Nora:Two Months Old

Nora Mae is two months old. She is such a blessing to our family. We love her beyond measure!

Eat: Nora is still a great eater. She feeds every three-four hours during the day and once in the night. I'd like her to have one bottle of pumped milk a day but sometimes we aren't able to make that happen.

Sleep: She sleeps like a champ! Nora naps in the morning, afternoon and evening and sleeps from about 8:30 PM- 8AM feeding once around 4:30. There have been a few occasions that she doesn't wake to eat until 6. I'm hoping this becomes more of a trend, otherwise, no complaints!

Play: Nora stays awake for about an hour after each feeding. She enjoys her play mat, reading books and she is usually cooperative during tummy time.

Measurements: Big girl is 11lbs. 13oz. She is 24.5 inches tall. Nora is near the 100th percentile for height and head size, and the 75th for weight.

Brother: Thomas is really starting to enjoy Nora more now that she is awake more often. He always lets me know when her eyes are open. He likes to hold her and when she starts to get too heavy he asks to lay down and "hold" her. (I lay her next to him) If her Nuk falls out he is quick to help her get it back in. If she cries in the car he lets me know that she needs her sucky back. He hasn't been hitting her nearly as often which is a huge relief. I am excited to watch this relationship blossom.

Daddy:  I love seeing Nora's big smile with her cute little dimples.  Her facial expressions are so
deliberate; I can tell when she is perplexed, happy, or hungry.  I feel like she is growing so much faster than Thomas did, but I guess it's all about perspective.  Time flies with two kids!

Mama: I love having Nora in my life. The way she smiles at me melts my heart. I recently had a couple days alone with her (Thomas was at my parents) and I loved those quiet moments when I was able to snuggle her without watching after Thomas. The extra attention was so good for her and the extra attention from grandparents was good for Thomas too!

 

This next month we look forward to more cooing, smiles and giggles. Lots of fun to come!

Okee Dokee Brothers

After a week of being cooped up with the air on high it was great to get outside today. Tonight was a beautiful evening for a kids concert in the park. We got free ice cream and a live performance by Grammy Award winners, The Okee Dokee Brothers.  

 

It was a long fun day for Thomas, by the time the concert started he was getting very sleepy.

 

 He didn't have enough energy to dance along tonight but he still enjoyed the entertainment.

 

And the ice cream!

Sleepy Nora seems pretty relaxed. I'm glad she was able to enjoy some fresh air. Hopefully both kids sleep well tonight.

 The best part about Thomas being so tired is that instead of chasing after him all night we got to snuggle on our blanket and sing songs together.

The Okee Dokee Brothers don't sing typical kids songs. The tunes weren't only tolerable but Erik and I really enjoyed them so we bought their CD! We'll have all the songs memorized after our next trip to the lake and back.

A Week at the Lake

We were fortunate enough to be able to spend an extended period of time in Frazee at the lake and on the farm. We were in Frazee the last weekend in June through the first week in July. We had a great vacation and are grateful for the opportunity to get out of the city for a few days.

 

The last weekend in June was the wedding of Erik's cousin Erin. (more about that here)  We arrived the night before the wedding just in time for the rehearsal dinner which was hosted by Erik's parents, at their home. It was a beautiful evening for a BBQ and bon fire. After a long car ride Thomas was happy to be outside playing.

I think we can skip Boy Scouts, Uncle Peter taught Thomas proper technique of building a fire.

It will be a few more years until he can maneuver the wheel barrow on his own.

The fire is neat, from a distance.

Getting braver!

Grandpa John and Nora watching the party from the house.

Erik and his beautiful mother.

Thomas, Peter, Cousin "Big Ben" and Erik

I love this picture. Thomas loves Uncle Peter, and I think Peter is pretty fond of Thomas too.

 Happy Wedding day. Nora and grandma taking in the crisp morning air.

The day after the wedding we packed up and headed to the lake. After church Nora's great aunt Julie stopped over for a visit.

My hottie husband enjoying the afternoon on the water before heading back to the city for a few days of work. I'm so appreciative of his hard work that allows me to stay home (and go on vacation) with the kids. Love you, Er!

My brother Mathew and his buddy Grant are happy to spend the day in the boat.

Hannah is always quick to get in the water with Thomas. Which I appreciate because I certainly don't care to be in the water.

Happy boy!

 

Auntie Stephanie and Grandma LaRaye were able to join us for a little fun in the sun.

Grandma Christine was more than happy to stay inside with Nora Mae.

Daddy getting a little snuggle in with Nora before heading back home.

Cousin Hailie was so proud to be holding Nora. Hailie was over to visit often during our week at the lake.

My dad and Thomas spent a lot of time in the Jeep doing Grandpa/Thomas Power. Weird.

 

We had breakfast on the deck.

 

And snacks on the deck.

Auntie Hannah and Grandma snuggling my sleepy babies.

It was so fun for me to take Thomas to the same park I used to play at as a child. It had changed a lot but this darling duck hasn't aged a bit! ;)

 

Time for a little applesauce snack.

 

Nap time, the most wonderful time of the day. Especially when they sleep so sweetly. Love!

 

Sleepy girl getting snuggles from Uncle Bub!

 

Auntie Stephanie took Thomas for an evening swim. There was a lot of giggling going on between these two.

 

Thomas made a game of throwing his clothes in the lake.

 

Nothing makes me happier then seeing this guy so happy.

 

It is was so nice to have Uncle Peter out for lunch a few days while we were at the lake. I love that the kids got to spend so much quality time with all their grandparents, aunts and uncles.

After a few days of work Erik was able to come back to the lake in time to celebrate the Fourth of July! (more on that here) The day after all the Independence Day activities we decided to take a break from the sun and heat and head to the Goose Gang (Erik's parents' new toy store) for a little indoor play time. I loved watching Erik and Thomas have a tea party together.

The boys sipped tea while I put on a little puppet show for Nora. That cute puppet definitely caught her attention.

That same evening Grandma Janice arrived. This was the first time she had met Nora. They bonded on the deck while watching the sun set.

 

Bright and early Saturday morning 75 people gathered for a fun run/walk around the lake. My dad spear heads this event so he always expects participation from his family. I volunteered to help out by documenting the race.

 

Erik pushed Thomas in the stroller which makes the run even more challenging. 

 

I am so proud of Erik for doing the run, especially in the rain. It looks like Erik and Thomas were in good company finishing the race slightly ahead of Uncle Peter and Auntie Hannah.

 

Good job, Grandpa F!

These boys were among the first to cross the finish line, good job Mathew, Drew and Ryder.

A post race picture with Auntie...

and Peter.

Nora got to go on her first Jeep ride! (just down the back road to the other side of the lake.)

Thomas is in heaven. In the Jeep between both Grandpas! Lucky boy!!

Splish splash!

 

Thomas sure enjoyed hanging out with Uncle Bub and his buddies. Thomas is showing them his muscles.

 

Ah shucks, the boat ride with uncle Drew has come to an end. 

Pretend tubing. Hold on tight! Faster!!

We concluded our mini vacation with the celebration of Nora Mae's Baptism (more on that here) and Erik's 27th Birthday. (more on that here) It was a fabulous 10 days for our family. Thomas was even more lucky and was able to stay on for an extra two days. We certainly missed him but it was so nice to get unpacked, settled and have a little date night while he was away. Now it is time to start packing for our next trip to the lake! Yippee!