Here they are cute as pie.
Will is my heart. Really he is. I can say all my kids are my favorite, but that stinker Will has a hold on me, and is so darn SWEET and cute and naughty all at the same time. His relationship with Norah has warmed BIG time, and she adores him! She is still terrorized by him most of the day, but it's built in some strange and delightful way an attachment that is strong and protected. Anytime I ask where something is, or who did it, or why something is, she will say "Phee Will!" So like everything is his problem or responsibility. I love their relationship. It's like I have two upcoming partners in crime, but they are quick to rat each other out!
Norah has really taken off with her English. She has understood most of what we say for awhile now, but she is TALKING all the time! It's great to hear! She says things like "Mommy/Daddy, can you help me?" " I can do it" "I want ______" and lots more. Tonight she sat on David's lap at dinner, and gave him his cup of water, and said, "MY daddy's!" His heart continues to melt. My parent educator with Parents as Teachers came over yesterday to do a screening evaluation on her development and was so impressed by her comprehension and progress! It makes me so proud. Not that I have done any wonderful teaching, but that my girl is a smarty pants. In the good way:)
These pics are from around Christmas time. And yes, that is makeup on her face in the pink sweater pic. She likes putting makeup on when I do, and I just totally let her. No mascara. I draw the line there. At least until the make up can go generally where it's supposed to on her cute face. I got a lipstick kit for Christmas that I love, but has one magenta color that no matter how long and hard I wish it looked good on me, it never will... so I gave it to her. I remember magenta lipstick as a little girl, and how AMAZING I thought it was, and how beautiful I remember feeling. I have a feeling every girl needs a magenta lipstick when they are little. Norah's skin is right for it too, so she may actually have a shot with it when she is older too.
Christmas was really fun watching her open the gifts and meet the family! Mine that is. My brother and sister and cousins and other family met Norah on our trip to Chicago for 3 days. It was a test of patience getting there with the 8 hour ride with her. The boys generally always do great. Norah was only happy when Dave was in the back seat with her singing songs, doing stickers and reading... sort of exhausting after awhile! But we made it with smiles on, and it was worth the effort.
One highlight from the trip was actually on the way home, we stopped in St. Louis for pizza. The restaurant we stopped at was fairly empty, but we sat next to a table with an older couple and their two grand kids. They were admiring Norah and trying to be friendly. Norah started singing happy birthday, because she loves the song, and the man got so excited, because it was his birthday! He was so blessed by it, and asked if he could take our picture! He could not believe she knew it was his birthday! We tried to explain that she just likes the song, but he was too blown away to care or be convinced it was more than a coincidence:)
Watching it snow
I have gone back to work. I was very worried how Norah would be for hours in the day without us. I still only work Mondays and Thursdays, and Dave has her Mondays. So Thursdays she goes to Aunt Sarah and Uncle Jame's house and plays with her cousins. It's a terrific set up! The first Thursday she was sad, but it's been a few weeks now, and today she threw a fit to have to leave their house! Great sign:) I love family. I love the help and support we have here, and that Norah feels safe with her family! All of us. Work has been great for me to get back to. I have had patients come in asking all about her, and even some bringing gifts! Really. I love my office and everyone in it. It's a blessing. And to get to work with some of my favorite people... just such a bonus. I need the two days a week out working. It's really good for me and my sanity! :)
