Too Stinkin' Cute-Part Two

Okay.. so the one w/ Angus popping out from under Dan's legs as he feeds Norah isn't one of her in a cute outfit...but it is TOO STINKIN' CUTE! Enjoy!

Soul Savin', Shot Takin & Nug Eatin' Hooray!

The past week has been a whirlwind of activity for our Little Norah Belle (the newest nickname that seems to be sticking very well). Last Saturday, Norah's Godparents, Chip & Cindy came in from Chicago and Pittsburgh respectively for Norah's baptism. Mommy & Daddy started Norah out with a different kind of baptism, though. What a better way to kick off a weekend of The Father, Son & Holy Spirit than by taking Norah to the revered Golden Nugget (a dining tradition from the halcyon days of college) for the first time!

Yep! D, J and friends baptized Norah with the greasy goodness that is Golden Nugget breakfast. We figure that she'll spend many more hours consuming this delectable diner food and conversing with friends once she becomes a UD Flyer, but we wanted her first experience to be with the original UD crew.

Dan & J were then able to get a sitter and go out with friends that Sat. night. Although our little angel is a joy and a blessing, it was very nice to be able to get away for a few hours and enjoy some frothy beverages and great company.

Norah got a dose of the Holy Spirit on Sunday as she got baptized at St. Albert The Great Parish. The experience was meaningful for so many reasons. Not only does this mark the first step in Norah's spiritual life, but her baptism took place at the same church where both Grandma & Grandpa and Mommy & Daddy were married and where Mommy was baptized, as well. What's even better is that Ms. Norah was a champ! She only cried a little as the deacon poured the Holy Water over her.
The day was topped off by a reception at the Weber Inn.

To say that Dan & J were touched by the support that friends and family showed for Norah at her baptism would be an understatement. Words cannot possibly describe how truly grateful we are to have such beautiful people in our lives. Even the deacon said that he'd never seen so many people show up for one baptism. Thank you, friends and family!

The past few days were capped off by a visit to the pediatrician today for Norah's 2 month check-up. We're pleased to report that our little girl is right on track. Her head circumference is 15" (up one inch from birth), weight is 9 lbs. 14 ozs (25th percentile) and height is 22" (50th percentile) Basically, she's of average height and a little on the skinny side. But, the Dr. was quite pleased w/ her weight gain.

Norah also received her first round of shots today. Although she screamed like a stuffed pig after shot #1, she quieted down quickly and promptly went to sleep! Ah...if we all could just fall asleep after such trauma! :-)

Whew! As we said, it's been quite a few days. We look forward to seeing what each new day will bring, and we'll update all of you every step of the way

Too Stinkin' Cute-Part One

As most of you know, Ms. Norah's mommy is a fashion victim. Yes. I admit it. I am a tomboy who would much rather lounge in tennis shoes (preferably pink Pumas :-), blue jeans, a sweatshirt and a baseball cap than try to match my earrings to my business slacks (although, I do clean up rather well if I do say so myself :-)

Having a little girl has changed me, though. I FREAKING LOVE TO DRESS MY LITTLE GIRL!!!! I can't get enough of the cute little outfits that we've put her in. What's more....I CAN'T WAIT TO BUY MORE CLOTHES. I know. I know. Becoming a mother has created a monster in me! :-) I like lace and pink and puppy dogs and flowers! Perhaps I'm just making up for my lack of fashion sense through my daughter. In any event, I'm having a blast (although, Norah may hate me for this later)

I've decided to randomly post pictures of our cute little girl in some of the good outfits and name the posts: Too Stinkin' Cute. So, without further adieu:

Stepping into Spring...Shamrock Style

Spring is FINALLY here (although, the temperature doesn't show it yet)! Norah is changing and growing every day. Our little girl is turning her head from side to side during tummy time as well as when she's resting on Mommy and Daddy's shoulders, lifting her head, saying 'ahh' and cooing and we have even gotten a few toothless grins here and there.

Norah's physical growth hasn't been her only accomplishment this month, though. As most of you know, Norah's Daddy is in an Irish band, Dulahan, and Norah got to see Daddy play a show. She was a little freaked out at first, (Imagine waking up from a nap to hear loud music and be passed around from person to person) but we think she warmed to the music after a bit. Our little Irish-American girl will be dancing to Daddy's songs in no time!

Norah is still a bit too young to have accompanied Dan to the shows that he played on St. Patty's Day (think 'Sweet Home Alabama'..."You've got a baby....in a bar!"), so Mommy took her to a family friend's house for a more subdued (but still totally ROCKIN') St. Patrick's Day Party.

The final milestones of March will take place on the 29th & 31st when Norah gets baptized and her first round of shots (ouch!). Stay tuned for pics of these events.
Until then, we hope you are all well and looking forward to some fun, outdoor activities.

Love,
J, D & Norah

Random Pics for Your Viewing Pleasure

As I was feeding Norah this morning, I realized just how much she has grown & changed even during this first month of her life. No two days are the same, and you can't get the days back, so we've been taking pictures almost daily. Here are just a few from the last few weeks. And, yes, the picture of Norah, her parents & Big Brother Angus does, in fact, show the effects of sleep deprivation! :-) Enjoy.

G Stands for Grandparents & Godmothers

Greetings from (STILL) chilly Dayton! We hope that all of you are well and getting through this last month of Winter. If you're anything like us right now, you're all chomping at the bit for warmer weather, flowers & outdoor activities.

There are upsides to being 'housebound' with Little Norah, though. First and foremost, we are getting plenty of time to get to know each other. Norah is 31 days old today, and no two days have really been the same. Norah has a few predictable habits, yes, but she is growing and changing so fast that each day is a new adventure for both Norah and her parents.

Also, the cold weather has allowed others to enter our home ( and Norah has made a few trips out, too ) and meet our princess. Norah has had two VERY special visitors during her time 'on the outside'.

Great-Grandma Weber (Dan's maternal grandmother) traveled up from her sunny, warm home in Florida and braved an entire Midwest Winter to witness the birth of her great-grandchild. She was able to spend some great quality time with Norah before heading back down south last week. Norah loves her great-grandmother very much!

Speaking of grandparents, Norah has gotten to spend some WONDERFUL time with
Eric and Susie. Both of them have been TREMENDOUSLY helpful during these past few weeks. In addition to lending many a helping hand with diaper changing and swaddling, Eric & Susie have already introduced Norah to a wonderful family tradition: Sunday Night Dinners. Dan and J have braved the cold with their little one to travel to Grandma and Grandpa's house each Sunday fir dinner. It has been wonderful!

Last, but certainly not least, Norah's Godmother, Cindy, came in last week from Pennsylvania to meet her Goddaughter (and give J some help as well as keep her company......THANKS CIN!!!!!!!!!!!!). What a great time Norah had! She got to be held and pampered by Cindy for two straight days. Dan and J are seriously considering making Cindy their Au Pair! :-) She was that great! Norah also got introduced to another tradition: Watching 'House' w/ the adults. (Every time we all get together...we have to O.D. on episodes of 'House'...check out Norah watching as "13" diagnoses someone's "Itis" in the picture...PRECIOUS).

Yes, things are moving quickly around here. Spring is right around the corner, and we're looking forward to Ms. Norah growing big and beautiful just like the flowers that will be blooming soon.

Much love,
D & J