the Boston Globe Santa, which requires only my credit card number and the time it takes to punch it in.
Each year since Matt and I have been together, we talk about what our Charity will be, often choosing something relevant for that year. This year, we were blessed with the arrival of Norah. Her arrival was much anticipated, and greeted with much fanfare and celebrating. But this isn't always the case when new babies arrive in the world.
The anticipation leading up to Norah's arrival seemed in stark contrast to the lead up to some other, unplanned children who also arrived in our lives this past year. It is with that in mind that we chose "My Father's House" as our Charity this year. Their Mission Statement is
Each of the past 10 years or so, I choose a charity to support at Christmas time. Sometimes, it's one that requires some work on my behalf, like the Frank Iovieno Caring for Children Foundation, which was founded by a friend and former co worker in honor of his father. Sometimes, I choose something "Quick and Dirty" like the Boston Globe Santa, which requires only my credit card number and the time it takes to punch it in.
Each year since Matt and I have been together, we talk about what our Charity will be, often choosing something relevant for that year. This year, we were blessed with the arrival of Norah. Her arrival was much anticipated, and greeted with much fanfare and celebrating. But this isn't always the case when new babies arrive in the world.
The anticipation leading up to Norah's arrival seemed in stark contrast to the lead up to some other, unplanned children who also arrived in our lives this past year. It is with that in mind that we chose "My Father's House" as our Charity this year. Their Mission Statement is
"Life Saver Ministries is a local independent, non-profit Christian Ministry that offers an alternative to abortion by providing housing, counseling and other support services, enabling young women and teens in a crisis pregnancy to become self-sufficient responsible adults, through the loving example of caring Christians and the life changing power of Jesus Christ."What's remarkable about My Fathers House, and Lifesaver Ministries is that it is an independant (ie no government funding) organization, founded and run by a husband and wife team. In these days of large scale bailouts, this is remarkable indeed!
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Christmas Relaxation
Each year I went to my parents house for Christmas, I'd invariably feel as though I was hit by a large truck at some point during my stay... I always chocked it up to the gluttony, too much of my Dad's wine, the late nights. The net effect would be a lot of time on the sofa, in my jammies, at all hours of the day.
As I've grown to know Matt's family, and become more comfortable with them, the same phenomena seems to occur when I travel to PA... again I chocked it up to the rich food, the long drive, etc.
So this year, we stayed here for Christmas, and I was totally surprised to get that same old feeling again... where did that truck come from anyway??? We've had our share of wine (sadly, not my Dad's) but nothing like in the good old days of "Grown Up Christmas" at my parents home... we had a few treats, but nothing excessive, heck, we even went for a walk the other day!
So, I am left to conclude that this feeling is not due to excesses of any sort, but rather a sign that we have, in fact, kicked back and fully relaxed.
We are very busy recharging our batteries these days, and getting ready for 2009.
As I've grown to know Matt's family, and become more comfortable with them, the same phenomena seems to occur when I travel to PA... again I chocked it up to the rich food, the long drive, etc.
So this year, we stayed here for Christmas, and I was totally surprised to get that same old feeling again... where did that truck come from anyway??? We've had our share of wine (sadly, not my Dad's) but nothing like in the good old days of "Grown Up Christmas" at my parents home... we had a few treats, but nothing excessive, heck, we even went for a walk the other day!
So, I am left to conclude that this feeling is not due to excesses of any sort, but rather a sign that we have, in fact, kicked back and fully relaxed.
We are very busy recharging our batteries these days, and getting ready for 2009.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Santa, do you read my blog???
'Cause I am not sure if you've really been watching Norah... I'm new to this Mom thing, and I'm really not sure if I am supposed to be helping you with your list, or whether I'm supposed to be covering for Norah... because as much as we love her, well, let's just say she's testing the limits...
Seems she has inherited Mom's nerdy side, as she seems to be fascinated with any manner of electronic gadget, and refuses to be fooled by the kiddie look-a-likes.... somehow she knows a remote really isn't supposed to have Elmo on it!
She must think she really has you fooled though, here she is earlier today, looking for you already!
Seems she has inherited Mom's nerdy side, as she seems to be fascinated with any manner of electronic gadget, and refuses to be fooled by the kiddie look-a-likes.... somehow she knows a remote really isn't supposed to have Elmo on it!
She must think she really has you fooled though, here she is earlier today, looking for you already!Thursday, December 18, 2008
We're Back!
Tuesday didn't start out very well... Matt got up to go to work, and on his way out, at 5:30 am, he returned to our hotel room to let me know that we needed to find somewhere else to stay that night, as 'there was no room at the inn'. I sent a few frantic emails and made a few frantic phone calls, and by 7:00 we were all set at another local hotel (and 2 very generous offers from friends!)
By 9:00, Norah was down for a 2 hour nap, and I actually did a little work, even attending a staff meeting! Around 1:00 I dropped her off at daycare so I could go home and clean out the fridge - I had to do something! I sorted through the freezer and was happy to discover that we didn't have to throw away everything! Things at the back of the freezer seemed to be still frozen solid! Then, around 1:35, the power came back on! What a sense of relief! I was starting to feel that we may be the last ones to get our power back (we're not, there are still several hundred houses in our town alone without power, and tens of thousands in MA and NH)
By 6:00, when Matt arrived home, I had picked Norah up, finished cleaning the fridge, the kitchen, the living room and the bedroom, set a Christmas scented candle burning and had some Christmas tunes playing in the background. Matt if often heard saying "I am a simple man" and I knew he would appreciate coming home to a healthy Norah and a cozy home, especially on his birthday!
All I can say is it's good to be home!
By 9:00, Norah was down for a 2 hour nap, and I actually did a little work, even attending a staff meeting! Around 1:00 I dropped her off at daycare so I could go home and clean out the fridge - I had to do something! I sorted through the freezer and was happy to discover that we didn't have to throw away everything! Things at the back of the freezer seemed to be still frozen solid! Then, around 1:35, the power came back on! What a sense of relief! I was starting to feel that we may be the last ones to get our power back (we're not, there are still several hundred houses in our town alone without power, and tens of thousands in MA and NH)
By 6:00, when Matt arrived home, I had picked Norah up, finished cleaning the fridge, the kitchen, the living room and the bedroom, set a Christmas scented candle burning and had some Christmas tunes playing in the background. Matt if often heard saying "I am a simple man" and I knew he would appreciate coming home to a healthy Norah and a cozy home, especially on his birthday!
All I can say is it's good to be home!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
It can always be worse....
As I write this, I am sitting in a warm hotel room, while Norah snores softly in her pack'n'play over in the corner. It's a pretty nice hotel room actually - king sized bed, sitting area, clean, nicely located just off of 128.
Wait, just off of 128? Why am I in a hotel room a mere 30 minutes from my home... I mean I drive farther than this to get my hair cut for goodness sake! Well it turns out we are one of the 1,000,000 households in New England without power. It's kind of strange, you can drive to the other end of town, and homes are brightly lit with Christmas lights, but back at our house the furnace is out and it's 55 deg F inside!
Norah has been sick all week, with temps over 104. We've been to the doc 3 times already and are headed back there today. Yesterday morning, they didn't have power either, though it was restored mid morning. We're still not sure what's wrong with her, but she had some blood work done yesterday (thankfully in a lab in Concord, which does have power!) and she had 2 shots of antibiotics in her legs, which seemed to help. Hopefully they will be able to tell us something when we go in today.
As bedraggled as I felt when I finally had time to log in last night, I know things could be a lot worse... we were lucky to find a hotel room (thanks Andy!!) and Norah's paediatrician's office was great, despite a reduced staff and other weather related challenges. Her fever is responding to Tylenol, and we're all together.
Norah is awake now, so I've got to go... who knows when I'll be able to post again, but keep us, and the hundreds of thousands of other folks in this situation in your thoughts and prayers
Wait, just off of 128? Why am I in a hotel room a mere 30 minutes from my home... I mean I drive farther than this to get my hair cut for goodness sake! Well it turns out we are one of the 1,000,000 households in New England without power. It's kind of strange, you can drive to the other end of town, and homes are brightly lit with Christmas lights, but back at our house the furnace is out and it's 55 deg F inside!
Norah has been sick all week, with temps over 104. We've been to the doc 3 times already and are headed back there today. Yesterday morning, they didn't have power either, though it was restored mid morning. We're still not sure what's wrong with her, but she had some blood work done yesterday (thankfully in a lab in Concord, which does have power!) and she had 2 shots of antibiotics in her legs, which seemed to help. Hopefully they will be able to tell us something when we go in today.
As bedraggled as I felt when I finally had time to log in last night, I know things could be a lot worse... we were lucky to find a hotel room (thanks Andy!!) and Norah's paediatrician's office was great, despite a reduced staff and other weather related challenges. Her fever is responding to Tylenol, and we're all together.
Norah is awake now, so I've got to go... who knows when I'll be able to post again, but keep us, and the hundreds of thousands of other folks in this situation in your thoughts and prayers
Sunday, December 7, 2008
My Girl Likes to Party all the Time!
Norah has never been one to miss a party, or social event of any kind. Well as the holiday season kicks off, she does not disappoint! Last weekend we were in PA with Matt's family for Thanksgiving. 24 Adults, and 9 kids under 7! Norah sat quietly on my lap, observing, before diving right in with her cousins, and totally holding her own, if I do say so myself!
This weekend, we had a busy Saturday - our neighbor Jack celebrated his first birthday and then our friends the Newmans had their very big annual Christmas party. In between Norah managed a short nap, and a web-cam/phone session with Nanny and Grandpa. We knew it was a bit of a crapshoot on how long we'd be able to stay at the Newmans, but it's been a tough year for them, and we really wanted to help spread some holiday cheer! We arrived around 5:45, and Norah played the crowd by willing going to whoever wanted to hold her. Around 7:00 (bed time) we had a near meltdown, but she managed to pull out of it and spent the next hour playing hide and seek with Mommy - under the desert table. Thankfully, Aunt Molly or Jess was occasionally on hand to catch her on the other side!
She rounded out the night by making an appearance in her Christmas present jammies before passing out in the car on the way home! Nice work Norah!
This weekend, we had a busy Saturday - our neighbor Jack celebrated his first birthday and then our friends the Newmans had their very big annual Christmas party. In between Norah managed a short nap, and a web-cam/phone session with Nanny and Grandpa. We knew it was a bit of a crapshoot on how long we'd be able to stay at the Newmans, but it's been a tough year for them, and we really wanted to help spread some holiday cheer! We arrived around 5:45, and Norah played the crowd by willing going to whoever wanted to hold her. Around 7:00 (bed time) we had a near meltdown, but she managed to pull out of it and spent the next hour playing hide and seek with Mommy - under the desert table. Thankfully, Aunt Molly or Jess was occasionally on hand to catch her on the other side!
She rounded out the night by making an appearance in her Christmas present jammies before passing out in the car on the way home! Nice work Norah!
Friday, December 5, 2008
Norah News: 9 month stats
We went in for Norah's 9 month check up today, and, well, no news is good news! She is doing great, meeting or exceeding all her milestones, and, as it turns out is a very good patient. She was very good (and very curious, of course!) while Dr Larry did her examination, and granted him a nice smile and giggle in addition to her intense stare!
She also had a LOT to say about her flu shot! She took the shot like a trooper, but afterwards, was a little clingy, and VERY chatty... I'm wondering what she was saying... "Mom, how could you", "What are you people, crazy?", "I know I just started eating broccoli, but I am going to quit if you ever do that to me again!", "Just wait until I tell Dad/Nanny/Oma etc about this"
Anyway she is still tall and skinny for her age, though closer to the 50th percentile in weight now (must be the big belly!!) 18lbs and 29.75"! Her head is a little on the big side, which I personally attribute to her huge brain (or genetics, Aunt Susan has a big noggin too!)
As Norah gets older, we grow to trust our instincts more - it's easy with her, as she really never gives us much to worry about. But it is still nice to have an objective second opinion now and again, even if it costs me $20 in co-pay!
She also had a LOT to say about her flu shot! She took the shot like a trooper, but afterwards, was a little clingy, and VERY chatty... I'm wondering what she was saying... "Mom, how could you", "What are you people, crazy?", "I know I just started eating broccoli, but I am going to quit if you ever do that to me again!", "Just wait until I tell Dad/Nanny/Oma etc about this"
Anyway she is still tall and skinny for her age, though closer to the 50th percentile in weight now (must be the big belly!!) 18lbs and 29.75"! Her head is a little on the big side, which I personally attribute to her huge brain (or genetics, Aunt Susan has a big noggin too!)
As Norah gets older, we grow to trust our instincts more - it's easy with her, as she really never gives us much to worry about. But it is still nice to have an objective second opinion now and again, even if it costs me $20 in co-pay!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving!
As I posted last month, my cup runneth over!
It's hard to remember sometimes when the few times I get to turn on the news, it's doom and gloom... stores going out of business, more people losing jobs, more companies needing bailouts... then there are the closer to home things like trying to find time to buy Christmas presents, write cards, get a tree, and just generally be festive. I usually LOVE the holidays, and LOVE choosing just the right gift but this year, so far at least, it's just getting me down.
Some might say that the holiday spirit doesn't really move them until after Thanksgiving, and I'm hoping that will be true for me too! After all, I do have very much to be thankful for, very much to celebrate! I can't wait to take Norah to see Santa, to see her eyes light up as she tries to figure out what the Xmas tree is all about. I am putting money on her having a blast playing with the paper and boxes this year, and looking forward to hanging out with her in our jammies all day on Christmas!
Hmm I'm feeling a little more festive already! Thanksgiving isn't until tomorrow, but maybe putting my thoughts on virtual paper was all it took!
Happy Thanksgiving!
PS I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that we're headed to Matt's family for some turkey tomorrow... should be quite the scene - 29 adults and 9 kids!
It's hard to remember sometimes when the few times I get to turn on the news, it's doom and gloom... stores going out of business, more people losing jobs, more companies needing bailouts... then there are the closer to home things like trying to find time to buy Christmas presents, write cards, get a tree, and just generally be festive. I usually LOVE the holidays, and LOVE choosing just the right gift but this year, so far at least, it's just getting me down.
Some might say that the holiday spirit doesn't really move them until after Thanksgiving, and I'm hoping that will be true for me too! After all, I do have very much to be thankful for, very much to celebrate! I can't wait to take Norah to see Santa, to see her eyes light up as she tries to figure out what the Xmas tree is all about. I am putting money on her having a blast playing with the paper and boxes this year, and looking forward to hanging out with her in our jammies all day on Christmas!
Hmm I'm feeling a little more festive already! Thanksgiving isn't until tomorrow, but maybe putting my thoughts on virtual paper was all it took!
Happy Thanksgiving!
PS I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that we're headed to Matt's family for some turkey tomorrow... should be quite the scene - 29 adults and 9 kids!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Waffle-Mania
Little Miss N is showing less and less interest in baby foods, and more and more interest in big kid foods that she can feed herself. This week she had noodles, peas, turkey meatball, bread, pancakes, and waffles. And of course she and I have our Cheerios together every morning (who needs baby cereal?)
Here she is on her 9 month birthday, eating a waffle
Norah News: One Step Closer
Norah is getting ever closer to taking her first real step! She's very brave, so she tends to dive from one thing to the next, like from the chair to the table. She'll sometimes take a little step from the table to me, but I don' t think that really counts as her first steps... or does it?
She also surprises herself by standing on her own quite often. She'll be playing with something on the table or other surface, and decide that she really needs TWO hands to shove it in her mouth... so she does! Then, invariably, she'll realize what she's doing and fall flat on her but!
The latest step towards walking is the walker - the shopping cart one we have at home, as well as the one at daycare - which she had too fight poor Blake for yesterday... let's just say I'm glad he didn't end up with a black eye, and Norah needs to work on her sharing skills!
Anyway, here she is walking & shopping around the living room! A couple of days ago it seemed like she'd only 'walk' to keep from falling over, but she is increasingly pushing the cart along.
Norah News: Toxic Slime Update
I've been trying to teach Norah to blow her own nose.... here's how it's going... not so well :)
Friday, November 21, 2008
Girls Night!
While it's true that Norah and I had a night to ourselves tonight - just us girls - I also got to see some other gal-pals of mine this week.
I've known this particular bunch of women for about 10 years, originally through work, though I've only ever worked directly with one of them. There was a time, when we were all new to Boston, when we used to meet weekly - on Wednesday - for women who wine (or whine, depends on the week) Back then, none of us had found our personal niche in Boston, and we were happy to have something to do, some cool people to hang out with. Then there were times when we only managed to get together a couple of times a year, and other times when we managed to pull it off every month or so. Sometimes some of us see or talk to each other in between, sometimes not. One thing we can always count on when we do manage to get together, is that the days or weeks or months since we've last talked seem to slip away, and we're soon laughing like we've just seen each other yesterday!
We've been through a lot in 10 years... somewhere between 10 and 20 jobs between us all, in probably a dozen different companies, 4 companies that went under, 3 weddings, 3 graduate degrees, a brush with cancer, a parent's passing, several kids graduating and off to college, and a couple more getting their applications ready, 3 new kids to the mix, leaving work (and not) to care for these kids and parents, first dates too numerous to mention, and twice that many trips around the globe, new friends, old friends, old friends that are new again, and new friends that were someone else's old friends!
Sounds exhausting doesn't it? But really it isn't, really it's energizing and invigorating! This set of ladies are great inspiration, no matter what you aspire to be! I love getting together, and hearing what's new, getting advice and sometimes giving it. Sometimes solving problems, but always putting them in perspective.
So Crystal, Jodee, Gillian, Nancy, Lisa and Jin (who lives in China now, but without whom I would never have been part of this group) it was fantastic to see you all, and as always, I look forward to doing it again soon!
I've known this particular bunch of women for about 10 years, originally through work, though I've only ever worked directly with one of them. There was a time, when we were all new to Boston, when we used to meet weekly - on Wednesday - for women who wine (or whine, depends on the week) Back then, none of us had found our personal niche in Boston, and we were happy to have something to do, some cool people to hang out with. Then there were times when we only managed to get together a couple of times a year, and other times when we managed to pull it off every month or so. Sometimes some of us see or talk to each other in between, sometimes not. One thing we can always count on when we do manage to get together, is that the days or weeks or months since we've last talked seem to slip away, and we're soon laughing like we've just seen each other yesterday!
We've been through a lot in 10 years... somewhere between 10 and 20 jobs between us all, in probably a dozen different companies, 4 companies that went under, 3 weddings, 3 graduate degrees, a brush with cancer, a parent's passing, several kids graduating and off to college, and a couple more getting their applications ready, 3 new kids to the mix, leaving work (and not) to care for these kids and parents, first dates too numerous to mention, and twice that many trips around the globe, new friends, old friends, old friends that are new again, and new friends that were someone else's old friends!
Sounds exhausting doesn't it? But really it isn't, really it's energizing and invigorating! This set of ladies are great inspiration, no matter what you aspire to be! I love getting together, and hearing what's new, getting advice and sometimes giving it. Sometimes solving problems, but always putting them in perspective.
So Crystal, Jodee, Gillian, Nancy, Lisa and Jin (who lives in China now, but without whom I would never have been part of this group) it was fantastic to see you all, and as always, I look forward to doing it again soon!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
The sweetest kiss
Periodically I end up giving Norah a bottle in the semi darkness of her bedroom... sometimes before a nap or bed, or early in the morning. A couple of times this past week she did what may very well be the sweetest thing ever!When she's finished with her bottle, she usually likes to put her head on my (or Matt's) shoulder, even if it's not time for sleeping. These times, she put her head on my shoulder, and then lifted it up again, and looked me square in the eyes, very close. In the semi darkness I wasn't sure at first if she was upset, or still hungry or what. But she smiled at me and leaned in and pressed her little lips against mine, then smiled up at me again.
It's almost impossible to describe how that simple gesture made me feel, but if my heart could actually explode, I think it would have then!
As long as she keeps her kisses for me (well, OK, and Matt too) and not those boys at school....
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Writers Block
I know, I know... it's been nearly a week since I posted... this stupid virus has literally had my head in a fog for nearly two weeks. This is particularly a problem since I have a large volume of documentation to write at work these past couple of weeks. The good news is that Norah seems to be feeling better, and her appetite has finally returned (with a vengeance!) I still have some of that toxic slime she shared with me lingering in my throat and nasal passages, but as of today I can smell and taste again, so that has to be a good sign!
I've always believed that things happen for a reason, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't take a minute to thank your lucky stars! The week before last was truly a demonstration of Murphy's Law for me, in that almost anything that could go wrong - did! I won't go into details because all's well that ends well, but suffice to say one great big thing that went right was that my parents arrived for a visit, just in the knick of time!
Norah's Nanny and Grandpa came down for their pre-Christmas/winter/tax-season visit, and also to help us out on Veteran's Day, since Norah was off, but we were not. Little did we know, we'd all be feeling under the weather, the leaves would literally be a carpet in the back yard, and just how much we appreciated their help!
So Mom and Dad, since I know you're out there - THANKS!
And let's hope this block is over!
I've always believed that things happen for a reason, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't take a minute to thank your lucky stars! The week before last was truly a demonstration of Murphy's Law for me, in that almost anything that could go wrong - did! I won't go into details because all's well that ends well, but suffice to say one great big thing that went right was that my parents arrived for a visit, just in the knick of time!
Norah's Nanny and Grandpa came down for their pre-Christmas/winter/tax-season visit, and also to help us out on Veteran's Day, since Norah was off, but we were not. Little did we know, we'd all be feeling under the weather, the leaves would literally be a carpet in the back yard, and just how much we appreciated their help!
So Mom and Dad, since I know you're out there - THANKS!
And let's hope this block is over!
Monday, November 10, 2008
Norah News: Highland Fling?
I stole this picture from my Dad's Facebook page. Norah was dancing in this picture, maybe working on her Highland Fling? Special thanks to Aunt Susan for the super cute outfit!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
What Norah is Learning
As I mentioned in my last post, last week was a heck of a week! Lucky for us, Mom and Dad arrived for a visit on Thursday, just in the knick of time too! It's been great having the extra set(s) of hands around - I'm still under the weather myself, and we had literally a blanket of leaves covering the yard that is now looked after. I think Norah has enjoyed hanging out with her Nanny and Grandpa, and I KNOW they loved hanging out with her.
So, I was wondering what they were doing all day... now I know.. I enjoyed it, I hope you do too!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Running Ragged
Contrary to my plan for the week, I haven't got out for a single jaunt around the block. I'm itching to figure out a way to start running again, and figure that lunch times on my work at home days are ideal -- I mean I save 20 min per day commuting on those days, and I won't need to shower in the morning (or heck, even after the run, I'm here by myself, it can wait until later!) Anyway seems we've all been run a little ragged around here lately instead.
Norah is still not feeling well, though I took her back in to the doc this afternoon for a check up. The virus just has to run it's course (5-7 days) and so far she has no signs of any of the scary complications! On top of that, Matt and I both are also sick!
Adding to my own woes are that I have a pretty big deal meeting on Friday, so missing work is hard, but wait - my laptop has decided to be difficult this week, and after spending 2 hours on the phone with some guy in Brazil, I dropped it off to some other guy locally and have yet to see it back! The up side of that is that I was free to go and pick Norah up and take her to the doctor. Funny how things work out isn't it?
I'll presumably be putting some hours in tonight, when I get my laptop back, to catch up from today, and tomorrow is unlikely to be a fun work day either... but we're lucky that Nanny and Grandpa just happen to be on there way here to see Miss N! HOORAY! Back ups! They'll be here until the middle of next week, so here's hoping we're all recovered by then!
So, things around here can best be described as chaos, but we're getting by, and they could be a lot worse!
Norah is still not feeling well, though I took her back in to the doc this afternoon for a check up. The virus just has to run it's course (5-7 days) and so far she has no signs of any of the scary complications! On top of that, Matt and I both are also sick!
Adding to my own woes are that I have a pretty big deal meeting on Friday, so missing work is hard, but wait - my laptop has decided to be difficult this week, and after spending 2 hours on the phone with some guy in Brazil, I dropped it off to some other guy locally and have yet to see it back! The up side of that is that I was free to go and pick Norah up and take her to the doctor. Funny how things work out isn't it?
I'll presumably be putting some hours in tonight, when I get my laptop back, to catch up from today, and tomorrow is unlikely to be a fun work day either... but we're lucky that Nanny and Grandpa just happen to be on there way here to see Miss N! HOORAY! Back ups! They'll be here until the middle of next week, so here's hoping we're all recovered by then!
So, things around here can best be described as chaos, but we're getting by, and they could be a lot worse!
Monday, November 3, 2008
Cranky Monkey
Well, it appears that Monkey Girl underwent some kind of transformation on Halloween... she is now Cranky Monkey. The thing about Cranky Monkey is that she's really clingy, and sleeps for only an hour or so at a time. Cranky Monkey also sometimes has a fever, cough or is otherwise pretty miserable.
As you might guess, Booger Womom is not immune to Booger Monkey's toxic slime.
Needless to say, Norah and I are both sick. I took her to the Doc this morning and she has RSV. She slept a lot today and seems to be a bit better this evening, but it was a long day today! Here's hoping for better news tomorrow!
As you might guess, Booger Womom is not immune to Booger Monkey's toxic slime.
Needless to say, Norah and I are both sick. I took her to the Doc this morning and she has RSV. She slept a lot today and seems to be a bit better this evening, but it was a long day today! Here's hoping for better news tomorrow!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Happy Halloween & Anniversary!
Today is Halloween! I LOVE Halloween! It's also my parents anniversary...38 years and counting! I have some things to say about that, but I'm tired, and what I think they'd really like today is to see Norah in her costume! So, Mom and Dad, as usual, your Anniversary stuff gets bumped a day or so... but in the mean time, HHHEEEEEERRRRREEEEE's NORAH!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Booger Womom and Monkey Girl
You can infer from the title of the post what kind of morning we had today... let's just say it was one of Norah's clingy mornings, she has a cold, and everything I was wearing is now covered in her snot!
So, I was thinking, maybe I could come up with a comic book, or maybe a TV series, based on the antics of Booger Womom and Monkey Girl... kind of like Batman and Robin, but in this story Booger Womom gets her superpowers from Monkey Girls snots - the more snots the more powers. Monkey Girls powers, would of course be producing the magic snot, but she'll also have super powers of her own... she'll be able to scamper up tall buildings and average mommies, in a wiggly wriggly way that makes her impossible to catch! Of course, she'll also have the power to charm the pants off of people! (figuratively, not literally, get your minds out of the gutter people!!!)
But wait, Norah already has 2/3 of Monkey Girl's powers, so maybe that means that I am going to have some awesome super powers as soon as this magic snot kicks in.
Gotta go, I need to be ready to fight some crime! Or at least a cold.
So, I was thinking, maybe I could come up with a comic book, or maybe a TV series, based on the antics of Booger Womom and Monkey Girl... kind of like Batman and Robin, but in this story Booger Womom gets her superpowers from Monkey Girls snots - the more snots the more powers. Monkey Girls powers, would of course be producing the magic snot, but she'll also have super powers of her own... she'll be able to scamper up tall buildings and average mommies, in a wiggly wriggly way that makes her impossible to catch! Of course, she'll also have the power to charm the pants off of people! (figuratively, not literally, get your minds out of the gutter people!!!)
But wait, Norah already has 2/3 of Monkey Girl's powers, so maybe that means that I am going to have some awesome super powers as soon as this magic snot kicks in.
Gotta go, I need to be ready to fight some crime! Or at least a cold.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
ATTENTION!
I don't know if it's just Norah, or all babies. Or all babies with fluffy pink coats on. But traveling around with Norah generates a lot of attention.
I'd say I'm pretty average looking in most respects... not to short, not too tall, not too big, not too small... you get the idea, I am generally not the kind of person who makes a room stop and pay attention (at least not without opening my mouth, but that is a different story) so I've spent the majority of my life going about my business relatively uninterrupted.
Until Norah.
I've blogged before about how she seems to have a way with people, smiling at just the right time, rewarding total strangers for talking silly with her two-tooth grin, but this past weekend it got me thinking - most of the time, it's kind of fun, being out and about with Norah, but we do occasionally feel self conscious. Of course people stare at her because she's cute, and smiles easily, and it's fun... all positive things. But what if they stared because she had some kind of abnormality or behavioral problem or other negative trait?
It makes me think of those experiments you see on TV, where people are disguised in various ways to 'walk a mile in someone else's shoes'. Sure, Norah is "perfect" (at least in our eyes) but it did give me pause to stop and think about what it might be like if she wasn't. Only time will tell if she'll continue to stand out or blend in, but in the mean time, I'm going to make an extra effort to treat everyone equally and set a good example for her.
I'd say I'm pretty average looking in most respects... not to short, not too tall, not too big, not too small... you get the idea, I am generally not the kind of person who makes a room stop and pay attention (at least not without opening my mouth, but that is a different story) so I've spent the majority of my life going about my business relatively uninterrupted.
Until Norah.
I've blogged before about how she seems to have a way with people, smiling at just the right time, rewarding total strangers for talking silly with her two-tooth grin, but this past weekend it got me thinking - most of the time, it's kind of fun, being out and about with Norah, but we do occasionally feel self conscious. Of course people stare at her because she's cute, and smiles easily, and it's fun... all positive things. But what if they stared because she had some kind of abnormality or behavioral problem or other negative trait?
It makes me think of those experiments you see on TV, where people are disguised in various ways to 'walk a mile in someone else's shoes'. Sure, Norah is "perfect" (at least in our eyes) but it did give me pause to stop and think about what it might be like if she wasn't. Only time will tell if she'll continue to stand out or blend in, but in the mean time, I'm going to make an extra effort to treat everyone equally and set a good example for her.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Norah News: Splish Splash!
Norah and I had our first swimming lesson on Saturday. The whole experience can best be described as chaos, though I think we all enjoyed ourselves, and I'm looking forward to next week. Thankfully we had Matt with us, who not only captured the event on virtual film, but also managed to get us there on time, despite my best efforts to the contrary. Suffice to say, google maps is a great tool when used correctly.
(ahem) moving on... we arrived at the pool at about 11:10, for what I thought was an 11 am class, only to find to find out (to my great relief) that I also had the time wrong. The class is only 30 minutes long, so I was one disappointed little girl, I mean Mommy, when I thought we were going to miss it. Norah of course, was not only oblivious to our pending adventure, but fast asleep as we looked for the pool!
The pool deck was full of parents and kids from our class and other classes, I couldn't locate a changing room of any sort, nor determine who was in charge. So I stripped down to my bathing suit in a hallway and was in the midst of changing Norah when Matt returned from parking the car. At that moment I was thankful for all the time I've spent in pools over the years, as I was ready to hit the water in about 90 seconds flat!
I had hoped to be able to spend a couple of minutes with her on the pool deck, taking in the huge space before we jumped in, but there wasn't time. The water was pleasant and Norah had no problems at all getting into the spirit of things. She was definitely the youngest in her class, but many of the kids have returned form other sessions and had started when they were her age (the class goes up to age 3) She was her alert and engaging self, and didn't mind being dunked or splashed one bit! Oddly, she wasn't crazy about laying on her back in the water, and I sacrificed both of my earrings (lost), my gold necklace (broken) and a lot of hair (pulled out!) in the process. As usual, lesson learned!
(ahem) moving on... we arrived at the pool at about 11:10, for what I thought was an 11 am class, only to find to find out (to my great relief) that I also had the time wrong. The class is only 30 minutes long, so I was one disappointed little girl, I mean Mommy, when I thought we were going to miss it. Norah of course, was not only oblivious to our pending adventure, but fast asleep as we looked for the pool!
The pool deck was full of parents and kids from our class and other classes, I couldn't locate a changing room of any sort, nor determine who was in charge. So I stripped down to my bathing suit in a hallway and was in the midst of changing Norah when Matt returned from parking the car. At that moment I was thankful for all the time I've spent in pools over the years, as I was ready to hit the water in about 90 seconds flat!
I had hoped to be able to spend a couple of minutes with her on the pool deck, taking in the huge space before we jumped in, but there wasn't time. The water was pleasant and Norah had no problems at all getting into the spirit of things. She was definitely the youngest in her class, but many of the kids have returned form other sessions and had started when they were her age (the class goes up to age 3) She was her alert and engaging self, and didn't mind being dunked or splashed one bit! Oddly, she wasn't crazy about laying on her back in the water, and I sacrificed both of my earrings (lost), my gold necklace (broken) and a lot of hair (pulled out!) in the process. As usual, lesson learned!
Friday, October 24, 2008
You can call me Bob
For a while now, Norah has been saying bah, bah, Bab and Matt and I look at each other and say "Who the heck is Bob???" She doesn't say it when she's hungry (bottle) and she doesn't really know any Bob's so we had started thinking of Bob as her imaginary friend.
In the mean time, I've been trying to get her to say Mama, or anything remotely close! In fact I've recruited help, numerous other people have been saying "Mama" to her, to no avail. I even made a deal with Lauren's mom - Norah would teach Lauren to crawl, if Lauren would teach Norah to say Mama. As it happens, deals made between moms have no bearing in the lives of babes...
Anyway yesterday I had her on the changing table, getting ready in the morning, and of course I made another plea with her....MAMAMAMA. She looked me right in the eye and said, "Bah Bah Bab"
So please call me Bob until further notice.
In the mean time, I've been trying to get her to say Mama, or anything remotely close! In fact I've recruited help, numerous other people have been saying "Mama" to her, to no avail. I even made a deal with Lauren's mom - Norah would teach Lauren to crawl, if Lauren would teach Norah to say Mama. As it happens, deals made between moms have no bearing in the lives of babes...
Anyway yesterday I had her on the changing table, getting ready in the morning, and of course I made another plea with her....MAMAMAMA. She looked me right in the eye and said, "Bah Bah Bab"
So please call me Bob until further notice.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Norah's First Class Picture
I started this post the other day, and didn't realize it shows up when I started it, not when I finished it... so you'll have to click again for today's fix... and I've learned something new about blogger
http://bugleonline.blogspot.com/2008/10/norahs-first-class-picture.html
http://bugleonline.blogspot.com/2008/10/norahs-first-class-picture.html
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Norah News: Just say NO!
I guess there comes a time in every parents life when they have to say "No" to their children. We have decided now was the time we said "no" to Norah once in a while... not to worry, she still gets her way on most things, it's just little things like putting her fingers in electrical outlets, or chewing on a pair of Dad's shoes where we have started with this new discipline.
Seriously though, we've started trying to tell her not to do things, instead of simply rushing over and taking them from her. It's been a pretty interesting experience so far. At nearly 8 months, when a "No" is spoken in a firm tone, she certainly knows she is supposed to stop what she's doing... and generally speaking she does... for a minute at least. The interesting part of it is that once she stops, she'll do one of her cute little tricks - you know, a silly laugh, clap or wave "hi" - before attempting to return to the task at hand, all the while with one eye on you to see if you're going to try to stop her again.
I'd estimate that somewhere more than half the time she will either give up or get distracted by something else, and we won't have to physically remove her from whatever harm she is about to get into, but it's fascinating to me that she's exerting her independence and testing the limits already... what is this going to mean for her teenaged years???
I'd also like to know is where she learned such a thing!
Seriously though, we've started trying to tell her not to do things, instead of simply rushing over and taking them from her. It's been a pretty interesting experience so far. At nearly 8 months, when a "No" is spoken in a firm tone, she certainly knows she is supposed to stop what she's doing... and generally speaking she does... for a minute at least. The interesting part of it is that once she stops, she'll do one of her cute little tricks - you know, a silly laugh, clap or wave "hi" - before attempting to return to the task at hand, all the while with one eye on you to see if you're going to try to stop her again.
I'd estimate that somewhere more than half the time she will either give up or get distracted by something else, and we won't have to physically remove her from whatever harm she is about to get into, but it's fascinating to me that she's exerting her independence and testing the limits already... what is this going to mean for her teenaged years???
I'd also like to know is where she learned such a thing!
Monday, October 20, 2008
Norah News: What she's doing now
Norah is doing a whole bunch of new things lately, so I thought I'd just give you a quick rundown
- She's added apples, grapes and yogurt to her diet... next up is chicken, brown rice cereal and spinach. She isn't sure if she likes the grapes yet, but she feeds them to herself.
- In addition to clapping, she now waves "Hi" when you wave "Hi" to her... still trying to get this on video!
- She crawls really fast! I put her on the bed this morning while I changed my shirt and she was just about over the edge in the time it took me to take my shirt off!
- She stands up at the side of her crib... it was only a matter of time really, she's been pulling herself up on everything the past few weeks
- She weighs in around 17 lbs, according to our bathroom scale
- She can sit up in a shopping cart, as seen yesterday
- She's wearing fleece PJ's now that it's getting cooler outside... let me tell you there is nothing better than snuggling a baby in fleece jammies!
Norah News: The Mayor of Market Basket
We went for groceries yesterday after church and breakfast as we usually do. Norah worked the crowd at church and in the diner like she usually does. But this time, she was working the shoppers at Market Basket almost to the point that it was getting hard to get any shopping done! Maybe it was her super cute pink fur coat that Donna made her, maybe it was that she's learned how to wave hi to people, maybe it was the fact that she's big enough now to sit in the cart, heck, maybe it was the full moon, I don't know! All I know is that it was a LOT of fun shopping with Norah this week! Check out the Mayor of Market Basket!
Now, if I could only get her to do the shopping on her own, we'd be in business!
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Norah's First Class Picture
A month or so ago, some photographers came in took pictures of the kids. I've already shown you Norah's personal pics, and now here is her class picture! Given the nature of kids to keep on growing, her class has changed already, as one little guy (Our buddy Quentin) has moved up to the next class, and a couple more kids have started.
In this picture you'll see Digna and Stephanie (L and R). Digna is holding Jack and Blake on her lap. They're both 2-3 months older than Norah. Stephanie has Quentin and Norah on her lap. Sharon, who is sitting on the floor, wears many hats. She's the director of our location of daycare. She also helps out in the infant room, and most importantly, she's Cassandra's Mom. That's Cassandra on the right. Lauren is on the left.
What's cool about Norah's class is that there are now FOUR girls, who are all born within a couple of weeks of each other... Norah, Cassandra, Lauren, and now Savannah. It's fun to see how they are developing relative to each other. Some are ahead on one thing, and others on different things.
In this picture you'll see Digna and Stephanie (L and R). Digna is holding Jack and Blake on her lap. They're both 2-3 months older than Norah. Stephanie has Quentin and Norah on her lap. Sharon, who is sitting on the floor, wears many hats. She's the director of our location of daycare. She also helps out in the infant room, and most importantly, she's Cassandra's Mom. That's Cassandra on the right. Lauren is on the left.
What's cool about Norah's class is that there are now FOUR girls, who are all born within a couple of weeks of each other... Norah, Cassandra, Lauren, and now Savannah. It's fun to see how they are developing relative to each other. Some are ahead on one thing, and others on different things.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Norah News: Play Date!
Norah and I had our first real play date this morning... we met up with Quentin, one of her buddies from "school' for a walk in the woods. It was a clear and brisk morning (35 deg when I left the house) so Norah had to dress warmly... what to wear, what to wear... luckily her Nanny had bought her this Cape Breton tartan fleece number that was just the ticket.Now, I think most of you reading this know that Quentin is a slightly older man, but did you know he was ready to start driving.... check this out! Q-man is all boy, and likes to make vroom vroom noises a
nd growl like a lion! So cute! He and Norah seemed to hit it off at daycare, and he always toddles over to say hello when I drop her off in the morning... sometimes he even offers to share his cheerios with me! It's funny how kids that young can make buddies. Norah has recently become mobile and has been nicknamed "Norah the Explorer"... for those adventures she has a partner in crime named Cassandra.Anyway, Quentin's Mom and I took the two of them out for a walk in the woods in our local conservation area. It was a beautiful day, and there were lots of other folks out for a walk too... even at 9:30 on a Saturday morning. Norah and Quentin both slept through part of the walk, but we had a nice time nonetheless. Here's a picture of the two of them post walk.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Norah News: Clap Clap Clap
Two videos for you today... Norah will now clap and smile if you clap to her... the first video shows off her new skill well... the second one is funnier and is more typically Norah -- she wanted to grab the camera so it was tough to get a video of her. Enjoy!
(thanks Dad for showing me the way to flip the video...)
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Norah News: I'm done!
As you may know, around the 7 month mark I decided it was time to wean Norah. Breastfeeding has been wonderful, but it is also very demanding. Well yesterday was the first day I didn't feed my daughter in the 231 or so days since she was born. *sniff* Not only was it the first day I didn't nurse her, even for a few minutes, but it was also the first time I didn't feed her at all.
We didn't plan it that way. Matt has obviously been able to take a bigger role in looking after Norah's nutritional needs since the change, and the way things worked out yesterday morning, she woke for her morning feeding just as it was time for him to get up for work - so he gave her the first bottle of the day. Then, I had an appointment for a haircut at 6:00, so it just made sense for me to head there directly from the office... so again Matt was in charge of her evening meal and bottle. Of course Digna and Stephanie looked after her during the day as usual, though by this time I pack her bottles from a can and not from my hard work with the pump the day before.
I don't feel elation at my new found freedom, but I don't feel unbearably sad either. Norah didn't seem to miss a beat, and has not resisted taking a bottle from me. I am happy to pack up the pump, though I will miss my increased cup size once my body fully adjusts. In some small ways I will miss the close and quiet times she and I shared, but she is getting bigger and ever more curious, so our nursing sessions were changing anyway. Those times won't go away, they'll just become cherished memories. I still spend plenty of time cuddling her, but now I actually spend time with her in the mornings - playing, practicing and chatting instead of trying to fit in one last session before we run out the door.
I know some Moms and doctors feel that nursing for a year or more is the only way to go, but while that may be true in the strictest sense of the word, what's best overall for a particular family is not so clear. Kudos to those Moms who can keep it up that long! For our family, I felt that I would know when it was time, and as we proceed through this transition, I am quite confident it was the right time for us. Given the opportunity, I'd do it exactly the same way.
We didn't plan it that way. Matt has obviously been able to take a bigger role in looking after Norah's nutritional needs since the change, and the way things worked out yesterday morning, she woke for her morning feeding just as it was time for him to get up for work - so he gave her the first bottle of the day. Then, I had an appointment for a haircut at 6:00, so it just made sense for me to head there directly from the office... so again Matt was in charge of her evening meal and bottle. Of course Digna and Stephanie looked after her during the day as usual, though by this time I pack her bottles from a can and not from my hard work with the pump the day before.
I don't feel elation at my new found freedom, but I don't feel unbearably sad either. Norah didn't seem to miss a beat, and has not resisted taking a bottle from me. I am happy to pack up the pump, though I will miss my increased cup size once my body fully adjusts. In some small ways I will miss the close and quiet times she and I shared, but she is getting bigger and ever more curious, so our nursing sessions were changing anyway. Those times won't go away, they'll just become cherished memories. I still spend plenty of time cuddling her, but now I actually spend time with her in the mornings - playing, practicing and chatting instead of trying to fit in one last session before we run out the door.
I know some Moms and doctors feel that nursing for a year or more is the only way to go, but while that may be true in the strictest sense of the word, what's best overall for a particular family is not so clear. Kudos to those Moms who can keep it up that long! For our family, I felt that I would know when it was time, and as we proceed through this transition, I am quite confident it was the right time for us. Given the opportunity, I'd do it exactly the same way.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Travel News
This past weekend we went to PA to attend a wedding. We also got to see a lot of Norah's cousins, her grandparents, and her Great-Grandmother, Matt's Nana Helen. Norah, never one to miss a party, ended up joining us at the wedding. She was very well behaved, as usual, and ended up sleeping through the party portion of the event in her stroller in a corner.
Here she is with her Great Nana Helen. Norah loves her bling, as you can see here with Nana's pearls!
On Saturday night Norah's cousins Abby and Morgan came over, as well as her second cousin Brian, who is just 2 months younger than Norah. In this picture we have Oma with the cousins. Three generations in one picture!
Norah knows that her Opa gives good hugs, and here she is spending a little quality time with him in his easy chair
Here she is with her Great Nana Helen. Norah loves her bling, as you can see here with Nana's pearls!
On Saturday night Norah's cousins Abby and Morgan came over, as well as her second cousin Brian, who is just 2 months younger than Norah. In this picture we have Oma with the cousins. Three generations in one picture!
Norah knows that her Opa gives good hugs, and here she is spending a little quality time with him in his easy chair
The little cousins were all quite curious about each other, as you can see here as Abby keeps a close eye on Norah and Brian checking each other out.
Norah News: Gangsta
In these pictures, Norah shows her true Gangsta colors... don't mess with her man, she's wearing her pumpkin jammies!
Monday, October 13, 2008
The Myth of Mommy Time
Things are busy here today, but I did run across this lighthearted article that just about sums things up! Enjoy -- I did :)
http://www.oprah.com/article/relationships/parenting/pkgomoms/con_200404_mommytime?cnn=yes
http://www.oprah.com/article/relationships/parenting/pkgomoms/con_200404_mommytime?cnn=yes
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Thanksgiving: My cup runneth over!
Despite the number of blog posts I write about days that are rough, there are plenty of days that are not. In fact, there are plenty of days I have a spring in my step just thinking about how fortunate I am in so many ways!
Thanksgiving is coming up this weekend (in Canada!) so maybe that is why I'm writing about it, but just so you know, I do think about it often. I'm thankful for little things, like the thermos on our coffee maker, and my new fleece gym pants. (Today I didn't get to have coffee until about 2 hours after I made it, and it was a little cool out this morning, so I am loving the new pants.)
I'm also thankful for the big things, like Matt and Norah. (for those of you who know the joke, no, I am not calling Matt fat) That she arrived to us healthy and brings a lot of joy to us daily. That he loves me unconditionally and I know without question we're in this together.
I'm thankful for some more practical things, like having a house we can afford, and a job with such flexibility, being able to still afford gas and other things we need without losing sleep at night.
I'm thankful for so many great people in my life. Friends, family, neighbours, co-workers - if you're reading this, I am probably thankful for you (and I probably haven't seen nearly enough of you in the past 7 months or so!) I know I am blessed with special people all across the board.
So over the next few days, even if you are not in Canada, I encourage you to take a few minutes to say give thanks -nothing wrong with giving thanks any 'ol day of the year!
Thanksgiving is coming up this weekend (in Canada!) so maybe that is why I'm writing about it, but just so you know, I do think about it often. I'm thankful for little things, like the thermos on our coffee maker, and my new fleece gym pants. (Today I didn't get to have coffee until about 2 hours after I made it, and it was a little cool out this morning, so I am loving the new pants.)
I'm also thankful for the big things, like Matt and Norah. (for those of you who know the joke, no, I am not calling Matt fat) That she arrived to us healthy and brings a lot of joy to us daily. That he loves me unconditionally and I know without question we're in this together.
I'm thankful for some more practical things, like having a house we can afford, and a job with such flexibility, being able to still afford gas and other things we need without losing sleep at night.
I'm thankful for so many great people in my life. Friends, family, neighbours, co-workers - if you're reading this, I am probably thankful for you (and I probably haven't seen nearly enough of you in the past 7 months or so!) I know I am blessed with special people all across the board.
So over the next few days, even if you are not in Canada, I encourage you to take a few minutes to say give thanks -nothing wrong with giving thanks any 'ol day of the year!
Monday, October 6, 2008
The Downside of Progress
Babies are pretty amazing (ours in particular, of course!) Sometimes when I spend the day with Norah, she seems so wise, and knowing. Then other times, I look at her, and she seems so tiny, and vulnerable. When I compare her to Haley, the latest addition to her class, she is most certainly older and wiser, but really, she's still just our little bean.
Yesterday we took her to the local pumpkin patch (pics later - sorry ma!) thinking that in addition the cool pumpkin pictures we'd get, she would probably like all the kids and people. Turns out, poor little Norah didn't really know what to think of a field of pumpkins as big as she was... she cried at first, and then the rest of the half hour or so we spent snapping pictures, I don't think she cracked a smile the whole time. She was very pensive however, and of course very very curious.
As I mentioned yesterday, she is definitely crawling now. Like Crazy. Like her Mom, Norah doesn't seem to be one to go after things half way. She's also pulling herself to standing on pretty much anything she can - her favorite being her leapfrog learning table (something I never would have thought to buy, but the kids seem to love it!)
I am psyched for her that she is crawling, but it has one really big downside... no, not the baby proofing, or the fact that she can (and will!) get into everything...those things I can live with. I can even live with keeping the floors cleaner (In fact, I am thinking of making her a 'Swiffer Suit' so she can dust the floors while she is motoring about, it's about time she starts helping out around the house!)
It was the fact that she tried to follow me out the door at 'school' this morning. Talk about heartbreaking! It took me a while to leave, and even then, it was rough. It's been nearly 2 months, and this was by far the toughest morning to leave her. Not sure if the rough night last night, or the fact that we are about 75% weaned has anything to do with it, but I guess that's progress for ya!
Yesterday we took her to the local pumpkin patch (pics later - sorry ma!) thinking that in addition the cool pumpkin pictures we'd get, she would probably like all the kids and people. Turns out, poor little Norah didn't really know what to think of a field of pumpkins as big as she was... she cried at first, and then the rest of the half hour or so we spent snapping pictures, I don't think she cracked a smile the whole time. She was very pensive however, and of course very very curious.
As I mentioned yesterday, she is definitely crawling now. Like Crazy. Like her Mom, Norah doesn't seem to be one to go after things half way. She's also pulling herself to standing on pretty much anything she can - her favorite being her leapfrog learning table (something I never would have thought to buy, but the kids seem to love it!)
I am psyched for her that she is crawling, but it has one really big downside... no, not the baby proofing, or the fact that she can (and will!) get into everything...those things I can live with. I can even live with keeping the floors cleaner (In fact, I am thinking of making her a 'Swiffer Suit' so she can dust the floors while she is motoring about, it's about time she starts helping out around the house!)
It was the fact that she tried to follow me out the door at 'school' this morning. Talk about heartbreaking! It took me a while to leave, and even then, it was rough. It's been nearly 2 months, and this was by far the toughest morning to leave her. Not sure if the rough night last night, or the fact that we are about 75% weaned has anything to do with it, but I guess that's progress for ya!
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Norah News: Crawling it is!
I think we can officially say that Norah can crawl now... not every time, but I saw her take 8 'steps' on her hands and knees, in a row, this morning. She is still anxious to stand, and does a funny kind of 'squat' thing, so I think it won't be long until she decides that being upright is the way to go...
I tried to get her crawling on video, but she had other ideas... here you go!
I tried to get her crawling on video, but she had other ideas... here you go!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Fall Has Fell?
If we say "Spring has Sprung" why don't we say Fall has Fell? Who knows, but it happened here! The leaves are turning and falling, and that old familiar bite is in the air. It seems sudden, but maybe it always does... I LOVE fall, and was really happy that Matt and I both got home tonight in time to take Norah for a walk and get us all some fresh air!
I also fed my baby a bottle for the first time, ever, tonight and it went really well - there were no tears, from either of us. She was hungry when I took her in my arms, but she happily grabbed the bottle, not noticing the boobies that were also close at hand. I was relieved, to say the least! The weaning will go on!
Lots to say today I guess... apparently they do "Class Pictures" at daycare now... I haven't seen her class picture yet, but here are the proofs of her pictures... what do you think, should I buy some?
I also fed my baby a bottle for the first time, ever, tonight and it went really well - there were no tears, from either of us. She was hungry when I took her in my arms, but she happily grabbed the bottle, not noticing the boobies that were also close at hand. I was relieved, to say the least! The weaning will go on!
Lots to say today I guess... apparently they do "Class Pictures" at daycare now... I haven't seen her class picture yet, but here are the proofs of her pictures... what do you think, should I buy some?
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Norah News: Norah Reads?
Since I've been a little light on pictures the past few days, here are a couple showing what she's been up to lately... reading the paper (note that she is reading an article about a local man who is big into mountaineering)
OK, maybe the princess book that Nanny gave her is more her speed...
When she isn't reading, we've been trying on some new winter Duds that Nanny's pal Donna made her
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Norah News: The time has come
In the days and weeks before Norah was born the two things I was most anxious about were staying in the hospital overnight and would I be able to breastfeed? I guess I didn't know any better, because there is a LOT more to be anxious about than those two things! Staying in the hospital, in the maternity ward at least, is pretty comfortable... room service, 'free' babysitters, no real responsibility other than naming and feeding your child... the only down side was someone coming in to take your temp and check various other things every couple of hours!
But I digress... Turns out breastfeeding, while not trivial, really wasn't that hard for us to get the hang of. By the time we left the hospital, we had it down pat. I didn't have problems like many moms have, my only real challenges with it came after I started back to work (for real that is, when I started my new role in July) Pumping stinks, there are no two ways about it. My supply, while seemingly sufficient for her while nursing, really challenges me when pumping.
I set 6 months as a goal - the bulk of the benefits to both Norah and I are in that first six months, and gosh darn it, I was going to make it! When the six month mark came and went, I really didn't feel any inclination to quit, so we decided to keep on going! Some time around the 7 month mark I just reached a point where I had had enough. I just needed a break, and while Matt is more than willing, being a man, he's not exactly able to share the load on this particular one. I could have him feed her and pump instead, but dislike pumping that much that I'd rather just feed her myself.
I should note that neither Matt nor I are fundamentally opposed to formula, and all along have acknowledged it as a perfectly acceptable back-up plan. I think it was this open mindedness and knowing we had a backup that allowed me to nurse stress-free, for the most part. Matt has been great about being encouraging without forcing it, and really supporting whichever direction I wanted to go with it (which, you may know, sometimes changed from day to day!)
In any case a week ago Sunday, sick tired (literally) I said to him "It's time". Norah has been sick and teething, so we've delayed a little, but last night she got her first after work formula bottle, from Matt. She seemed to take to it alright... I didn't really know what to do with myself, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't second guessing myself. But overall, as usual, we survived. Surely there will be tough days ahead as we continue to drop a nursing session every few days in lieu of a bottle, but as usual, we'll get through it.
In closing I will say that I have really enjoyed nursing Norah, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. I'm a little sad that we're moving on, as it seemed like we just got started, but I am also looking forward to getting some time back in my day, hopefully fit in some exercise instead, and set a positive example for my daughter. If any of you friends and family out there are ever considering breastfeeding and want to talk about it, I'm happy to. Reading about it and researching it became a bit of a habit for me!
But I digress... Turns out breastfeeding, while not trivial, really wasn't that hard for us to get the hang of. By the time we left the hospital, we had it down pat. I didn't have problems like many moms have, my only real challenges with it came after I started back to work (for real that is, when I started my new role in July) Pumping stinks, there are no two ways about it. My supply, while seemingly sufficient for her while nursing, really challenges me when pumping.
I set 6 months as a goal - the bulk of the benefits to both Norah and I are in that first six months, and gosh darn it, I was going to make it! When the six month mark came and went, I really didn't feel any inclination to quit, so we decided to keep on going! Some time around the 7 month mark I just reached a point where I had had enough. I just needed a break, and while Matt is more than willing, being a man, he's not exactly able to share the load on this particular one. I could have him feed her and pump instead, but dislike pumping that much that I'd rather just feed her myself.
I should note that neither Matt nor I are fundamentally opposed to formula, and all along have acknowledged it as a perfectly acceptable back-up plan. I think it was this open mindedness and knowing we had a backup that allowed me to nurse stress-free, for the most part. Matt has been great about being encouraging without forcing it, and really supporting whichever direction I wanted to go with it (which, you may know, sometimes changed from day to day!)
In any case a week ago Sunday, sick tired (literally) I said to him "It's time". Norah has been sick and teething, so we've delayed a little, but last night she got her first after work formula bottle, from Matt. She seemed to take to it alright... I didn't really know what to do with myself, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't second guessing myself. But overall, as usual, we survived. Surely there will be tough days ahead as we continue to drop a nursing session every few days in lieu of a bottle, but as usual, we'll get through it.
In closing I will say that I have really enjoyed nursing Norah, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. I'm a little sad that we're moving on, as it seemed like we just got started, but I am also looking forward to getting some time back in my day, hopefully fit in some exercise instead, and set a positive example for my daughter. If any of you friends and family out there are ever considering breastfeeding and want to talk about it, I'm happy to. Reading about it and researching it became a bit of a habit for me!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Nature vs Nurture
Today when I dropped Norah off at daycare, her teacher Miss Digna, literally couldn't wait to grab her and hug her. "She's sooo cute!" Then Miss Julie, who only occasionally covers the infant room, stopped in because she saw us, and asked to hold her, as it had been a while (week??) Then Miss Stephanie arrived, and grabbed Norah and took her over to play.
Now, I know Norah is cute, but I am her mother. Even I can see that the other kids are cute too! I'm glad, of course, that everyone wants to pay attention to her also, but it got me thinking about how much of a people person she is, and how much of it's nature vs. nurture.
I've seen Norah working an entire waiting room full of people... not just mothers and kids either, old Chinese guy, 20'ish big brother, harried dad on his blackberry... all of them, smiling and being silly with Norah. We meet a lot of people this way - have I told you abouther fan club at church??? Also, she doesn't seem to need sleep if there is a party going on.. (she still does later, of course, and I guess it's my job as Mom to keep track of such things)
Back to my musing, I don't THINK there has been anything we've done as parents to make her thrive so much on people and commotion... in fact our home is quiet, if anything. Since we moved to the burbs and don't have a lot of extended family nearby, it's mostly just us. On the other hand, since she arrived, I haven't been shy about having other people hold her, though as you probably know, leaving her is always hard on me (even when there are multiple sets of arms for her to go to like this morning!)
So, knowing that the nature/nurture debate is ongoing, I'd have to agree :) I think she intrinsically is an extrovert, and gets her energy from being around people. But I'd also like to think we've enabled and nurtured this tendency in our parenting work so far. It will be interesting to see if and how this plays into her path in life.
No rush Norah, but I can't wait to see!
Now, I know Norah is cute, but I am her mother. Even I can see that the other kids are cute too! I'm glad, of course, that everyone wants to pay attention to her also, but it got me thinking about how much of a people person she is, and how much of it's nature vs. nurture.
I've seen Norah working an entire waiting room full of people... not just mothers and kids either, old Chinese guy, 20'ish big brother, harried dad on his blackberry... all of them, smiling and being silly with Norah. We meet a lot of people this way - have I told you abouther fan club at church??? Also, she doesn't seem to need sleep if there is a party going on.. (she still does later, of course, and I guess it's my job as Mom to keep track of such things)
Back to my musing, I don't THINK there has been anything we've done as parents to make her thrive so much on people and commotion... in fact our home is quiet, if anything. Since we moved to the burbs and don't have a lot of extended family nearby, it's mostly just us. On the other hand, since she arrived, I haven't been shy about having other people hold her, though as you probably know, leaving her is always hard on me (even when there are multiple sets of arms for her to go to like this morning!)
So, knowing that the nature/nurture debate is ongoing, I'd have to agree :) I think she intrinsically is an extrovert, and gets her energy from being around people. But I'd also like to think we've enabled and nurtured this tendency in our parenting work so far. It will be interesting to see if and how this plays into her path in life.
No rush Norah, but I can't wait to see!
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Norah News: 6 month photo shoot
I had Norah's pictures taken at the end of August... she was cutting her bottom teeth and had a cold then, much like now, but as you can see, she still took some great pictures! Enjoy!
Friday, September 26, 2008
Norah News: First time for Everything
Yesterday I got the dreaded call from Daycare... "Norah isn't really herself, and she's been running a temp" I'm happy that Digna and Stephanie know her well enough to know when she's not being herself, and also that they called me to let me know, and not waited until the end of the day.
Sometimes I wonder if I am making Rookie mistakes... I knew she wasn't herself, and frankly, kinda needy on and off the past few days. But she has a cold, I suspected she was teething, I took her out until 9:45 on a school night, I've been giving her some milk that had been frozen... there were likely explanations for all of her symptoms, and I don't want to be one of those moms who insist on taking their child to the doctor for every little thing. My gut was telling me nothing major was wrong, but if they're calling, then I better have it checked out.
I called the Pediatrician's office, and was really impressed with the process... long and short of it, they said sounds like she may have an ear infection, bring her in and they'll take a look So, we went in around 6:20 last night. We had her all checked out, and the diagnosis was that yes, she was in fact pushing not one but FOUR new teeth through! Also, she had some fluid in her ears, as is common in little kids with colds, but so far they were not infected.
So, you can expect some changes in Norah's smile soon, with 4 top teeth ready to pop! All things considered, she's doing pretty well!
And I am doing alright, for a Rookie who is learning to trust her instincts
Sometimes I wonder if I am making Rookie mistakes... I knew she wasn't herself, and frankly, kinda needy on and off the past few days. But she has a cold, I suspected she was teething, I took her out until 9:45 on a school night, I've been giving her some milk that had been frozen... there were likely explanations for all of her symptoms, and I don't want to be one of those moms who insist on taking their child to the doctor for every little thing. My gut was telling me nothing major was wrong, but if they're calling, then I better have it checked out.
I called the Pediatrician's office, and was really impressed with the process... long and short of it, they said sounds like she may have an ear infection, bring her in and they'll take a look So, we went in around 6:20 last night. We had her all checked out, and the diagnosis was that yes, she was in fact pushing not one but FOUR new teeth through! Also, she had some fluid in her ears, as is common in little kids with colds, but so far they were not infected.
So, you can expect some changes in Norah's smile soon, with 4 top teeth ready to pop! All things considered, she's doing pretty well!
And I am doing alright, for a Rookie who is learning to trust her instincts
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Norah News: Getting Ready to Move!
I've thought for some time now that Norah would likely walk before she crawls... she has loved standing (assisted, of course!) since she was about 3 months old, and increasingly doesn't want help to stand (she still needs it of course!) As time goes on, I am not so sure though... she *almost* seems like she wants to stand when she's reaching for her toys... what do you think?
On a side note, turns out SLEEP is a key component in this whole balancing act! Norah slept straight through until 6:45 this morning, and man, does it affect how the day looks to me :) Not only does a few hours of uninterrupted zzzz's make a difference, but I had some quality play time this morning before we had to go, AND I made it to work on time! Looks like it's going to be a good day!
Norah News: 9/24 Photo Shoot
So, I spent some quality time with Miss N tonight and I'm feeling much better (Yummy chicken dinner didn't hurt either!) Here are a couple of pictures... I don't know what is with the tongue... maybe the next tooth is on the side?
Balance: You CAN talk youself into it
I know I write a lot about balance, but that is what is on my mind a lot of the time... occasionally I feel balanced, but much of the time it's more like I'm teetering one way or the other. As you may know, my job hasn't exactly been demanding the past year and a half or so... well that has changed! In a good way, for the most part, but as my job evolves, so does my quest for balance.I took a new job back in June, but really only got deeply into it in mid-August when I returned to work full time. In a way it was a relief to be there the full 5 days per week when everyone else was, and to be able to 'sink my teeth' into something, and use my brain, which had begun to atrophy over the months of maternity leave that had been preceded by months of organizational restructuring. I've been feeling pretty lucky to have such a flexible schedule, and often mentally 'click my heels' at my good fortune.
These days, I have a couple of 'big deal' projects, one for the new boss's boss, and I really want them to go well. Of course, it was this week that Norah had a couple of bad nights (is she getting more teeth???) and I had a couple of 9am meetings. At points, I thought I had the proverbial lion by the tail - last night, I even took Norah out to a dinner party with me where she smiled and was charming until several hours past her bed time. Other times, like this morning, after she decided she needed to be snuggled to sleep between.. oh...1 and 4 am, I wasn't so sure. She eventually went back to sleep, as did we, until her 6 am feeding that is! Then, to top it all off, I had to wake her at 8:15, so I could hopefully drop her off before I had to dial in at 9! I just HATE to have to wake her!!! If it wasn't for the meeting, I'd leave her sleep and take her over a little later... I feel like I barely saw her this morning (at least not since dawn) and I'm missing her terribly today. I guess this is what it's like for most working parents.
As the day has gone on, the feeling of balance is starting to return... I am knocking things off my to-do list, her smiling face (in a picture) is watching me while I work, and I started early today, while she was asleep, so I looking forward to an early finish as well. Heck, I am even planning to cook a chicken for dinner! Wish me luck!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Norah News: Like a Big Girl!
This weekend, we went out to eat twice - once on Friday night, and once on Sunday morning. Nothing unusual there, we do both of those things nearly every weekend. (Well we did neglect to bring any form of payment with us on Friday night but that is an entirely different story - suffice to say there are still some kind and trusting souls out there.
The cool thing about our meals out this weekend, was that Norah sat up in a Big-Girl Highchair,
and ate her meal along with us! Of course, she's been sitting up in her own at-home highchair for a few months now, but those funny ones they have at restaurants around here are a bit of a challenge for those who are a) still tiny and b) just learning to sit up! They are one-size-fits-all-with-no-adjustment for sizes thru to toddlers!
She is still eating baby food, but as life gets busier and busier, it seems more and more important to me that we try to eat dinner as a family as much as possible. Even if we're having Pad Thai and she's having oatmeal and peaches. It won't happen every night, but we can try!
The cool thing about our meals out this weekend, was that Norah sat up in a Big-Girl Highchair,
and ate her meal along with us! Of course, she's been sitting up in her own at-home highchair for a few months now, but those funny ones they have at restaurants around here are a bit of a challenge for those who are a) still tiny and b) just learning to sit up! They are one-size-fits-all-with-no-adjustment for sizes thru to toddlers!She is still eating baby food, but as life gets busier and busier, it seems more and more important to me that we try to eat dinner as a family as much as possible. Even if we're having Pad Thai and she's having oatmeal and peaches. It won't happen every night, but we can try!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
The Vision
In a previous post, I told you about Matt's vision for the backyard... well today I thought it would be cool to show you some before and after shots. Here is a picture of the backyard the first spring when we moved in... note the red-shed, the stump garden, oh, and of course the pool! You can't really see it, but just behind the red-shed there is a wire fence that basically cut our backyard in half. The previous owners used to just toss their junk back there, and it's been an ongoing effort (by Matt!) to get it under control. Here is the before (2006)
and the after (today)
This next one shows the back of the house, with the back stoop, rotted out dining room window and funky shed-like bulkhead structure. This was taken last spring, before we began the sliders/deck turned kitchen renovation project
And here it is, this afternoon... deck, sliders, slick basement access trap-door... awesome living space that we use a lot!
and the after (today)
This next one shows the back of the house, with the back stoop, rotted out dining room window and funky shed-like bulkhead structure. This was taken last spring, before we began the sliders/deck turned kitchen renovation project
And here it is, this afternoon... deck, sliders, slick basement access trap-door... awesome living space that we use a lot!
What can I say, the man has vision!
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