For lunch, we went to a Kiwanis sponsored salmon barbecue. Much to our surprise, Nora really liked it!
Sunday, April 09, 2006
Tulip Festival
Today we went to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in La Conner, about 60 miles north of Seattle. It was beautiful, but a bit rainy. It was amazing to see acres and acres of tulips and daffodils of all shapes and colors.
For lunch, we went to a Kiwanis sponsored salmon barbecue. Much to our surprise, Nora really liked it!
For lunch, we went to a Kiwanis sponsored salmon barbecue. Much to our surprise, Nora really liked it!
Lack of Interest
Welp, Nora has officially put a ban on peeing on the pottie. She would much rather play with the toilet than go in it. She loves to lift the lid and put her hands in the water. She also has been exploring ever aspect of a toilet. She understands the handle, the two separate and moving parts on the seat and has even found the bolts that hold it to the floor. It is a huge motivator to keep the toilet clean!
The Remfrey's wanted to wish a quick Happy 30th to Andi! Thanks for being the first one to do it ;-)
The Remfrey's wanted to wish a quick Happy 30th to Andi! Thanks for being the first one to do it ;-)
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Daisies at Gasworks
Here's a great picture Tracy took of Dar and Nora playing on top of the hill at Gasworks Park.
Goofing around in the park
Yesterday was a beautiful, sunny day so we decided to have a picnic. Tracy and Dar picked out some yummy cheese and we had a great lunch. Nora and I had lots of fun chasing each other around the park and watching some people fly kites.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Those Damn Ears!
Today was Nora's 18 month check up. She is 21 lbs. 15 oz. and 32 1/4" long. She is growing just as expected. I was a little worried about her weight not going up that much, but the doctor said that weight gain is expected to slow down around this time. She is around the 20th percentile for her weight and 70th for her height. The doctor's comment: "Well, she'll just have to deal with being a tall and thin woman." Bummer for her. I think I started out like that too ;-)
The doctor was very please with her large vocabulary (they only expect 3-5 words for a normal 18 month's development!) and her ability to name and point to many body parts: head, hair, eyes, nose, mouth, teeth, ears, fingers, hands, arms, tummy, belly button, knees, feet, toes, and legs. Chime in here Brian if I'm leaving any out.
The bad part is that she saw another double ear infection! Nora has shown no signs during this one and it doesn't seem to be bothering her at all. We have not been in for a doctor's appointment with her since we've moved here without them telling us she has an infection in one or both of her ears. I think she is getting very used to the pain. It must not be bad right now because she has been in wonderful moods and a joy to be around.
SO...we are off to the ENT next week Thursday to start the tubes-in-the-ears process. Her hearing is just not something I'm willing to compromise. The pediatrician said the ENT would probably have to first puncture her ear drums to drain all the puss before he'd be able to insert the tubes. Joy. He obviously can't do anything with an infection already there. Thank goodness Nana and Papa will be here during all that so she will have a wonderful distraction to keep her in good spirits.
The doctor was very please with her large vocabulary (they only expect 3-5 words for a normal 18 month's development!) and her ability to name and point to many body parts: head, hair, eyes, nose, mouth, teeth, ears, fingers, hands, arms, tummy, belly button, knees, feet, toes, and legs. Chime in here Brian if I'm leaving any out.
The bad part is that she saw another double ear infection! Nora has shown no signs during this one and it doesn't seem to be bothering her at all. We have not been in for a doctor's appointment with her since we've moved here without them telling us she has an infection in one or both of her ears. I think she is getting very used to the pain. It must not be bad right now because she has been in wonderful moods and a joy to be around.
SO...we are off to the ENT next week Thursday to start the tubes-in-the-ears process. Her hearing is just not something I'm willing to compromise. The pediatrician said the ENT would probably have to first puncture her ear drums to drain all the puss before he'd be able to insert the tubes. Joy. He obviously can't do anything with an infection already there. Thank goodness Nana and Papa will be here during all that so she will have a wonderful distraction to keep her in good spirits.
Monday, March 27, 2006
16 and 4:30
These two numbers have been a big pain in our rumps the last few nights. Nora has been getting her 15th and 16th teeth which have made her wake up at 4:30 am for the past four nights. The teeth finally cut through today.
Let's hope she is able to sleep through the night...maybe that dose of Motrin helped as well!
Let's hope she is able to sleep through the night...maybe that dose of Motrin helped as well!
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Gas Works Park
Today we spent the afternoon giving Jay and Jessica a tour of the less-known Seattle sights. Here's a family portrait taken with a view of the city behind us. Nora loved watching the kites on the hill nearby...something that we will have to try once the weather warms up a bit ;)
Saturday, March 25, 2006
NO & MINE
Oh the wonders of learning to talk. Nora's new favorite word is 'no.' She has gotten quite good at expressing her opinion. Don't have a clue where she got that ;-)
When I walked into Nono's daycare room on Thursday afternoon, I saw her grab a toy away from another child and say "mine" while shaking her head 'no'. The beginning of the terrible twos?
When I walked into Nono's daycare room on Thursday afternoon, I saw her grab a toy away from another child and say "mine" while shaking her head 'no'. The beginning of the terrible twos?
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Peeing at the Fred Meyer
On a grocery trip to the Fred Meyer this afternoon, Nora accompanied me to the restroom. After watching me pee, she decided she wanted a go. As soon as I put her on the pot, she started to pee!
My first peeing experience with Nora...how exciting!
My first peeing experience with Nora...how exciting!
Friday, March 17, 2006
Potty trained!?!?
Nora had her first successful attempt at using the toilet today! Thanks to Grandma's quick reflexes and an impressive understanding of Nora's body language, she made it to the loo without a moment to spare.
Dress-Up
One of Nora's favorite things to do is to play dress-up. This was taken during one of her sick days this week. We got her dressed up in some of Auntie Vanessa's old clothes.
Drawing pictures with Grandpa
Nora was more interested in eating the Crayons than drawing with them.
Monday, March 13, 2006
ENOUGH already!
Nora has once again come down with a bug. She was feverish last night and woke up around 4:00 this morning shivering with a terrible fever. She threw up, and then it was off to the ER again!
After an examination, it sounds like Nora has come down with a virus. The stomach flu is going around, so it looks like we will have a couple more days of Sick Nora to contend with. We can't wait for her to be healthy again!
After an examination, it sounds like Nora has come down with a virus. The stomach flu is going around, so it looks like we will have a couple more days of Sick Nora to contend with. We can't wait for her to be healthy again!
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Nora playing "row, row, row your boat" at Juanita Beach Park
We took a walk with Grandma down to Juanita Beach and had lots of fun playing on the swings and the whale!
Nora and Mommy on Alki Beach
Nora had lots of fun scooping up handfuls of sand and running away from the waves!
Riding the Pig - Pike Place Market
Grandma and Nora checking out the big pig outside the Pike Place Market.
Nora at Pike Place Market
Grandma and Grandpa are visiting us this week, and for their first full day in Seattle we decided to give them a tour of the city...Pike Place Market, Alki Beach, and the Uwajimaya Market/International District.
Here's Nora and Daddy checking out the fruit stands at the Pike Place Market. We ended up getting some excellent halibut steaks to put on the grill tonight!
Here's Nora and Daddy checking out the fruit stands at the Pike Place Market. We ended up getting some excellent halibut steaks to put on the grill tonight!
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Otitis Media...it's an ear infection by any other name
Nora is back on antibiotics for the fourth ear infection of the year. We will have her checked again in April to see if this one will do the trick, if not it looks like she's going to have tubes put in.
Between the kidney incident last September and the ear infections now, we have amassed an impressive array of antibiotics...a shelf in the kitchen, a couple in the refrigerator next to the butter, and a whole container full of those little plastic syringes from Walgreens.
Fortunately Nora has been very good about taking her medicine, and the pediatricians here have been top-notch. We got a call from the pediatricians office at 7 PM on a Friday evening asking which pharmacy they should call to register her new prescription...I was pleasantly surprised!
Although her ear is bothering her, Nora is still maintaining her composure. She was very good for the babysitter last night (Mommy and Daddy needed a night off!) and we had lots of fun swimming at the Pro Club this morning.
Between the kidney incident last September and the ear infections now, we have amassed an impressive array of antibiotics...a shelf in the kitchen, a couple in the refrigerator next to the butter, and a whole container full of those little plastic syringes from Walgreens.
Fortunately Nora has been very good about taking her medicine, and the pediatricians here have been top-notch. We got a call from the pediatricians office at 7 PM on a Friday evening asking which pharmacy they should call to register her new prescription...I was pleasantly surprised!
Although her ear is bothering her, Nora is still maintaining her composure. She was very good for the babysitter last night (Mommy and Daddy needed a night off!) and we had lots of fun swimming at the Pro Club this morning.
The Cascades on the way home
Here is the view from the car on the way home from the Children's Museum, heading east on Hwy. 520 toward Lake Washington. It was a beautiful day, you could see the mountains on all sides. This is the Cascade range which runs to the east and south of Seattle.
Painting pictures with Mommy
Inside the Children's Museum, there is an art room where kids can work on different projects. This week the special was painting and "recycled art" - building sculpture out of leftover things. 
I found you, salamander!
The Seattle Children's Museum also has a mountain and forest exhibit, with little creatures hidden under rocks. This one has a salamander in it.
Mommy, help! I'm inside a whale!
On Saturday afternoon we took Nora back to the Seattle Childrens Museum to play around. This is by far one of her favorite places to go.
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Greenlake Park
This morning we went for a walk around Greenlake Park, on the north side of Seattle. We were impressed by the number of joggers and walkers on the trail on a Sunday morning in February. Nora had lots of fun checking out the ducks and made sure to say hi to all of the dogs that we passed during our trek around the lake.
Saturday, February 25, 2006
The final product
Nora is posing for Daddy (blue bow and all) at the outdoor shopping center in Redmond where she had her haircut.
Time for a haircut!
This afternoon we took Nora in for a haircut. The place specializes in haircuts for young children, so she got to sit and play in her own little truck the whole time.
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Nora the Architect
Inspired by the architectural wonders of the city that we saw today, Nora returned home to render her own vision for the next addition to the Seattle skyline...in Duplo blocks.
Weekend wanderings
Nora came down with another series of ear infections and the croup on Wednesday…Mommy has been keeping her company this whole time so we decided it was time to get out and do something fun this weekend. We’re hoping that Nora will be feeling better tomorrow…it has been a while since she slept through the night, and Mommy and Daddy are starting to feel the effects.
Today we got to do lots of fun things…we had a great dim sum lunch at a Chinese place in Bellevue, then headed to West Seattle to do some sightseeing and exploring. Nora charmed the woman working the counter at the Italian bakery we visited and managed to score a free cookie!
We meandered down the hill until we reached Alki Beach, which has a great view of Elliott Bay, the Olympic mountain range, and the Seattle skyline. The view was amazing…without hardly a cloud in the sky! The tide was low, so we got to see some tiny little crabs that scattered when we picked up a rock. Nora got to examine some clam shells, and squealed when she put her hands in the water. The temperature was about 45 degrees but the water was very cold.
She doesn’t quite understand the difference between birds and ducks…every time she saw a pigeon or seagull today, she pointed and excitedly said “duck-ee! duck-ee!”
Today we got to do lots of fun things…we had a great dim sum lunch at a Chinese place in Bellevue, then headed to West Seattle to do some sightseeing and exploring. Nora charmed the woman working the counter at the Italian bakery we visited and managed to score a free cookie!
We meandered down the hill until we reached Alki Beach, which has a great view of Elliott Bay, the Olympic mountain range, and the Seattle skyline. The view was amazing…without hardly a cloud in the sky! The tide was low, so we got to see some tiny little crabs that scattered when we picked up a rock. Nora got to examine some clam shells, and squealed when she put her hands in the water. The temperature was about 45 degrees but the water was very cold.
She doesn’t quite understand the difference between birds and ducks…every time she saw a pigeon or seagull today, she pointed and excitedly said “duck-ee! duck-ee!”
Monday, February 13, 2006
Another busy weekend
We had another busy (and BEAUTIFUL) weekend. On Saturday, we went with some friends to the Woodland Park Zoo, so that Nora could get some exposure to those animals she keeps reading about in all of her books. The zoo is absolutely amazing, laid out like a park with incredible trees native to the regions represented (Africa, SE Asia, etc.). Nora's favorite animal was the gorilla.
Nora's vocabulary continues to expand every day. Now she makes animal sounds, and can identify almost all of the animals in her book. My personal favorite is the rooster, which comes out sounding something like "ak...dooooooo!"
It was almost 60 degrees and sunny on Sunday, so we went to the store and bought flowers. Nora was very enthusiastic about helping mommy plant them...she loved playing with the potting soil and throwing clods of dirt off the balcony. It was a bit strange for us to be outside planting flowers in February.
Alas, no pictures as our camera seems to be malfunctioning.
Nora's vocabulary continues to expand every day. Now she makes animal sounds, and can identify almost all of the animals in her book. My personal favorite is the rooster, which comes out sounding something like "ak...dooooooo!"
It was almost 60 degrees and sunny on Sunday, so we went to the store and bought flowers. Nora was very enthusiastic about helping mommy plant them...she loved playing with the potting soil and throwing clods of dirt off the balcony. It was a bit strange for us to be outside planting flowers in February.
Alas, no pictures as our camera seems to be malfunctioning.
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Monday, February 06, 2006
What a week!
Nana and Auntie Vanessa were visiting us this week, and did a great job of keeping Nora entertained for hours on end. They played together, read lots of books, went to the aquarium, and had fun talking to Papa on the webcam.
Early Saturday morning we all headed west, to the Pacific coast and the Quinault Rainforest. The trip turned out to be more of an adventure than any of us thought it would be. Nana was in crutches, and there was no electricity in the cabin until late Saturday night...which made for a chilly evening. We had a fire going in the fireplace (Nora's observation: "hot") and made some hot chocolate while we waited for the electricty to come back. Nora waddled around the living room in five layers of clothing and played hide-and-seek with me, having a great time dispite the circumstances. The electricity (and heat!) finally came on around 10:00 PM.
They headed back to Milwaukee yesterday, and today it's back to the routine (and electricity!) of our new home. The city is in a state of mourning after the Seahawks' loss!
Early Saturday morning we all headed west, to the Pacific coast and the Quinault Rainforest. The trip turned out to be more of an adventure than any of us thought it would be. Nana was in crutches, and there was no electricity in the cabin until late Saturday night...which made for a chilly evening. We had a fire going in the fireplace (Nora's observation: "hot") and made some hot chocolate while we waited for the electricty to come back. Nora waddled around the living room in five layers of clothing and played hide-and-seek with me, having a great time dispite the circumstances. The electricity (and heat!) finally came on around 10:00 PM.
They headed back to Milwaukee yesterday, and today it's back to the routine (and electricity!) of our new home. The city is in a state of mourning after the Seahawks' loss!
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Friday, February 03, 2006
Pigtails
The kids played dress up at daycare this afternoon and somehow a few of the girls ended up with pigtails in their hair. We couldn't get over how grown up Nora looked!
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