Monday, June 29, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
PIE
Norah News: Getting Her Drink On
As I may have blogged, Norah is a little but picky about putting things away when she's done... here she is taking a drink of Mommy's lemonade - no worries about sand in my drink!
Norah News: Poser
When Nanny and Granpa were here last week, they took a lot of pictures of Norah. (Naturally!) As a result she got to be relly good at "Working" the camera. So much so, that she has become quite the poser - what can I say, the girl loves the camera! Here is a recent "shoot" when I was trying to change her bum
This one actually made me think of something that happened this morning... I was getting her ready for church, and she was doing something kind of silly-bad, like sticing out her tongue or something... I said "Norah, are you badness??" to which she nodded and laughed. Oh Boy!
This one actually made me think of something that happened this morning... I was getting her ready for church, and she was doing something kind of silly-bad, like sticing out her tongue or something... I said "Norah, are you badness??" to which she nodded and laughed. Oh Boy!
Lake Dennison Beach Day
We had a great family day yesterday, at Lake Dennison Recreation Area - an awesome state park about an hour and a half from our house. I never really considered going to a lake beach before I met Matt, but I'm sold on the idea now! Lake Dennison had a great picnic area, awesome campground, and a sandy beach next to a big open field for playing - what more could we ask for? Oh, wait, maybe fishing on that lake - yup that too! We can't wait to go back and spend the weekend. Here's Norah and Matt investigating upon our arrival at the picnic area.
Then here she is, testing out her new water wings.... though sadly they never did get wet, as you aren't allowed to use them at this beach, according to the lifeguards. Next time!
Here she is, looking like she's running up from the water... maybe in her triathlon suit? In any case, you can see she was enjoying herself in her sunsuit from Nanny Sharon.
This last one reminds me a lot of a shot I took last summer, at Hampton Beach... do you remember it, it's here
We wrapped up the day with a great dinner, then home to play a little quoits and enjoy the deck after Norah hit the sheets.
Then here she is, testing out her new water wings.... though sadly they never did get wet, as you aren't allowed to use them at this beach, according to the lifeguards. Next time!
Here she is, looking like she's running up from the water... maybe in her triathlon suit? In any case, you can see she was enjoying herself in her sunsuit from Nanny Sharon.
This last one reminds me a lot of a shot I took last summer, at Hampton Beach... do you remember it, it's here
We wrapped up the day with a great dinner, then home to play a little quoits and enjoy the deck after Norah hit the sheets.Thursday, June 25, 2009
Our Little Angel
Norah News: Our Little Cherub
Lately Matt has been in charge of bed time - between his schedule and my Eczema, it's just worked out that way. He and Norah have a nice routine, bath, bed, story and prayers. I occasionally do the bed time routine, but it's often when we're running late and Norah is ready to pass out before she hits the sheets, so the routine often gets cut short.Last night, I took over after bath time, while Matt fired up the grill for our dinner. Norah was in a good mood, so we had not one, but two stories before I put her in her crib. After that I laid her in her crib, and put out my hand, as Matt tells me he does. She took my hand, and then we began to say our prayers. She looked up at me with the most angelic smile I could imagine, and continued until we were done. It was so beautiful I was literally almost in tears. We truly are blessed!
On a totally unrelated note, the little angel had quite the appetite this morning - she had 4 pieces of cheese and two eggs, as well as some milk - and guess what she did straight away when we got to school? Yup, that's right, ask for some cereal!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
What's with the delays...
I made it!
Anyway all in all it wasn't too bad, the trip itself was really useful professionally. I was able to meet with close to 25 people, face to face, who I work with often, in some cases daily, but have never met - including my boss! Leaving Norah and Matt stunk, but part of being a parent is providing for them, and part of my job is travelling from time to time. I tried to enjoy the time to myself (and I did!) I also talked to some successful women 20 or so years my senior, who not only remember being in my shoes, but managed to get thru it. Without me offering up too much about how I felt, it was clear they understood.
Matt and Mom and Dad wisely neglected to tell me that Norah asked for me last night until I was at the airport on my way home - next time I think I can handle that news in real time :)
Here is a cool picture from the airport
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Seperation Anxiety
I am writing this from the runway at Logan airport. I am (trying) to get away on my first business trip since Norah was born. I knew it had to happen sooner or later, and, let’s face it, she’s nearly 16 months old already, so I think this qualifies as later. I have mixed emotions about this little trip – it’s only 2 days, but I miss 3 good nights and 2 good mornings with Norah (and Matt), not to mention countless hours, minutes and seconds. (Well, let’s take from the fact that I can’t rattle them off as a good sign!)
We’re really lucky because my parents were scheduled for a visit over the past week or so, and they were only too happy to have the opportunity to hang out with Norah for another couple of days. I am sure Matt and I could have managed, but this way is much much easier!
It seems that Norah has started her “vocabulary explosion” and she’s picking up new works every day. She hasn’t been at daycare since Mom and Dad arrived last Wednesday, and I find myself wondering how many words she’d have if she was at daycare, would it be more, or less? I can’t wait to see what she has to say when I return on Thursday!
Leaving was a little rough, Norah didn’t want to give me a smile, though we did spend an hour or so of quality time together before I left. It felt that much harder as I drive by the neighborhood elementary school, kids everywhere, all kinds of moms walking their kids home from school – and what am I doing, leaving on a jet-plane for Chicago! I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t tearing up a little just writing about it.
Ultimately, I got to the airport in plenty of time, with no real tears, and did my best to relax and enjoy a little alone time (as much as one can be alone in an airport departure lounge that is ) It was actually alright, and now our flight was very delayed, so I also had time to knock out a Sales Brief that is due tomorrow!
I don’t quite feel like saying “Chicago, here I come!” but maybe “Chicago, I’ll be there”
Edited to add: Matt and Norah just called to say goodnight, thinking I had already landed in Chicago (I wish!) Norah didn’t have much to say, but it was nice to hear from them nonetheless. I think I am going to be O
We’re really lucky because my parents were scheduled for a visit over the past week or so, and they were only too happy to have the opportunity to hang out with Norah for another couple of days. I am sure Matt and I could have managed, but this way is much much easier!
It seems that Norah has started her “vocabulary explosion” and she’s picking up new works every day. She hasn’t been at daycare since Mom and Dad arrived last Wednesday, and I find myself wondering how many words she’d have if she was at daycare, would it be more, or less? I can’t wait to see what she has to say when I return on Thursday!
Leaving was a little rough, Norah didn’t want to give me a smile, though we did spend an hour or so of quality time together before I left. It felt that much harder as I drive by the neighborhood elementary school, kids everywhere, all kinds of moms walking their kids home from school – and what am I doing, leaving on a jet-plane for Chicago! I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t tearing up a little just writing about it.
Ultimately, I got to the airport in plenty of time, with no real tears, and did my best to relax and enjoy a little alone time (as much as one can be alone in an airport departure lounge that is ) It was actually alright, and now our flight was very delayed, so I also had time to knock out a Sales Brief that is due tomorrow!
I don’t quite feel like saying “Chicago, here I come!” but maybe “Chicago, I’ll be there”
Edited to add: Matt and Norah just called to say goodnight, thinking I had already landed in Chicago (I wish!) Norah didn’t have much to say, but it was nice to hear from them nonetheless. I think I am going to be O
Monday, June 15, 2009
Norah News: Telling it like it is
Norah has been lucky enough to be hanging out with my parents these past few days. Her Nanny and Grandpa have come down for a visit (and lucky us helping out while I head to Chicago on my first ever business trip since she was born). I've been waiting for Norah to start using all the words she has been demonstrating over the past few months, and let me tell you folks - she is! I am not sure if she was waiting for her Nanny to arrive to show off her new skills or what, but she has become a lot more verbal, and specific in communicating her needs to us.
This morning for instance, I was snuggling her in the living room, as I usually do in the morning when she first wakes up. She wiggled out of my arms and stood on the floor in front of me and said "Bum". I was puzzled for a second, and then I asked, " Norah do you need a clean bum?" She nodded, said "yes" and took off towards her room, where her changing table is.
Oh My.
This morning for instance, I was snuggling her in the living room, as I usually do in the morning when she first wakes up. She wiggled out of my arms and stood on the floor in front of me and said "Bum". I was puzzled for a second, and then I asked, " Norah do you need a clean bum?" She nodded, said "yes" and took off towards her room, where her changing table is.
Oh My.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Norah News: A Second Walk
When my Dad visited last spring, when Norah was only 2 months old, he told me "They'll make a liar outta you every time" - meaning, kids, they never do what you expect them to. This morning my Mom, Norah and I went for a walk at Grassy Pond - the same half mile walk Norah managed to do all on her own steam last week. Well, this week, I guess she was tired, because she barely walked of the route! Nonetheless, Norah, Mom and I had a nice time.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Drop off Drama...
A couple of weeks ago, we had some drama that I just couldn’t bring myself to blog about. I was so upset and bothered by what had happened that I couldn’t get my thoughts straight to blog about it until I figured it out. Of course it involved Norah!
Before you get concerned that something really bad was going on with us, let me tell you what it was… drop off drama! The way things work out with logistics at our house, it’s my job to drop Norah off at daycare in the mornings. When she started in the infant room last August, I spent some extra time each day, getting her settled, talking to her teachers or other mom’s and just generally making myself feel ok about the whole thing. The problem began as she started to get older, and would resist my leaving, plus, by that point, I was into a nice routing, chatting with the teachers about their weekends, etc. so it was a hard habit to break! However, there was a light at the end of the tunnel – around this time, we started the transition into the toddler room!
While we were excited about this transition, and very happy for Norah, it was a lot of change... I know I felt like I didn’t know the teachers, or the routine, one had just returned from maternity leave, one was just about to go, there were new kids and new toys, outside play and other new activities. Norah started getting a lot dirtier from playing outside, and art projects started appearing in the mailbox for us to take home! Oh, right, this is not all about me, it’s about Norah – I can only imagine if I felt that much out of my routine, she must have also, not to mention probably feeling my anxiety with the whole situation!
On the awful day, it took nearly 30 minutes to drop her off, and we were both in tears! It was somewhat of a perfect storm, we arrived when there was an infant in the room temporarily, so one teacher needed to tend almost exclusively to him. Then another kid arrived, and one needed a diaper change, pretty much occupying the other teacher. I tried to get Norah engaged in some kind of play, which worked, until I stood up to leave, when she would flip out. I simply could not leave her alone, when she was crying frantically, even if I knew she would be alright momentarily, and there was not an open set of arms to leave her in – what could I do? Eventually someone freed up, I handed her over, but by this time we were both quite upset. I waited in the hall for a couple of minutes to make sure she was OK – and she was, it literally took only a couple of minutes for her to settle in, then I ran to the truck, bawled, and called Matt. I will be honest, this ruined my entire day.
So, I did what I usually do, I looked to my good friend the internet to help me solve my problems. I posted a plea for help to a local mother’s group, and got an overwhelming supportive response. I realized that I was not alone in this experience, and it’s typical of the age, especially during times of transition. I also got some good advice – advice which, if I am honest, I knew all along. I started being much more regimented in my drop off routine, so that Norah knows what to expect. This routine is also much shorter than my previous routine. The most important thing I did was as for help. I spoke to one of the teachers and said exactly that – I need help at drop off. So now, I take her in, we start to play, and when I get up to leave, if she gets upset, I pick her up, give her a kiss, tell her I love her, then hand her over to one of the teachers. At first she’d cry until I left the room, or reached the door, or turned away or let go… and this morning, there were no tears at all – from her or me! We sat down with the other kids and legos, and she didn’t seem to interested, and when I stood to leave, she grabbed my leg. I said, “Norah, look who is here today, Danielle! Do you want to go see Danielle?” She let go of my leg, and went over to Danielle, who picked her up. Norah immediately gave me a big smile and a wave good bye! Ahhh success!
Who knows what will happen in the weeks to come, but what I do know is that whatever it is, if I am patient and not afraid to ask for help, we’ll figure it out!
Before you get concerned that something really bad was going on with us, let me tell you what it was… drop off drama! The way things work out with logistics at our house, it’s my job to drop Norah off at daycare in the mornings. When she started in the infant room last August, I spent some extra time each day, getting her settled, talking to her teachers or other mom’s and just generally making myself feel ok about the whole thing. The problem began as she started to get older, and would resist my leaving, plus, by that point, I was into a nice routing, chatting with the teachers about their weekends, etc. so it was a hard habit to break! However, there was a light at the end of the tunnel – around this time, we started the transition into the toddler room!
While we were excited about this transition, and very happy for Norah, it was a lot of change... I know I felt like I didn’t know the teachers, or the routine, one had just returned from maternity leave, one was just about to go, there were new kids and new toys, outside play and other new activities. Norah started getting a lot dirtier from playing outside, and art projects started appearing in the mailbox for us to take home! Oh, right, this is not all about me, it’s about Norah – I can only imagine if I felt that much out of my routine, she must have also, not to mention probably feeling my anxiety with the whole situation!
On the awful day, it took nearly 30 minutes to drop her off, and we were both in tears! It was somewhat of a perfect storm, we arrived when there was an infant in the room temporarily, so one teacher needed to tend almost exclusively to him. Then another kid arrived, and one needed a diaper change, pretty much occupying the other teacher. I tried to get Norah engaged in some kind of play, which worked, until I stood up to leave, when she would flip out. I simply could not leave her alone, when she was crying frantically, even if I knew she would be alright momentarily, and there was not an open set of arms to leave her in – what could I do? Eventually someone freed up, I handed her over, but by this time we were both quite upset. I waited in the hall for a couple of minutes to make sure she was OK – and she was, it literally took only a couple of minutes for her to settle in, then I ran to the truck, bawled, and called Matt. I will be honest, this ruined my entire day.
So, I did what I usually do, I looked to my good friend the internet to help me solve my problems. I posted a plea for help to a local mother’s group, and got an overwhelming supportive response. I realized that I was not alone in this experience, and it’s typical of the age, especially during times of transition. I also got some good advice – advice which, if I am honest, I knew all along. I started being much more regimented in my drop off routine, so that Norah knows what to expect. This routine is also much shorter than my previous routine. The most important thing I did was as for help. I spoke to one of the teachers and said exactly that – I need help at drop off. So now, I take her in, we start to play, and when I get up to leave, if she gets upset, I pick her up, give her a kiss, tell her I love her, then hand her over to one of the teachers. At first she’d cry until I left the room, or reached the door, or turned away or let go… and this morning, there were no tears at all – from her or me! We sat down with the other kids and legos, and she didn’t seem to interested, and when I stood to leave, she grabbed my leg. I said, “Norah, look who is here today, Danielle! Do you want to go see Danielle?” She let go of my leg, and went over to Danielle, who picked her up. Norah immediately gave me a big smile and a wave good bye! Ahhh success!
Who knows what will happen in the weeks to come, but what I do know is that whatever it is, if I am patient and not afraid to ask for help, we’ll figure it out!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Speaking of the Great Outdoors...
Norah and I took a long walk on Saturday, and when I say Norah and I walked, I mean we walked - no stroller, no backpack - just me, my daughter and the open trail... it was awesome! The weather was perfect, sunny and not too hot. The trail was awesome, flat'ish, wide, and we barely saw another soul.
I often take Norah out for a walk in the woods on the weekend, when Matt is building or fixing or mowing or whatever. But this weekend, I thought I'd see how Norah did on her own, without any kind of carrying device. She did not disappoint! We walked the full half a mile (yes, HALF A MILE!) in about 45 minutes. Norah walked twice as a far as I did, as she was looking at rocks and twigs and birds and so on, but she didn't ask to be picked up until we were within sight of the end of the trail. Needless to say, I was proud and impressed - you go Norah!
I do have a short video, but it's on the crackberry, and I'm not sure how to get it off yet - here's a picture to tide you over!
Friday, June 5, 2009
The Great Outdoors - What a Gift!
As anyone reading this probably knows, Matt and I love the great outdoors! In fact it was one of the things that really connected us in the early days of our relationship. We both grew up camping with our families in the summer, and there was really never any question that we’d also pass this on to Norah. In fact, I’d have to say it’s a big part of who we are, something that I think is reflected in the many of our friends as well.
We were very fortunate to spend Memorial Day weekend in Promised Land State Park in Pennsylvania, with Matt’s brother and his family. The cabin was rustic by some standards, but it had lights and a full kitchen, so in our opinion we were well set up! I spent a lot of time outside with Norah, digging in the dirt, walking in the woods, looking at trees and listening to birds. I especially enjoyed a couple of early mornings… one where we had our breakfast outside, just the two of us, around 7 am… the lake was a sheet of glass, the birds were chirping, and we could barely hear another living soul. Another morning, we took a little walk, and ended up sitting on the edge of the dock, just me and her and my morning coffee. She sat quietly on my lap, taking it all in, waving to the occasional fisherman who happened by. We didn’t do too much camping last year, and it felt really good to be out there again. What also felt good was how in synch Matt and I are when it comes to being in the great outdoors!
What I didn’t really realize until we were driving home was what a special gift our parents had given us, by taking us camping, letting us get dirty, and showing us how it’s done! So thanks Nanny and Grandpa, Oma and Opa!
We were very fortunate to spend Memorial Day weekend in Promised Land State Park in Pennsylvania, with Matt’s brother and his family. The cabin was rustic by some standards, but it had lights and a full kitchen, so in our opinion we were well set up! I spent a lot of time outside with Norah, digging in the dirt, walking in the woods, looking at trees and listening to birds. I especially enjoyed a couple of early mornings… one where we had our breakfast outside, just the two of us, around 7 am… the lake was a sheet of glass, the birds were chirping, and we could barely hear another living soul. Another morning, we took a little walk, and ended up sitting on the edge of the dock, just me and her and my morning coffee. She sat quietly on my lap, taking it all in, waving to the occasional fisherman who happened by. We didn’t do too much camping last year, and it felt really good to be out there again. What also felt good was how in synch Matt and I are when it comes to being in the great outdoors!
What I didn’t really realize until we were driving home was what a special gift our parents had given us, by taking us camping, letting us get dirty, and showing us how it’s done! So thanks Nanny and Grandpa, Oma and Opa!
Nanny's on the way!
This morning, I was telling Norah that her Nanny and Grandpa would be here next week. As I was telling her, she pointed and started waving at the picture of my parents on the living room wall!
See you soon, Nanny and Grandpa, Norah's waiting!
See you soon, Nanny and Grandpa, Norah's waiting!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Norah News: 15 month stats
Height: 31", 75th percentile
Weight: 22.2 lbs, ~50th percentile
Everything looks good, developmental milestones are on target or above... another BORING visit, just the way we like 'em!
Weight: 22.2 lbs, ~50th percentile
Everything looks good, developmental milestones are on target or above... another BORING visit, just the way we like 'em!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Norah News: Garden Girl!
Norah is really getting to be a big help around the house. Today, when we got home, she took my shoes, and put them away for me... in my closet in our room, on the shoe rack - you know, where they BELONG. What's remarkable about that is my shoes, rarely, if ever actually make it to the shoe rack... I mean, I am just going to wear them again tomorrow, right? Anyway, she decided that they ought to be in their rightful place!
This past weekend, we were doing some of the spring planting, and Norah got in on the action - or I should say, she did whatever her Daddy did... toting along her pink shovel the whole time.
This past weekend, we were doing some of the spring planting, and Norah got in on the action - or I should say, she did whatever her Daddy did... toting along her pink shovel the whole time.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
Today is our 3rd Wedding Anniversary! In many ways it seems to have gone by in a blink, but on the other hand, I can barely remember a time when Matt was not by my side. I thank God often for bringing us together... even if he had to use Match.com. We've grown together in ways I would never have even imagined before we were married.
Apparently, I feel confident enough in my matrimonial expertise to offer some advice to our newlywed friends, Sue and Jeff, this past weekend. Without reiterating my advice to them, I will say that it involved teamwork. While Matt and I are still learning every day, I think I felt authorized to offer this particular piece of advice, because it's something that we've got a LOT better at in the past three years :) All kidding aside, it was a variation on something we learned in our marriage preparation class that has stuck with us, and actually comes up often.
And with that, I want to send my love out to the best team-mate, husband, partner-in-parenting, and all around guy that a girl could ever want by her side. I love you Matt! Happy Anniversary.
Apparently, I feel confident enough in my matrimonial expertise to offer some advice to our newlywed friends, Sue and Jeff, this past weekend. Without reiterating my advice to them, I will say that it involved teamwork. While Matt and I are still learning every day, I think I felt authorized to offer this particular piece of advice, because it's something that we've got a LOT better at in the past three years :) All kidding aside, it was a variation on something we learned in our marriage preparation class that has stuck with us, and actually comes up often.
And with that, I want to send my love out to the best team-mate, husband, partner-in-parenting, and all around guy that a girl could ever want by her side. I love you Matt! Happy Anniversary.
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