Leg trap

Norah got her legs caught in the crib posts. She is a mover. 

November 30/ December 1st

She slept on her own bed in her room! Yes! 

Tummy to Back

Norah went from preferring to sleep on her tummy to now preferring to sleep on her back. I hope she sleeps all night. I am excited for this new change.

Outdoors

We spent an hour before nap playing outside. I plan to be outside the rest of the afternoon (after nap). I am not pleased with a look ahead in the forecast.  :-) We will enjoy it while we can! 

Wash cloth

Jack still calls a car wash, "wash cloth." 

I have tried to tell him. He will figure it out. 

I remember arguing with my brother that it was called a "mote" and not "remote." I eventually learned. 

Cute to write down for later...

Surgery

My sweet boy is having his tonsils removed on the 11th. Excited for his relief, but not happy with the week long recovery as well as the liquid diet. He has to sleep in our room too. Party of four in our little room. Praying he will be feeling better by Christmas! 

"Whew, mom!"

He said in a loud, sassy southern voice. 

Then, proceeded to tell me we needed to sweep the deck because of all the leaves. 

But, he won't clean up his toys daily. Geez. 

mark it on the calendar

This girl. I put her on her back in the pack n play to go and take care of Jack. When I came back,  she was on her side. She was trying to turn over from her back on her playmate tonight too. Whoa! Slow down! 

The minute I posted this afternoon, he fell asleep..until 5pm. Did she? Nope. She finally fell asleep during our snuggle time during Veggie Tales at 7pm. During his nap,  I still managed to have some great one-on-one time with her and get some chores done. 

Later, we made homemade pizzas for dinner and enjoyed time with Daddy. 

Overall, we had a great school day, nap day (eventually), and play day. Didn't make it on that walk, but maybe tomorrow. 

Coffee and baby

Drinking coffee is good if you have been up since 5:30. Not good if you nurse a baby. Norah has only slept 45 minutes since 5:30 this morning. Happy and hyper baby. And, my son won't nap today. We might go on a walk very soon. I think all of us need some fresh air.

My loves

Fancy Trees

Jack calls trees without leaves Fancy Trees.

Signals

The siblings are already sending signals to each other through their rooms. Norah woke up at 5:30, Jack woke up at 5:40. Both of them decided that would be a great time to start their days. (Eye twitch) 

Time to get some coffee started.

Long Day

Long day and we are all going to bed at 8. 

Peace out. 

MNO

I had a great trip to Newnan with three amazing women. Starbucks in hand, good food in my tummy, and a theater all to ourselves was just what I needed! The movie was interesting, but the dance party afterwards was hilarious! I love Moms Night Out because I am able to really get to know these ladies better and have great conversations. 

And, after getting home later than normal, my daughter so generously slept until 6am again. 

6am

After 4 weeks of waking up in the middle of the night again, she slept until 6AM. 

Even with the cold and rain, I think it is going to be a great day!! 

Thirty-One Spring Premiere

I have gone every year (once in Colorado)  and enjoy seeing the new products and getting a lot of product for free! Plus, I get to run errands by myself afterwards! Win Win afternoon! 

Monthly Dates

I am finally getting around to my "monthly dates" project for my hubby. We will have a date once a month. It could be as inexpensive as free or an overnight trip in the mountains. I have planned out costs for 10 months. Now, just to buy the gift certificates and put them in monthly envelopes. One of them involves zip lining and staying in a glamping teepee! So excited! I think he will like it too! 

Squeaky Daughter

Today marks the day she started high squeals and talking. It is so cute to listen to her verbalize what she is thinking. Her sweet eyebrows go up and down as she talks and her arms wave in the air.

Shopping

I am finally going shopping for transitional clothes. So thankful for a husband that encourages me to go while he watches he kids. 

Missing my friends

I miss my three best friends. They all live in different states and I wish I could see them more. They know me, think of me, love me and understand me. One of them called me yesterday to tell me how thoughtful I was and how I have always been a great friend. (Without knowing my feelings lately) It really helped me and made me wish we lived in the same town. 

I am not a fan of these times in my life with friend ruts. I want real relationships. I don't want to be self conscience about who I am. I feel left out and am trying to be proactive instead of whining about it. I can't control how they treat me. I just keep going and know The Lord has a plan for my future. 

Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times. 

Here's to new friendships and deeper relationships. 

Cold Feet

No, I am already married. I just don't want to get out of my warm bed to go outside for a photoshoot.  And, there is no fireplace in my home for afterwards. 

Maybe a caramel apple spice will warm me up. 

Photo session

I am thrilled that we will have so many photo spots for my photo session today! The trees are exploding with color. I hope my camera can capture all of the beauty that I will be able to see in my lens. 

Transitional Clothes

I made $91 selling my maternity clothes this week. 

I am ready to go shopping for my transitional/nursing clothes this Saturday! 

And, I have lost 25 lbs since giving birth! Only 9 more lbs to get to pre baby weight and only 19 more lbs to goal weight! I think I can! Good thing my body rejects gluten. No holiday weight gain for me...well, I hope not, anyway. 

Dairy

I still can't eat dairy. My poor daughter was spitting up so bad we went through 3 outfits and 5 bibs in an hour. Niagara Falls. Clean up on aisle 1. 

I guess I will try to eat dairy again next month. 

Southern Dinner

I made baked BBQ chicken and this casserole. I enjoyed it and recommend it!

15 lbs 6oz at 3 months

This girl is growing out of her 6 month clothes. People keep saying that her growth will slow down, however, she gained 3 lbs in a month. At this rate, she will be in toddler size clothes at her first Birthday! 

Matryoshka Alien

Jack was given Thanksgiving Matryoshka dolls. He forgot the word "Indian" and called her an "alien." 

That's a different Thansgiving story. 

She Made it Until 1AM

I am not sure what woke her up, but back to our room she goes. We will try again tomorrow. 

First

I might not sleep tonight. My girl is in her crib tonight. I bought her new sheets on Amazon and her monitor is mounted and ready to go. She is already such a princess because she wouldn't sleep on the other sheets because they were cold. So, she has new cozy and soft sheets that are warm and she is snoozing in her room. She has her little heater on and she is all cozy in her PJs. I think she will enjoy her crib more and maybe sleep through the night because she is too long for the pack n play now. She turns every night and ends up horizontal with her head and feet touching the sides of the pack n play. She gets so upset that she can't move. The crib will allow her plenty of moving room. We have active sleepers that move all over the bed. Currently, my son has his head at the foot of his twin bed.

Here's hoping to not wake up until 6am tomorrow. :) Goodnight, world.

Bumbo

She is getting so big and holding her head up so well! 

3:30-5:30

The time I was awake last night.

Praying and getting spiritually fed this morning and hoping that I will be a patient mommy today. 

Great Naps for 3 out of 4 Family Members

Why is it that when I need to nap with the kids, I don't and when they don't nap, I get frustrated?!? 

I wish I would rest more, but there is never enough time to get things done when they are awake. 

I made two Christmas gifts during naptime. I am thrilled to have those complete, but sad I didn't rest. Ha! Great news is that I will have one happy boy after his long nap today! 

My favorite part of the day

This girl would rather snuggle and it makes me stop and rest. 

Wii

We finally hooked up our Wii. This boy is thrilled!! They are so cute!

Family Days

Family Days are my favorite days during the month. They are not on a Saturday and are not usually with other families because of the schedule Ben has on night shift. However, running errands together and not having to worry about businesses being closed on Saturday is nice! Playgrounds are not overcrowded. Restaurants are not full. 

I am slowly liking our different schedule. I still miss bedtime help and I miss going to Saturday events and festivals as a family, but we are creating our own memories during our family days. 

Meetings

I felt like a business woman having "work"meetings this afternoon. It was fun and exciting thinking about something other than breastfeeding and naptime. 

Early bedtime/productive evening

Hubs and I got a lot of necessities taken care of while the kids were snoozing. I love this early bedtime. 

Off to dreamy land for me as tomorrow will be another adventure. 

Did I mention that I love these two with all my heart?!?

Bedtime

6:30 for my boy

7:15 for my girl

Yes!

No sleep

I stayed up....we drove 2 hours to get to church so Ben and I could serve at church. We raced inside to make it on time and when I pulled Norah out of her carseat, found out she had peed and pooped through her diaper all over her new dress and carseat. Then, I sent Ben back out to the car to get her a new outfit. I found out that her second dress had somehow gotten wet. So, into her emergency onesie and pants she went. It was short sleeve. As I was changing her diaper in the infant section, I heard Jackson screaming for me. Naturally, I looked at the other ladies (5 ladies per 2 babies) and told them I could not serve today. (I thought they could handle it) I sat out in the lobby with a hungry baby (after the two hour ride down) and a clingy toddler that told me he wanted to go home and take a nap.

So....we went home and after lunch.....he refused to nap. That was at 12:30. It is now 3pm and we are giving up and taking him outside to get the energy out of his system. Hopefully, he will be going to bed at 6:30 (I love Fall Time change for this reason) and we will all be sleeping early tonight. We all need to catch up on our sleep.

Oh, Norah is still sleeping.....she fell asleep in her swing at 12:40 and is still asleep at 3:30. At least SOMEONE got a good nap. :)

Go back to sleep?

Stay up or go back to sleep?? On the one day a year time when I get an extra hour of sleep, my daughter still woke up at 4:30 to nurse. It is 5:15 now. We have to leave at 7am. By the time I get everything gathered and dressed/ready, we will need to leave. Ug. 4:30 is not a nice time to wake up.  Maybe just one more catnap...30 more minutes. 

Oh, the life of a mom.

home

My hubby is home. Our family is complete again. So happy!

Stretch

My new love is watching a baby stretch. 

Sleeping baby

There is nothing sweeter than a sleeping baby on me. It is hard to get up. I won't get to do this forever. She is my snuggle girl. 

Can you tell I love it?!?

8pm

Going to bed at 8pm. That is what kind of day I had. Praying tomorrow will be better than today. 

Thinking about my cuties in their Halloween outfits as I fall asleep. My Snow White and my lion.

Big boy

We are visiting my parents and I worry about potty training with my boy. I don't have to worry anymore. I couldn't get up because I was nursing my daughter. My son told me he needed to go potty. However, his potty seat was downstairs. I coached him and he confidently went downstairs, brought his seat back up, went potty, flushed, and washed his hands. The only thing we haven't mastered yet? Wiping. Ha! Afterwards,  he closed my door "so we could go to sleep." He got back into bed by himself and is falling asleep now. 

(My parents weren't home at the time)

Thank you, Daniel Tiger. "Flush and wash and be on your way." 

And, thank you, Jesus, for my independent and responsible boy. 

Phone Call

I got a phone call from Jamaica! It was my awesome hubby on his mission trip. It was so nice to hear his voice and to hear he was having a wonderful time. I am so happy he is serving the Lord with the talents he is given through the medical field. He said he can't wait to go back with me. He has only been there one day. I can't wait to hear more about it! I miss my big bear. :)

Finally sleeping

After 4 hours of sleep a night for a week, I slept from 8:50-5:50. My sweet girl was tired from a fun day of traveling. :-) 

However, with that much sleep comes a nursing dilemma. I was digging around to find a clean tshirt and grabbed my hubby's. I was relieved to find it because I miss him and it smells like him. It is comforting to wear it because I won't be able to talk to him until next Saturday. 

Dog

4am. I am nursing my child. I hear something on our back deck. I thought someone was trying to steal something or break in our home. It ended up being a puppy with a long chain around its neck. I guess he is a rebel on a "night adventure." Why do animals think our back deck is their new home? Ug. Please stop barking and whining on my deck. And, quit protecting my stairs like a Roman guard. This is not your home. :-)

4 months

I met Nora Mae at her birth in South Carolina four months ago. I was able to hold her again tonight. It was heavenly to get smiles from my best friend's daughter. 

Tomorrow, we will have a photoshoot of Nora and her amazing parents! And, Norah Kate and Nora Mae together. Yes!!!

Aldi Complaint

I LOVE Aldi, but had to write them to let them know what happened at our store this morning. No pleased. And, not cool, Thomas!

I shopped at our local Aldi store  (store #29) 30 minutes ago. I arrived at the cashier/register and unloaded my groceries on the belt. At the end, I asked if Thomas (cashier) could give me two $10 bills for my $20 I had in my wallet. He was "rushed" to get to the next person as I know being in retail that you are timed to get everyone through the line as quickly as possible. Then, he proceeded to BLINDLY CLICK THE DEBIT CARD PAD/MACHINE without asking or consulting with me on what I had asked him to do...and double check. Then, my card was processed for $20 extra dollars onto my bill. He asked the manager if he could refund me and give me my $20 back on my card and he said "no." That made my bill $96! I have a VERY tight budget with my groceries, which is why I shop at Aldi. I have two small children  and thought it would just be easy to get change from the cashier. I will rethink that option from now on. However, I am HIGHLY disappointed at the fact that he was not trained to NEVER touch the screen without consulting with the customer. What if he would have accidentally hit the $40 or $60 option???  PLUS, they should have been able to put my $20 back on my card. I DID NOT ask to have that taken out of my account. Please contact this store and go over policies with them as it makes me upset to even shop there due to the stress that I received there today.

Coffee

It is going to be a two cup coffee morning. There is a lot to do before our babysitter comes tonight. And, my best friend is coming tomorrow! 

Our Nora(h)s

My best friend and I both named our daughters "Nora(h)." She named her daughter Nora Mae and I named my daughter Norah Kate. Our Nora(h)s get to meet on Wednesday. I am very excited! 

I feel a photo session coming on....

Sneaky Jack

A little boy (that snores) decided to sleep with me at 2am-ish. I went to bed at 11, so I was out cold. However, he likes to excitedly yell "ice cream" and "playground" in his sleep. He is sleeping so well. Not moving him now. :-) 

So happy I have a snoring 6"4' hubby to sleep next to tonight. :-)

"No Soup For You"

My son decided to get up while I was nursing my daughter to show me how much soup he had eaten in his bowl. However, I couldn't get him to stop in his tracks and he fell on a bag and soup went all over the kitchen and himself. Thank goodness it was not hot soup anymore and a bath was next on the agenda for the evening. There was soup on the walls, table legs, chairs, floor, and his face and hair, etc. I think that will be the last time we have to tell to stay seated while we are at dinner.

And, I wish I would have captured it on video for AFV. We could have paid off our schooling loans.

Costochondritis

I was diagnosed with it the first week of October and now the spot under my ribs is twitching like your eye would if you were tired. This is the weirdest thing I have experienced in a while. Thank goodness it doesn't hurt. 

So happy my parents are coming this weekend so I may have a little break and rest. 

Update

We ended up not going to the museum, but there will be more opportunities to go again. 

Jack didn't seemed to bothered that we didn't go either. He loved looking at the scarecrows downtown. 

What a day...

Ended my day with a Starbucks White Chocolate Mocha and some chocolate chip cookies. I think I will be able to accomplish some things tonight and for once do not believe the caffeine will bother me. 

There is no time to breathe during my day with my kiddos. Looking forward to my date this Saturday with my hubs! 

yes or no

We are trying to decide if we should go to Atlanta for the free day at the Children's Museum tomorrow. Many factors are being taken into consideration. I guess we will wait and see how tomorrow unfolds.
Tomorrow will work itself out, so I guess I will go to sleep and rest before Miss Ladd wakes up for her nightly feeding.

Blessed

I am so blessed. I have a faithful husband, gorgeous and healthy children, a beautiful home, and I am fortunate enough to stay home and enjoy my blessings. 

Through my "I just wanna sleep and wear normal clothes" attitude. I will remember how blessed I am to stay at home and to be able to be with my kiddos. 

9-6

Thank you, Jesus! Sleep, glorious, sleep!

Squeaky Clean

My house is REALLY clean now. And, my washing machine is tired. 

Yep, life is full of adventures.

Hands

She found her hands today. No pacifier? No biggie.

GNO

I am excited about my much needed GNO tonight. I hope Daddy will survive his first bedtime routine with two kiddos. 

Rain

I usually am not a fan of rain, but it is very welcomed today as my yard needs some water. I enjoyed waking up to hear it as it was "making music" as Jack said.

Sting

I gave Jackson hand sanitizer in the car after our trip to Walmart yesterday, forgetting he had a cut on his hand. 

Mom fail of the day. 

Perfume

That moment you realize (4AM) that your daughter spit up on you at 6pm and you never changed your shirt. 

Bedtime routine by myself leads to crashing hard after getting them to bed. 

My son screamed for our hour (new thing) trying to fight going to sleep while my 8 week old girl sat and sucked on her paci cheerfully. Thank goodness one of my children likes to relax and chill. 

One more bedtime routine by myself, and I get a break....

10th Day

This is my 10th day walking 2.25 miles! 

I am not one that likes to exercise and get sweaty, but I feel better and Jack and my neighbors are great accountability partners.  

Plus, I need to fit in my clothes ASAP. :-)

Meltdown at the Train Station

I had a sobbing boy who didn't take a nap and could not handle cleaning up his train for the night. At 7pm,  I guided him through the nighttime routine, including brushing his teeth while he had crocodile tears streaming down his face. It was slightly comical. (Laughing inside) I put my crying boy to sleep and told him I would tuck him in when he calmed down and stopped crying.

7 minutes later: 

His feet were propped up on his starry lit turtle, he was hugging his other turtle, with a pillow over his face...snoring. He was so exhausted. 

3:30: he looks like a NyQuil commercial as I cover up my sleeping boy. 

Both kiddos are fast asleep again.

Goodnight, from one blessed mama.

Letter of the Week

We are still going strong with our letter of the week. 

This week: 

Yes, those are real eggshells. :-)

5:15

My awesome daughter slept from 9-5:15!!!! Yes!!

Andy Stanley Parenting Stages

 1.5 more years with Jackson...we can do it!

Wishful thinking

Today has not gone as planned, but plans are a joke with two kids. 

Hoping for a nice evening.

I am making GF chicken pot pie from scratch. 

Love my kids

Lazy Saturday

Looking forward to a fun Saturday filled with laziness, family, friends and no cleaning. Having family over at 10 on a Friday morning has its perks! 

Lost sock

Yesterday, Norah kicked her sock off so hard it landed on the sidewalk. She will probably be the next Mia Hamm.  I had no idea we lost it until we arrived home. I knew we would find it today on our same walk route. The lost sock was found! Jack and I had to talk about "The Mitten" and how it reminded us of that book. He decided a tiny mouse slept in it last night to stay warm.  :-)

Better Shape

This is the third day in a row I have walked for 45 minutes pushing two kiddos in the stroller. It has been enjoyable and fulfilling as I burn calories and have quality time talking to my boy. He is so busy that we hardly have conversations that do not involve the next meal or where are we going. I hope our walks continue throughout the Fall! 

Fall

Windows open.
Candle burning.
Rocking in my chair during kids' nap time.
Peaceful.

Thank you for a new day.

Special Project: Joy

I had forgotten about a special "project" that I used to do with my friends in High School. It is very encouraging and just what a struggling person needs to lift them up during a difficult time.

I just rounded up my troops for my special project that should be happening in a few weeks. I can't wait to see the look on her face when it all goes down.

New friend

I met a new friend at Mommy Matters this morning. We couldn't stop talking until we were told we were at different table groups. :-) We might just have to have coffee soon. I think we would really get along! 

Peanut Butter Test

I eat peanut butter daily. The rash on my daughter's face was getting worse each day. I decided to not eat it one day and she woke up the next morning without a rash! I am going to test it out again this week. At the rate we are going, I am not sure what I will eat. Ha!  I have cut out dairy, gluten, chocolate, and peanuts. 

The Napping House

Unlike the book, we all had splendid naps today. 

Sore throat

No time for a sore throat. I can't call out sick from my job. 

My nurse hubby said my glands are swollen. Off to the doc on Monday or Tuesday. 

Praying this passes through quickly.

My sweet boy even said a special prayer for me at dinner. I teared up a little bit. His heart is so thoughtful and caring. 

50 items

I hope I sell all 50 items of my maternity clothes at the consignment sale tomorrow. I would like to go on a shopping spree next month. I need some nursing appropriate clothes for the next 10 months.

Cool morning walk

It was a glorious 2 mile family walk and I feel like I can conquer the day! 

The photo of my boy messed up...

By George...

...I think she's got it! 

She was awake from 2:30-3. 

She slept from 8pm-7am! Yes!!!

7

And. She slept from 4-7am. I feel like this the beginning of something great!

Almost There

Second night in a row she slept from 8pm-3am! Almost there!!! 6 weeks old today!

Auburn

Norah and I are having a wonderful girls' day in Auburn! We have been shopping at Target, Hobby Lobby, and now at a huge consignment sale. The wonderful thing is is that I do not have to stop and go home for naptime. My boys are having a wonderful time with Pop Pop. I am enjoying thinking about all the fun they are having, meanwhile enjoying my girl! 

I also bought an ergo baby today and am in love with it. It is way better than my moby wrap. I'm about to wear it into the consignment sale. Here we go!!

Gotta laugh or You'll Cry

My day....however, we had two families visit and their company made it all better. 

That and a little chocolate never hurt to celebrate my survival of the day.

My girl's first real interest in her mat. She talked to the animals...then, fell asleep. 

First Exercise

I mowed our entire yard and blew the driveway. From yesterday to today, I lost 4 lbs. No joke. That was a great workout. 

25 more lbs to go! Whew! 

Sleeping pattern/homeschooling success

My little girl wants to go to sleep for the night at 8pm. She wakes up at 1:30am and between 5-6am. 

I can get my boy into bed between 7-7:30 and then feed her and get her to sleep. I am finally feeling like we got this bedtime down. I am feeling like a new woman. :-)

Next, drop that 1:30 feeding. I will be able to exercise when naptime occurs for the kiddos. 

Other news, homeschooling is going well!  Jackson is enjoying learning the months in the seasons, telling time, and the letter "B" for our letter of the week. We had a scavenger hunt to find "B" items. I could hear him during his naptime naming all the items in his bed and what letter they started with. "Pillow..P." He also tells us what things start with outside the car on our rides. "B...bush." 

My heart was happy knowing he was excited about learning with me as his teacher! 

Rocking a bye, um, Mommy

I seriously fell asleep after rocking Norah. Woke up an hour later. Going back to sleep in our own beds. 

I love snuggling with her. 

Night.

Rabbit head

While rubbing her hair gently, we read books together. She loved every minute of it...no prompting. Loving the sibling love.

Great Day

Great church service at our new satellite location in our town! I was one of the photographers. And, our little girl was an angel the entire time. 

Then, I was blessed to photograph a new  little neighbor for his newborn session. I think he was the perfect little subject. 

I made delicious gluten free/dairy free pancakes with blueberries for dinner. (Yes, that combo CAN be yummy)   

And, I am going to bed early in hopes my girl will sleep through the night. I believe in her!!!

10 minutes later

She exploded her diaper so bad it went up her back and past her belly button on her chest. The parking lot of CFA was a great spot to clean up our daughter. :-)

Success

We made it through the post office with without a problem! Score!!!

Post Office Trip #2

Last time I went to the post office Norah exploded her diaper through to her car seat cover. Somehow, I had not one wipe. Today, I am ready for anything. I'm hoping for a better experience today! 

And, great news! She only woke up at 2 and 6. Mommy feels better! 

Visitors and no nap

We had my hub's Aunt and Uncle visit this morning to meet Norah and a surprise visit from our pastor. Jack thought it was great and it helped get my mind on the fact that I hadn't slept all night. We enjoyed their visits very much. 

Now, only if my kiddos would take a nap. Ha! Day 2 of "no nap" and he has tumbling class today. 

And, I am happy dinner is provided for this evening. 

10-12:30pm and 6:30-8am

My sleep time last night. 

I wish she would communicate and tell me what is wrong. Oh, baby! :-) 

Praise The Lord she does not cry because she would probably wake up her brother. 

However, her consistent grunting makes it hard to not tend to her needs. :-)

Good news, we have dinner provided for us tonight. I can play with my kiddos instead of cooking. I am very grateful for that! 

Happy Friday! 

Yes!!!

She only woke up at 2 and 6! 

Thankful Daddy was home though because our boy was oddly awake at 3 and having a hard time going back to sleep. 

We are starting to get a routine again. We went to bible study and I survived with them both by myself. No explosions or meltdowns. It was empowering after my last two outings by myself. Hehe

2am

The last 3 nights, we make it to the 2am mark beautifully and then it is all downhill from there. 

Praying for our girl to go back to sleep so I can function today. 

School and Survival

Regardless of the amount of sleep I got last night with a grunty baby, my son and I are starting school today! 

The Letter of the Week: A

And, we are learning about the seasons.

We had a blast working together. I think homeschooling is going to be great for him. He responded well to me.

However, this is how the rest of the day went. I survived. And without crying.

Recap of my day.....

Smoke alarm went off during nap time. No reason. Woke Jackson up. And then a man was banging on our door repeatedly to see if we wanted him to cut our grass. (Soliciting) Then, after nap, on the way to the post office, Norah exploded her diaper all over her car seat and for some reason I did not have one wipe with me. I ended up using water and extra diapers to clean her up until we gave her a bath at home. 

I also made dinner before Ben woke up at 5:15 today. 

Jackson is already in the bed and I hope he goes to sleep soon. 

It has been one of those days. I survived.

Overwhelmed

Overwhelmed by life right now. This stage is so short.....I am just repeating that to myself and thanking Jesus for my healthy family. 

Our little Lass

Norah Kate arrived at 3:31pm on 8/5/14. 

She is just perfect and we are thrilled  and blessed she joined our family!!  

Big boy

For the first time ever, my boy stopped playing and went to the restroom (secretly) and went poo poo!! Then, he shared that he went by himself!!!! That is fantastic as his sister will be born anyday now!! Sweet!!!! My boy is growing up!!! 

Almost here

Finished: Edgar Degas Inspired Nursery

My amazing neighbor made this beautiful blanket for my daughter. I cannot wait to see her playing and wrapped up in it. 

Here is part of my Edgar Degas poster that I had in a tube since I was 14 years old. I bought it at the MET and thought it would be wonderful to have if I ever had a girl one day. I danced for 10 years and loved Degas' style and artwork. 

This is my mom's ballerina doll from when she was little. I love that her arms and legs bend to create the dance positions. And, I love how vintage and delicate she is. We need to get her hair fixed, but other than that she is a perfect addition to Norah's room. 

Worn and loved. 

Knobs on her furniture. I love how they sparkle. 

My best friend came to visit and helped me add more crinoline to my purchased "tutu" bedskirt for the crib. I love how it turned out and will always remember that she helped make it. 

We cannot find my one and only pair of pointe ballet shoes, however, these were my last ballet shoes before I entered the "big girl" pointe shoe world. I love how I can still remember the feeling of slipping those on before class and how the leather smelled. 

 Those photos are of her ultrasound photos. One day, very soon, I will have her photos of her sweet face in these frames. I will have photos of her first smile and her gentle eyes in these frames. I am ready!

This frame above my (yard sale: $15) bookshelf is also my mother's. I love the intrique design and the resemblance to French design. 

My mom made this "Smile" cross-stitch artwork in 1978 (before my time) and it was the only one she ever kept. Thankfully, she was willing to part with it for her granddaughter's room. :) 

The changing table and other items are in her ginormous closet. It has double doors and we actually have a desk inside with her changing pad on the desk part. I love how the clutter is hidden in her closet, yet very accessible. We have to use it for other storage as well in our bungalow home. :) 

I hope you enjoyed the tour of my Degas inspired nursery. One more more week and my little Norah will be a part of our family and able to see her room for the first time!