Oh, Just A Serenade From Dad

Norah's 9 Month Check-Up

Norah had her 9 month check-up today.  She's 17 pounds, 3 ounces (32%), was calm as could be, and was all about ripping and trying to eat that paper.  Bennett took pride in every second of big brotherhood with her here today, eager to sit next to her, help the doctor, and try to keep paper out of her mouth.  She's growing up too fast!

Simon Says...

Today we were playing Simon Says all throughout the house which is good for laughs and exercise! One of their favorite commands was when Simon said to give each other a big hug!

We Love You, Norsie Pie

Every night, without fail, part of our dinner routine is when we all look at Norah in her high chair and say "We love you, Norsie Pie!" It goes on briefly to include a few more nicknames, but the instant we start, she lights up just like this.  She knows we love it and we would never miss it for her!

He's Quite Smitten

Malt Night

Bryn started a new gymnastics session last week, which means a late dinner for all on Tuesday nights.  We stopped by the malt shop for dinner on the way home and these two were thrilled when we ordered a chocolate malt for all to share for dessert! Fun night!

Norah is 9 Months Old!

I found it very fitting that we could not get Norah to sit still for a quick 9 month photo today! The girl prefers to be on the move right now, has quite the mellow and funny personality, just popped her sixth tooth (with some sleepless nights to show for it!), and no matter what, will always, always make you smile!  Her hugs are like no other, she's so sincere in her ways, and she just loves to be with the gang, whatever we are doing.  We are a lucky bunch to have what we like to call " the best little baby in all the land!" right here in our family!

Happy 9 Months, Norah!

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Not sure if it's obvious or not, but we tend to smother our littlest one with a whole lotta love around here! 9 months already?!

Home With Bryn

Bryn always 'performs' her sad face when she's trying to be funny lately, but today she could have had good reason to be a little down.  She had a few vomiting episodes, including in the car this morning, so she and I had a sick day home together.  She was such a trooper and quite adorable.  And "so brave" as she informed me.  She took quite a nap for her and woke up back to her healthy self, just wanting to "color pictures for daddy" and eat a banana.   Note: she's not actually sad here, just showing me her cute little faces. 

Love, Love, Love Them

Bookstore Morning

Family trip to the bookstore this morning meant coffee, quiet reading, and a few new books for their collection. 

Favorite Things

We had a perfect family evening of dinner at a fave burger place followed by lots of stories and long snuggles.  This is one of his current favorites and of course I could not resist that sleepy voice - "just one more, mom?!"

It's one of my favorite things.

She Loves Her Ol' Dog

More Snow?!?

Another huge snow storm in MN today!!? Wow, what a winter it's been! It sure is beautiful out there but we may be ready for some snow to melt! 

Laundry Lover

I had to pick up my sweet little Norah early from school today because she spiked a mild fever at lunchtime.  After waking up from a short nap she still was not at 100%.  Andrew was also home earlier than usual so while they were off reading, I started folding laundry.  Once Norah found out, she decided she just had to help.  She's one happy little laundry lover!  (She likes to be in everything!)

What Nap?

Helping Shovel

Bryn insisted on helping with the big shovel job in our driveway tonight, but once she got out there had so much fun sitting and playing in the comfy snow instead.  Love this girl!

Beards of Grass

They planted their wheat grass plants one week ago and look how much they've grown!  Here they are using them as beards but now we're going to give them a trim and add to our smoothies! They have fun taking care of their plants, knowing to water them everyday. 

Bennett in the Snow

I had Bennett all to myself most of the day and with the heavy snowfall going on, there was no way we could possibly stay indoors.  Boy oh boy is this kid ever a blast.  Even with snow to his belly, he stomped through it, over it, and jumped right into it and loved every second.  He led the way through our adventure, paving trails through the tall snow and making the most of our snow day together!

Snow Trail

It was a lovely afternoon so we headed out to our favorite trail for a walk in the snow.  Everything we love can be found in nature - so of course it was fun!

Sledding at Nana's

It was a winter celebration with the family at Nana's today.  Sledding, laughing, eating, and lots of hot cocoa!

Such A Little Reader

Always, always choosing to fill his mind with books.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day to you!

The kiddos enjoyed their sweetheart table again this year (they each received a $1 gift on their plates, split one of those mini cheesecake hearts, and got a book for all to share).  They love doing this!  Andrew brought flowers home for all of his girls per his usual tradition, we gave him a new brewing kit to show our love (Turpin IPA coming soon!), we hit our favorite pizza place for dinner, then came home to enjoy our treats and milk!  Like last year, we had decorated the house with hearts all week, using every meal together to each choose a person and write one reason on each heart of why we love them so much.  It was fun to hear their creativity and see how each family member makes us all so happy - we had many hearts shared and up in the end! I remember Bryn saying often "Mom (or any of us), because I just love you! So much - yeah, I do."   A fantastic day overall that ended with my favorite cupcakes over Netflix for Andrew and I once the kids were snuggled in bed.  

We're making sure to find love and purpose around every corner and continue to celebrate love - and all that goes with it - big time around here.  So thankful for their hearts!!