Norah News: Such a Big Girl

Norah seems to have hit a new phase lately, and I must say, I like it!  She's really coming into her own as a kindergartener, and growing into new responsibilities.  In reflecting, I think we have tended to treat her and Roddie the same, when we really need to be nurturing different things due to the difference in their ages.  Roddie will do some things earlier, just by nature of being the second child, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't also be challenging Norah.

• She has been exceptionally kind and patient with Roddie over the Christmas break - rarely getting into a battle of wills with him over silly things, looking out for him and really just generally being nice.  We were all off for a week and a half and they pretty much played well together the entire time.  We started talking to her about being "beautiful on the inside" a couple of months ago and it seems like she's really taking it to heart.  Earlier today I pointed out to Roddie what a great big sister he had (within earshot of her) and she informed me that I've been saying that a lot lately :)
• She's also starting to take on making her own breakfast, going so far as to ask for help making an egg sandwich over the holidays.   She did everything herself, from getting things out of the fridge to frying the egg (supervised, of course). 
• I think she'll always have some clothing drama, but she's got a lot better about asking for specific help, rather than just melting down.
• I left her on her own at the house for the first time - it was a couple of weeks ago and she was home sick.  She had just woken up and I had to go pick up Roddie.  I was gone no more than 15 minutes, and she didn't miss a beat.
• She got her first alarm clock from Santa and seems very excited to get herself up tomorrow (too bad I need to go turn if off, since school is cancelled!) 
• She's reading everything in sight, which has lead to a whole new line of questions on most everything!
  She's actually pretty fun to play board games with these days.  I think I now understand why my mom always liked playing board games with us so much, especially over the holidays.  She's starting to figure out simple strategy and her face really lights up when we sit down to play together.
• Friends are starting to play a bigger role in her life.  We went skating with a couple of other families and she was FAR more interested in skating with her friends than with her mom.
• Last, for now at least, is that she was amazing at Christmas. She both fully understood and fully believed and the look on her face, the conversations we had about Santa, were really and truly priceless.  I pray that no one busts that bubble for many years to come!

Norah News: Big Sister Extrodinaire!

I wish I had a picture of something that happened this morning, but as soon as my eyes fell upon the wondrous scene, the spell was broken.  Instead, I will attempt to paint you a picture with words...

It was a rough week, sleep wise, with everyone still fighting some bug or other and a lot of waking at night, from all of us.  Alas, Friday night, everyone (except Matt - and I don't need to tend to him) slept the whole night.  I had hit the sack early and had a full 8 hours of shut eye when the 6:45 am wakeup call came. 

On Sunday, miracle of miracles, the same thing occurred!  This time, I woke up on my own, no alarm or child disturbed me!  Amazing!  After a few moments I heard Norah stir from her bed, and anticipated the pitter patter of little feet coming my way for a snuggle!  I waited, I heard more stirring, but still nothing.  Hmmm... maybe she went back to sleep - unlikely, but possible.

It soon became apparent that something was going on in the room next door, but no one was crying, so I tried to roll over.  But alas, curiosity and a full nights sleep got the better of me and I tentatively opened the door to their room.  That's when I saw it.  Or should I say them?

Norah was sitting in her little rocking chair, her feet propped up on Roddie's crib.  Roddie was sitting attentively, as Norah read him a story as she held a small light to see the book.  *ahhh* my heart swelled with pride and love!

Of course, the minute I saw them the spell was broken and our day began... it was a great day, with a lot of fun, but the beginning was the highlight!

The Pros and Cons of having a Big Sister

Norah is really growing into her role as Big Sister.  She helps to feed Rod, she even mixes up his food.  She loves to give him Cheerios, and often jumps to pick up his sippy cup when he drops it.  They both love it when she pushes him in the swing, even if she does get knocked over once in a while.  I also hear my own words reflected back to me almost daily as Norah "mothers" Rod.  I was very pleased when I realized that a) he was strong enough to sit up in the wagon without falling over (strapped in of course) and b) even better, Norah was happy to pull him around the yard!  Hooray!  All in all, I think Rod really enjoys having a big sister.

I guess time will tell how much he likes getting his hair styled...