Our first "girls weekend"

This weekend, Nora and I had fun together. TJ had a bachelor party in Kansas City for Larry. While he is off enjoying some bbq and who knows what else, Nora and I had so much fun entertaining each other.
We snuggled in our PJ's.
We played A LOT.
Nora worked on her standing in her exesaucer. She is getting more and more interested in it.
She also thoroughly enjoyed eating her toes.

I also went into school to start setting up for the school year. This was quite challenging to do with Nora. So, I decided to not go in again and wait for Monday when TJ can help me.
Everyone loved seeing Nora though.

A few events when I turned 16 weeks old

I played with my toys and held my head up so high. I also sported some rockin' leg warmers.
"Hey mom, is this dog always going to hang out near me?"
I put Nora on the ground while I was making pizza dough for dinner that night and Bailey decided she wanted in on the action. I do love our dog, but I must admit, my patience often runs quite thin with the four legged girl. Good thing she is good with Nora.
WHAT A CUTIE PIE!
"Um, aunt Melissa...I hate this"
We had a girls day this past Monday. My mom, sister, Nora and I hung out and did some shopping. The bookstore had some very fun hats that we had to try on Nora.

16 weeks

Our little doll is 16 weeks old today. She amazes me more each and every day. Recently, she has been babbling a TON. It is the best sound my ears have ever heard. TJ and I just listen and smile. Her babbles are even a bit sing song-ish. At night, right before her last feeding, I lay her on the bed and she just babbles and babbles, I just want to keep her up so I could continue to listen to her.
She has also discovered that her fingers are quite fun to put in her mouth. She is drooling a bunch and is also following objects, grabbing them and bringing them to her mouth. It is so fun to watch her grow. She loves to stand and has been rolling over more easily.
I think my most favorite thing is that she knows her mama.
I don't think I could ever describe how in love I am with this little miracle.

Nora goes to the Zoo

We had this great idea to bring Nora to the Brookfield Zoo on Sunday and pack a picnic. Apparently, many others had the same wonderful idea. It was quite crowded, but Nora did AWESOME. She didn't make a peep the whole 3 hours nor did she fall asleep during the entire adventure. I think she must have just loved all the new smells and things to look at.
Our little Penguin. TJ had her in the baby bjorn and stood behind these silly animal cutouts.
Since she chews on her new Sophie toy all the time (thanks for mentioning it Rebecca), we had to take her to visit the giraffs.

Random pics. here. She seems to thoroughly enjoy her little baby bjorn, so much that she often falls asleep in it.
Yeah, your styln' Nora. I love this cute little sweatsuit, she looks like such a big girl. (tear)

Nora has a new book to read

"Mommy, this looks like a really cool book, can we read it?"
"Sure Nora, it's a book your grandma made and it is all about daddy growing up"
"Hugh, look at my daddy."
"hahaha, oh this is a really funny picture of daddy."
"Mommy, what the heck are these?"
"I'm supposed to do what with these mommy?"

Other pictures from the weekend.

The deacon is saying very important words that we are all trying very hard to listen to over the sounds of other babies. Nora was an absolute angel and really didn't make a peep, not even when the Holy water was poured over her head.
Mommy and daddy had fun at your party Nora.

Ahhh, Nora fell asleep before mass. She must have known it was going to be a busy day and she needed her beauty rest. She is in the slip to her dress.

Nora is getting ready for her big day.
I will post more pictures. I am hoping Uncle Steve took some good ones because I was a bit distracted throughout the day. I need some of Nora with her Auntie Tara and her uncles. We also declared her Auntie Tara as her Fairy Godmother. :)

Nora's Baptism

Nora had her baptism yesterday (Aug. 16th). She looked beautiful in her gorgeous gown that her nana and papa bought for her and the future grandkids. We had a really lovely day despite the awful weather. Our plan for a backyard party did not work out so well due to all the rain. But, I think everyone still had a great time. We had lots of family over and enjoyed one another's company to celebrate an important day in our daughter's life.
In the above picture, Nora is with her Nana and Papa and Grandma and Grandpa.
This cake was SO good. Typically, my sister makes all the family cakes because she is a pastry chef. However, she was busy this past weekend so we had to purchase one. Weber's bakery is awesome. My mom would buy these cakes for all our birthday's growing up. She got the kind for Nora that I always asked for on my birthday. White cake, strawberry filling and whip cream frosting...not butter cream. YUM!
Nora's Godmothers. Aunt Lesli and Aunt Melissa. Nora is so lucky to have two wonderful aunts that will continue to guide her in life and faith throughout her growing years. They are both such wonderful woman. They are each very strong, kind, and loving individuals.
Mommy and daddy love you so much Nora Kay. You are the light of our lives and we thank God for you every day. We are so excited to see you learn and grow.
Nora's immediate family. TJ and I are so lucky to be able to raise Nora and our future children, in such a loving family. I love when our families are able to be together all at the same time. We are all around the same age and all of us get along really well. Thank you so much to everyone for coming to Nora's Baptism. We love you so much.

Sucking her thumb, yum!
We are totally going to put on sweating to the oldies later.
Precious girl.
Video is not working, oh well, here are some recent pics.

Nora is sucking her toes.

So sorry I have been bad about posting lately. Nora's baptism is this weekend and we have been getting ready for it throughout the week. This video was taken last night but I am not sure if it will upload since it is over 3 min.
Nora is such a doll. She has recently been grabbing her toes and bringing them to her mouth, which she them begins to suck on her big toe. It is pretty funny. She also LOVES to suck on my thumb.
I am having the best summer of my life with this little blessing of ours. She changes every day and each morning I am excited to wake up and see what else she will do. Her smile brightens my day, several times each day. I just want to squeeze her constantly I love her so much.

What? You talkin' to me?

Our bathing beauty

"Okay mom, I'm ready to go swimming."
So, Nora tried the pool thing again, and did not enjoy it very much.
Then, she tinkled on TJ after she got out. Hahahaha.

My first trip to Buffalo and a Bridal Shower

This past weekend we went back to Buffalo for Aunt Jordan's Bridal Shower and to see Grandma and Grandpa LaDuca, Aunt Lesli, and the rest of our Buffalo family. I think Nora had a fabulous time! She took the plane ride like a champ. She honestly did not make much of a peep at all. She received many compliments from the fellow passengers. We did have a few long days which tired the poor little girl out. But, all in all, the trip was really fun.

Here we are at the beginning of our adventure on the shuttle at Midway . Nora seems to be dealing with it just fine.Nora~ "so this is what a plane is huh? Not so sure about this mom""Hi Grandma, I heard you were really excited to see me"

We had dinner at the Patton's on Friday night. Nora thought it was quite fun.Nora is introduced to Uncle Larry for the first time. I think he was a little scared he might drop her...
The hand off seemed to go well. :)

We were all very excited for Nora to meet Great Grandma LaDuca. Grandma was so excited and didn't take her eyes off of her for an entire hour. I love this picture.In an unbelievable coincidence Mike and Amy happen to be back in B-lo this past weekend as well. It was so great to seem them both. Maybe Nora will get there sense of adventure one day. Mike and Amy are always taking unbelievable vacations to exotic places.

On our way back to Chicago the first time. Then we decided to take a bump and leave on Tuesday instead because they were overbooked. Worked out well for us. Free trip back to Buffalo at a later date. YEAH!


Nora then received a few outfits. She is quite perplexed though. I heard her talking earlier and she was in such a tissy about what to wear...

How about this one?

"Should I wear this Bill's outfit?"

"Maybe I will wear this outfit"
"hmmm...I could always just wear the jersey"

I don't think there is much chance our daughter will be a Bear's fan, all these Buffalo people are quite set on making her a Bill's fan. :)