Cutie Pie

Alright, so I'm months behind: I'm sorry. I promise to catch up one of these days, but I just had to share this picture.

Nora's sitting up on her own these days, stretching for everything within reach, and laughing at all of Calvin's antics. (Which will be explored in detail when I catch up with his blog ....)

And ... she looks adorable dressed warmly for the season.

Reading Corner

Calvin has a reading corner in his new room. This pile of pillows invites anyone to sit and read for a while; even Nora. She also enjoys a good snuggle with her brother, who loves to hold her in this safe place.

Meet The Bieks

Living in a resort town means that we get to see friends who journey up this way to relax. But having a notable waterpark down the street also brings family in from further afield.

My cousins, Allison and Jason brought their kids for vacation and invited us to join them for an evening at the waterpark. Calvin splashed with his dad while Nora and I visited on the sidelines.

Nora met all three of Alli's kids, Gideon, Mikaela and Ezekiel, but we only managed to snap a photo of the youngest two before parting ways.

Thumb Sucker

Alright, so she didn't come out of the womb with callouses on her thumbs like her mother, but Nora didn't waste time fiddling around with her fingers. She went straight for her thumb; her right-hand thumb, to be exact. I think she's been practicing.

I love to see Nora comforted by her thumb. Mine was a trusted companion for many years.

The Caldwell Clan

Uncle Chris and Aunt Jenifer returned from their trip to Belgium to reclaim their children; Uncle Shane joined us all at Grandma's house for a quick visit before we all scattered again.

It was just long enough for Chris and Jen to meet Nora and to snap a photo of almost all of us (Nora's dad was at work and Grandma behind the camera).

Core Strength

When the cousins got together for a little swim at Petersen's pool, the attention mostly turned to the bigger kids in the pool. It seemed the perfect opportunity for Nora to demonstrate her core strength by sitting and holding her head upright.

It didn't make the ten o'clock news, but it was a big deal to all who witnessed it; Ava was impressed.

100% Organic

Such a cute onesie from our friend, Jessica.

And such a cute little girl to wear it.