Things have Changed but I Love It!!!

We have grown up and gotten married and now have children. Now a relaxing vacation is a new art... we went to the mts to catch up with old friends (the Barts, see post below!), and rejuvenate... and we got just that. We all played hard, laughed hard and slept even harder(even the babes!) It was a joy watching Micah and Nori play together and share their toys and the attention. We got in some good walks, good food, and great talks (and a ridiculous amount of hot tub time, my fingers are still pruny -john). I am so thankful for their friendship and for their hearts, we were blessed with an amazing vacation with them... and I am left grateful... and hopeful for many more of the like to add to our lives as time carries on, and as our families grow!

Linville Falls or Bust

We went for a 4 day vacation to the mts with some old dear friends, the Barts (Jon, Jen and Little Micah)... how indulgent!!! On the first full day there we packed up the van and set out on the blue ridge parkway. We picnicked, and then hiked the falls together (It was everyone's first time, other than John... Micah thought he might have been there before, but he was mistaken.) Micah was ready to get out of his pack and hike it on his own, and Nori took in all the sights while kicking her legs and singing hiking songs! It was a great day!

At Last... A Happy Little Water Bug!

Pretty much since Nori was born I've wanted to take her swimming. Its been tucked in my brain, and I would think about it almost every day. I knew if I just took her to water she would swim... a la Field of Dreams. Well it finally happened last weekend, and it was better than I thought it would be! Nori loved it! I call her my little observer because she usually sits back and takes everything in, processing it, before making any moves... but this was not the case with the water, she took right to it. As soon as we put her in she started kicking her legs. By the last day she was flapping her arms too, and she didn't even mind when she would splash herself in the face! The whole thing really just tugs on your heart to see her pure delight and awe. What a blessing to have her in our lives.

You Gotta Love a Turtle Eater!

For my Mother's Day event I decided to give Nori a bath in her new tub. Now this was her first big girl bath... in the actual bathroom (not the kitchen sink), and where she got to play in the water a bit (we usually wash and go). She didn't know what to think at first till I added a water turtle toy to the mix. She really thought it was neat swimming around her in the water. I feel she also exhibited a new skill, she showed that she would be able to survive in the wild pretty well. At least she would never go hungry. In the photos you can observe her stalking her prey and the eventual success as she enjoys her fresh catch. I love her to pieces, and I'm so glad she is what makes me a Mommy.

Happy Birthday Ella and Aidan!

Nori attended her first birthday party for kids. She received a cute little invite in the mail from her friends Ella and Aidan, up the street. They were celebrating their big #1. Nori chose to wear her party dress with the bunny's on it, with a blue bow in her hair... with bare feet. She had a lot of fun seeing all the babies (there were mult sets of twins, as well as singles), and watching Ella and Aidan each eat their very own birthday cakes. In the end Nori decided not to try the cake as to be polite and leave more for the other guests. All in all it was a wonderful party, and I think she is looking forward to future invites!

Big News a little Late!

So I was talking to my mother last night and it was brought to my attention that I forgot to tell everyone that Nori can sit up all on her own now... she has been for a few weeks. And she is getting better and better at it everyday! Such a big girl!

6 Months and Counting

Happy 6th month Birthaversary Nori!!!! You have far exceeded any expectations we might have had about having a daughter. We thank God with every breath that he gave you to us. We feel as if you have always been a part of our little family. As all can see Nori is well fed... I keep telling her that summer is here, no need to keep storing food up!!! But as you can tell by her plump cheeks and roly-poly arms, she isn't listening. She came in at a whopping 18 lbs 13 0z. I wouldn't have her any other way!

Rolling down a hill near you soon

Okay, so I have to stop and give major recognition to my amazing wife because she is the best gift giver in the world. When she gives you a gift, the first feeling you get is complete surprise (her system for secrecy is iron-clad), and then you are taken over by the warm fuzzies of “She really knows me!” and “It must be painful to be so creative.” Well, Kristi struck again and is personally checking off something that has been on my life’s list for years but only recently came to the US. That’s right, she orchestrated a trip for me and the boys to go Zorbing (don’t ask, visit http://zorb.com/). That alone still blows my mind, but the more amazing feat is how she wove clues and motifs through everything leading up to when I received the gift. I liken it to when I wanted to watch the 6th Sense again right after I watched it for the first time. Thank you, Sweetheart, I love you, I applaud you.

Happy Birthday John!

We had John's Birthday party Sat. He will be turning 29... his last year before becoming an old man! (haha) We had a big cookout with a fun mix of family and friends old and new. Then John and the men went to play a few rounds of laser tag. I was pleased because it didn't rain, the food was great, and everyone seemed to have a really good time. But most of all I'm glad that John felt celebrated! Plus this was his first birthday as a dad. Nori gave him a deluxe version of scrabble (I can see them playing together soon), and a card she signed herself.

It took 5 months... but she found them.

Nori discovered her feet a few weeks back. It has made some things in our world easier (always having something close by to play with, changing diapers, etc.) and some things harder(putting pants on, carrying her, feedings). PS you can see her 2 teeth pretty well in this shot too!

A Message from Nori

Nori has been working very hard all week to show us what a big girl she is... you see she was very sad to find out some of our dearest friends were going away for a cruise this week and she wasn't. She wanted them to see just what a great cruise companion she would make, so next time they might take her too!!!

Here is a list of some of the things she was working on...

Reading on the Airplane.

Locating the bow thrusters.

Catching some rays.

Dancing in the clubs.

Excelling in games.

Enjoying fine dining.

Chilling in the hot tub.

Drinking tropical beverages.

Watching the sun set.

I agree with Nori... I think she is more than ready!!!!

Going Going Gone!!!

These photos show the progression on the Nori laugh... its a sight for sure!

Hanging with the Fam

Nori was laughing really hard... as you will see in the next post, so we thought we would try to get some photos of us all together. Well our little nut decided she was over photo time.