Happy 3 to Norah

Happy happy birthday to my sweet baby girl . . . err I guess you are not so much a baby anymore huh? Turning 3 is big. I guess I could say happy birthday to my Missy Muffin, but recently you told me that was not your name anymore. It's now Missy Muffin Chicken Nugget, well that a mouth full of silliness, but that is part of what makes you, you.

I spent some time remembering back to when you were just a baby. How so many doctors didn't think life with you could be so fulfilling and rewarding. I wish some of those doctors could see you now. So you have far exceeded any expectations they had for your life, you are truly a miracle and one of God's gifts. Life with hydrocephalus is not always easy, but you are working hard to kick it's butt. It is neat to see you meet new doctors, they review your medical file then meet you and are floored with how incredible you are. Your neurologist says Norah on paper versus in real life are two different people.

Your year being 2 was not terrible as so many people refer to the twos as being, but it was terrific and transforming. This year you went from leaning how to walk with a walker to being able to stand independently and being able to walk almost independently. We still keep that walker of your nearby but I hope and think that you'll be leaving completely behind before you know it. You my little girl are a talker, and this year I do believe you passed up Grant on talking. You amaze us daily with the big words you know and use. Today's word was astronaut. You also endured two more surgeries but didn't let either one slow you down.

Turning 3 is a big milestone for you, big changes are coming now that you are 3, oh yes. Until now we have spent our weeks with hanging out with our favorite PT, Emily and SLP, Amy, now we have to say goodbye. As the program is called Birth to 3 so it is time for to make new friends. So we will be off to new a place for therapy and making new friends.

I love you Lady Bug...

and when you say "take a picture of my face" then frame your face...

and when your can rock this look...



and when you say "take a picture of my booty" and assume this position...

 

and when you make this silly face...

and when I find you sleeping in the bed like this...

Or steal my camera leaving pictures like this...



Today is your day, to celebrate you. You are amazing, I can't wait to see what this year holds for you. I will continue to be your biggest fan, cheerleader and personal photographer.

Love, Mommy 

Happy Birthday Norah Cynthia!!

4th of July Celebration

Our typical 4th of July fun occurs at my parents cabin, but this year because of work schedules and our upcoming move it just wasn't in the plan to travel to Minnesota. We tried to make the most of the day here and find our festive spirit. We went to a parade in our soon to be new town with some friends.

Before the kids became to sweaty, stick or dirty, I wanted to get a picture of the kids together while waiting for the parade to start.

Attempt #1

Attempt #2

Attempt #3

Each photo was just getting worse than that one before, it just wasn't going to happen. Norah doesn't last long in the heat, so we snuggled up waiting for the parade to start in our matching tiaras.

We brought some portable fan and spray bottles along to help keep cool. Norah was trying to figure out how to work it.

Jason's hat was definitely the most fun.

When we were purchasing our fun hats, I tried to get him to purchase this one...

but trying to convince him to wear it outside in the 100+ temperatures we are having didn't work. I thought he could pull of the look even if there was sweat pouring off him(I may need to go back and buy the hat and matching Uncle Sam suit for him to wear for halloween now that it's on clearance ;) ).

We had a great time at the parade, the kids were excited about the candy they chased down during the parade and getting to see all the police cars, firetrucks and ambulances up close.

Happy Birthday America!!

There's a scary monster in this post

Just a quick laugh for you to enjoy, Norah's latest scary monster face.

Pretty fantastic, huh? Jason and I can't stop laughing.