All Around

Today was a much needed super great day! This morning Nora was all about doing things on her own. I was busy cleaning up the kitchen and every time I went to check on her she was reading a book or pleasantly playing with something, happy as a clam, completely content and busy as a bee. She took a great nap then woke up smiley. We went to visit at APH for a bit, played in the outdoor play area there where she discovered blue benches that were just her size. Pretty sure she wanted to bring one home! Then we came home, went for a walk around the neighborhood, had dinner, facetimed for a bit then we shared a strawberry milkshake on the front porch and played in the front yard until it was time for bed. It was a perfect summer evening to top off an all around great day!

Lunch Break!

Guess who came home for lunch today! Nora was sooo excited, she cut her nap short by over an hour, waking up early to make sure that she had plenty of bonus time with her daddy (a word she is very good at saying now!). As sweet as she was while he was here I was left with an under napped Nora, which isn't always so pleasant. To beat boredom and brattiness we headed to the pool to cool off and make sure she was good and tired for bedtime tonight! Mission accomplished!

Latest Report

Nora had her 18 month check-up with Dr. Britton today. She was far from a social butterfly but otherwise knew what was going on thanks to our practice sessions with her doctor kit at home. She only needed one shot and was a champ! No tears, just one quick whimper followed by a wave and a high five for the nurse (clearly no hard feelings). So, now the stats - she is 24lbs 12oz (80%), 33.5 inches tall/long (95%) and still has a peanut head that hasn't grown since her last appointment. Next appointment is when she's 2...Whoa!

You Haven't Lived...

So lately I've seen this video popping up on social media - it's pretty entertaining, especially because I have had similar experiences thanks to Cortland.  Little did I know though, exercise with a toddler  afoot takes things to a whole new level!  I'm guessing this is why they offer childcare at the Y...if only they were capable of entertaining her enough to keep her from crying until they feel the need to come get me.  Until then my form is just going to have to suffer!  Haha!  :o)

It's About Prime

It's shaping up to be a weekend of "get on it already" kind of projects! Remember those doors we installed on the office turned guest room - oh, I don't know, half of Nora's life ago?? I finally hit them up with some primer last night after Nora went to bed, and finished priming them today during her nap time. While I was painting Kyle was out cleaning the carburetor on the lawnmower. Needless to say, by the time Nora woke up we had quite the collection of fumes! Don't think she napped her way out of working...after playing on her bike out front while things aired out a bit it was her turn to lend a hand with an "it's about time" task.

What a good window washing team! Another weekend in the books! Only 2 more weeks with my mini before it's back to "school" for the fall. AHHH! So much to do before life gets flipped upside down -- again!

Chop Chop

Keeping a yard put together down here in the summer is a nightmare. Today Kyle tackled some lawnmower maintenance and some much needed pruning (who knows if this is an OK time to cut back or not - oh well!). He hacked back the giant tree bush on the back corner while I started untangling the alien invader vine that was eating the hibiscus bushes and the house. Then he stepped in and chopped those back too. Now we just have this giant pile of brush in the yard. Pile shifting at it's finest!

Legal?

Getting a picture today was no small feat. Nora wasn't in the mood to strike a pose! We've had a little bit of a word boom this month and even delved into 2 syllable words, but by no means is she talking up a storm, just providing a word on command here and there and parroting as she feels fit. Anyway, bucket, pancake, hot dog, thank you, yes, si, no, Pap to name a few. In addition to her new words she's learning animal noises and loving her Eric Carle From Head to Toe book. She is always moving, climbing, running, walking and figuring things out. She's becoming quite the puzzle doer and is learning like crazy! As sweet, funny and laid back as she is, she can turn on a dime and when she's tired or hungry, look out! She's quick to turn her teeth and nails on me but just as quick to admit she needs to go lay down with her issie. Everyday is a new adventure, a new reason to laugh and a something new to make us proud of our little monkey. As tough as it was to get pictures today, it might be worth hopping over to Nora & Marvin.