i'd rather be camping

Seventeen Months

2011-11-15T20:49:00.001-06:00

At 17 months Nora is into:

broccoli (tees!)
clinking glasses (salut!)
doing it herself
chasing after Gatsby(Ats-ee) the papillon carrying around a large tupperware tray filled with sippy cups
her lovey, Booboo (tiny fleece blanket with a lamb/hippo/rabbit head depending on which one is clean)
her stuffed turtle (Tuh-tle) from "Uncle Brandon"
being done with dinner when she she is done with dinner
tea

Why am I giving a 17 month update? Because we had 17 month photos taken and I feel the need to write something and not just post photos. The timing is slightly less random than you might think. Basically, I wanted 18 month photos/holiday photos taken but our wonderful photography Tanya of Precious Moments Photography is due with her second child in early December and wasn't going to be available closer to the time Nora hits 18 months. So we went with 17 months. I'm keeping the holiday photos under wraps (pun totally intended) until a more appropriate time. I refuse to give into the holiday spirit until Thanksgiving has passed.

Catfish Kisses

2011-11-13T16:21:00.000-06:00

Finally! A schedule-free Sunday with no Packer game. Thank you Monday Night Football. It's not that I'm anti-football or anything. It's just when the Badgers take up a chunk of every Saturday and the Packers overwhelm Sundays and the Brewers were in the playoff for far too long, weekends tend to get kind of crowded. That's way more sports than this barely casual fan can handle.

Plus, we were running out of food. And though the local Piggly Wiggly manages to keep us stocked with staples, getting real groceries requires an hour and a half roundtrip drive to Dubuque. Since there was no game to get home for, we used the opportunity to visit the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium. Mike and I had been before, mainly through Girl Scout trips when I was in grad school and working for GSUSA. As the admission price is borderline outrageous (I would prefer Smithsonian affliates charge what the Smithsonian does...ie. nothing) I made an executive decision that we should probably go before we have to start paying for Nora, and it gave us an excuse to see the new addition in the old Diamond Jo Casino. I hope Nora appreciated the trip - because we're now broke and future trips to an aquarium will probably involve the fish section at PetSmart.

Loving the toddler accessible fishies.

Giant Channel Cat (I know this guy has a name) coming in for a smooch.

Puckering up.

Can you feel the love?

He (she?) has many secrets. Some of which Nora now knows.

Checking out the giant Gar in the recessed window that almost led to an injury.

Petting the badger pelt. Daddy basically skipped all the other animals and went straight to Bucky.

Halloween #2

2011-10-31T20:11:00.004-05:00

I love Halloween. Mainly for the chocolate. Not so much for the Whoppers (which, as far as I am concerned, are as much a waste of sugar as Sweet Tarts, Smarties, and anything made with white "chocolate"). I also love Halloween because, unless you take yourself a little too seriously and you're out protesting in the streets (and to be honest, if it weren't for you, I'm pretty sure NOBODY would remember Halloween's evil, horrendous, scary "pagan" roots), it is the one holiday that really is just about collecting and consuming enormous amounts of sugary goodness. I don't have to feel thankful for anything (except that last Reeses Peanut Butter Cup I discovered after thinking I eaten all of them), be annoyed by people reminding me "the reason for the season" (yes, got it, thank you), or hurt my brain by attempting to figure out the whole bunny/resurrection link (how come nobody goes door to door on Easter complaining?) not to mention having to avoid Cadbury Cream Eggs...gross.

I trick or treated a bit longer than most kids (I was short and got away with it), had quite the time in Madison during and after college (before the whole riot thing started), but frankly, having a kid at Halloween is definitely a parental perk. Especially if said child is too young to really eat much of the candy but looks absolutely adorable in costume. And what kid doesn't.

This year, Mike announced in August that he and Nora were going as Mario and Luigi. He is, after all, a plumber. Seriously the easiest costume ever. Two inexpensive felt hats off Etsy, a pair of overalls for Mike from the bargain bin at Farm and Fleet, and a little eyeliner for moustaches and we were set. Babies come equipped with red onesies and overalls. Wisconsinites come equipped with green Packer shirts. I think they turned out quite nicely if I do say so myself.

Luigi & Mario. Mario obviously needs to find a mushroom or a fireflower stat.

The best part of Nora's night (and this includes eating candy) was spending most of the evening on Daddy's shoulders.

What? You don't have a small mustachioed Pebbles Flintstone in your bathtub?

Vesperman Farms Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-22T17:00:00.002-05:00

As it was a spectacularly beautiful October day, we took a short drive out of town to the Vesperman Farms Pumpkin Patch right outside of Lancaster. While we skipped the corn maze...

Nora had a delightful time sitting on giant pumpkins.

And sliding down giant pumpkins.

And trying to haul away very large pumpkins.

Until she found a pumpkin just her size.

And then another.

She was amazed by the pumpkin trebuchet.

And literally went up to it and applauded after it did its thing.

And just for fun...our little pumpkin at the patch one year ago (on what turned out to be a 90 degree day...ick!)

Fun things to do with a colander...

2011-08-22T08:13:00.000-05:00

With apologies for the poor photo quality

Stand in it.

Sit in it.

Place it on furniture.

Place it on your head.

Plates

2011-08-12T08:00:00.000-05:00

Cousins don't shake hands...

2011-08-10T08:00:00.002-05:00

Cousins gotta hug!

Nora (14 months) and her third cousin Paige (17 months) at Mike's cousin's wedding this past weekend.

Little torture chamber on the prairie (or "just don't look down")

2011-07-26T08:00:00.004-05:00

I am not afraid of any of the following:

Bats (They eat mosquitoes. They are my friends.)
Snakes (I took a 6 foot bullsnake to kindergarten for show and tell)
Spiders (See bats)
Heights
Etc.

I would rather the following not come into my house, but as long as they're outside, I will not react:

Silverfish
Millipedes
Mice
Ticks

Unfortunately, the following will cause a major freakout and I MAY allow my child to be bitten by a turtle during said freakout:

Dead frogs

It all started innocently enough. A midmorning Sunday hike before the mercury rose too far, so off to the Avoca Prairie Mike, Lambeau, Nora and I went. We left Gatsby at the cabin as apparently he is some sort of tick delicacy (we pulled more than 30 off him one evening a few weeks ago).

Lambeau found a turtle crossing the path.

Nora went to check it out. As I am in the process of moving her away from said turtle because it is getting orny and she is getting a little rough, I notice that the trail is literally COATED in the bodies of dead frogs. COATED.

There are live frogs hopping everywhere merrily. Presumably their dead brethren have been smushed by trucks driving down the trail toward the Wisconsin River or overheated in the recent heatwave. At this point I literally start choking and hyperventilating at the same time. And forget that Nora is trying to "pet" an orny turtle. Her yell brings me back to reality long enough to assist Mike in calming her down and checking out her finger. It really does resemble a tasty little morsel. Mr. Turtle probably thought it was his lucky day - being hassled by a mutant five-pronged earthworm. Then I go back into "there are dead frogs everywhere mode."

Once assured that Nora was still mostly in one piece we continued the hike. Honestly, had I been barefoot I'm pretty certain I'd have confessed to both the JFK and Lincoln assassinations and admitted that I am, in fact, from another planet. And whatever else you need from me. I just. didn't. look. down.

Approximately halfway down the trail a sign indicates that it is closed to motor vehicles to the river, so I am able to hike in relative non-hyperventilating comfort. Until we head back and I realize that I have walk BACK THROUGH THE FROGS. And we did. I stared at the trees and kept muttering something to Mike about how brave I was being.

So yep, that's it folks. I'm pretty much a neglectful parent. And terrified of dead amphibians. So I'm an embarrassing neglectful parent. Awesome.

Butterflies

2011-07-24T08:00:00.001-05:00

Nora, my mom ("Mimmi"), and I spent a lovely weekend in Madison last weekend. We poked around the shops on State Street and Hilldale, dined at some lovely restaurants, stayed at a great boutique hotel (Dahlman Campus Inn on Langdon and Francis), and explored the Olbrich Botanical Gardens. We especially enjoyed finding the butterflies hidden amongst the exotic plants in the 'Blooming Butterflies' exhibit.

But wait...there's more

2011-07-22T08:00:00.008-05:00

You probably thought I was done blogging about our camping trip...but you would be wrong. So, without further ado...nature!

Ten tips for tent camping with toddlers

2011-07-21T08:00:00.004-05:00

1) Babes in the Woods by Jennifer Alst is an excellent resource for camping (including backpacking), hiking, and boating with young children. (And by camping I do not mean camping in a trailer.)

2) Bring clothing for ALL potential weather situations you may encounter. Think of it this way - there is no bad weather, only inappropriate clothing! For midwest summers this means hot days, potentially cool nights, and rain. In the Rockies this means hot days, cold nights, thunderstorms, rain, and even the chance of snow. The night of the Fourth of July was so chilly that Nora wore a onesie, her baselayers, fleece pjs, the fleece liner to an old snowsuit (with built in hood and mittens), and her quilted sleep sack. We had a winter jacket on her outside. When it came to rain, although we could have made do with a raincoat, I found Tuffo Muddy Buddy Overalls were PERFECT because they covered Nora from head to ankle and allowed her to be outside in the rain and the mud without getting cold or wet.

3) Ensure your little one is comfy at night. The pad we'd brought for Nora sprung a leak after three nights. Luckily, my brother headed back for Denver around this time so we used his sleeping pad. While I don't advocate going out and buying your toddler a $100 pad, find something that is insulated and comfortable. Many companies make 3/4 length pads which are relatively inexpensive. Trust me, if the baby is sleeping well, you'll all be a lot happier.

4) If you're still nursing, don't wean your baby until your camping trip has concluded. I held off beginning the weaning process until we returned from the Rockies and it was a lifesaver and made both hiking trips and nights much easier on all of us. If your little one is weaned and/or you need cows milk, bring powdered milk - it avoids the headaches associated with trying to keep fresh milk from going bad. Nido is whole milk powder available at Latino grocery stores. (It also works delightfully well in coffee). Make sure you remove all sippy cup valves - its hard to get them REALLY clean while camping and then you end up with sour milky valves. Ew. (Sidenote - bottle brushes make for excellent dishwashers).

5) Plan appropriate activities around naptime. We tried to plan either a drive to our next destination or a hike around naptime since Nora was happy to sleep in her pack or in the car.

6) Make sure your first aid kit is stocked for everyone, including your toddler. For us, this meant infant Tylenol, nose spray, Desitin, anti-fungal etc.

7) Stay organized. While this probably isn't necessary for a short camping trip, I found it really helpful to get the big Rubbermaid totes with DRAWERS for our supplies. One for each of us for clothes, one for food, one for small camping supplies (headlamps etc.), and one for large camping supplies.

8) Choose a baby carrier that fits everyone in your family. Mike is almost 6'3. I'm not quite 5'2. We have the Deuter Kid Carrier II which adjusts to fit both of us comfortably. Spend the extra $20 and get the sun/rain cover. You won't regret it.

9) Don't be afraid of dirt. Nora was covered in dirt, bugs, and leaves within about five minutes of arriving at our first site. She had a blast. She showered when we did - about every three days, and I wiped her down with baby wipes in between. We brought no toys with us except for a foam football we found under the seat in the car on our second to last day. We didn't need them.

10) Know when to call it quits. Determine your breaking point BEFORE you go so there isn't any issue about whether it is time to head home or move to a hotel. For us, that meant rain for more than 24 hours. Once the forecast also called for hail, we knew it was time to move to a hotel.

Colorado Camping Trip - Days Ten & Eleven

2011-07-20T08:00:00.004-05:00

We spent our final morning camping hiking Black Canyon National Park. We made a quick trip to see the Painted Wall, which is nearly twice as high as the Empire State Building.

Once Miss Nora decided to rejoin the waking world we hiked out to Warner Point.

At this point in the trip, Mike's back had had enough of a 15 pound pack containing a 20 pound baby.

We made the long (five hour) drive back to Denver. Scrubbed more than a weeks worth of grime off ourselves and met Brendan and Sonya for sushi. It was a great way to end a wonderful trip.

We woke up early the next morning and headed for the midwest. It would have been a much smoother drive than the trip out except the air conditioner kept interfering with the hybrid battery and shutting the car off. So we had to drive most of the way with no air conditioning. And it was almost 100 degrees. So we were once again disgustingly filthy and sweaty by the time we pulled into my parent's house Saturday evening.

Colorado Camping Trip - Day Nine

2011-07-19T08:00:00.001-05:00

After one last trip to the Backstreet Bistro, we bid farewell to Ouray and headed toward Montrose. Mike wanted to try the disc golf course located near the city park, so Nora and I entertained ourselves at the playground equipment while Mike lost two discs and had trouble locating tee pads.

We stopped at the Horsefly Brewery on our way out of town and each had a sampler. Mike also had a 50/50 burger that consisted of half hamburger and half bacon. He was in heaven until the heartburn kicked in a few hours later.

We drove a few miles up the road to Black Canyon National Park and made camp – in a true campground for the first time all trip. Once we’d had dinner and the temperature dropped we hiked along the north rim of the canyon.

After a week carrying Nora in the pack, Mike was excited to show off his new skills – pushups, crane-style…he was also attacked by a rainbow. Poor guy.

As I said, this was the first and only night we camped in an actual campground. Unfortunately, we made the mistake of butting up against the RV loop. A group of approximately 15 Israelis camped next to us. They had no inside voices (or quiet outside voices as the case may be). And around 10:30 out came a harmonica. I'm not sure I've ever been so glad to hear a thunderstorm arrive in my life as I was when one decended upon us around 11:00 that night.

Colorado Camping Trip - Day Eight

2011-07-18T08:00:00.002-05:00

With more storms forecast for the afternoon, we decided to get a couple good hikes in as early as possible. We also decided to spend a second night in the hotel, and were glad we did since a major hailstorm hit late in the afternoon. After a repeat breakfast at the Backstreet Bistro we headed up to Box Canyon. Nora thought getting sprayed by the mist from the falls was pretty amazing.

She liked looking down over the falls from high above even better.

After some Spicy Leprechan Balls at O’Brien’s Pub we did a second hike on the Portland Trail.

Nora wanted to live in a “Baby Bathtub” and screamed when we took her out.

We made it back to the hotel just in time to avoid getting soaked by a slow moving thunderstorm. The skies cleared early in the evening and we ended our last full day in Ouray with a dip in the Ouray Hot Springs. Sorry folks, no pictures of me in my bathing suit!

Colorado Camping Trip - Day Seven

2011-07-17T08:00:00.001-05:00

Our second day in Ouray started out warm and sunny. We headed to the Backstreet Bistro for breakfast. I’ve only ever had their bagel with lox and its all I ever intend to order. Apparently while I was in the bathroom, a small girl asked her mother if Mike was a pirate. We took this as a sign that it was time to shower. Although the skies looked a bit ominous, we decided to try to get a hike in. We walked along the Perimeter Trail and stopped at the Potato Field – where Brendan and Sonya’s wedding was held last August.

Twenty minutes or so later it was pouring. Nora and I had raingear, but Mike hadn’t brought his on the hike. We ducked into the visitor center at Box Canyon and waited out the worst of the storm before walking into town. By this point it had started to hail. Over a couple beers at Billy Goat’s we decided that we didn’t want to risk a cold, wet, night in a tent with a one year old, especially if we were risking hail damage! (Ice chunks + nylon tent ≠ a fun time).

Nora and I checked into the Ouray Chalet and Mike made the hike back up to our campsite to collect our things and get the car. Nora got a little wild in the hotel room that evening!

Colorado Camping Trip - Day Six

2011-07-16T08:00:00.001-05:00

As the 4^th of July dawned, we said goodbye to Brendan and his friends and to Crested Butte and headed for Ouray. As we’d visited Ouray the year before for Brendan and Sonya’s wedding and needed a little break, we took our sixth day pretty slow. Nora showed no signs of consciousness as we located a camping site, so we set up camp while she napped in the car (with the doors open). I decided to take a little rest as well. Mike popped a beer and sat in the sunshine outside. A few moments later he started whispering furiously. I came out of the tent and discovered that a baby squirrel had fallen out of a tree and climbed up his leg. Its mother was NOT happy. She managed to coax him off Mike’s leg and carried him back to the nest only to have him “fall” out a few minutes later. It took her a good half hour to get him back in there. The whole ordeal made me glad that when my baby wants to learn about gravity she generally drops her sippy cup. She does not fling herself out of a tree.

Later that afternoons the skies got dark and it rained for a while, which we took as an opportunity to go into town and grab a bite to eat at Billy Goat’s Gruff Biergarten. Nora was delighted to get to play in the mud in her new hazmat suit when we got back to camp. I was delighted that I didn't have to deal with a muddy baby.

The rain brought some chilly weather that evening, so we bundled up our wee girl in about twelve layers. She was out like a light before the loudest firework display I’ve ever heard began. She didn’t make a peep.

Colorado Camping Trip - Day Five

2011-07-15T08:00:00.003-05:00

After waking up to seriously ridiculously pretty scenery

our second day in Crested Butte started out with showers and laundry at the local hostel. Cause it’s not cool to be dirty hippies.

Then we proceeded to negate the cleanliness with a 10+ mile hike.

We went approximately a mile up to an overlook over Judd Falls and then continued as fall as we could go before a substantial creek forced us to turn around.

Brendan gave Mike a break and carried the baby pack for a bit.

Nora particularly enjoyed the creek, which was just a few degrees above freezing. I honestly have no idea how her feet didn’t freeze and fall off.

After making our way back down, we located the Eldo Brewery. After “sampling” everyone else’s beer, I had a Beckwith Brown Ale. We also split an order of deep fried avocado, which may be the most delicious thing I’ve ever eaten.

Colorado Camping Trip - Day Four

2011-07-14T08:00:00.002-05:00

We're off to Crested Butte where I believe the official slogan is "we're just like you, only prettier." Seriously. This place is beautiful. Biker/paddler/hiker/shoppers dream. It's also the wildflower capital of Colorado (we missed the festival by a week).

Yeah, that's the view from our tent.

And out the other "door"

We camped on a slope that ended in a sheer drop to a river. Needless to say, we kept a close eye on Miss Nora.

Colorado Camping Trip - Day Three

2011-07-13T08:00:00.002-05:00

Nora is still on central time and wakes up accordingly. Both Brendan and Mike are feeling the effects of drinking at an altitude higher than they're used to and are not in the best shape of their lives. Mike is also feeling the effects of a 12+ hour drive. So Brendan does a little physical therapy mountain-style. Nora assists.

With the guys in less than perfect shape, and Mike and I still very unacclimated to the elevation, we decide to take it easy today. We head into Buena Vista and take a relatively easy hike next to the Arkansas River.

Apparently Buena Vista is a big whitewater rafting area. We take a break and sit by the river and watch the rafts hit the rapids, which is pretty cool. We even saw a guy "Colorado Surfing" which basically involves what appears to be a boogie board.

We close out our visit to Buena Vista with a trip to Eddyline Brewery. I'm hoping they have their famous Apricot Wheat. They don't. I try the Sour Cherry Wheat which is pretty tasty. The pizza is also delightful.

Colorado Camping Trip - Days One & Two

2011-07-12T08:00:00.001-05:00

You may have noticed that the name of this blog is "I'd Rather Be Camping". You also may have noticed that there has been very little camping mentioned here in the last two years. Unfortunately a really crappy summer followed by a summer with a newborn will do that to you. We decided to remedy that in a major way this year. Plus, it was time Nora learned what her parents do for fun. And honestly, what would be the point of a pathetic little weekend trip in humid, bug infested Wisconsin? Oh no...we went all out. We did a week in the Rockies. In the spirit of blogging more than once a month, I'm going to break down our trip into daily-ish chunks. So enjoy. Or don't. Whatever.

Day One

7:30am: Leave an hour late
7:45am: Have trouble locating a Starbucks in Coralville, IA
9:30am: Fall off I-80 somewhere around Des Moines
10:00am -12:00pm: Get a up-close-and-personal tour of the flooding in southwest Iowa while attempting to locate I-80 and not end up in Kansas City.
1:00pm: Happy gleefulness ensues upon locating Nebraska.
1:05pm: Gleefulness fades as we realize we are in Nebraska
1:05 - Middle of next century: Nebraska
2113 (approximately): Arrive in Denver

Day Two
We somehow manage to find room for Brendan in a car that barely has room for me, Mike, and Nora. As we are camping with one year old, I am taking no chances and have packed for every weather situation and every minoro illness or first aid mishap. We also have enough dehydrated food to last a traveling circus for a month (including the elephants). Two and a half hours after leaving Denver, we arrive in Buena Vista. We've only had one minor car issue. The area around Buena Vista is a sort of lunar scrub. Unfortunately, this means there is almost no shade. Oh well. We're camping! Who cares!

After finding that Brendan's favorite camping site is taken, we find another that will work and make camp. Then we crack open the beer (or in Brendan's case, bourbon), the dehydrated Pad Thai (don't laugh, I love it) and do very little until the sun starts to set and the temperature drops below 85.

Nora discovers rocks.

Nora discovers dirt. Nora discovers that she loves dirt. Nora discovers that she loves being covered in dirt.

All is well.

Once the sun makes its way toward the horizon we pack our pajama clad (and slightly less dirty, thanks to baby wipes) baby into her pack and take a short hike out to see the buena vista.

Climbing rocks + playing in the dirt + a hike make for a very tired baby. Thank goodness! (Although I have absolutely no idea how she can sleep like that).

She doesn't even notice when we put her in the tent.

We cap off the night by scaling a climbable boulder and having drinks at the summit (and yes, we're within hearing and sight distance of the sleeping baby, in case you were wondering.)

Water Baby

2011-06-29T12:00:00.004-05:00

This kid loves the water (actually, both these kids love the water.) Most pictures of “baby’s first bath” include a bright red, screaming infant and very frazzled looking parents. Nora’s first photos included a very calm looking (rather yellow) newborn. At eight weeks we went to the seashore in Delaware and we dipped her toes in the Atlantic. At eleven weeks she went swimming in the hot springs in Ouray, Colorado (she went completely limp). At seven months she splashed in the Caribbean. (Is this kid indulged, or what?!). At eight months she would attempt to literally LAUNCH herself out of my arms into the bathtub, whether there was water in it or not. And last Friday she attempted to scale the wall of the bathtub to get in. It may have been a busy weekend, but we decided it was in everyone’s best interest to take advantage of the warm and sunny weather and hit the Lancaster pool for family night. She was a hoot to watch, and managed to drink most of the pool water all by herself. Swimming lessons start in August. We’re expecting a mini Michael Phelps within a year or two (without the bong, please). But no pressure, Nora. No pressure.

Weekend in Madison

2011-06-27T12:00:00.013-05:00

The Triumvirate joined forces for a practically perfect weekend in Madison.

We braved the crowds at the Farmer's Market and played on the steps of the state capitol building.

After a walk down State Street, the Memorial Union Terrace was an excellent place for a late morning snooze.

And we all enjoyed lunch al fresco at Monty's Blue Plate Diner on Atwood.

Lucy was a happy girl at Gail Ambrosius Chocolates (she wasn't the only one)

After a busy day, we had a quiet night at home.

But got up bright and early on Sunday to go to a fundraiser at Henry Vilas Zoo. Nora made a lion.

And Lucy made a giraffe.

Then we had a quick visit with the animals. Lucy thinks goats are pretty fantastic.

Something Nora already knew.

Although, we got to see this face (and hear the accompanying noise) again after leaving EVERY animal enclosure. Apparently it is not just reserved for goats.

What a difference six months makes

2011-06-25T12:00:00.002-05:00

Nora at 6 months (12/11/10)

Nora at 12 months (6/12/11)

(Oh, and in case no one else noticed...it's six months til Christmas)

Weekend in Iowa City

2011-06-23T12:00:00.005-05:00

We spent a quick weekend in Iowa City before heading back to Wisconsin for Father's Day. Highlights included...

Walking the dogs at sunset at the Waterworks

Baby's first crepe at Crepe Delux

Playing in the fountain on the Ped Mall

Wandering around downtown

Trying a Java House iced latte

One Year Studio Portraits

2011-06-21T12:00:00.002-05:00

By Tanya Schwendinger, Precious Moments Photography Studio, Lancaster

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-19T20:21:00.000-05:00

It's not only children who grow. Parents do too. As much as we watch to see what our children do with their lives, they are watching us to see what we do with ours. I can't tell my children to reach for the sun. All I can do is reach for it, myself. ~Joyce Maynard

Ancestors

2011-06-18T12:00:00.001-05:00

My dad’s mother, Alice Margaret (Halton) Alex was born on May 10, 1912. She is doing well at 99 years old! Her first (and currently only) great-granddaughter, Nora Adalyn, was born 98 years later, on June 8, 2010. Sometime around my grandmother’s first birthday in May of 1913 her parents had a studio portrait taken*. My mom suggested that we recreate the photo with Nora around the time of her first birthday. As you can see, the results were pretty delightful.

Tatiana (Tanya) Schwendinger of Precious Moments Photography in Lancaster did a really fabulous job recreating the photo. We can’t wait to see the other pictures from this session!

*I can’t believe that not only is there an open flame in front of a one year old, she’s perched on the edge of a table! (We considered lighting a candle for Nora’s photo as well, but decided a singed baby and/or a burned down studio wasn’t worth it!

People let me tell you 'bout my best friend...

2011-06-16T11:00:00.001-05:00

As you may remember from earlier posts, my two closest friends on the planet, Julie and Sarah, have babies that are 167 days younger and older than Nora respectively. Seriously. What are the chances? Sarah and Ben have come to stay with us a time or two in the past, but this past weekend was the first time that Julie, her husband Brad, their darling little girl Lucy (6.5 months), and their two terriers, Dodger and Brewer have ALL come to stay. Between Nora's birthday and a "photo shoot" at Precious Moments Photography on Sunday, it was quite a weekend! Luckily, there was lots of down time in between.

We tell Nora and Lucy repeatedly that "this is your best friend. Get used to it. Oh, and share."

Lucy Drew

Nora and Lucy not paying a smidge of attention to each other

In the bath not paying a smidge of attention to each other

"Hey! Where did you come from?"

"Why is there a butt in the bathtub with me?"

Lucy testing Nora's new bike helmet for her

Two blue eyed baby girls (check out Nora's fat lip - she smacked her face into the dresser)

Norapalooza 2011: Ladybugs (3 of 3)

2011-06-14T12:00:00.007-05:00

I have to admit - I had a great time finding/creating the decorations and food for Nora's ladybug themed first birthday party! Here are some highlights.

Polka dot balloons and stenciled favor bags.

Banner and food table

Ladybug infested "1" and gifts.

Ladybug cheese

Ladybug hors d'oevres

Cupcake stand (sans cupcakes) and centerpiece

Eleven months of Nora photo flower pot

It's hard to tell, but the birthday girl's dress was "crawling" with ladybugs

Including custom bloomers and bib (hooray for Etsy)

My skirt match the balloons (and how often do you get away with that?!)

Even Mr. Ben and Miss Lucy went a little buggy...checkout Ben's tshirt and Lucy's dress

Norapalooza 2011: Babies (2 of 3)

2011-06-13T12:00:00.003-05:00

Nora is one lucky lady! She has so many friends and family members who love her. We were definitely feeling the love at her 1st birthday party on Saturday! Joining us were Nora's two best baby friends - Ben and Lucy.

Miss Lucy Drew (with her Mommy and Daddy) joined us all the way from De Forest!

Lucy took a mid-party snooze so she'd be fresh as a daisy for the rest of the festivities.

Benjamin James (and his Mommy) came all the way from Waukegan, IL!

Ben and Nora had a great time "driving" Grandpa Tom's UW Badger jeep

Though I think it may be a few years before they're taking it on a date

Ben LOVED climbing through the tunnel on the playset

And sliding down the slide

And even showed Nora a thing or two

But Ben doesn't need fancy "toys". A stick will do just as well!

Norapalooza 2011: The Birthday Girl (1 of 3)

2011-06-12T17:19:00.000-05:00

We celebrated Nora's 1st Birthday on Saturday, June 11 - one year to the day that we came home from the hospital. Both sets of grandparents, one set of great grandparents, aunts, and assorted friends joined us for a chilly but fun afternoon. Most importantly, Nora seemed to have a lovely time.

The birthday girl.

Playing with Lucy (and showing off her bloomers)

Trying out her gifts with Mommy

Showing Mimmi her presents

Sharing a laugh with Grandma

Hanging out with Mommy

Saying "hi" to Great Grandpa

Blowing out the birthday candle (with a little help from Mommy and Daddy)

Enjoying her birthday cupcake

Zonked out after a successful party

Dirt (and strawberries)

2011-06-10T19:00:00.001-05:00

We got the all clear from the doc on Tuesday to give Nora the "big four" allergy foods - peanut butter, honey, shellfish, and strawberries. (Technically, honey isn't an allergy issue...it's a botulism issue...which is fun). It couldn't have come at a more perfect time, because its strawberry season!

As I've got big plans to make "ladybugs on a stick*" for Norapalooza on Saturday, on Friday afternoon we headed out to Vesperman Farms, owned and operated by a good friend of Mike's from high school. Mike and Kyle picked a couple buckets of strawberries, and I watched the baby. But not too closely.

Eating a strawberry and a little dirt.

Eating a lot of dirt and a little strawberry.

Rinsing off in the tub afterward....despite it being cold water and 60 degrees out. Weird kid.

*Lest you think "Ladybugs on a Stick" is something fancy, it is basically a strawberry and a grape on a toothpick, with some mini chocolate chips involved. Google it.

One

2011-06-10T07:00:00.006-05:00

As Norapalooza 2011 is on deck for Saturday, we had a simple birthday celebration on Wednesday.

She was delighted to be greeted by a house full of balloons at Grandma & Grandpa’s first thing that morning (and managed not to pop a single one).

After work, we opened a few presents.

Nora's favorite gift? A card from Great Uncle Bill and Great Aunt Tracey. (Seriously, she was totally enamored).

She also received a bug puzzle from Mommy & Daddy. Apparently ladybugs roar and bees hiss. Good to know.

Then we celebrated with some ice cream in the park.

And did a little swinging to the sound of an approaching thunderstorm.

Nora found listening to Daddy grunt and groan as he squeezed on the slide to be HILARIOUS.

And she giggled as they slid.

Then she tried it on her own.

We finished up the night by blowing bubbles in the tub. All in all, a successful first birthday!

Happy Birthday!

2011-06-08T06:00:00.007-05:00

One year ago today Miss Nora Adalyn Carroll made her way into the world via c-section after no hours of labor and no hours of pushing. :)

Here are a few big "firsts" from the past year.

First moments...

First book...

First trip to the shop...

First bath...

First weekend at the cabin...

First family reunion...

First plane ride...

First trip to the beach...

First trip to the Rockies...

First wedding...

First trip to the pumpkin patch...

First Halloween...

First haircut...

First Thanksgiving...

First friends...

First snowstorm...

First Christmas...

First pets...

First tropical vacation...

First DJing gig...

First Badger game...

First protest...

First pets (cont'd)...

First spring...

First Easter...

First trip to the farm...

First canoe ride...

First fish...

Redneck Swimming Pool

2011-06-06T13:52:00.002-05:00

I'll let this post speak for itself.

Silverback

2011-06-04T13:00:00.001-05:00

Nora can walk short distances by herself, particularly if she initiates it on her own without anyone “forcing” her to do so. She also started standing up without assistance (human or otherwise) recently. I would guess within a week or so of her first birthday she’ll officially be a biped. But for now, her favorite mode of transportation is what we fondly refer to as the “Gorilla Walk.” The name is fairly self explanatory.

Goats!

2011-06-02T13:00:00.001-05:00

Nora wants a goat. Or a herd of goats. Although I'm not sure she gets the concept of multiples yet. At the petting zoo last weekend...

I LOVE GOATS!

HI GOATS!!

Aren't these goats AMAZING?!

Here goats. You look hungry. Nom on my foot.

NO! Take me back to the goats!

Oooooh! A DIFFERENT goat!

Memorial Day

2011-05-31T12:58:00.004-05:00

Hi. My name is Allison and sometimes I forget to blog for oh...two months or so. But, this is my blog and if I want to stare at a wall for two months instead of blogging, that is my problem. Also, my laptop will not connect to the internet and the other computer is ancient and located in what I lovingly refer to as "Mike's hovel". So needless to say, it is not exactly where I want to spend time.

MissMcGee/Beebee/Bean/Nora is a week and a few days shy of a year old and we spent Memorial Day doing exactly what we did last Memorial Day - with Mike's family at the cabin. The major difference this year was not our little addition, it was the fact that I was not pregnant and dying of heat exhaustion in 400 degree weather. Which I appreciated. Functioning in 90 degree weather with an actual 6 lb 98.6 degree body in your belly is not entirely comfortable. I prefer her on the outside. Plus, she's cute. Oh, and SPOILED. In case you don't believe me...

Grandma and Grandpa Carroll just got a brand new car. It has a TV and DVD player. And a one year subscription to a bunch of cartoon channels. Lucky kid. My brother and I used to have to fight for fun on road trips.

Chillaxin' in the hammock. Right about before she rolled off.

On the canoe. There was much yelling after Mommy made her stop drinking river water. (And yes, she does have a life vest. Also, the water is about three feet deep).

Nora does not sleep particularly well at the cabin. So I'm a wee bit exhausted in the morning. Thankfully, mornings tend to go like this: Nora cries. Nora nurses. Mike wanders out to the screened in porch where his parents have been awake for hours and hands over a granddaughter. We proceed to go back to sleep for a few hours. Nora and grandparents proceed to go fishing.

I finally found a Tonka truck (for $1...woot). Nora had expressed an interest in on in the waiting room at the doctor's a few months ago. (She also expressed interest in a Reader's Digest subscription card).

We ended the weekend with a trip out on Grandpa's new fishing boat. Nora was not amused by the life preserver.

My silly bean.

Sharing - Step by Step Instructions

2011-04-01T18:34:00.001-05:00

Step One: Sit down for a little snack

Step Two: Notice that a friend has dropped by

Step Three: Offer to share your snack with friend

Step Four: Friend accepts your offer

Step Five: Friend gets a little greedy

Step Six: Take your snack back

Step Seven: Make a new friend

Noisy Nora

2011-02-02T15:02:00.000-06:00

Defying Gravity

2011-01-17T14:03:00.001-06:00

While we earthlings are obviously bound by the laws of gravity for good reason, that doesn't stop us from trying to find ways around it (or taking advantage of it - Mike has quite a skydiving record). Julie and I once spent a good hour leaping around in an empty bouncy castle after a charity event had concluded, but before the company came to retrieve it. I think we were 24 at the time.

Nora's latest hobby is to determine what is and what isn't a Johnny Jump Up. It results in a great deal of stomping and some head banging (of the rock fan, not football player, variety). "High chair, are you a Johnny Jump Up? No? Boo." "Exersaucer? Are you a Johnny Jump Up? No? Boo." "Daddy, are YOU a Johnny Jump Up? Well, this is just frustrating?!" "PUT ME IN MY JOHNNY JUMP UP!" Yes, ma'am.

How dog ownership has prepared me for parenthood.

2011-01-07T19:37:00.002-06:00

At this exact moment, Nora is shouting extremely loudly from her bedroom, hoping somebody will rescue her. If we go in to check on her, she greets us with a big smile and a giggle, which is a little hard to resist. So we're ignoring her (she should have been asleep an hour ago). I've heard many new parents say it is incredibly difficult* to listen to their children cry out for them. However, after almost seven years of papillon ownership, the shouts of the-baby-who-does-not-want-to-go-to-sleep are, frankly, soothing in comparison to the noises Gatsby can generate. Indefinitely, as far as we can tell. If he is somewhere he doesn't want to be (his crate in the basement, for example, after he's decided he wants out) he will bark. Without ceasing. For up to six hours. And I say "up to" six hours, because that was as long as we lasted. And then we let him out. Nora has yet to scream for six hours straight.

Gatsby is not a morning dog.

Bodi would prefer to do this. All day.

A coworker recently mentioned that she couldn't believe how much her life changed with the birth of her children. She remarked that once they were born all she and her husband did was sit around and stare at the baby and she couldn't believe that was something she was doing for fun, and was actually enjoying. I resisted the urge to tell her that we've been sitting around staring at the DOGS for fun for years, and when Nora the biggest change on that end was just the fact that there was a new being to ogle.

*Nora has one particularly awful cry that involves whimpering that I cannot handle. I always rescue her.

Virginia

2011-01-03T12:36:00.000-06:00

Miss Nora and I headed east to Virginia on a short trip to visit my mom's side of the family. Although we only had a few days, we had a relaxing time, went out to eat with the entire family currently in the NOVA area on Wednesday, took some lovely walks in the ridiculous 50-60 degree weather, and generally enjoyed ourselves. Here are a few photo highlights (travel details may come later in another post next time I'm in an ornery mood).

Nora and "Auntie" Brooke listening to Daft Punk/chewing on an iPhone. (Daddy approves of her musical "taste".)

With Great Grandma Max (the baby whisperer)

Looking mischevious!

Nekkid baby and Great Grandma Max

With Great Aunt Tracy and a leopard print Snuggie

With Great Uncle Bill

Christmas Carroll

2010-12-25T17:01:00.001-06:00

Nora Carroll, to be exact (ooooh, I'm so clever). Celebrating her very first Christmas in style with Mommy, Daddy, Grandpa, Grandma, Aunt Katy, Aunt Abby, and with a visit from Great Grandpa and Grandma Mayne.

Dancing with Grandpa on Christmas Eve

Presumably under the assumption that if she pretends to sleep Santa will come sooner than later

Opening gifts on Christmas morning

In need of a Christmas nap

Taking said Christmas nap

Hanging out with teddy in a vintage nineteen teens pram

Being goofy with Grandma

New dinosaur walker/bike

Happy Birthday Ben!

2010-12-24T09:32:00.001-06:00

We spent a lovely evening in Oregon (Ore-gone) last night celebrating Mr. Benjamin James' first birthday. Ben was born on December 23rd, 2009 after about a gazillion hours of labor for his mamma. He spent last night looking a little shell shocked as he hadn't actually wanted to wake up for his early evening nap, was up waaaaay past his bedtime, and was a bit overwhelmed by the hubbub of 30+ people watching him eat.

The birthday boy, just up from a nap.

Ben and his cousin Shamus (who will celebrate a first birthday in a few short weeks).

Shamus trying to decide if dinner is worth giving up his nuk.

Miss Lucy Drew slept through all the festivities

Opening gifts, with a little help from Mamma

Blowing out his candle.

Feeling a little overwhelmed as 30+ people look on while he tries to eat.

Ben skipped the cake entirely, and noshed on blueberries, his favorite. He was actually upset that they were covered in icing. What a healthy kid!

Nora got to play with the other kids and with Auntie Julie.

And was delighted at her "Developmental Turtle" that she received from Julie and Brad for Christmas. She also received a lovely book entitled "Noisy Nora". (But we don't know anybody who fits that description, do we?)

Twas the weekend before Christmas....

2010-12-23T16:11:00.000-06:00

And Nora learned that.....

You get to hang out with Uncle Brendan WAAAAAAY past your bedtime....

Christmas is SHINY!

Grandpy needs lots of help opening gifts.

Mimmi knows that books make good presents.

Aunt Sonya has fun taste in hats (even if she couldn't be there in person).

Mommy gets a little crazy when someone gives her a fancy new camera. It gets old. Fast.

But it takes some pretty lovely pictures.

Uncle Brendan is a pretty nice guy.

I mean, who else shares an interest in lighting fixtures?!

OH MY GOD! SANTA'S COMING! I KNOW HIM!

2010-12-22T16:10:00.001-06:00

As you may remember from Three Dollars, Nora met Santa a few weeks ago. Her picture came, as promised. Santa may have his eyes closed, but she looks delighted to be making his acquaintance.

Six Month Stats & Photos

2010-12-14T16:10:00.003-06:00

Miss Nora is...

24.8 inches (12.25th percentile)
13 lbs 12.8 oz (10.07th percentile)

She's actually made headway as the last couple visits she's been in the 10th and 7th percentiles respectively.

Her head continues to be ginormous and is almost in the 78th percentile. She has many brains, apparently. We love her, ginormous head and all.

And a few more of our favorite photos from a recent photo session at Precious Moments Photography here in Lancaster.

Packer Backer

2010-12-13T11:59:00.000-06:00

Disclaimer: We do not normally allow our six month old to watch TV.

How to prepare for a moon shot...

2010-12-12T16:19:00.000-06:00

I mean a typical Sunday in Wisconsin in which one wishes to venture outside because the dogs are going stir crazy.

Step One: Make sure your "sled-puller" (ie. Mommy) selects wam, waterproof snow boots with appropriate traction. Improve traction by adding snow chains.

Step Two: Choose a comfortable, light fabric for your base layer.

Step Three: Put on an insulating layer to help retain heat by trapping air close to your body.

Step Four: Repeat step three because you are six months old and your mother doesn't want you to freeze to death.

Step Five: Choose an appropriate shell to protect you from wind, rain or snow.

Step Six: You're ready to begin your outdoor adventure!

Until, of course, you run into major headwinds at the top of Grandma and Grandpa's development and realize that it really does feel like waaay below zero. In which case, the best thing to do is for Daddy to pick you up and carry you the rest of the way with your face in his chest so your nose doesn't fall off.

Three Dollars

2010-12-11T11:56:00.002-06:00

After braving icy county roads this morning to have Nora's six month pictures* and a few family photos taken, we headed back into town, grabbed our own camera, and made our way down to the courthouse so that Nora could meet Santa.

We didn't realize that the camera's batteries were dead until we were practically at the front of the line. Photos were available for purchase, just $3, but neither one of us had any cash. As we stood there trying to figure out what to do, the lady in front of us, in line with her granddaughter, turned around and handed me $3 cash. I tried to give it back to her, but she refused "It's the holiday season" she said.

Three dollars isn't a great hardship to us. We could have gotten out of line, and driven home or to an ATM. But three dollars meant that we didn't have to re-bundle our six month old, shuffle our way over rather icy sidewalks back to the car, locate the money, shuffle back to the courthouse and go to the end of the line and un-bundle said six month old. It meant that Nora had her picture taken with Jolly Old Saint Nick while she was awake, full, spit-up free, changed, and in a good mood. It meant that we didn't snark at each other while deciding if one of us should stay while the other one ran back to get the money, or if we should both go home, and then inevitably try to decide if it was worth going back. It meant that Nora will have evidence that she didn't scream in terror the first time she met Santa, delivered right to our house in a few days.

Santa Claus really was in the courthouse today, but he wasn't necessarily the guy with the red suit and beard.

*Electronic proofs should be available Monday

My Angry Little Elf

2010-12-08T06:30:00.011-06:00

Six months ago today I went to work really really tired of being pregnant (but with two weeks to go until my due date). I'd been having contractions for three weeks and I was sick of it. So I sat on my exercise ball at my desk and complained to anybody who would listen.

At 12:30 I left for a 1:15 a follow up appointment from the day before as I was significantly effaced and somewhat dialated and doc wanted to check my progress. A few minutes into my appointment my water broke. The doc was about to send us home with instructions to come back in eight hours if things weren't progressing. Then, she checked the baby's position one last time. She looked chagrinned. "I'm not sure that's her head I'm feeling." A few minutes later I sat alone in a dark X-ray lab staring at a photo that quite clearly showed a head up, butt down, feet up her nose baby. I got an intrathecal and the doctor attempted to turn her. It became pretty clear that the wee one had no interest in being head down and they quickly went to c-section. At 4:40pm Nora Adalyn Carroll, all 5 lbs 14 ounces of her, was born. Mike's first words? "It IS a girl!" Mine? "She's an angry little elf."

What's for dinner?

2010-12-06T20:28:00.001-06:00

We've been attempting to cook a lot more lately (and in so doing, eating less Cap'n Crunch for dinner). We're getting much better at planning menus ahead of time and then grocery shopping with actual meals in mind (instead of, say, Cap'n Crunch). As our CSA is obviously seasonal, we've made the commitment to driving to Dubuque every other weekend as their selection is significantly better than Piggly Wiggly here in town. Driftless Market in Platteville is another favorite, although a little pricey. We've figured out that seven nights worth of meals generally holds us for two weeks once we factor in leftovers, eating out once or twice, and weird work schedules. I'm actually beginning to enjoy browsing through my cookbooks and picking out things to try. Mike admits he's amazed at how much less meat he's eating and how much we've up'd his veggie intake (and reduced his Cap'n Crunch* consumption). Nora, meanwhile, continues to gobble up whatever we give her, including green beans that I think taste like grass, and rice cereal that tastes exactly like paste. Her favorite so far seems to be either butternut squash curry or oatmeal with apples and cinnamon.

So...what's for dinner?

Three cheese and four veggie lasagna with whole wheat pasta
Roast salmon, fennel, and red onion with a side of lemon-dilled parsnips and turnips
Potato, spinach, and gouda soup with a side of whatever veggie needs eating
Grilled tuna with tomato salsa
Trout baked in cream with a side of whatever's available
Crab bisque (if I can find the ingredients...so far, not so good)
Pot Roast (for the meat eater)...me...I'll have some Cap'n Crunch

That's what it looks like in the cookbook. Mine will not be so pretty.

*This has led to several discussions about who would win in a fight between Cap'n Crunch and Captain Morgan. Or Captain Morgan and Admiral Nelson. Mike contends that Captain Morgan would win all fights because Cap'n Crunch is short, and Admiral Nelson has a desk job. I'm not so sure.

Nine Inches of the White Stuff

2010-12-04T17:25:00.001-06:00

2028 High School Graduation Party Slideshow Preview

2010-12-03T18:52:00.002-06:00

Ummm...why is there another baby in my bath?

Yes. Five. Five will do nicely.

Is this the eject button?

Nudey babes.

More nudey babes.

What? Do I have something on my face?

A Riddle

2010-12-02T20:46:00.001-06:00

Can you guess what happens next?

Step One: Feed baby carrots.
Step Two: Keep said baby up an hour past bedtime.
Step Three: Ensure baby is sufficiently wound up.
Step Four: Lay on back and hold baby above head. Ensure baby's mouth is properly positioned over holder's hair and right ear.
Step Five: Wiggle baby gently.

Ten & Two

2010-11-30T20:46:00.003-06:00

November 30th was the last day you could legally text while driving in Wisconsin. I'm not really a text and drive kinda gal, so this isn't going to be much of a change for me. However, in the past four and a half years I have learned some important and unique features related specifically to driving in Lancaster that have nothing to do with texting.

1) We have a traffic cop. Seriously. Like in old time movies. He, however, does not wear a navy blue uniform and white gloves. But he has a really interesting mustache.

2) There is a hitching post at the grocery store. That is used. Regularly.

3) Stop signs are optional. The older you get the more optional they are. By the time you are ninety I believe you are actually supposed to speed up.

4) The square is confusing to out of towners. For residents, it should be treated as an NASCAR track.

4) Pedestrians do not have the right of way anywhere, but especially on the square (see above). This is particularly true at any "Right turn, no stop" stop signs. Apparently this means that you MAY not stop. Not even if a pack of nuns and orphans carrying kittens are in the middle of the street.

5) People claim they will move out of town if Lancaster ever got a stop light.

6) I think it is legal to drive your lawn mower on city streets. My husband does anyway.

And mostly unrelated to traffic...but still weird...

The delivery guy will deliver your packages to your house even if the wrong address is on the label. However, he may also deliver your packages to the wrong house if he knows someone you know lives there. I guess he assumes you'll work it out.

One Hundred Sixty Seven Days

2010-11-29T16:21:00.001-06:00

With the birth of wee Miss Lucy Drew last week, we now have a triumvirate of babies. Ben, our December boy, is exactly 167 days and a couple hours older than Nora, the June Bug. And Nora is exactly 167 days and a couple hours older than the new girl. Not only is that an awfully weird coincidence, the spacing is quite fabulous as equipment, clothing, toys, and advice is passed down at regular intervals. We've learned such important tidbits as...

Childbirth can take anywhere from three hours (Nora) and involve a nearly automatic c-section, to 29 hours (Lucy) and go the way nature intended (even if the epidural didn't), to almost two days and involve both several hours of pushing follwed by a c-section (Ben). In all cases it is a medical event.
Normal rectal temperature for a four month old is 100.4, not 98.6. So stop freaking out.
Car seats are really really heavy and you will get calouses. Demand the car seat stroller be passed down ASAP.
Don't hold off on the bibs until the kid is eating solids...there are a whole host of other items that come out of that end that you may not be expecting.
A baby swing is possibly the most important piece of furniture you will ever own.
The nursing books ALL LIE. It is going to hurt. A LOT. It will go away.
With that in mind, don't let your husband put your Soothies nursing pads in the freezer. Though well intentioned, the result is a bit intense.
So far, babies begin eating dog food at 11 months.
Dogs who are otherwise unconcerned around babies, start to get a little nervous when they start moving of their own accord.
Just cause it sounds logical in the baby book doesn't mean it is going to work. Babies have no interest in logic. At all.
Try it again in another month.
Try it again in two months.
If he/she is still doing it at age thirty, then it is the time to worry.
Perhaps most importantly...

You're going to get a lot of really weird (and sometimes annoying) advice. Ignore it.
At least one person is going to make it obvious that they think you are an abusive parent because of the name you spent months considering and finally bestoyed lovingly upon you're child. It's okay to fantasize about beating the crap out of them.
At some point, your child will be dressed in 100% gender appropriate clothing (probably involving butterflies and/or tractors), and some stranger will say "What an adorable little girl/boy" (and get it completely wrong). The appropriate response is "Yes he is an adorable little girl, isn't he."

Yes, newborn's eyes are supposed to do that.

Moms and babes

Sarah, Ben, and Nora

The new gal

A Thanksgiving Even I Can't Complain About

2010-11-28T18:53:00.000-06:00

Recipe for a truly deeelightful Thanksgiving:

One 10:30 am brunch

Fourteen fabulous relatives from both sides of the family

Twenty (or so) delicious breakfast and traditional Thanksgiving dishes

Remove all need for anyone to cook, clean, or entertain family for the day. Spend the remainder of the afternoon lounging, reading, and hanging out with family. Stir and serve hot.

The whole gang from one end of the table.

The whole gang from the other end of the table.

Nora and Auntie Katy

With Mimmi

With Great Grandma Mayne

Great Grandpa and Nora showing each other their "baby blues"

With Great Grandpa Mayne

With Grandpy Steve

With Cousins Nikki and Paige (after having a bit of a fuss)

First Haircut

2010-11-25T09:27:00.000-06:00

Nora is five and a half months old. I would guess this is on the early end of first haircuts. However, she had what I believe is called a mullet. And a large bald spot. And a comb over. I considered pulling it into a ponytail a la middle aged biker dude, but decided she might resent that eventually and it would end up being part of a discussion with her therapist. So we asked Aunt Katy to give her a haircut. She, Aunt Katy, and Grandma celebrated with a container of Cool Whip while I was in the shower washing the dye out of my hair.

Baby With Stuff On Her Face

2010-11-24T08:11:00.003-06:00

We started Miss Nora on solids a little sooner than we'd planned to as doc thought it might help with the puking (it does...but only when it involves solids...she still projectile vomits milk like a champ). My mom and I spent a couple days making and freezing baby food so Nora would get to try local, in-season stuff during the never-ending Wisconsin winter...thank goodness for farmer's markets, orchards, and families with gardens! So far, she's pretty much loved everything we've given her.

Butternut squash from Grandma and Grandpa Carroll's garden
Pumpkin from Farmer's Market (ESPECIALLY pumpkin curry)
Beets from Farmer's Market
Carrots from Farmer's Market
Winter Spinach from Driftless Market
Apples from Wilson's Apple Orchard
Pears* from Great Grandma and Grandpa Mayne's
Peaches* from Lancaster
Green beans from Farmer's Market
Oatmeal (okay, she has rice cereal too, but I think it tastes like paste...and I don't want her to be the paste eating kids, so we're sticking with oatmeal)
Bananas, both fresh and in a jar - she prefers the out of a jar

*It remains to be seen how much of the peaches and pears she will actually get to eat, as I tend to eat most of them for her.

Mike made her chicken stock last night so we have a local, free range, sodium free version for her, and Grandpa Tom got a buck last weekend. We've requested some venison steaks to grind up for Miss Daisy Do.

She's also had ice cream twice...at Brendan and Sonya's wedding and most recently at Mimmi's birthday party. Boy did her eyes light up then!

But anyway...without further ado...I now present, baby with stuff on her face...

Oatmeal

Beets

Spinach

Planet, Lucy. Lucy, Planet.

2010-11-23T13:08:00.000-06:00

Two of my favorite people, Julie and Brad, welcomed a baby girl into the world at 1:06am this morning. (If 29 hours of labor can be considered "welcoming" someone). Lucy Drew measured in at 8.1 lbs, 20 inches and based on the two pictures I've seen, looks an awful lot like her daddy to me, with her mommy's coloring. I can't wait to meet the little bean. Nora is excited to go camping with her next summer. Or, Nora may just have been excited because there was something shiny. But we'll say it is because she is excited Lucy will be available for camping.

Fun with Facial Hair

2010-11-22T18:26:00.003-06:00

This is what passses for entertainment when you live in the boonies, have no TV, and sometimes go to sleep at 7:30 pm. Not that I'm complaining...I kind of love it. :)

Husband: "Gee honey. What would you like to do tonight?"

Me: "I was thinking perhaps you could get the weed wacker out of the garage and take care of the shrubbery growing on your face."

Husband: "We want a SHRUBBERY!"

Me: "Thank you, dear."

Husband: "You're welcome."

Husband disappears into bathroom. Re-emerges a minute or two later.

Husband: "How's this?"

Me: "What's this?"

Husband disappears into bathroom. Re-emerges a minute or two later.

Me: Oh dear.

Husband: Growls as he assumes bikers must.

You get the point....and yet it continues...

Eventually re-emerges looking like someone's Eastern European cousin...

Oh dear....

He really does clean up quite nicely though.

How to NOT put safety first

2010-11-21T11:06:00.000-06:00

Step One: Decide that sitting politely in the bouncer is booooooring.

Step Two: Fake a little stretch.

Step three: Casually notice something interesting on the counter.

Step four: Lean over to get a closer look.

Step Five: Realize the error of your ways.
"Biiiiiiiiinnnnnnnkeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!! Noooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Who will speak for the turkeys?

2010-11-16T17:15:00.002-06:00

Is it just me or is Thanksgiving rapidly becoming a forgotten holiday? The fact that stores were stocking Christmas crap next to the Halloween flotsam just a few weeks ago with nary a turkey in sight makes me wonder. And there are a whole heckava lot of Christmas decorations up already. Not that I'm complaining (well, I'm complaining about the Christmas decorations, but that is another rant). A holiday centered around a giant pile of meat isn't really my cup of tea. Perhaps Thanksgiving should be renamed the Day-To-Hang-Out-With-The-"Other"-Side-Of-The-Family (you know, the one you don't like as much). Or perhaps its true purpose could be teaching children about the importance of a hearty meal before venturing out in the middle of the night to buy a bunch of stuff* you didn't realize you needed until you saw it advertised in the Black Friday insert. I'll get off my soapbox now and eat my tofurky quietly. Thank you for your attention.

*How much did you have the SPEND to save $3000? That's all I'm asking!

Notice the Christmas crap already available for your holiday viewing pleasure on Nov 13.

Ave, Imperator, morituri te salutant

2010-10-16T16:50:00.003-05:00

This is a non-baby related post, so - sorry Mom and Grandma!

I like to read...a lot...according to my Kindle, I've read around 120 books in the past year and a half. I've probably read another 20 or 30 in non-electronic format, so let's put it around 150 total. Now, I'm not saying these have all been great literature, in fact, the majority haven't been, but I like to read what I like to read, and sometimes I'm in the mood for teenage vampire romance, and sometimes I'm delighted to curl up with a Pulitzer Prize winning non-fiction on evolution occurring in real-time. And Pride and Predjudice is required reading at least once a year (followed immediately by a viewing of the BBC's mini-series...ahhhh...Colin Firth...). But I digress...

Anywho, since its been a while since I've done a book review on here, the baby is napping, so here goes...

What: The Hunger Games Trilogy (The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, Mockingjay)
Who: Suzanne Collins
Setting: North America in the not-so-distant future. America has collapsed and has been replaced with Panem, a dictatorship consisting of 13 districts ruled by an all-powerful Capitol (which, in my head, was Denver).
Story:After an uprising some seven decades earlier, the Capitol demands, myth of the Minotaur-style, that each district annually send one girl and one boy to compete in the televised Hunger Games, and makes the competition required viewing for all Panem's citizens. Part "Survivor" and part Roman gladiator battle to the death, the Hunger Games are the "Circenses" to the nation of "Panem". Katniss Everdeen of District 12, takes the place of her little sister chosen to be a tribute in the 74th Hunger Games.
Moral: Katniss' journey into the arena and to an eventual uprising against the Capitol examines humanity's relationship with entertainment, particularly of the "reality" style (which, you come to realize, has existed forever, or at least since the Romans were regularly feeding Christans to lions). In particular, the triology explores the use of media in general (and entertainment in particular) in keeping a population in-check.
Rating: I loved, loved, loved this triology. In fact, I had trouble putting it down once I got my hands on it (which took longer than I wanted, as it took them FOREVER to be available in Kindle format). Not only are they wonderfully written, Collin's examination of human culture and the role of entertainment is straightforward, but in no way "preachy". I felt smarter for having read them. A warning - all three books, particularly the first, include violence that is most definitely "R" rated, as most episodes describe the deaths of children in the Hunger Games arena.

*In which Minos demanded Athens regularly send seven youth and seven maidens to be devoured by the Minotaur as tribute for the death of his son.

P.S. Another post-apocalyptic Y.A. series that I thoroughly enjoyed was "Uglies" by Scott Westerfeld (Uglies, Pretties, Specials, and Extras), which examines the role of beauty in society, as well as the role of popularity and "rank" in a world of social networking sites.

P.P.S. A less than wonderful post-apocalyptic book is "The Passage" by Justin Cronin. 800+ pages without an actual protagonist is a bit hard to handle...even with vampire-zombies taking out most of the characters.

Our little non-grub

2010-09-29T19:07:00.003-05:00

I haven't posted in over a month, but it isn't from lack of material or interest...I've been frustrated with blogger cause I couldn't get it to upload videos. It kept freezing. So I quit trying. As of today I started a YouTube channel so I can just embed videos on my blog and stop worrying about it...

Miss Nora is almost 4 months old and definitely out of the "grub" stage (newborn sleepy sleep floppy head etc.), and is quite a charmer for the video camera, so without further ado...(and apologies for the quality, shot on a $30 camera)

Nora will do anything to avoid tummy time:

And in the opposite direction:

She is also considering a career as Grizabella in the musical Cats (with a little help from her buddy, Jorge)