Nora Mae: Eight Months Old

Nora Mae is eight months old! She is turning into the most content baby girl. She thinks Thomas is funny and Mama tries too hard.

 

Eat: Nora is a hungry baby! She likes everything! Cheerios are a favorite. She has five 7oz bottles a day. We were finished breast feeding shortly after Christmas.

 

Sleep: Between colds, teeth and travel, her sleep has been slightly off, to say the least. We've had many days with only one nap and many restless nights. I'm hoping this next month we can get back on track. I remind myself that she isn't comfortable and this helps me to not get so frustrated.

 

Measurements: We didn't have a well visit this month but Erik guesses she weighs 21 pounds.

 

Play: This little girl plays SO WELL on her own. As long as she is fed, she is totally content sitting on the floor with a basket of toys or in front of the bookcase. This is so helpful to me!

 

Brother: Thomas has turned into an excellent big brother. He doesn't like to see her upset and he is so proud when he makes her giggle. He is very good about keeping "choking hazards" away from her. He even calls her his best friend!

 

Daddy:  Nora Mae Pretzy Pie is really coming into her own personality.  I love watching Thomas play with her.  He's been so good to her, and she seems to think that everything he does is just hilarious.  Her fine motor skills are getting very good, but that means that anything that could possibly fit in her mouth, ends up in her mouth.

 

Mama: Nora is sweet as pie! She loves to snuggle (especially in the night). She is developing quite the personality. I think she'll be the source of many giggles. I imagine she'll be crawling by the end of the month, which is exciting and exhausting all at the same time.  

Nora Mae, you light up our life! I can't wait to see what new developments the next month will bring!

Thomas Turns Two

Thomas Turns Two!! It was a Terrific day. Thomas woke up to balloons, a sprinkle donut and a blueberry smoothie! By his standards, the day was off to a great start!

I tried to do a little birthday photo shoot but he had a hard time not playing with the balloons.

 

I didn't want the two year photo shoot to be the cause of the first episode of the terrible twos.

 

 Lil Sis was cooperative!

 

I guess we fast forward to birthday dinner. Rob and Tanya were able to celebrate with us at Tommy's Malt Shop.

Thomas had Daddy's malt for dinner and we still felt it was necessary to order a special birthday treat. So he had whipped cream off his sundae for dessert! It was a great way to end his "real" birthday. And we are so happy the Graham's were able to help us celebrate.

We were able to have a real party a few days after his actual birthday. Like last year, the weather wasn't great. But we really appreciate the friends and family that were able to make it.

These two love birds were able to make an appearance. It was so nice to catch up with Mike and Kylie and hear all about their wedding plans!

Cousin Hailie was the first to arrive! It was great to have her help with the kids while I worked on last minute preparations.

Happy Birthday. We love you VERY MUCH!

I love this picture of Auntie Stephanie and Auntie Hannah.

Great picture of the Anderson "kids".

January Birthdays! All these Anderson's have birthdays in January. Thomas and Grandma Rosie share the same birthday!

I thought this was the sweetest moment of the party. Thomas wanted to eat his cake with Great Grandpa Dennis. Thomas typically likes to eat on his own but he was happy to have grandpa's help with the ice cream cake.

Grandma Jo and Steph included Nora Mae in their photo shoot.

Ok, maybe this was the sweetest moment of the night. They didn't want their picture taken in the photo booth but I was able to snap this one while they weren't looking.

Thanks for coming to the party, Uncle Steve and Auntie Kristi!

Thomas loves his Grandpa John!

I consider it a win when both kids look at the camera at the same time, now only if they would both smile!!!

Buddy boy!  You truly are a piece of work.  My favorite part of the day is when I come home from work and you say, "Hi daddy.  It's nice to see you.  How was your day?"  Then you give me a big hug, tell me to take my jacket off, and go wash my cold paddies.  You pretty much have that routine down.  It's so fun to sit down and have a conversation with you.  I feel like you're growing up way too fast!  Daddy loves you very, very much!

Thomas John, You make me so happy everyday. I could listen to you tell stories all day long. I love your extensive vocabulary, your wild imagination, your goofy side and mostly your sweet and sensitive side. You're a wonderful big brother and best friend to Nora. You've been so patient with me as I learn to be a mama of two. You make me so proud.  I love you VERY MUCH! - Mama

Snow Fun

Saturday morning we woke up to 6 inches of fresh snow and beautiful temperatures. I was looking forward to getting out to play but we had promised Thomas a trip to the Children's Museum.

 

As it turns out, we drove all the way to the museum to play in the snow.

We let Nora do a taste test. Brrrr. Don't worry Grandma, we watched them bring in fresh, clean snow off the roof top.

 Wheeeee!

 

 Nora enjoyed picking flowers. The flowers also got a taste test. Gross.

The water exhibit is always a favorite of Thomas'.

Nora enjoyed splashing around too!

Nora likes blocks and trucks too. Clearly she spends a little time playing with her brother.

Thomas was so hungry after our morning/afternoon at the museum. He ate 4 inches of my 6 inch sub, a bag of chips and a cup of tea.

 

After the museum, ice cream, and naps we were finally able to get outside for some fresh air. Thomas and Erik were out for a long time, Nora and I were out just long enough to take a little ride in the sled.

Sunday was a beautiful day. I we went out first thing in the morning and came in only for lunch and a nap. We started out with a coat but Thomas complained of being sweaty.

After our lunch break we needed all new clothes. First outfit was too wet.

Thomas was also happy to have Nora out for a little fun in the sun.

These three climbed to the top of a super high pile of snow. Thomas would only sit at the top for a second before sliding down the "mountain."

I wish we had just a few more days like this in the winter.

I think this is so sweet. The little boy trudging through the deep snow, following his own shadow.

 

We enjoyed the nice days while they lasted. I hope it's not long until the next heat wave!