Christmas 2013

I've decided that every year I am going to take a photo of Norah in front of the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve.... so here we go, 2013-- Norah's first Christmas!

Photos from the following festivities, of course. Bryan and his glorious beard.

Grandma and Grandpa on Christmas morning...

 Great Grandma snuggles, of course! 

Christmas at Grandma and Grandpa Wisely

And, because I love the lighting in our bedroom-- here are a few pics from the weekend. I love her little face so much, it's crazy. I can't help but take millions of photos of her. It's a problem.

Norah: 5 Months

Size: I really need to weigh her again! Over the past month she feels substantially more solid.

Sleep: A bit more reverting has ensued. It seems as the bigger she gets, the more she needs to eat-- she's up about twice a night these days (once at about 12:30 or so, and once at 4:30ish). I'm sure she will start sleeping a bit better once we introduce solids, but I'm still in no hurry!

Social: She is definitely turning in to her own little lady, for sure. She loves to interact with everyone--whether it's smiling, shying away, giggling, grabbing, etc. I'm noticing she's getting a bit more clingy to both Bryan and I-- me, a bit more I think-- and although this warms my heart being needed, I am making a conscious effort to make sure she is comfortable with as many people as possible. 

Diet: Still my boob-monster.

Clothes: Six month clothes are fitting pretty snugly. On the way to 9-month!

Likes: Grabbing! Anything within reaching distance is fair game. Scratching is another thing she loves-- my chest, the sheets--especially the sheets. (Which, on a side note, is quite creepy to wake up to.)

Milestones: I think the grabbing is a big one. She can pass things back and forth between her hands, and can concentrate on things as well. (Also, noteworthy-- Norah's first Christmas! Photos to follow, of course.)

Norah's first encounter with Santa

A few weekends ago, I was lucky enough to steal my mom and sister for a shopping trip (one of my favorite traditions). While at the mall, we were shocked to find that no one was in line to see Santa-- so quickly, I did a few things:

1. Called husband. Asked if he would be sad if Norah visited Santa without him (he was sad he couldn't be a part of the experience, but agreed that we wouldn't have time to go back later in the season)
2. Purchased a Christmas dress. Got help getting beautified by Mom and Sister in the Sears bathroom (Woo! Classy!)
3. Caught Santa, waited a whole 45 seconds in line.
4. Took adorable photographs. No smiles, but no crying was a good thing!
5. Changed back into regular outfit--courtesy of Mom and Sister in the mall lounge-- so no fussing commenced.

Overall? Super excited. I have to admit, early planning isn't one of my strong suits. So this worked out for the best (lord knows I would have been sad if Norah didn't get her first photo with Santa-- or sad as well if we had to wait an hour in line to see him as well!)

This is, of course, a stark difference from the first time that I met Santa-- let's just say it didn't go well. And although my sister appears very unhelpful in aiding me in my attempt to ask for help during my childhood, she was extremely helpful in helping Norah be happy during her photos. 

("Amy. That's NOT SANTA. Look at the beard! And I'm pretty sure those eyebrows are fake TOO!")