Expressions

It is so interesting and amazing to watch Nora, especially how her experiences show on her cute little face. 

Bath time toys

The many looks of Nora

Go Vols!

Watching

Bye Bye Bottles

The week before Nora turned 13 months old, we decided to stop the bottle. Our pediatrician told us that once she turned one, she wouldn't need formula any longer. I procrastinated a little bit because I was feeling a little sad about this milestone. 

How funny that I was feeling so reticent given how our bottle adventure began. First of all, I didn't even expect to be using bottles and formula. And when we did have to depend on the bottle, I certainly thought it would be easier than it was. Getting Nora to take 3 ounces in less than an hour felt like a miracle. I was nervous and afraid when she wouldn't take her bottle. There were times when I would be in tears because she wouldn't eat, something that was incredibly important given Nora's weight when she was born. 

Then things changed. 

And Nora took a bottle from me. And we had sweet snuggles during her feedings throughout the day and night. She grew and the pediatrician was pleased. Jeff and I were ecstatic. 

Fast forward to the recent past...first night without the bottle. Nora was angry. She was crying and pointing (with frustration) to where her bottle normally sat. She wouldn't take solace in her sippy cup of water. She did not want to read a book. She wanted her bottle. She continued to cry after being put to bed, resulting in some rocking chair snuggles to calm down. 

Second night without the bottle...Nora still cried but did take her sippy cup and we read a book. Again, she continued to cry after being put to bed and again we had some rocking chair snuggles. 

On the third night, Nora was sulky but was willing to have her bedtime stories. I still had to go back to her for some soothing after she was put in her crib. 

4th night? It was as though there was never an issue. Bath, pajamas, story time, bed. And the thing I was worried about missing the most - our night time snuggles - we still have when we read our books. Books and snuggles! I'll take it. 

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Nora Turns 1

Nora has turned 1. She is about the cross the 13 month threshold. I am so, so happy and thankful that she is growing and developing as she should. And sometimes I just want to keep her small and eager to sleep in my arms.

July 2012

Birthday Celebrations, Part 3

The day after Nora officially turned 1, we had a party at our house. In addition to the wonderful neighbors and friends who joined us to celebrate the cutest and sweetest girl ever, the grandparents from Maryland traveled to Illinois for the festivities! 

Grandma Linda and Pop Pop Saul

Grandpa Sheldon

Some months back, Nora received an adorable little dress from her Gramma Wells, which served as inspiration for the party. Yellow, white, black, polka dots, and gingham with some bumble bees and daisies were all present in the decorations and outfits. My favorite decoration was a series of photos of Nora in her "monthsies" (made by my friend Sarah!).

Of course there were cupcakes! #3 kinds! Nora enjoyed the vanilla on vanilla cupcake. Mommy had the chocolate on chocolate and Daddy was loving the lemon on lemon. Yum!

I loooove cupcakes!

12 months old!!

I have an admission. I have been procrastinating on Nora's 12 month post. And the rest of her birthday posts. The feelings I've been having with this milestone have been many. With all of the joy of Nora turning one comes a little sadness of some of the baby things that are getting to be less and less. We're almost done with the bottle, snuggle naps are extremely rare, and I no longer get to hold my little girl whenever I want. My time with a baby is coming to an end. And it's ending forever, given our fertility issues.

But toddler-hood brings with it a lot of fun times. Times that I appreciate so much.

Nora loves to explore and we are often "walking" all over the house with Nora holding onto our fingers or with one of her push toys. She dances to music, cruises between toys and furniture, loves to crawl up the stairs, brings the dogs their toys and is learning to pat them gently, points to things she wants, and smiles a lot. She has learned to smile for the camera, making what we call her "cheese" face. Her laugh is amazing!

Nora has also learned to express her opinion! It's very clear when Nora does - and does not - want something. It is really amazing to watch her develop her own ideas. She is still as observant as ever, always watching and taking everything in.

As you can tell from our blog, it's been an amazing first year and we are just so dang thankful for it all. So HAPPY 12 MONTHS to our sweet, sweet girl. We are so excited for the next year of memory-making and milestones!

Nora at 12 months old:

• 23.8 lbs and 27.5 inches
• Says Dada, Mama, Dog-Dog, Uht-oh, Kisses
• Wears 12-18 month-sized clothes
• Eats mostly finger foods - current favorite is a hummus sandwich
• 8 teeth

I'm gonna get this owl!

Birthday Celebrations, Part 2

We are so lucky to be able to send Nora to a wonderful, small, local (up the street!), at-home day care. We love Miss Laura and her entire family. They take such wonderful care of Nora and enjoy celebrating her as much as we do.

And celebrate Nora's birthday they did! Cupcakes and crowns for Nora. What a great way to celebrate the day!

I think we have a sweet tooth baby on our hands!