Another week older!

For some reason, I seem to only be updating the blog once a week...that was never my intention so hopefully that'll change.
Anyway, Nora has had another fun week. She had lunch with some of Momma Erin's friends, had a visit from Papa Bob and Grandma Dottie, and spent another weekend with the crazy red heads and Tyler! I guess everything I have to say for this post is in the pictures...


Happy girl, lounging in her pajamas


Learning to love The Beatles already in this new outfit


Playing with Grandma Dottie


Enjoying playtime with Grandma Dottie


Picking on Papa Bob already


Tyler put Nora to sleep


So...should I wear my new jean jacket to the farmer's market or not?


Nora raised her hand to ask a question. "Can I get up from my nap now?"


All dressed up for church


Taking a burp break that Nora didn't want to take

Around the house

Nora has had another busy few days. Her social calendar is constantly filled. Nora made her first visit to Momma Erin and Momma Karrie's work on Friday. We started on Momma Erin's floor and visited with Aunt Jill and her row. Then we walked around a little bit and talked with people that we ran in to. After that, we went down to Momma Karrie's desk to visit her and her friends at work. It seems like everyone was very excited to meet Nora, and she can't wait to make her next trip so everyone can see how she's changing!
On Saturday, we made yet another trip to the Iowa State Fair. We went with Aunt Jill and Aunt Darcie to see the Ladies' Nail Driving contest and just walk around in general. We spent a lot of time walking around, but we also took breaks in the air-conditioning so everyone could cool off. We thought we forgot our camera, so we didn't take any pictures, but we had a lot of fun for sure!
On Sunday, Nora went to church for the first time. She slept thru the entire thing. And, at that age, you can get away with that.
Sunday was also the night of the Sheryl Crow concert at the Iowa State Fair. Momma Erin had a very difficult time leaving Nora for the first time (not that Momma Karrie didn't have a hard time too, but I just can't speak for her). Those 7 hours were the longest hours ever! But, when we got home, we found that she had been in great hands the entire time...not that we doubted that, just missed her! Thanks again Jill and Darcie!! We really appreciate it!
Monday was a long day because Sunday night was a late night. But, Nora and Momma Erin still got almost everything done on their "to-do" list.


Doesn't she look long?!?


Nora's first time wearing a bib...it was about as big as she is!


Sleeping in on Friday


Good mood on Friday evening!


This is a (bad) picture of Nora playing with her new friends! Thanks Becky and Rebecca!!!


Momma Karrie can't get enough of those little cheeks!


Even when she makes this face, I can't help but smile...its so cute! And, its what I often refer to as "the old man face".

Long weekend...

I'm so sorry that I haven't posted since Thursday! The fair wore me out I guess!
On Friday, Nora had a visit from Grandma Rita. We went shopping and Nora really enjoyed her stroller ride thru the malls.
On Saturday, Nora had a visit from Ryan, Margo, and Sophie. (Hope you had a great birthday Margo!)
Sunday was a beautiful day outside, so we hit the fair again in the afternoon. Nora was a champ the entire time and just enjoyed being in her stroller. By the time we left, she had really bright eyes, and she almost looked disappointed to be leaving.
Monday was Momma Karrie's last day off of work. So, we mostly just hung around the house and enjoyed each other. In the evening, Momma Erin decided that she wanted to go for a walk around "the big mall". So, we circled the top and bottom floors, then went out for dinner. Again, Nora enjoyed the stroller ride and slept thru the entire thing. She even slept thru our outing to the restaurant!


Nora with Grandma Rita on Friday (8/13/10)


Nora didn't like the smell coming from her diaper...or the smell from her belly button!


Nora relaxing in her boppy pillow


Momma Erin and Nora rested our eyes during the new tradition of Family Cuddle Night, while Momma Karrie changed the laundry


Nora loved seeing the famous butter cow at the fair this year!


Nora was bright eyed on the way out of the fair...sad to leave is my guess...

Nora's First State Fair!!!

So, the 2010 Iowa State Fair started today! And because Nora made a timely appearance into the world, she just had to be there! The forecast wasn't exactly "new baby friendly", so we had to be there very early before it got too hot. So, Momma Karrie and I got up at around 6:15, transferred Nora from her bed to her car seat, packed up and headed to the fair. When we got there, Nora woke up and couldn't stop looking around and taking it all in. Now, in all reality, we know that she can't see very well, or very far yet. But, the look on her face just said that she "saw" everything. After breakfast, the three of us went to the pavilion where they show cattle for an air conditioned break. While in that building, Momma Erin found $10 folded up very small in the middle of a doorway. There was absolutely no one around to claim it, so we saw that as having our parking paid for.
After that break, we walked to the Varied Industries building and spent about 2 hours looking at everything in there since it was much cooler. Once we were done in there, we went to the Animal Learning Center since it is air conditioned and on our way to the car. Nora's favorite part was the Animal Learning Center. She really enjoyed looking at the calf from her stroller (see picture below). I've also included a picture of just how excited she was to be at the fair.
When we were done at the fair (we left at noon because it was getting way too hot for any of us to stay out there), we headed home and got ready for a visit from Kathy Follett. Nora was a little fussy for Auntie Kathy, so, she got her first tummy time on Kathy's lap. It was so cute how relaxed and comfortable she was.
We do plan on going back to the State Fair when the weather cools off a little bit. I'm sure that there will be more pics of just how much fun Nora has on those days too!

(Editing Note: I just reviewed all of the pictures that we took and uploaded today and realized that Nora is asleep in every single one! I guess the State Fair really wore her out!)

Nora's First Outings

Yesterday, we took our first "big" outing. First, we stopped by our church because they had a birth rose for Nora on the altar at the service on Sunday morning to announce her birth. We picked up the rose and chatted a bit, then headed off to the mall.
We needed some things at Target and Momma Erin wanted to get out and walk around to get ready for the fair. Nora got to ride in her stroller for the first time. She looks so tiny in there, and no, we didn't even think to take a picture of it...but trust me it was darn cute! We did all of the shopping and walking that a person could handle a week after a csection, then decided it was time to get home. While we were at the mall, the momma's made appointments to get our hair cut on Tuesday, so we knew we'd have the opportunity to get back out for exercise again.
Last night, Nora got another bath. She did so well and didn't even cry at all! Her momma's were so proud!!
Last night, Nora didn't sleep as well as she had been, so between the two of us we were up with her from 1:30am until around 5:30am. I think it was just a fluke because she's been such a good sleeper. I'll just say that we're hoping for a better night tonight.
Today was another big day...Nora had her 1 week check up! We got to the doctor's office and she was a little fussy, but not too bad. It was a big reality check for momma Erin. Filling out all of the paperwork and where it asks for "relationship to patient" I filled in "Mother". It was crazy since I've never written that before. But, it felt good since it was for Nora. The doctor said she was doing really well and she's almost even back up to her birth weight!
We had our haircut appointments and picked up a few more things at Target, then headed home. Jill and Darcie came to visit us tonight too. Nora slept the whole time they held her. Once they left, we all took naps and didn't wake up until it was time for bed. Nora is now sleeping very hard and hopefully will stay that way for just a couple more hours...I guess we'll see...

First Weekend Home

Nora had a great first weekend home! She slept really well, only woke up 3-4 times both Friday and Saturday night. She's been a very good sleeper.
She took her first bath here at home and did very well with it! She only fussed a little at the beginning. Once she got used to what was happening, she just went along for the ride. I know I'm biased, but she is such a sweet girl!
This weekend she also met her cousins on Momma Karrie's side, as well as her Aunt Kellie, Aunt Traci, Uncle Eric, and Uncle Paul. All of them seemed to like her very much! She also got to spend some time with Grandma Rita and Grandpa Ron.

After meeting the cousins/aunts/uncles, and visiting with Grandma Rita and Grandpa Ron a bit, Nora had a play date with her friend Lola. Lola's mom Sheri came to visit too. We had a fun evening. And then, Nora's tummy started to hurt so we finally got her to sleep when the storms started. Luckily, she doesn't seem to be scared of them. She's currently sleeping pretty good. :)

Bustin' Out of the Hospital

Today was a very big day for us. It was the day we were released from the hospital. Nora had a completely normal discharge check up...absolutely nothing wrong, no jaundice or anything. Once Momma Erin was discharged, we all hit the road. We did have a little photo shoot at the hospital before leaving, but were anxious to get home and settled. Once we got home, Nora got used to the place pretty quick. She fits right in here! These pics are from the hospital before we left as well as when she got home and was getting ready for bed.

The first 30 minutes...