Norah's First Birthday

Last Wednesday was Norah's first birthday! We took the day off, and even though it was quite rainy outside, enjoyed ourselves. We woke up to a few presents (a water table and a wheely bug):

Ate all sorts of good food, got spoiled by grandma and grandpa, and went out for froyo. A fabulous day overall!

On Saturday we had our party with family. Everything worked out great! Norah decided to wake up early and take a long, perfectly-timed nap, which put her in great spirits for lots of cuddles, action, and general happiness. The weather was hot and beautiful, and we all got to enjoy some sunshine, great food, water activities and good times overall.

Not too many decorations-- just enough to show off a few photographs of her monthly photos, the tissue poms Aunt Patti made for her baby shower a year ago that we held on to, and the amazing cupcakes by Aunt Amy!

Great Grandma Bitterling and Grandpa Bitterling

Great Uncle Brian's natural sillyface

"I don't always act bashful... but when I do, it's around people I'm very comfortable with."

"Oh! What's that? Cake? For me?"

"Great! Cake! I've been hearing about this!"

"Yeah! This is a great idea!"

"Wait... what is this crap? Mom, is this that no-sugar banana cake you found on Pinterest? I'm not a fan."

Cousin Aidon rockin' the slip-n-slide

Cousin Maddie has defeated all the water sports.

Good times with Great Aunt Kathy

Loving this picture of Great Uncle John!

(Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa Wisely, we are now a family that each owns a Wilson jersey :)

I've said it many times... but this year went by way too fast. Norah: you have been far too much fun these past twelve months. If this is any indications of what is to come of your life, the world has truly gained a sweet, wonderful human. You already have the capacity to brighten the days of the people around you, and melt our hearts on a daily basis. Stay young, little one-- life goes too fast!

Norah: Twelve Months

Gah-- can you believe it!? Where has the year gone? I will still be posting regularly-- photos and what not-- but I'm still incredibly thankful I have been able to keep this blog updated. It's amazing the things you think you will remember-- when in fact, time really does fly. Fast. And the small subtleties slip away before you even realize it... no fair, I tell you. No fair at all. But alas, the first birthday is actually here!! Bryan and I took the day off work to spend some time with our sweet gal. The rain dampened some of our plans of going to the beach and having a picnic-- so we ended up eating all sorts of tasty things, and walking around the mall and touching all the clothes-- it's no beach, but in Washington you make do. Today she also got to see grandma and grandpa-- who brought her over a sweet bike/stroller combo ride, which we are excited to try out. We ended the night with a bit of frozen yogurt (euro tart is scrumptious, Norah loves it). It was a great day!

She has had so many people reach out to us to wish her a happy birthday and to spoil her with all sorts of sweet things-- she is such a lucky girl to have so many loving people in her life! We are having a small get together at our house this Saturday with family only-- (If 30 people in an 1,100square foot house is considered small-- ha! But so neat to have all of our family so nearby!) so the party will continue on throughout the week. Photos to follow, of course!

And without further ado, here is the last monthly update!

Size: Our one-year checkup is on Monday. Should know then! (I always write these after she falls asleep, and that's pretty much the moment I realize I haven't weighed her... ha!) 

Sleep: Shall I say normal? She wakes up once still at around 5:30-6:30-- has a bottle, then tucks back in until we wake her up (about 7am on weekdays, or until she wakes herself up on weekends, usually 7:30-8). Going to sleep has been much more adorable-- books, cuddles, perhaps a bottle, and hugs/neck cuddles. I love that she has moved from 'yeah, you'll do for sleeping on' to 'you're my mom/dad, I am going to purposefully hug and cuddle you'. Makes me tear up, it's so adorable sometimes.



Social: She is for sure acting like a little lady. She understands far too much more than even I realize-- which is terrifying and amazing at the same time. My new favorite this week? She will screech at the top of her lungs-- then you can tell her very calmly, 'inside voice'-- then she will do a very quiet, polite screech that is quieter than the voice you used-- hard to describe, but is flippin' adorable. Other than that, we are dancing with all the people, still waving at strangers, and oddly enough-- has developed a fear of men with beards. Who knew?

Diet: If I could write my boobs a thank you card, I would. All this month was basically asking too much of them out of proving a point only-- but it was one I'm glad I tried to prove. To myself, at least. These last few weeks, Norah only nursed a few times-- but I continued pumping anyways. I had a goal of breastfeeding for 12 months; and even though I had to supplement, I got there. I would consider it a 'limp across the finish line', but I am one of those weirdos that has to do things just because they make sense in my brain. So good job boobies-- good job. (In other notes, I truly wasn't prepared for this. Thought I would be. Being rejected/completely done with breastfeeding, that it. As of today, I am no longer pumping-- one ounce a day wasn't doing anyone any good-- but it does a number on your emotions, I'll tell you. You lose a bond you have with your child... I keep reminding myself that I am lucky to have done it as long as I did; especially with a full time job... but its still hard. Weird how you end up blaming your boobs for your kid growing up too fast.)



Clothes: No one believes us when we tell them she is in 2-3T... but alas, this is the case. No one told her though, that after 12 month clothes they expect you to get all tall and gangly because of running around-- we're working on that :)

Teeth: Top two just broke through! We're about to get a full on bunny-toothed smile.

Likes: BOOKS, Wah-Wah (the rocking horse my sister and brother-in-law got her for her birthday), streamers, finger food, dancing, pretending to bite dad's tummy, walking with you holding on to her arms, being hung upside down by the feet, and general tickle battles. Life is good. 

Milestones: We can pinpoint a fuzz from a mile away-- and have it in her mouth before anyone is the wiser. She can also walk about if you hold her arms-- and she trucks! I was worried her first 'steps' would be hops-- she loves scooting around in her walker, two feet at a time-- but she has converted nearly all of those to steps, and will walk around as long as you will let her. If I had to guess, I would say walking is still a few months out-- but that's okay by me. If this year has been any indication; I am never going to look forward to the next step-- I'm going to soak in every minute of the present. It really is gone before you know it.

Walter's Fourth Birthday!

Our dear sweet Walter turned four on the 18th! Where has the time gone?!?! And just like previous traditions, this involved a bit of spoiling-- in this case, a mondo ball, some turducken, and another giant bone. Behold:

Happy birthday my sweet pup! (You are the best big brother a gal could ask for, and will always be our first fur-baby!)

Why hello, there.

Every once in awhile I can't help but grab my camera and follow this little bean around. Tonight was one of those nights. Nothing better than a warm bath, sleepytime lotion and a nice comb to chew on. It's the little things in life.