Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Happy 1st Birthday, Norah!

Dear Norah,

Oh sweet girl, how can it already be time to write this letter? I can't believe you are turning one today! This past year has flown by as we have gotten to know you and your sweet personality. Even though the year was filled with sleep deprivation, laundry, and diapers, I wouldn't change a minute of it because of the joy you have added to our lives.



How do I sum up how much you have changed in the year since you were born? You have gone from a tiny helpless baby to an energetic, spunky (almost) toddler. Forgive me, I can't yet wrap my brain around calling you a toddler. I think I'm going to be calling you a baby for quite a while!



You entered the world with blue eyes and sometime around three months they changed to an almost copper color. After that, they gradually darkened to a beautiful brown. When I look at your face, I'm drawn to your big, beautiful eyes. I love having a brown-eyed girl!



Right now you are a momma's girl. When I hold you and people talk to you I watch you smile and charm them. However, if they reach to try and hold you then you bury your head in my shoulder. I just smile and cuddle you closer--I'm happy when you make it so I don't have to share you!


Everywhere we go people love to stop and talk to you. I think it's a combination of your engaging eyes and pretty smile. Daddy likes to stand back at church and watch how everyone stops to greet you. Like I said before, you smile at people and charm them!



Daddy and I have decided that you are going to be full of mischief. When you reached a point where you could move around the room, you would crawl over to things that you were not supposed to touch. You would reach out, look at one of us, and say "what". Your favorite was the blinds. Now you are interested in cords, plugs, and any paper that we are not smart enough to put up high. We can see the mischief in your eyes and hear it in your little giggle!



One of my favorite things about you is how enamored you are with your brothers. You squeal when they walk into a room and you love it when they get down on the floor and play with you and your toys. They love to make you belly laugh--which you do when they throw things or themselves on the floor. I love to watch them do something over and over again simply because it makes you laugh. Right now they are trying to encourage you to walk. You took three steps last week so they like to stand you up and try to get you to walk more.



Over that last few months you have enjoyed the freedom that comes from crawling and you love to explore your toys. You will sit and flip through board books, push buttons over and over to hear music, and you love to hold your babies and pat them on the back while saying "awww". Daddy taught you to pile the rings on your stacker and you love to shake, shake, shake your rattles. We love to watch you do a "Norah dance" whenever you hear music. It's so silly!



I have loved listening to you find your voice. I miss the tiny baby babbles, but it's fun to hear you say "cah-cah" (for Micah), "bye-bye", "da", "ma", and "cra-cah" (cracker). Your other favorite words are "wow" and "what". Your first word was "uh-oh". We also think you say your own little version of "what's that", though I'm not sure how to type your version. You also love to use your ability to shake your head "no". One of my favorite ways to hear your little voice is when you mimic singing our "Bye-0-Bye" song.



My sweet girl, I'm looking forward to another year where I can watch you continue to grow and change. You have a darling personality that includes a wonderful mix of your dad and I. While I miss my tiny baby, I can't wait to see more of who you will be.


I love you, baby girl. Happy 1st Birthday.

Love,
Mommy

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Quote of the Day

I guess it was more of a conversation than a quote, but cute whatever way you look at it!

Jason was getting ready to take me to work so he called up the stairs to Micah and asked him to come and get his shoes on. No response. He called a few more times and when he still didn't get an answer he went and knocked on his door.

Jason: "Did you hear me? It's time to go."

Micah: "I didn't hear you when you were calling me."

Jason: "How many times did you not hear me calling?"

Micah: "A bunch of times."

That boy cracks me up. I love how he didn't realize that he basically told Jason that he ignored him.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Mother's Day 2011

Today, Mother's Day, was a lovely day for me.

The morning began with slobbery baby kisses, cuddles, and sweet Mother's Day notes from my boys. The other highlights of my day included hugs from my mom, a glass of wine with dinner, a long walk in the beautiful weather with my family, a call with my mother-in-law, and a l-o-n-g nap. In fact, it was so long I may not be able to sleep tonight.

In my opinion, a recipe for a perfect Mother's Day.


I am truly blessed.