Norah - 14 Months

I haven't been around much lately, but I figured it was about time to document some of the adorable things Norah has learned recently as I know the days continue to pass us by even quicker than the one before.

Norah's first birthday was a blast. I'm so glad we decided to have our photographer come to capture all the memories. We now have so many amazing pictures to cherish that day. Since then, Norah has of course been growing like a weed and soaking in every thing going on around her. Here are some of my favorite things that she is doing currently:

-I love when we ask her what a doggy says. She responds with a muffled "woof" and quite the smirk on her face.

-When trekking up the stairs {usually before a nap or bedtime}, she makes it very clear that she wants everyone to join. She'll stop about midway up the stairs and pat her belly to get the dogs to come {she's imitating what we do when we call the dogs and pat our legs so they come}!

-Usually when she sees a banana, she'll repeat "ma na na" until she can take one bite. Then she's over it... :)

-It drives me nuts when she opens up all the drawers of her dresser and pulls all her clothes out. However, it's super cute to watch her try to put them all on. She can quite figure it out, but I'm sure she will sooner than later. My independent, strong willed baby!

-Norah absolutely loves playing outside now that it's nice. She'll reach her hand up until I put mine down so that she can hold a finger or two while we go for walks. She loves riding her bike and sitting in her stroller for long walks.

I can't believe how quickly she is growing and how fast time passes us by. She is such a wonderful blessing to us and makes each and every day amazing.

The Best

Today is one of those days when I realize just how incredibly lucky and blessed I am. 

We woke up at 8:30 {really 7:30 since time changed last night, but we'll forget about that}. Kurt got N out of bed while I relaxed in bed for a little longer. When I finally rolled out of bed, it was time to get ready to head out of the house. We had planned to meet Josh and Mer at Patachou for breakfast. It was so delicious! 

After breakfast, we headed off to church. When we got home, it was about time for N's nap. Kurt relaxed at home and got a few things done while I ran to the pet and grocery stores to stock up for the week. 

N slept for a couple hours and then was up and ready to go. After a quick lunch, we put our jackets on and headed out for a long walk. Even though it was only 40ish today, the sun was brightly shining all day and the temperature felt warmer than what it probably really was. We stopped for a bit on our walk at the park. N wasn't so sure about it, so we didn't stay for too long.

When we finally got home a couple hours later, no one wanted to go inside yet. We played outside with the dogs until it was time to cook dinner. We decided it was a perfect night to whip up a healthy grilled meal {we haven't been able to use the grill in months}. While Kurt cooked, Norah finally got to ride in her birthday bike outside. She was in heaven! 

We finally came inside to eat dinner...it was delicious! Kurt headed off to hockey while Norah and I played for a while longer. The fresh air and running around outside really tired her out. I couldn't keep her up past 7:15. We read a couple books together and she held my hand as I rocked her to sleep while singing lullabies...perfect.To top it all off, it is still light outside as I sit here and type this up. 

It wasn't too long ago that we couldn't wait for days to turn colder. To bundle up in cute fall sweaters and riding boots. To sit by the fire and cozy up to the ones we love. Now I can't wait to pack up those sweaters and boots. To bring out a box of clothes that has been tucked away for months. To spend countless moments outside playing with my little girl, husband, and doggies {who LOVE to be outside}. To not bundle up while sitting outside on our patio listening to crickets chirp and watching fireflies light-up. Funny how the love for each season fades after we've lived it for some time. There are many things I love about each season, even winter. But for now, I'm looking forward to longer days, shorter nights, warmer weather, and everything else that comes with spring & summer.  

                                   

Letters To Norah {11 Months}

My Sweet Baby Girl, 

"Better late than never" has become my motto far too often lately. But, when there is Christmas, Cabo, and a first birthday to plan {I can't believe it!}, there seems to be no time for blogging! 

I couldn't believe how much you grew, developed {from holding your head, to rolling over, to sitting up and more}, and became more aware each month from when you were born until about 7 or 8 months. From then until now, your looks haven't drastically changed {except your hair is longer and curly} and you haven't grown a ton {you've been in size 3 diapers for a while now}. What continues to change drastically month to month is your communication. 

It's amazing how many things you understand and the ways in which you communicate with us. You recently started waving hello and goodbye. However, you also make a waving {opening and closing/squeezing} your hands when you want something {especially more to eat!}. You also show us that you understand what we are saying to you. Of course, you know the word "no." Whether or not you choose to listen to us is another story! Often times we'll say things like, "Go get your baby" or "Where is Dada?" and you'll look around to find the appropriate thing we've asked you about. 

You are quick. You haven't looked back since the first steps you took on your 9 month birthday. You love the ability to get around so easily, especially that you can carry as many things as possible while you walk around. Your new favorite thing is to spin. You spin in circles as many times as you possibly can until you are too dizzy to stand any longer. Most of the time, you get right up and start spinning again...silly girl! You recently began holding our hands {a finger or two} while you are walking. Oh, how I love when you do this. I hope you will want to walk next to me and hold my hand for a very long time! 

I often sit on the floor while you are playing. Sometimes you want Daddy or me to play with you, but many times you entertain yourself for long stretches of time {you hate it when we leave you in the room and come running after us!}. Along with your spinning, you've been practicing walking backward. Recently, you will back right up to my lap and sit right down. It's so cute to watch and even nicer to have you playing on my lap {while most of the time you don't stay long!}.

You still love giving kisses, especially to the dogs. Sometimes, you'll walk right up to Daddy or me and plant big, slobbery kisses on us. We love it, slobber and all. Most of the time we are begging for kisses. Sometimes you'll oblige, while others you'll let us know that you've given too many kisses and need to get back to playing! Most any time we say "Give Cooper/Olive a kiss" you turn around to find the dogs and plant one on them! You've also started to pet them. Oh, how you love your doggies!

I absolutely can't believe the next time I'll write you will be for your first birthday. My quiet, snuggly baby has turned into a independent, strong-willed, and curious {almost} toddler. I miss that baby stage because you grew out of it far too quickly. But, I can't help to smile and laugh each and every time you come running towards me {when I say, "I'm gonna get you!!"} with your mouth wide open as you laugh. I love the little girl you are becoming, but I wish time wouldn't fly by us so quickly. This year has been my best one yet because of you. And what's crazy to think...I know the best is yet to come! 

Never forget, I love you to the moon and back. 

Mommy

P.S.- The day after we got home from Cabo, we had a HUGE snowstorm. It kept us inside for 3 days straight. While it was far to cold to take you out for long {and we didn't have snow clothes for you}, we had to take you out for a minute to see just how much snow we got. You were amazed!