Happy Birthday to Norah

Norah, a few minutes old.

a few hours old

Six Months

One Year


Two Years Old!

ok, the table isn't dirty, even though it looks like it is. i bought that coffee table from someone who i believe thought the paint on top would look like marble, but obviously failed. it's on my list to refinish (along with about 7 other things)! Cute girl though huh!

A few fun facts about Norah at 2 years:

- She weighs 25 pounds. She has absolutely no baby fat left on her! The belly, the cheeks, they're all gone. She's a little skinny minnie.

- She is funny. Hilarious. She loves to make people laugh. The last time I visited New Jersey, my sister found my Dad's journal. In one entry he wrote, "Lauren has a remarkable sense of humor for a five year old." It was kind of special to read that because it reminds me of Norah. I have had several people tell me how funny she is after spending some time with her. She's our little comedian.

- She talks. A lot. She says new words and sentences every day. A few weeks ago she came into my room and said "What are you doing, Mom?" It took me back because I think that was the first real question she has ever asked me. When we asked her what she wanted for her birthday she simply (and seriously) said, "Blue candy." She got it.

- She can do a somersault. After she did it all by herself for the first time, she took a bow. We have no idea where she learned how to bow.

- She is a sweet, sweet girl. She truly believes kisses make it "all better now." She doesn't like to see anyone sad. She is also getting really good at telling us how she feels, instead of screaming and throwing tantrums. When Daddy leaves for work, she hangs her head down and says, "I miss Dad."

- Her favorite movie is Charlotte's Web (she would watch it over and over again if we let her) and her favorite show is Curious George. She has a serious crush on George and thinks he is the funniest guy around.

Happy Birthday sweet girl, we love you so much!

August & September iPhone Pictures

Ivan..

There's our sweet Ivan in the ER. Our pediatrician sent us there on Sunday night. It had been 9 days since little Ivan had a bowel movement and they spent the entire night doing Xrays, ultrasounds and other tests to make sure there wasn't any serious problem. He was a trooper and was flirting and smiling at all the nurses. Everything came back normal, but he is still having issues and we're not sure why. Nothing we are trying works (fruit juice, Karo syrup, suppositories..) so we are going to take him to a specialist. Probably TMI for all of you and he will probably be really embarrassed to read this when he's older, but for journaling purposes.. Spending the night in the pediatric unit of the hospital made me think about how grateful I am to have healthy children. I never want to see my babies sick.

Such a goofy face but it really shows his personality. Love him! He turned three months this past week and is now 14 pounds of chunky love!

Cute smile!

Norah..

Norah started gymnastics and she loves it. I knew she would. Unfortunately I was in the hospital with Ivan and couldn't go watch her but Joe said she was in heaven. She's such a cutie pie. She is turning TWO this week! Ahh!
Family..

We discovered Reston Town Center last month. They have a live band perform every Saturday night. The Town Center is filled with upscale apartments and shopping. It's good clean family fun.

After the band we got some (real) Italian Ice and custard. Yum!

Norah and Daddy. They are buddies for sure. Did you know Red Robin has free refills on their ROOTBEER FLOATS?

That's all for now!

Grand Re-Opening

One of the biggest blessings we've found from moving so many times is that everywhere we go, we add friends to our already established circle of friends. While in Utah, we made some great friends. Two of which include Justin and Ashley. They are two of the nicest people I've met (seriously). So sweet. We love and miss them dearly. On August 24th Ashley gave birth to their tiny little son, Keaton, 10 weeks early. The little guy weighed just 2 lbs, 10 oz. Luckily, he has needed little intervention and is healthy. When I heard I immediately started trying to find something I could do to help them! I have wanted to re-open my Etsy shop for some time and this is just the push I needed to do it! So from now until Keaton goes home, 75% of all sales from my shop will go to Justin and Ashley. I know it won't make much of a difference in any financial situation they may be in, but my hope is that they can at least buy a few dinners (since I can't bring them any, darnit!) or some snuggly clothes for little Keaton.

Isn't he so precious and sweet?

So you'll have to head on over here and see if there is anything you fancy, for yourself, your little one or as a gift. Check back too because I'll soon be adding more things - more (exciting) scripture covers and even pillow covers!