Day 361- It's A Wonderful Life

Just chillin' in my chair while someone else holds a book in front of me and reads it for me.

I also wanted to share some pictures from last night at Dede and Grandpa's house where Nora tried egg nog for the first time, which she loved, much to my dismay. She also got lots of hugs and presents.

Day 360- There's Something About Christmastime

Best.Christmas.Ever.

Nora knows nothing of Christmas. There is no anticipation of Santa and his reindeer keeping her from falling asleep or waking her before the crack of dawn. Still, today she had the most fun she's had maybe in her whole short little life so far.

She cheered "yay!" after she opened each present. She squealed with delight, "Baby baby baby!!" when she opened her cabbage patch twins. She played. Hard! And she stayed sweet all day long, giving out random hugs and kisses just because she could.

 

Everyone tells me that it will just keep getting better and better, but I can't imagine what that might be like because today was perfect.

Day 359- 'Twas The Night Before Christmas

And all through the house
Every creature was stirring

STILL

At 2 a.m.

But Brad and I are now ready to go to bed now that we have helped Santa set up for tomorrow morning.

Earlier this evening, we went to church with Elisabeth, Rachel H., Dede, and Grandpa. Nora wore the sweetest little dress. She was well behaved (though squirmy), and she cheered at the end of the first few carols until Mommy had to teach her to stay quiet instead.

After church, we went back to Dede and Grandpa's for dinner before we headed home for the evening. Nora got changed into her new Christmas PJs, and she fed her baby one more bottle before calling it a night.

And so here we are. Still stirring but getting ready to finally call it a night ourselves.

Day 358- The Visiting Begins

We spent a couple of hours at Jessica and Kaitlyn's house, exchanging gifts, snacking, and watching the girls play. Nora got a book called Doggies by one of our favorite authors, Sandra Boynton. She devoured the bacon, ham, and cheese bagel that Jessica made for her, and she discovered her love of Legos.





Day 357- Playtime With Friends

Nora got to visit with 2 different friends today. One was my friend's 11 year old who happens to have a 2 year old brother and a 6 month old sister, so he played exceptionally well with Nora.

The other was Kaitlyn (Kiki to Nora) who was Nora's very first friend. She is 5. They sang and ran around and jumped up and down and even shared a snack nicely, sitting together in a chair.

Do I have something in my teeth??

 She had so much fun playing with each of them today, and the best part is that they wore her out. She slept hard in her car seat while running an errand with her Dad, and then she went to bed right on time and snuggled in quickly with hardly any ruckus.



Day 356- Oh Baby

The first time we ever visited Ms. Tracy's day care while I was still pregnant with Nora was the day of their Christmas party 2 years ago.  Today was this year's party. Kiddos can wear their PJs (Elmo Christmas PJs!), can bring a treat to share (we sent sugar cookies with red and green sprinkles), and we have the option to participate in a gift exchange.

Nora drew her friend Ayden's name, and per Ms. Tracy's recommendation, we got him a big truck, which also happened to be filled with shape sorter blocks.  Baby Joseph drew Nora's name, and I was so excited that Tracy recommended that they get Nora a baby doll. At our house, we don't have many (if any) gender specific toys. I mean, she's not even 2. She plays with books and blocks and balls and educational/musical toys, but until recently, it never occurred to me to get her something that is considered "girly". However, Ms. Tracy noticed that she has really attached herself not only to a baby doll at day care, but also to the actual babies who attend day care with her.

From the time, Nora got the baby in her hand until it was time to eat dinner and get ready for bed, she was attached to her "bay bee".

This melts my heart! We are thinking about getting some doll accessories to go with her new baby for Christmas. Maybe a carrier or stroller or bassinet for baby dolls.

At the party, Nora also got a puzzle from Tracy, a piggy bank with some change in it from Ms. El, and we got a mold of her hand print.

Day 355 - My Daughter, the Fashionista

Even though it rained all afternoon and the temperature was quickly dropping, Nora *really* wanted to go out into the backyard tonight before dinner.  She's just too cool for school....