Old Friends, New Friends

New life is cause for celebration ... and for reuniting friends from near and far.

Nora's birth brought my good friend, Courtney, and her family to our neck of the woods. Courtney and I have been friends since our college days. We're now separated by a few hours and are always thankful for excuses to see each other; it's never enough.

Nora wasn't the only star at this gathering; this was also my first time meeting her adorable son, James. With a couple of teeth already popped and more on the way, James was an inspiration to our little girl, and a reminder to me of how quickly she'll grow.

Unfortunately, Calvin was still in Montana with Grandma and his cousins and missed this visit. But that's a good excuse for another visit before too long.

The Three Amigos

Some members of our family have been waiting rather impatiently for Nora's arrival. Of everyone, Eric and I seemed to be the least interested in whether she was a boy or a girl.

Others had a vested interest; namely two cousins who were promised shortly before Nora: Ingrid Elise (Feb) and William Andrew (May).

All three mothers (and fathers) were together in January for Calvin's birthday and snapped a picture of our growing bellies. Two dads and a mom met in July to snap pictures of the children revealed.

Ingrid wasn't happy about it. But it was fun for the rest of us to see this next generation growing.

(The children are in reverse order of the moms.)

Out on the Lake

Summer Sundays at camp are a staple for our family. There's a great tent service by the lake followed by a relaxing picnic lunch and time to enjoy an adirondak chair or a swim. And since Eric is there, anyway, we're happy to join him.

We're not the only ones who find it appealing, we are often in the company of good friends and family who come up for the day.

The Heintzelmans found us there on a sunny Sunday morning and Eric took us all for a short spin on the pontoon boat. Nora sat peacefully in her car seat and even fell asleep to the gentle rocking.

Uncle Shane & Grandma Caldwell

Uncle Shane came to visit the weekend that doctors expected Nora to arrive. As it turned out, he just visited with her in utero, but he did return to meet her in the flesh. And to sing to her.

Before heading to church, Shane held Nora and sang to her for nearly an hour straight. I think she'll come to recognize him by his melodic voice, as her brother has.

Grandma Caldwell was here, too, and stayed through the week to lend a hand. She ended up cleaning all of the carpets throughout the house (God bless her!) but always found time for a little R&R with Nora.

Cuddlebug

Cuddling with Nora is a little slice of heaven.

She rests comfortably on my chest, let's out a quick sigh, and drops off to dreamland.

Which, of course, encourages me to do the same.

I don't have all day to lounge around with her, but I take what I can get.

So does Dad.

First Bath

Nora's first bath was in Galena. And without our trusted infant tub on hand, we put her in the bathroom sink. Fortunately for this little girl, we've learned a thing or two about stripping and soaking a newborn.

I ran the shower to warm up the room and eased her in slowly.

Not one peep out of her. She flailed her arms like any good seven day-old child, but lounged comfortably in the water.

Back home, introducing Nora to our routine, she slipped into her infant tub by the bathroom window just as easily. I think we might have another water baby on our hands.

First Trip to Galena

We moved in to the Galena house when Calvin was six weeks old. I never would have guessed that Nora would beat that, but there she was at only four days old!! I mean, really, who travels with a newborn?! It may have been an unusual decision, but it was a great one.

Calvin was already in Galena after spending a few special days with Grammy & Papa, and this getaway let our new family of four settle into life together in a somewhat neutral place.

I suppose it wasn't a life-changing experience for Nora. While her brother played in the pool, jumping off the diving board, she slept in the shade. While he drove Playskool cars up and down a mini garage, she slept beside him. But bonding occurred. Before jumping off the diving board, Cal would say, "Watch me, Mommy and Nora!". And if you need more proof than that, he shared Pooh Bear with her. That's right, Pooh Bear!

Cal thought that Nora's spot on the floor looked a little off without a pillow and wanted to prop her up with Pooh Bear. Of course, then she looked so comfortable that he needed to join her.

Long Fingers, Long Toes

From the moment she arrived, people have commented on Nora's beautiful long and slender fingers. I've been encouraged to sign her up for piano lessons immediately!

While I've resisted this tempation, I am excited to see what she does with these beauties. For now, she's striking a pose.

Her toes are equally exquisite. It's so fun to see, to hold, and to kiss these little piggies that so frequently kicked me from within. They're a continual reminder of the miracle of creation.

Think Pink

I've been vocal about my distaste for the color pink for some time now. Fully rejecting it from my own wardrobe, I would facetiously ponder the age-old question: "Whatever will I do if I have a girl?" Well, now we know:

I'LL DRESS HER IN PINK!

Nora was with us for less than 24 hours before pink clothing started to pour in. I immediately devoured it, energized by its femininity, its delicacy, its ... pinkness!

So bring on the pink, people -- I'm ready!

So Many Visitors (in) So Little Time

Nora arrived at the cracked of dawn, but it wasn't long before she had visitors.

Grammy and Papa started their day early, headed for the hospital around 4 a.m. Grandma did the same, though she had a longer drive. Nora's grandparents didn't let a lack of daylight keep them from racing to meet their grand-daughter.

After making sure that Calvin was passed safely to his grandparents, (he stayed with Cal when we left for the hospital) Pastor Ryan brought a blessing for our little girl. And some friends from church, Jeanine & Anna, popped in to say 'hi'.

My good friends, Sherrie and Natalie, brought their sons Grant and Tyler, respectively, to congratulate us. Just another six weeks, or so, before all three boys will be Big Brothers!

Since we stayed for just 24 hours, Great Aunt Deb and Great Uncle Wes missed us at the hospital! But they surprised us at the house with a quick hello.

Kurt, Denee, and the girls spent the Fourth of July with us. And dear friends, Aaron & Aimee, broke their Lake Geneva drought and met us for breakfast on our way out of town. Like a good American, Nora was at McDonald's by the time she was only four days old! (gasp!)

She was surrounded by love right away. Rightfully so; she's just the sweetest little girl ....

Two Peas in a Pod

Nora's big brother, Calvin, was the first on the scene to meet her.

Cal awoke to his Grammy & Papa and the three made their way to the hospital.

A wide-eyed boy walked into our room and climbed right up in bed with me and Nora. He put together that she was no longer in my belly and tuned into the details of the moment: my hospital gown, Nora's oxygen tube...

It wasn't long before he asked to hold her. "I want to hold my baby in my arms, he said." He sat down, held out his arms, and nestled in to me. Handing Nora to him, I put my arms around both of my children for the first time; what a feeling.

Who knows what relationship will develop between these two over time, but I'd say we're off to a good start.

A Happy Birth Day, Indeed

For ten days beyond her official due date we waited patiently for Nora to arrive. But when she decided to come, she didn't waste any time.

Contractions began around 7:30 PM and kicked into high gear by 11 PM. We called the doctor around 3:30 AM and set out for the hospital.

Our nurse quickly confirmed that this little one was on her way; we were just waiting for the doctor to arrive. Fortunately, just three or four pushes found Nora in her daddy's hands!

Yes, Eric delivered Nora; our doctor invited him to take the driver's seat for this delivery. Eric narrated the event for my benefit, "caught" Nora, and cut the cord. She went from his hands to my chest.

Nora came so quickly that she didn't get all of the fluid from her lungs before being introduced to air. The nurses gave her oxygen for about an hour to make sure she was breathing adequately.

Otherwise it was a seamless event. Less than thirty minutes from arrival to delivery -- better than take-out!

Welcome, Little One!

Meet Nora Claire.

July 2, 2008

9 lbs 4 oz, 21.5 in.

An exceptional sleeper, a hiccup queen, and the best little girl

to ever join this family.

We love you already.