Nora's new sunglasses

Nora had a blast staying at Nana and Papa's house!

Posing for Daddy

A portrait for Mommy's birthday

New Surroundings

This week we have been staying at Nana and Papa's house because our wood floors are being replaced. Nora has enjoyed being around Nana and Papa and I would venture to say that they have enjoyed having her around too! Our stuff sure has taken over their house!

Nora continues to be on a nap strike. Yesterday day was a great nap day because she took a 1.5 hour nap in the afternoon. It seems that in the morning she prefers to take a nap while in the car. So....we've been taking quite a few trips to just about anywhere in the morning so Nora will have a little nap. Hopefully we'll be able to get in a decent afternoon nap today too.

Nora's new thing...she likes to have her hand in her mouth or in my hair while eating.

Daycare

It's official, Nora is signed up for daycare. We've decided to have her go to one that is just a couple of blocks away from our condo. It is called Guardian Angel Learning Center. The one in Waukesha is wonderful, but Brian isn't going to be working out there after November and a 30 minute drive is a bit much.

I like this place. It is run by the Catholic Church. I know, I know. The only real Catholic thing about it is that a nun named Sister Mary runs the whole thing. We visited for a little bit this morning and Nora loved being around the other kids. I'm excited to see her develop socially. The other good thing about this place is that they are very flexible. Five hours a day is considered full-time so if I don't have a lot of clients to see one day, I can pick her up early or drop her off late.

That's a relief!

My favorite picture of Nora yet!

No Naps

Nora is on a nap strike. Sleeping is simply not on her agenda. I'll keep you posted.

Daddy and Nora enjoying some time in Madison in front of the capitol building.

Posing for the camera

Mommy and Nora having fun

Such a happy girl!

On our way to Nora's 6 month check up...she obviously forgot that she is about to have 4 shots!

How big is Nora? SO BIG!

Nora is officially 6 months old and growing like a weed! She had her visit a couple of days ago and all the nurses and our pediatrician were very impressed with her growth. In the last month she has gained almost two pounds and is now up to 14 pounds 4 ounces. She also grew 2 inches in the last month and is a whopping 26 inches long. She's eating like a horse and the numbers prove it.

We got the ok from the doctor to start giving Nora Cheerios. She needs to start developing her pincher grasp and that is the most motivating way to do it. Of course! Food!

She is getting so close to sitting up on her own. The moment where she crashes is always when she gets so excited about grabbing something that she face-plants into the floor. She is also getting dangerously close to crawling.

Nap time continues to be a struggle. She lays down wide awake at night and is able to put herself to sleep, but doesn't seem willing to do the same thing for her morning and afternoon naps. Right now she is in her crib (wide awake) and I am sitting in the rocking chair just so she knows that I haven't deserted her. I try not to make any eye contact or talk to her during this time even if she is crying. The only thing that I will do is sing the Nora Song that helps to calm her down in most any situation. I am going to come to hate this song as the months go along. It is the same song that I have been singing to her since we brought her home. I made it up at some point and it has stuck. It sure helps when she is screaming in the back seat of the car.

So much to say

So I meant to write on Monday, then Tuesday came and went and now it's Thursday. I'm finally writing with so much to say.

Easter went well. My parents came up via Chicago for Easter church and dinner at the Remfrey's. Yummy ham and everything else that goes along with Easter dinner. Nora did very well at church and saved all her crabbies for Nana and Papa's house. They didn't last for long and she took a nice nap with me.

My boobies have started to deflate. Slowly but surely. I'm finally able to sleep on my side again. Don't laugh, it's true!

Nora is getting very close to being able to sit up on her own. The scariest thing she has been doing lately is during tummy time. She is starting to pull her knees up one at a time like she is thinking about crawling. Needless to say, I'm limiting her tummy time because I'm scared to death of her crawling. I've already ordered the outlet covers. Wasn't she just born? Wasn't she a preemie and not supposed to do this stuff until later? I guess I should have expected this as I was walking at 8 months!

Nora gets to meet her Great Uncle Tim for the first time this weekend. He is going to be in Madison for a conference and we are going to make the trek there to see him. Ok, we are really going to eat at Marigold Cafe, but it will be nice to see him too ;-)

Teething

Nora is officiallying teething. She had a slight temperature this morning and we can now see two white spots on her lower gum. I think I got her off the boob just in time! That explains some of her biting in the last couple of weeks.

Reading with Grandma Johnson

Liberation

It's official: My boobs are free. Nora had her last meal at the breast yesterday. I have slowly weened her to a morning and evening feeding over the past week or so. I began to notice that she was still quite hungry, unsatisfied is a better word, after both of these feedings in the past few days. I decided that I had made it twice as long as I had originally hoped, so it was time to stop all together. Nora seems to be much happier getting plenty of milk at all feedings. Me on the other hand will take a few days to be happier. As soon as my breasts figure out that they are no longer needed, I will be much happier. I'll keep you updated ;-)

It's 5 AM, what do you mean Daddy's not awake yet?

Bath time!

Here's one of Nora in the tub!

Changing

Nora is going through a lot of changes. We first became aware of the changes because she has had a slight personality disorder for the last few days. We are thinking it might be her teeth starting to come in. Her fingers are always in her mouth and she is drooling a lot. She just seems to be really uncomfortable most of the time.

The good news of today is that Nora decided that she would take the pacifier! Thank God! My pinky is free. For those of you that don't know, Nora has used my pinky finger as her pacifier for the last five months. Don't ask how it got started, but it has been a chore. SO...I was thrilled when she decided that today was the day for her to take the pacifier during her nap.

Nora and the Twins

After Ethan and Logan's baptism on Saturday, we thought it would be fun to get all three of the babies lined up on the couch to pose for a picture. Nora seemed fascinated with Logan's toes...while Ethan was just looking for someone to cuddle with. From left to right: Logan, Nora and Ethan.

Nora's first day at school! Mrs. French and Mrs. Carter showed Nora around my former 3rd and 4th grade classroom today. She did very well the whole time and didn't seem to mind the noise as much as I did!

Green Poo Has Arrived

Nora sampled avocado last night. She wasn't real keen on the taste, but had a few bites. She didn't mind it mixed in with a little squash. The fun part of the taste test was the present she left in her diaper for me this morning. GREEN POO! It was exciting to see something other than the standard orange.

Nora also has a new trick: she is able to make her excersaucer go around in circles. The excersaucer is the new version of a walker with lots of stimulating toys all around it. The one we have has one weighted leg and the other two have wheels. I took the brake off yesterday and Nora started walking in circles immediately. She also greatly enjoys the Johnny Jumper that our friends loaned to us. I'm ok with these activities, but I'm a little worried that it will encourage walking too soon!

All four generations enjoying some time together this weekend.

Marjorie and Tracy taking their turn feeding Nora.

I love Chloe and she loves me! Nora had a wonderful time playing with her Godparents and Chloe this weekend. Nora would stick her hands out and ask for licks from Chloe!

Playing on the changing table with Daddy

Bananas suck

It has been confirmed that Nora does not like bananas just like her daddy. She seems to prefer their orange vegetable counterparts. Squash, sweet potatoes, and carrots are a much better choice for Nora these days. We will soon try peas and green beans that I made this week. It was frustrating that the peas and green beans made such a small final product because of their large volume of skins and inner beans. The recently purchased food mill was a great help in separating the eatable from 'yucky' parts.

Is that your mouth Daddy?

I can't get them both in my mouth!

Am I cute or what?

Busy Weekend

Nora has had a busy weekend of growing and developing. She is doing the most amazing things! We now hear Nora's voice at all times. She is always talking with whom or what ever she is playing and everything she says sure sounds important! I wish there was a baby translator available.

She is now a hazard at the table. She frequently sits on one of our laps while we are out having coffee or eating a meal. We have to be very careful that there aren't any cups, plates, or utensils anywhere near Nora because she is capable of picking them up or tipping them over.

Nora had her first taste of sweet potatoes this weekend. She is in love with them so much that she isn't too into the rice and oatmeal anymore. A blend must be concocted to trick her into eating the comparably bland grains.

If this much can happen in one weekend, I can't imagine what is going to happen in the next month!

My fancy robe from Auntie Pea

Squash, squash, everywhere squash. Nora was so excited about eating today that she wanted her hands to help the food into her mouth. Squash in the eyelashes is quite difficult to get out!

It's Working!

Nora is successfully transitioning to a two nap a day schedule. It is not easy trying to keep her awake for four hours at a time, but she is a trooper. The most difficult part is getting her to stay down for two hours per nap. We're still a work in progress. This evening was a success as she stayed awake from 3:45 to 8:15: 4 1/2 hours! Hopefully she'll sleep until 7:00 tomorrow morning instead of the 6:00 kick that she's been on lately.

Squash

Nora has enjoyed her first couple of ounces of butternut squash this weekend. We were so excited about the possibility of seeing some amazing faces that we had the camera locked and loaded. To our extreme disappoinment, Nora simply took the squash and ate it just like she would rice or oatmeal. There was a little recognition of the difference in taste and texture, but the desire to eat it as quickly as possible took over.

The next big step in the Remfrey house is a new eating and sleeping schedule that is starting today. Nora is going to (try to) be moved from five naps to three naps during the course of the day. Hopefully this will lead her to take longer naps when she lays down. We're trying for one in the morning, one in the afternoon, and one short nap in the evening. Hopefully this will also result in her nightime sleeping to be extended from 9 hours to 11 or 12 hours. We'll keep you posted! Any suggestions from all those parents out there?

Playing by myself

Rice and Oatmeal Are My Friends

Twice a day Nora is treated with Oatmeal and Rice cereals. She loves taking the 'big-girl-spoon' and eats nearly a 1/3 cup each time. This is a picture of her after she devoured her cereal and knew the dreaded wet wash cloth was going to be coming at her soon.

Next Monday we will begin the orange vegetables: squash, carrots, and sweet potatoes. They are all in the freezer awaiting their debut. Hopefully we will be getting a video camera this week in order to capture the first reactions to the new foods.

Oatmeal is yummy

I love to be Naked!

Naked Nora

Naked Nora

It's true...Nora prefers to be naked! Every time we change her clothes she is in heaven and gets very upset as soon as we start to put her clothes on. So lately, Nora has been enjoying some naked time in the evenings. I completely understand that it is much more comfortable without those darn things that some one a long time ago decided that we had to cover up with. Nora has figured it all out and she is only four and a half months.

One of Many

I'm sure this strand of thoughts surrounding poo is just the one of many to come.

Yesterday Nora had her first poo of substance. The fibrous oatmeal cereal is much better for her little GI tract than the rice cereal. I would be able to compare her poo to a thick bowl of split pea soup. Yummy, huh?

My guess is that there will be picture soon if our obsession with this topic continues. Stay tuned. Oh wonder of wonders.

Smelly Poo

After a full week of rice cereal, Nora had her first taste of oat cereal today. She didn't seem to notice the difference as she was gulping down every last bit that I put into her mouth. I had no idea she could ever be so hungry. Next week we will finish off the tasting of the grains with barley. Then on to the orange foods. I made sweet potato, carrot, and squash baby food this weekend for Nora's excited tastebuds.

I'm looking forward to the exciting rainbow of colors in Nora's poo, but I had no idea that she could smell as horrible as she does. She used to fart and we would laugh and giggle...now she farts and we run. How can such a small little human create such foul gases? She must be a product of her mommy and daddy!

The Domes

Today Nora and I went on a little outing. A few miles away from home there are three botanical domes that I decided would be exciting for Nora. We packed everything up and had our first quite car ride in about three weeks. That was exciting in and of itself!

Upon arrival, I put Nora in the Baby Bjorn and we headed inside. She loved the dome with the model trains traveling around. She seemed to enjoy the other two as well. As soon as I stepped out of the third and final dome into the enormous breeze way, Nora started wailing. I still can't believe that the doctors were worried about her lungs. She filled up the breeze way in the domes without any problem. I don't know if she was upset that we left the 'rainforest' or was just tired, but it was obviously time to go.

I quickly put Nora in her car seat and started home. After a few minutes of crying, she was sound asleep. She continued to sleep for another half an hour after we got home. Nice!

The rice cereal went well again today. She ate about 10 spoonfuls as compared to yesterday's 5. She also smiled quite a bit while eating! I think we're on a roll. I'm looking forward to the new and exciting presents that will be in her pants ;-)

Solids!

I thought I would try to wait, but that never really works for me.

While at Nora's four month appointment, as you may recall, the doctor told us it was ok to start rice cereal at any time. So, for lunch yesterday I thought I would see if Nora's tongue thrust was starting to disappear. Not only is it gone, but she willingly opened her mouth as the spoon came toward her! Although, the cereal can't taste that much different than my milk because it is primarily my milk! We'll work on thickening it later. For now, I just want to make sure that this eating-from-a-spoon thing starts off well for her.

More to come!

Rollin' along

Nora just rolled from her stomach to her back...both to the right and left! It is still amazing to me that one day she can't do something and then all of a sudden she can do it. Her brain is obviously growing enormously all the time.

I am feeling sad everyone once in a while about the fact that Nora will never be a newborn again! We won't see her first smile again or hear her first laugh. Is this what makes people have more children?

On a positive note, my breast is back to normal! It took three whole days to go back to normal. I have to be on antibiotics for another 8 days to help protect from infection. Unfortunately that only protects from bacterial infections and encourages other types of infections :-0

Pooh sweatshirt

Posing for Daddy

Playing with Daddy on Superbowl Sunday

The Joys of Breastfeeding

So, after four months of breastfeeding, my right boob has given out. Not in the shrivel-up-and-die kind of way, but the imploding kind of way. I officially have mastitis of the titty. Yup, that is the technical terminology (at least the mastitis part is). The unofficial term is blocked duct. It hurts terribly. Everything I read said to put warm compresses on it and to massage it while nursing. I did all that and 24 hours later I'm in more pain than I was when this started.

Last night I was up every 2 hours pumping because when the blocked duct fills up with milk it just backs up. Not a pleasant experience. In hopes of relieving some of the discomfort, I went to Target (because Target has everything I could ever hope for) and went directly to the breast feeding section. There were these funky (HUGE) pads that were filled with a gel-like substance that said they could be warmed in the microwave and placed in your bra. I knew that it was hot when I put it in my bra, but I didn't know how hot it really was until I took it out to nurse Nora. There were bright red splotches all around my boob. They didn't look too bad in the very dimly lit nursery. Only when I looked at them in the mirror did I realize that I had 2nd degree burns all around my boob! I am somehow going to get in contact with the company that made these horrible things and let them know what a terrible product they have. Luckily, I can't feel the burns because the rest of the pain overpowers the burns.

The phone call to the OB on-call led to her calling in a prescription at the 24 hour Walgreens for an antibiotic that I have to be on for 10, count them 10, days. She told me that I don't have to stop nursing. I would have been crushed if I did! That would have messed everything up. Hopefully I won't be up every two hours during the night tonight to pump because it hurts so bad. Even right when Nora came home I wasn't up that much in the night.

This kid is going to owe me, big time!

Slobber and Giggles

Our first walk of the new year.

4 month check up

We just returned from the doctor's office about a half an hour ago (1:30). We left our place for the 5 minute drive at 10:30! I'll start from the beginning.

At about 10:00 this morning I gave Nora a dose of Tylenol to combat the pain and suffering that she was about to endure. A quick nurse and we were off to the doctor. I was most excited about finding out how much she weighed and least excited about hearing her scream bloody-murder during the four shots she would have.

We went downstairs and packed up everything in my car. I turned the key and it didn't even turn over. SO...we unpacked the car and hoofed it to B's car out in the parking lot. I guess it's time for a new battery.

We arrived at the doctor's office 15 minutes early, per their request. We sat in the waiting room for 30 minutes before the nurse called us in. Why? Because that is how doctors work I guess.

I had to immediately undress Nora to have her weighed and measured. She measured 23 and a half inches (I guess my 24 inch measurement last month was a little generous). Off came the diaper. As I walked Nora across the room to put her on the ancient scale, she decided it was the perfect time to relieve herself all over my shirt. Great...now I have a pee soaked shirt. What an aroma. She weighed 11 pounds 8 ounces. Not as much as I had hoped, but going in the right direction. She is still in the 20th percentile for her age group for her weight, 25th for her height, and 50th for her head circumference. "It's like an orange on a toothpick!"

The doctor wasn't sure if Nora could have all of her 4 month shots as well as the RSV shot because there is a limit on the number of cc's that can be injected into a little baby. After a long time of calculating (isn't that just addition?) and conferring with the other doctors in the office, we were given the ok to have all four shots at once. She had the first three shots (screamed like hell) and then we had to wait for 20 minutes while the RSV shot cooked. I guess they have to have the baby's exact weight and then there is a formula for combining the ingredients for the shot. I calmed Nora by nursing her and faking her out that the pain was over. After the RSV shot (more screaming), we had to sit in the room for another 20 minutes to make sure Nora didn't go into shock or something. She didn't last time, so I don't know why she would have this time.

All this said and done, it took three hours to have Nora's 4 month check up! I'm pooped and it's only 2:15! Good thing I don't have a hot date tonight ;-)

Nora and I are enjoying her Tylenol induced slumber.

The most exciting thing the doctor told me is that we can start Nora on rice cereal soon! Maybe this will help her gain a little more weight. Brian will be putting the high chair together this weekend and we'll be returning the swing to our friends. When something new comes in, something old must go out. That is the nature of having a small condo.

I better change my shirt. The cat is sniffing at me strangely.

Nora and her new friend Skylar

New Friend

Here is a picutre of Nora and her new friend Skylar. Can you imagine having kids that close in age? It is barely possible (9 months apart).

Snot

The first cold of Nora's life has arrived. Unfortunately it took its path through me. I started getting a cold on Sunday and was washing my hands like a crazy woman and only kissing Nora on the back of her head, on her tummy, legs, feet, oh I could just kiss her everywhere. But I really tried to refrain from kissing her face. It has been difficult, but I've stuck to it. It obviously didn't work because Nora is snotty today. It isn't in a place where we can suck it out with that horrible snot sucking (make the baby cry) ball. It is in the back of her throat and she can't cough it out.

I rubbed some Vics Vapor Rub on her chest tonight before she went to bed and had crazy flashbacks. I distinctly remember wondering if my mom's had went numb as she rubbed that smelly stuff onto my chest and neck after which she covered me with a cloth diaper. The Vics for babies is much less toxic smelling and didn't make my hand go numb at all. It really hit me that I am now a mommy as I was rubbing the slimy stuff into the chest of my daughter.

All of this snot has made us stay in for most of the week. Stir crazy should have been the subtitle of this entry because that is how I've been feeling. I practically threw Nora at Brian as he walked in the door after work tonight. I'm not sick of being around Nora, I just am sick of being here. I went out for coffee with my soon-to-be business partner to discuss our 'mission statement.'

Man, babies just take and take ;-) I'm looking forward to reaping the benefits of giving and giving.

New comments thingy

Some of you who have tried to leave comments on this blog in the past have had some difficulty, because you were forced to create an account before you could post your comment. I think we have the comments function fixed. Give it a try!

New, New, New

What wonderful friends we have! They have realized that clothing a baby is expensive and have offered us numerous, ok, tons of clothes for Nora to wear. We came home from their house with two-20 gallon tupperware containers packed with clothes. There was even a silk dress included! If I'm not able to fit into any 'dry-clean-only' clothing, my 4 month old daughter doesn't get to wear any either!

Here are a few of the most recent picts...Nora is sporting two of her new outfits. In one of the pictures you'll notice that Nora is propped up without any help from us. This is her newest trick.

Nora's new trick: sitting in the corner of the couch

Ol' Blue Eyes

Nora talking to Daddy

The Amazing Baby

The amazing baby that we call Nora slept for 11 hours last night. Pretty great for being 16 weeks old on Saturday. She was fast asleep when she was supposed to take her final feeding of the night, so we decided to just put her down. When I awoke at 6:45, I was shocked to realize that she hadn't even begun to wake up. I had to talk her into waking up at 7:00 to eat because I couldn't stand it anymore ;-) Hopefully this will last!

Nora with her Papa

Goofing around with Daddy

Nora strikes a pose

Hunger Strike

I have been spoiling Nora by not giving her the bottle for the last few months. This backfired this past Sunday when she went on a hunger strike while being babysat by Nana and Papa. She was pretty smart about the whole thing. She ate just enough to get by until I got back six hours later. Needless to say, I'm trying to use the bottle more often to avoid this problem in the future.

Nora continues to become more aware of her surroundings. She noticed Sydney the Cat for the first time yesterday. She may have just been seeing the movement, but she watched her cross the living room floor. She is also enthralled with the toy that Betty and Melissa gave her. She lays under a little arch that has three moving and singing animals. She loves this activity and stays focused on it for nearly 20 minutes. She must have gotten that ability from her Daddy!

LAUGHING!

Nora laughed for the first time tonight! Brian was changing her diaper and started tickling her neck. I thought it sounded like she was going to start crying and asked what was wrong. She then made the same sound again and I realized it wasn't a cry but a laugh! She laughed about three or four times before she got bored with the tickling. She is so beautiful when she laughs! Of course, the crying ensued as I realized the momentous occasion that just occurred. My baby laughed for the first time on January 12th during a thunderstorm!

The proud Godparents

Tracy and Nora hanging out

Pics from Nora's baptism

The Johnsons

Alone Again

I dropped Drew off at the airport today after a short visit. He was here for the baptism and to meet Nora for the first time. Nora has had a difficult time decompressing from all the attention this weekend, but seems to be back on track.

Nora is really coming into her laugh. She will be giggling very soon. During tummy time today she was able to hold her head up for an extended period of time.

The baptism was confirmation that we picked the best possible godparents for Nora. T and M are very loving toward Nora and were invaluable to us on Sunday. It is really exciting to see them become Nora's 'other Mommies.'

Baptism

Another big day for Nora! On Sunday, January 9th she was baptized at St. Mark's in Waukesha by Pastor Wilch. There were quite a few members of the family that made the trip to celebrate with us, some of whom met Nora for the first time. Especially notable was the visit of Nora's second cousins Ethan and Logan, who were born just a few weeks ago, and Nora's uncle Drew who flew up from Phoenix to join us.

Nora's gown was originally worn by her great-grandpa Maxwell at his baptism in 1912. She was very quiet throughout the service and didn't seem to mind getting her head wet! She had a great time hanging out with her new godparents, Tracy and Marjorie, after the service.

It was very special to see so many of our friends and family come out to join us in the celebration.

Decisions

Well, I've decided to not go back to school this semester. I'm not ready to give up being a full-time mommy nor pay for classes. Fellowships and assistantships begin in the fall, so the plan is to go back when someone else will be footing the bill. I had also planned on starting to wean Nora beginning at three months. I'm not ready for that either. She is doing so well and growing like a weed that I don't want to jeopardize her development.

Back to normal

Things have finally calmed down around here. The holidays were wonderful, but it is nice to have some normalcy in our lives again. Nora is back to her comfortable schedule of taking nice long naps. Last night we had a minor set back with sleeping through the night, but I'm sure we'll be back on track tonight. Sleeping from 10:00 to 7:00 is really nice for all of us!

This weekend Uncle Drew is coming to town for Nora's baptism. All of the nearby family will be joining us. Pastor Wilch, who baptized Brian, Uncle Eric, and Aunt Vanessa, will be doing the honors. Nora will be wearing Great-Grandpa Maxwell's christening dress from 1912. I'm so excited to show him pictures of her in it.

Yesterday Nora had her first of three or four RSV shots. RSV is a lower respiratory tract infection that preemies are at a very high risk for contracting. Thankfully insurance is paying for the shots because we wouldn't have been able to afford the $1500 a shot that it costs. Nora weighed in at 10 lb. 11 oz. It is still shocking to me that some babies come out that big! OUCH!

Auntie Pea was here this past weekend and we had a great time with her during the New Year's celebration. She and Jessica were the only ones that would dance with me! We also went to Chicago to visit Cousin Renee and her boyfriend Matt who will be leaving February 15th for Zambia. It was wonderful to see them and meet the infamous boyfriend that we've been hearing so much about. He seemed just wonderful and they make a really cute couple. Nora even liked him!

Touchdown! Hanging out with auntie Pea

Nora chatting with her great grandpa

Joking around with Grandma and Great-Grandpa in Plainfield...four generations of the family.

Getting ready for Christmas...How do you like my bathrobe?

Christmas with the Remfreys...Nora with her aunt Vanessa

Christmas - On the Road

A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all! What an incredible couple of weeks. Nora has put on many miles with us during the holidays as we bounced from Wisconsin to Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and back home again!

Nora was a great traveler, and spent most of the time sleeping in the car. She loved all the attention she got from her grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins...not to mention all the great presents! She will be the best-dressed baby around!

The next few posts are some of our favorite pictures from the last week.