Dad was nice enough to come and watch Noel for us a few weeks ago! Here he is sharing his cereal with Noel
Dancin in the tub!
Who...Me??
Ahhhh snow!
Friday, February 5, 2010
Thursday, February 4, 2010
"Swapping"
No pictures yet, but I promise to upload some tomorrow...I should have some free time!
My first few weeks as a student have been busy but refreshing! I love learning new things, especially in topics that interest me. I have THREE tests next week (although I'm only taking two courses). I have to take a math placement test in addition to my regularly scheduled tests, because I've basically procrastinated!
Anyway, Noel has added a few new words to her vocabulary this week...
"Backpack", "What's that?" and "Fishies"
She also had her four canines break through her gumline, so she officially has 16 teeth total! It's amazing how much she's changed just in the past month. Every stage she goes through, I think to myself "this is my favorite age!". I feel so grateful for being able to stay with her this past year and see all of these changes take place. They really do grow too fast!
In other news, our "swap" is working out wonderfully. Hunter and Maia came over to our house for the first time last Friday. I was a little bit concerned about how it was going to all play out, since Maia and Noel go down for naps at the same time, and Maia reportedly cries when she's left with an unfamiliar babysitter. We had many playdates before we actually began "swapping", but Maia is very attached to her mommy!
Anyway, after about 10 minutes, Maia seemed to finally realize that her mom was actually gone...so she began to cry. And then Noel began to cry. Oh no!
But since it was both their nap times, it was easy to fix...so I put Noel down in a jiffy, and came back for Maia, going through her naptime routine as Tami had instructed. However, she didn't much feel like stories or bottles, so I just rocked and sang to her, until she relaxed and put her down for her nap. Hunter was patiently (and silently) waiting for me to finish so that we could play. How many 2.5 year olds do you know that are patient OR silent??
While Maia napped, Hunter and I had so much fun! We built a big wall with the legos, and then decided to build a tower as tall as him! We talked about his trips to the beach to see his grammy and poppy, and when he lost his tooth on their trip up to see them.
He is SO ADORABLE!! I could just eat him up. Today Tami sent me an email letting me know that her classes had been cancelled and she wouldn't be bringing them by tomorrow. She said...
"I guess we'll just stay home tomorrow. Although I'm sure Hunter, especially, will be sad not to see Noel. Hunter is all about the love these days. He told Eric he loved Noel. And he told me again that: "I love Noel. And I love Kelly. Do Noel and Kelly love me, too?" "
I look forward to being able to understand Noel better and having conversations with her. It's amazing to hear what goes through a little mind!
My first few weeks as a student have been busy but refreshing! I love learning new things, especially in topics that interest me. I have THREE tests next week (although I'm only taking two courses). I have to take a math placement test in addition to my regularly scheduled tests, because I've basically procrastinated!
Anyway, Noel has added a few new words to her vocabulary this week...
"Backpack", "What's that?" and "Fishies"
She also had her four canines break through her gumline, so she officially has 16 teeth total! It's amazing how much she's changed just in the past month. Every stage she goes through, I think to myself "this is my favorite age!". I feel so grateful for being able to stay with her this past year and see all of these changes take place. They really do grow too fast!
In other news, our "swap" is working out wonderfully. Hunter and Maia came over to our house for the first time last Friday. I was a little bit concerned about how it was going to all play out, since Maia and Noel go down for naps at the same time, and Maia reportedly cries when she's left with an unfamiliar babysitter. We had many playdates before we actually began "swapping", but Maia is very attached to her mommy!
Anyway, after about 10 minutes, Maia seemed to finally realize that her mom was actually gone...so she began to cry. And then Noel began to cry. Oh no!
But since it was both their nap times, it was easy to fix...so I put Noel down in a jiffy, and came back for Maia, going through her naptime routine as Tami had instructed. However, she didn't much feel like stories or bottles, so I just rocked and sang to her, until she relaxed and put her down for her nap. Hunter was patiently (and silently) waiting for me to finish so that we could play. How many 2.5 year olds do you know that are patient OR silent??
While Maia napped, Hunter and I had so much fun! We built a big wall with the legos, and then decided to build a tower as tall as him! We talked about his trips to the beach to see his grammy and poppy, and when he lost his tooth on their trip up to see them.
He is SO ADORABLE!! I could just eat him up. Today Tami sent me an email letting me know that her classes had been cancelled and she wouldn't be bringing them by tomorrow. She said...
"I guess we'll just stay home tomorrow. Although I'm sure Hunter, especially, will be sad not to see Noel. Hunter is all about the love these days. He told Eric he loved Noel. And he told me again that: "I love Noel. And I love Kelly. Do Noel and Kelly love me, too?" "
I look forward to being able to understand Noel better and having conversations with her. It's amazing to hear what goes through a little mind!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
2010 - A New Start
I apologize for being MIA for these past few weeks. Things have been so busy! I started my classes this week, and we've had to reorganize our schedules.
After Christmas, I was busy trying to coordinate a babysitter/daycare arrangement for Noel, on my class days. One day a week, she will be staying with Tami. Tami is a woman that contacted me about a childcare swap arrangement. She's also a student, and needed a babysitter for her two children on Fridays for a couple of hours. In exchange, she will watch Noel one half-day a week. We've had a few playdates over the past couple of months for all of us to get better acquainted. I think it's going to work out PERFECTLY, and I'm really excited to have them over every week. Her little boy is 2.5 years old, and her little girl is 11 months.
On the other day, we've worked it out for Tim to watch her. I don't know what we'll do next semester, or in the fall when my schedule REALLY picks up, but for now this is perfect!
I've applied for the nursing program that starts this Fall, but I won't know their decision until May. I'm taking two classes now - one of which has a lab. I know that the next few years will be challenging to say the least, but I am SO excited to start anew. I really feel like this is what I'm supposed to do with my life!
So other than school-related stuff, Tim and I attended his roommate's wedding (his roommate from Academy) last weekend in Floyd County. We couldn't take Noel, but Tim and I had a great night!
As far as Noel goes, she's been saying lots of new words lately! She will try to say "Padme" and point at the dog. She will purposefully get her leg wedged between the recliner and the lever on the side and say "stuck!".
Her vocabulary consists of: Hi, Howdy, Sock, Shoe, Mama, Dada, Stuck, Padme, Kitty, Nasty, More, and Night Night.
I've been trying to get her to nod her head 'yes' or 'no', and she will NOT do it. At least, she won't nod 'yes'. All she knows is 'no'! Go figure!
After Christmas, I was busy trying to coordinate a babysitter/daycare arrangement for Noel, on my class days. One day a week, she will be staying with Tami. Tami is a woman that contacted me about a childcare swap arrangement. She's also a student, and needed a babysitter for her two children on Fridays for a couple of hours. In exchange, she will watch Noel one half-day a week. We've had a few playdates over the past couple of months for all of us to get better acquainted. I think it's going to work out PERFECTLY, and I'm really excited to have them over every week. Her little boy is 2.5 years old, and her little girl is 11 months.
On the other day, we've worked it out for Tim to watch her. I don't know what we'll do next semester, or in the fall when my schedule REALLY picks up, but for now this is perfect!
I've applied for the nursing program that starts this Fall, but I won't know their decision until May. I'm taking two classes now - one of which has a lab. I know that the next few years will be challenging to say the least, but I am SO excited to start anew. I really feel like this is what I'm supposed to do with my life!
So other than school-related stuff, Tim and I attended his roommate's wedding (his roommate from Academy) last weekend in Floyd County. We couldn't take Noel, but Tim and I had a great night!
As far as Noel goes, she's been saying lots of new words lately! She will try to say "Padme" and point at the dog. She will purposefully get her leg wedged between the recliner and the lever on the side and say "stuck!".
Her vocabulary consists of: Hi, Howdy, Sock, Shoe, Mama, Dada, Stuck, Padme, Kitty, Nasty, More, and Night Night.
I've been trying to get her to nod her head 'yes' or 'no', and she will NOT do it. At least, she won't nod 'yes'. All she knows is 'no'! Go figure!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
15-month checkup
Monday was Noel's 15-month checkup. Originally it was scheduled for 1/5/10 (Tuesday), but I showed up on Monday like an idiot ;-)
I guess with how busy things have been, my days were all mixed up. Thankfully, they were able to fit us in with a nurse practitioner!
Noel was...*drum roll*
19 lbs 13 oz - 10th percentile
30.5 inches - 50th percentile
So she's gained a pound and 4 ounces and grown just shy of 2 inches since her 12 month appointment.
Noel is such a good sport about going to the doctor's office. She loves the lobby, which has a huge fish tank. We looked at the fish swim around, and played with all of the toys.
She allowed them to do whatever they needed to her - she even opened up really wide so that the doctor could look at the back of her throat!
The nurse practitioner checked Noel's reflexes, by tapping on her knees. Noel thought that was so funny! Then she reached for it and tried hitting her knees with it again. Haha!
She received another dTap and Hib booster, and I swear each appointment's shots get easier. I don't know how that's possible, but it's true! We laid her down and the nurse prepared her leg by putting alcohol on it. Noel watched intently, and she seemed like she knew what was coming. After the first shot, she let out a small whimper. With the second, she started fussing.
I picked her up, and she literally stopped within a few seconds. She's such a trooper! We had a snack and then headed out. I let her play in the lobby for a few minutes while I gathered our things, and when we finally left Noel started crying!
I don't know of many children that cry when LEAVING the doctor's office!
I guess with how busy things have been, my days were all mixed up. Thankfully, they were able to fit us in with a nurse practitioner!
Noel was...*drum roll*
19 lbs 13 oz - 10th percentile
30.5 inches - 50th percentile
So she's gained a pound and 4 ounces and grown just shy of 2 inches since her 12 month appointment.
Noel is such a good sport about going to the doctor's office. She loves the lobby, which has a huge fish tank. We looked at the fish swim around, and played with all of the toys.
She allowed them to do whatever they needed to her - she even opened up really wide so that the doctor could look at the back of her throat!
The nurse practitioner checked Noel's reflexes, by tapping on her knees. Noel thought that was so funny! Then she reached for it and tried hitting her knees with it again. Haha!
She received another dTap and Hib booster, and I swear each appointment's shots get easier. I don't know how that's possible, but it's true! We laid her down and the nurse prepared her leg by putting alcohol on it. Noel watched intently, and she seemed like she knew what was coming. After the first shot, she let out a small whimper. With the second, she started fussing.
I picked her up, and she literally stopped within a few seconds. She's such a trooper! We had a snack and then headed out. I let her play in the lobby for a few minutes while I gathered our things, and when we finally left Noel started crying!
I don't know of many children that cry when LEAVING the doctor's office!
Friday, January 1, 2010
Merry Christmas!
Tim, Noel and I headed "home" on the 23rd, which incidentally was our 3 year wedding anniversary! It's hard to believe it's been 3 years already!
Tim and I went out for a nice dinner and to see the movie "Avatar" - if you haven't seen it yet, you should go! It was amazing! But anyway, we enjoyed having a night out. We don't have a babysitter, so we never get to go out with just the two of us.
Christmas Eve, we mostly just relaxed. We had footlong hotdogs and onion rings the diameter of softballs from Richee Freeze for dinner. Maybe we'll make that a Christmas Eve tradition, because they were SO YUMMY.
Anyway, that night Tim and I visited the Elks home to see their Christmas lights. We go every Christmas Eve.
Christmas morning we headed over to Tim's mom's house and all of her cousins were just enamored with Noel. Brooke and Emily were following her around non-stop and wanting to "hold" her. Hah! She's on the go now, so "holding" was in short supply. :)
I did manage to snap this picture of Noel, Brooke, and Hannah, though
We had Oysters, fried shrimp, scrambled eggs, biscuits, sausage gravy, and hash brown casserole for breakfast. I'm not much for oysters, but everything else was delicious. Then we tore into our presents. Noel got LOADS of toys - so much that we haven't even opened some of them yet!
Then we went back to my parents house for our 2nd Christmas. Noel got a new snowsuit, which we had to try out immediately, before the snow melted. Hopefully she'll be able to wear the snowsuit next year too, since it's a bit big on her! She reminded me of Randy from a Christmas story, because she couldn't put her arms down, and she kept falling down. ;-)
Noel's stocking
Dad installing batteries in Noel's new vacuum cleaner
I think of all the toys she received, her favorite was a pack of
foam alphabets and numbers. They are really a bath toy, but
she played with them the entire week!
Hmm, what happened to all of the ornaments??
A quick shot of Sarah and Noel during dinnertime.
Havin a blast in the pantry!
On our way home, we stopped in Lynchburg to visit
with April and Josh! By the time we took this, Noel was
ready for her nap!
By the way, if you want to see Noel's reaction to the snow, go back to the "The Weather Outside is Frightful" post. I uploaded the video this morning!
Tim and I went out for a nice dinner and to see the movie "Avatar" - if you haven't seen it yet, you should go! It was amazing! But anyway, we enjoyed having a night out. We don't have a babysitter, so we never get to go out with just the two of us.
Christmas Eve, we mostly just relaxed. We had footlong hotdogs and onion rings the diameter of softballs from Richee Freeze for dinner. Maybe we'll make that a Christmas Eve tradition, because they were SO YUMMY.
Anyway, that night Tim and I visited the Elks home to see their Christmas lights. We go every Christmas Eve.
I was so tired though, AND full from the hot dogs so we didn't get to stop for our traditional 'Denny's' meal on the way home. We turned in earlier than usual, that's for sure.
Christmas morning we headed over to Tim's mom's house and all of her cousins were just enamored with Noel. Brooke and Emily were following her around non-stop and wanting to "hold" her. Hah! She's on the go now, so "holding" was in short supply. :)
I did manage to snap this picture of Noel, Brooke, and Hannah, though
We had Oysters, fried shrimp, scrambled eggs, biscuits, sausage gravy, and hash brown casserole for breakfast. I'm not much for oysters, but everything else was delicious. Then we tore into our presents. Noel got LOADS of toys - so much that we haven't even opened some of them yet!
Then we went back to my parents house for our 2nd Christmas. Noel got a new snowsuit, which we had to try out immediately, before the snow melted. Hopefully she'll be able to wear the snowsuit next year too, since it's a bit big on her! She reminded me of Randy from a Christmas story, because she couldn't put her arms down, and she kept falling down. ;-)
The tricky part was getting her little thumbs into her mittens properly!
Noel's stocking
Dad installing batteries in Noel's new vacuum cleaner
I think of all the toys she received, her favorite was a pack of
foam alphabets and numbers. They are really a bath toy, but
she played with them the entire week!
Time for Christmas dinner! We had spiral ham, scalloped potatoes, pineapple/cheese casserole, deviled eggs, cranberry salad, rolls, and Rum cake for dessert. Mom's table was absolutely beautiful!
Hmm, what happened to all of the ornaments??
A quick shot of Sarah and Noel during dinnertime.
Havin a blast in the pantry!
On our way home, we stopped in Lynchburg to visit
with April and Josh! By the time we took this, Noel was
ready for her nap!
By the way, if you want to see Noel's reaction to the snow, go back to the "The Weather Outside is Frightful" post. I uploaded the video this morning!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
