What a great Father's Day weekend!

Scooting

Nora is beginning to scoot backwards. This seems to really tick her off especially if she is trying to move toward an object like the cat. Sydney (the kitty) seems quite happy that the baby isn't moving at her yet.

Today while I was making crab dip, Nora was on the floor in the kitchen with me getting utterly frustrated as she moved further and further away from me and Syd. Moving backward coupled with spinning in circles seems to be the way to get places right now. We'll see how this progresses.

Nora's legs continue to become looser. My paranoia is starting to subside much to Brian's relief. I think the crazy special ed mom was starting to scare him.

This is the position that we have been working on.

Nora's talking face

Nora loves to laugh

Nora's jowls

Banned in the UAE!

Unlike the wonderfully "uncensored" US of A, the UAE has rules that are a bit more strict. Our friends Fabrice and Anne are not able to access Nora's blog because the Emirati government has deemed it inappropriate for viewing by its citizens. HA!

"Dude, is that my bellybutton? I've never seen that thing before!"

Grocery Cart

Nora took her first ride "like a big girl" in the grocery cart today. She seemed to love it!

Improvements

Nora's vocabulary has increased to include bah, lah, and rah. We get to hear her voice all the time now. It is much lower than I predicted. Her screeching has been so high pitched that I assumed her voice would be high as well. Not so!

The PT exercises have also been helping. Nora can now sit up on her own for quite a long time. She still is not putting her arms out to break her fall to the side. I'm a bit confused by this and not sure why this reflex has not developed. The PT wasn't any help explaining that there weren't any exercises that we could do to work on that.

Weight

I forgot to say that I weighed Nora when we were at the PT: 15 lb. 14 oz.

PT

Nora's physical therapy appointment was wonderful. I was very impressed with the woman we worked with. Nora's abductors are very tight (the muscles that allow you to sit indian style and have your knees touch the floor). Lisa (the physical therapist) performed a test on her where you give points (0 to 2) based on certain things she could do. She came out on that test as being at a 4 month level. The reason for the lower score is because she only got partial credit on many of the things she is already doing. She really prefers to only turn in one direction. She is still able to do the movement the PT was looking for, just not in both directions and that is what lowered her score. She is obviously functioning much higher than that. You special ed teachers out there know that these numerical scored tests are never completely accurate.

The PT and I worked on a few different stretches and movements that will help stretch Nora's muscles. It was the PT's opinion that Nora may have potentially had some low tone as a newborn and she has over compensated by tightening or stiffening those muscles as she has grown up. After one hour of working with the PT, Nora was much looser and was able to sit up on her own for about one minute! I was amazed!

She told me to put two diapers on her at night so her legs would be forced to spread out in her sleep. She is also supposed to stay out of the exersaucer because that promotes the tight legs that we are trying to get rid of. You were right, Auntie Pea...just not for the right reason.

I have to take Nora in after two weeks of working with her on some of these exercises to have her evaluated again and determine the next course of action. I think this is going to make a big difference and she will be moving around in no time.

Major Hork

On the way to the PT appointment, Nora puked everything up that she had ingested since 6:00 am. All over herself as well as the new 'big girl' car seat. I had to call and reschedule the appointment for 11:00 this morning because she was swimming in her own puke. She was so happy to have it all over too! She played and stared at it the whole way home. Thank goodness the doctor's office is only 5 minutes away!

We made it home and I just took the whole car seat out and carried her up stairs. The puke was dripping on my feet all the way. Luckily, I was smart enough to get a car seat that you can take all the straps off (we'll see if they are as easy to get back on) and the cover is washable.

Nora was so worn out by the whole experience that she went down for a nap without a fight.

Nora and Cousin Benjamin had fun playing on the rug right before we left for Grandpa's retirement party.

Les Dents

Nora's second tooth has made it's arrival! It broke through the skin this morning and is catching up with its partner. Unfortunately, Nora still wants to suck on our fingers. This is becoming a bit painful and I'm not sure it will continue for very long! Her biting skills are also becoming quite honed.

A close up of Nora's new teeth

Da Da

Nora's first *real* sound was made today! She said "da da!"

Daddy and Nora enjoing a little time at Jazz in the Park.

Nora went right for the bottle of wine at Jazz in the Park yesterday. She's got it figured out already!

Physical Therapy

Nora is going to be evaluated by a PT next week to determine the best course of action to stretch out her hips. She has very tight muscles surrounding the inside and outside of her hips. This makes it difficult for her to sit up on her own and will limit her mobility as we approach the crawling and walking stages. I'm sure a little therapy will be great help!

Yogurt is Welcomed with Open Arms

Nora loves banana and vanilla yogurt. She ate a whole single-size container for lunch today along with her normal serving of vegetables.

YUMMY!

Separation Anxiety

Nora's separation anxiety is now at its height. She screams and cries even when I'm in the same room with her but not right next to her or holding her. This is a very difficult time, but the doctor assures me that this will pass as her object permanence becomes fully developed.

Nora's new favorite food is bread with melted cheese. She couldn't get enough today for lunch. I will be introducing yogurt soon too. I'm sure she'll love it too. She doesn't seem to be a picky eater.

Her second bottom tooth is about to come in. She can no longer bite on our fingers anymore with out causing harm. While she was giving me a kiss yesterday, she bit my lip!

Tomorrow Nora will have her first Jazz in the Park experience. It is a Thursday night tradition in Milwaukee. I'm sure she'll love it as much as we do. We just have to make sure she doesn't drink as much wine as we usually do ;-)

Long Weekend

This was a very productive weekend. On Saturday morning, we were able to take all of Nora's "baby" stuff to our storage space: the cradle, preemie and 0-3 month clothes, and all nursing related paraphernalia. We spent Saturday afternoon cleaning up after a dead person (I'll explain to those interested) and then had some great pizza in the neighborhood we hope to move to in the next year or so. On Sunday Nora helped us paint the bathroom and Grandpa and Grandma arrived.

We had a great dinner on Sunday night. We got to sit outside and eat everything fried and I had a pleasure of having a beer dumped on my lap by our sweety. Grandpa and I drove home quickly to change and made it back just it time for our greasy madness. Delish!

This morning we headed over to Nana and Papa's house for a great day of food and laying around. Nora went on a walk with Nana while Brian and I cleaned our respective vehicles. It was the first time I've hand washed and waxed my car! I've only had it for two and a half years ;-)

Hope you enjoy the pictures of our exicting day!

"Bye bye Grandma! We had a great time seeing you last night and today!"

Spit bubbles at 7:30 in the morning?

Waking up on Memorial Day

Grandma made sure Nora didn't face-plant on the blanket

Nora had a blast!

It was such an exciting afternoon that Nora fell asleep right in the middle of all of it!

So Grandma and I decided to join her

"Oh my Nana! I didn't get any in my mouth yet!"

What's up Grandpa?

"Charlie, I think this is a little too big for me!" Nora had a great time on her first boat ride on Lake Michigan. Our good friend Charlie enjoyed watching Nora giggle everytime he hit the throttle!

"Mom, did you have to rub my food into my face just for this picture?"

It was a beautiful day in Madison and we enjoyed a long walk on the east side.

Nora's most recent trip to Madison involved riding the doggie and visiting with her godparents. "Yummy Nora, you are tasty!"

Nora and neighbor Grace enjoyed some time together on the floor

"Ana, I just want to hold your hand!"

Big Day

Today was momentous for four reasons: It is Grandpa's birthday, Nora held her bottle by herself for 30-40 seconds, Nora had her first daycare experience, and her bottom left tooth broke through the skin.

Nora held her bottle out of sheer desperation today because I watched Amy's daughter, Ana for a couple of hours while Amy got her hair cut. I was trying to feed both babies and was very unsuccessful. Nora got the raw end of the deal and decided that she wasn't going to miss out on any milk time while I fed Ana. Necessity breads ingenuity. Isn't that the saying?

Nora experienced Bally's childcare for the first time today. I found out that members get 2 hours of free daycare each day for children over 6 months. Needless to say, I was there immediately. Nora had a blast watching the other children run around. She was the youngest there by 8-10 months. I had a blast working out and having an hour to myself.

Her tooth officially made its presence known today. Nora is still very sensitive about having anyone get too long of a look at the tooth, but I can feel it. We'll see if any of its partners decided to join in the near future. It looks like there may be two teeth there very soon.

Ouch

Nora's front left tooth is right below the surface of her gum. She is extremely uncomfortable in the evenings when she is trying to go to sleep. Hopefully it will come out soon and make way for the next painful teeth!

Nora's Auntie Pea left today for New York. They had such a great time together and I was able to have a lot of freedoms that I don't usually have. I think I would enjoy having a live-in nanny ;-)

Nora is sitting up on her own for about 20-25 seconds on a regular basis. I think she would have greater success if she didn't get so excited about everything around her! The littlest pile on the rug will make her dive for the potential of holding it in her hand. Sitting doesn't seem to be a priority when there is something that needs to be in her hand.

Last night, when we were out for dinner, a passer by made the most prolific comment since Nora was born: "That is the most beautiful baby I've ever seen. Good job. Make more." So there it is, we must make more. But you know what they say, practice makes perfect.

Nora's first swimming pool experience was a success!

Grandpa holding Nora at his last big concert before retirement. What a great day!

Nora's friend Ana is letting her borrow her exersaucer for a couple months. Nora is excited to have some new toys to play with!

mmmm...lemon

Sleep and Auntie Pea

Nora's sleeping habits are beginning to improve! The last two nights she has gone to sleep very easily and not made a peep until we find her cooing in her crib between 6:30 and 7:00. I think being outside a lot this weekend really helped wear her out.

This morning I decided to take a trick that has worked into the car and apply it to her morning nap. There is a French song that she falls asleep to without fail every time we are in the car. I put it on repeat this morning and she played in her crib for about 30 minutes before she fell asleep on her own. I'd have to say that this is the first time that has happened in the last two months. Hopefully this is a sign that her naps are going to get back on schedule!

We are really looking forward to seeing Auntie Pea this week. Auntie Pea and I are going to play Grandpa's last big concert before he retires. Hopefully Nora's ears will be able to tolerate the loud music! Nora will experience a swimming pool for the first time this weekend too. We got a little exersaucer-like water flotation thingy for her to float around in. I think she is really going to like it.

Enjoying Uncle Eric and Aunt Ruth's backyard on Mother's Day

Nana and Nora playing on Mother's Day

"What are you talking about? My dress is much prettier than yours!"

Mommy and Nora on Mother's Day

"Daddy look! Mommy is taking my picture!"

I still think that sticking out my tongue is part of smiling.

Here's Nora posing for Mother's Day in her Parisian dress from her friends Biz and Manue.

Teeth and Firsts

We can actually see Nora's bottom right tooth right under the skin tonight! She is in an extremely good mood considering. It might explain why she will chew on anything that gets remotely close to her mouth.

Today was filled with a few of 'firsts' for Nora. This morning Nora had her first experience at the Madison farmer's market. She had a great time looking at all the flowers and people passing by while Mommy and Daddy filled their bag with tomatoes, cheese, jerky, and lots of other yummies. Nora especially enjoyed the African drumming group right off the square. She was dancing like crazy in the Baby Bjorn. In the afternoon, Daddy exposed Nora to her first biker store. Nora helped Daddy by a helmet and gloves for his new motorcycle while Mommy played football (and won!).

Hopefully Nora will go to sleep tonight a little better than she has for the past few evenings.

"Naps stink!" exclaims Nora.

Naps are still a difficult topic for discussion around the Remfrey house. Nora seems to take one long nap each day, but not one in the morning and one in the afternoon. She frequently falls asleep when she is supposed to, but once she is put down in her crib, she wakes up right away. Not fun. Right now she is sleeping next to my leg on the couch. Seems to work for now, but if I get up, game over.

I've tried putting her in her crib and sitting in the rocker so she can see me while she is trying to fall asleep. That simply turns into play time rather than nap time. I DON'T GET IT!

Nora continues to enjoy her bananas and Cherrios. She is able to pick up both, but then doesn't see them anymore because they are in the palm of her hand. I'm putting another piece of what ever it is in her mouth so she sees the correlation between picking up the object and food in her mouth. The next step is for her to figure out the step in between. Backward chaining. I wish I didn't know all this behavioral analysis junk!

She's Asleep!!!

You won't believe it...Nora is actually taking a nap, all by herself! I'm thrilled and am hoping that this is a sign that she is going to get back to her regular schedule. I'm going to work on being very strict with it this week to get her back in the swing of things.

She hasn't been eating very well lately, but my doctor assured me that just getting a few bites of food is enough because of all the milk she drinks in a day. The bad thing about it is that I have to throw away a lot of baby food because it has already been heated up and she doesn't want to eat it! I guess lots of babies go through this stage when they are more interested in the real bits of food that they are offered. It's true! Nora would much rather naw on a few cherrieos, bananas, and anything else we put near her than pureed food.

All the things a mother has to worry about!

Nora loves her Cheerios.

Nora's new highchair for Nana and Papa's house. The tongue is still out there!

I'm not sure that this is a cold. Snot, fever, and a little runny poo might mean teeth. We'll see. She sure seems happy during the day for having a cold! The only thing that is different is that going to bed is difficult. I don't know, I've never done this before.

Nora is now eating pears, bananas, and applesauce. She sits in her highchair and I give her very small pieces of canned pears and bananas. She actually looks like she is chewing the food with some major gumming action. It is so much fun to see her growing up!

Nora's newest smile includes a protruding tongue.

Snot

Nora has a cold. Unbelievably, she doesn't seem to bothered by it. She makes the most painful coughing sound and immediately smiles or giggles. She is very resilient. You'd think that being sick would make her want to sleep a lot, but that isn't the case. I really thought she would sleep today because she went to sleep three and a half hours later than normal last night (10:30) and woke up at 5:00. Hopefully she'll go to sleep at 7 like normal tonight.

The worst part of her cold is that she gags when she coughs. That mean lots of puke. Projectile puke. She hasn't puked since this morning, thankfully. She went 5 feedings in a row where she puked. Not too much fun for any of us.

Hopefully the snot will be gone before we go to visit Grandma and Grandpa.

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.