Aqua Shrimps Exhibition

Popos and Norah gave an exhibition this morning of all they have learned in the last four months of Aqua Shrimps swim classes. Thanks to Popos' weekly tutorials, Norah loves the water and even loves swimming with her face underwater.

Just Another Wednesday

Another Wednesday full of water, water, and Monkey Bizness.

Not-Quite-Yet-Spring Cleaning

Norah did a little light cleaning when we were at the condo yesterday.

Best in Show

Merle (with expert handler Bridger) took the blue ribbon in her dog show yesterday. (Admittedly, she was the only dog in her category - short wire hair pointer bitches in open show. Amazing there weren't more.) It really did make us feel like we were living a scene out of "Best in Show" - neurotic dogs with even more neurotic handlers. Bridger and Merle were a refreshing breath of fresh air in the midst of that crazy house.

Welcome Marley Jeannine!

Norah's so excited to welcome her cousin Marley! Happy birthday little girl!

Jessa the Viking!

Congrats to Jessa who was just accepted to Western Washington University! We're so proud of you!

Band-Aids Be Damned!

The band-aids from yesterday's shots didn't last long.

One Year Photos

Norah's year photos can be viewed at http://riverbankphotography.com/viewing/.

Password: norah

New Stats

Norah's stats from her one year well-baby appointment are:

18 pounds, 11 ounces (15%)
29 1/2 inches (55%)

Apparently, stethoscopes fall into the verboten category, as far as Norah is concerned (along with hats of any kind). She was fine with her doctor until he pulled out his stethoscope. Then she started vigorously shaking her head no. When he didn't take the hint, she started waving goodbye to him and didn't stop until he actually left the room. In terms of subtlety in getting unwanted guests to leave, she takes after her Great-Grandpa Cal.

The Party Continues

More balloons and pizza crust!

Happy Birthday to Norah!

We celebrated Norah's birthday in style. First, we visited a playgroup we used to go to during maternity leave, then we enjoyed the Children's Museum with Nana and Popos (and are excited to visit again with the membership they gave Norah), and then we had a party at home.

Norah jumped out of Nana's arms when she saw the toddler playland at the museum.


When you ask her how old she is, she sticks up one finger. Sometimes.


The fussy face is because we had just put the party hats on. You may have noticed from previous photos that she hates hats on anyone at any time.

When given the choice between chocolate, vanilla and red velvet cupcakes, she gave the frosting a couple of licks before throwing the cupcakes on the ground.

SO BIG!

Norah received such sweet, generous gifts. Rick and Mariah gave her the cutest little Uggs (we won't allow her to wear them in any Pennsylvania public schools) and a "Moo" book to match her favorite "Dog" book. But the most unique gift was definitely from the Hixons. They gave Norah one square foot of land in Ireland. She even has a title for her property. Anyone is welcome to camp on her land when on the Emerald Isle.

There's no way to mention everything we are proud of and thankful for from the last year, but here's one of each. I am proud to say that I am one of the 16% of moms who breastfed until baby's first birthday and that Norah never had even an ounce of formula. And, we are so thankful for everyone who made it possible for us to only spend $36 on childcare for the entirety of Norah's first year. In particular, unending thanks to Popos and Nana for making Tuesdays and Wednesdays so terrific and to Deanna and Karen for being our trusty backups.

Happy First Birthday!

Where did the last year go?!?!