Simple joys

I went out to get the mail at work today and I had to laugh at myself. I couldn't help but smile when I opened the mailbox and there was a huge pile of mail. It seems silly because none of that mail was really for me. However, I was just happy because it was there.

I love getting the mail! I even remember loving it as a kid--and now my boys love to get the mail, too. Granted, I'm not thrilled when I get the bills, but oh the joy of a new magazine! Or, even better, is the hand addressed note from a friend or relative.

There's just something so exciting about flipping through the mail. I guess it's just a random, simple joy in my life. Am I the only one?

Rolling over

Norah is growing so fast! It is so fun to watch her grow and learn how do to different things. She doesn't mind tummy time, so we put her on the floor on her tummy and she loves to look at the boys or mommy and daddy.

While we were at the pediatrician for her two month checkup, the doctor put her on her tummy as she was telling me about the importance of tummy time. Much to the surprise of the doctor, Norah rolled over! The doctor laughed and said, "well, I was going to tell you that usually happens around four months, but I guess not!". After the doctor's appointment we kept putting her on her tummy to see if the rolling over was just a too-heavy-baby-head fluke, but she kept doing it! Now, she's pretty good at rolling when she doesn't want to be on her tummy any more. We don't think it will be too long before she rolls from her back to her stomach either. She can already get herself on her side!

One day (a couple of weeks ago already!) while she was checking out the world from her stomach I grabbed the camera just in case she decided to perform. I was happy when she did! Enjoy my cute girl!

Rolling over from Janna on Vimeo.

Fancy dresses

Jason sometimes reminds me that Norah is not a doll. He says that when I bring out a new outfit to try on her--but mostly he says it when I bring out another new dress for her! Two of the dresses that she's worn my sisters and I wore when we were babies. Our grandmother gave the dresses to my sisters and I, so when my mom pulled them out I was excited to try them on Norah. Absolutely adorable!

This white dress is one from my grandmother. My mom had to tell me that it's a dotted swiss pattern. I wasn't sure what that was until I saw it, but I figured out it's delicate and beautiful! This dress was so tiny in the neck and sleeves that Norah could only wear it for two weeks. She did kind of look like a doll in it!


Once she grew out of the white dress, I pulled out the next one in line. This cute dress is also one from my grandmother. It had intricate smocking on it and ruffles and lace. While she was wearing this dress, Jason commented that it is much more difficult to hook her into her car seat than it was with the boys. All the ruffles and lace get in the way of the buckles!


Since Norah keeps growing, we recently moved to a new dress. This one Jason's mom picked out for her. I've decided that yellow is great on her! I love the big flower on the front of this dress and it has an adorable bow on the back.


It's fun to dress her up! We'll see if she continues to like dresses as she grows. For now, I'll keep having fun with them!

Lovin' for their sister

There is no shortage of people to love on Norah. It helps that she's absolutely adorable and sweet and cute. Her big brothers have days/times where they are indifferent to her presence. Other times we have to practically peel them away from her. I often remind them (especially Micah) that she can see them a whole lot better if they are not two centimeters from her face. When they are kissing on her and cuddling her, it's so sweet that I can't help but grab the camera.



These pictures are from June, but things haven't changed much. They still love talking to her and kissing her and hugging her!



I love how Micah is checking out her dimpled chin in this one. He must be trying to figure out why his mother is always kissing her chin. :)



I believe Miss Norah is not going to be lacking in protectors as she grows. Future boyfriends don't have a chance. :)

Pool Fun

My sister has a pool that my kids love to visit. They love to play in it with their cousins! We had one day where my sister, sister-in-law, mom, and the kids and I could all be there. All of the children were busy getting in and out of the pool and running around in the yard.


With how busy all the children are, it's rare that we can get the oldest ones to sit still for a picture. They actually lined up like this on their own, so I ran for the camera! The only children not pictured were Kimberly and Norah--who were snoozing away in the house!


Nothing better than splashing in the pool--from L to R: Evan, Jennie, Charlie, Rachel, Kathleen, Ethan, and Micah.

Summer Fun

I need to catch up on some posting! I'm hoping to do a few posts over the next couple of days about all the fun we've been having this summer. Since I was on maternity leave for a good portion of summer we had lots of lazy days and did all sorts of activities! I decided to go through my pictures and post, post, post!

At the beginning of June we took the kids to a local parade. As always, the boys got tons of candy (which their mother happily enjoys with them!).


Waiting for the parade to start while hanging out with Charlie. The boys were excited when one of the motorcycle police officers stopped and talked with them. They were really excited when the officer gave them each a sheriff tattoo (when I put them on for the boys, Micah wanted his on his chest. It was pretty funny!).


Micah getting ready to wave at everyone. Nothing like a goofy smile!


Seriously, this child is growing so fast! Well, all my children are growing fast--Ethan just keeps looking older and older!


As you can see, Norah thoroughly enjoyed her first parade. She didn't even flinch when all the fire trucks went by with sirens blaring!


I love parades and my kids do, too! Watching this one made me really look forward to the Fourth of July!