A-Little-Bit-O-Snow Day

 Anyone who lives in the Chicagoland area knows that the amount of snow so far this year has been less than desirable (for those of us with kids who really want to play in some snow!).  For those of you who hate snow, I suppose conditions have been quite desirable.

Anyway, it's snowing today.  Not much is actually sticking to the ground, but at least it's falling.  I personally hate being in the cold, but the kids have been needing some fresh air.  So, we bundled up and went out.  I spent most of the time in the garage, but the kids loved finally being able to play outside.

I love this one.  Meredith was just taking a stroll around the cul-de-sac.

They loved to just RUN up and down the driveway!

 

Meredith was determined to "slide" down the driveway.  She got a big running start, ran halfway down, and then fell to her knees...then down on to her belly in the hopes that she would slide on the slippery snow.  It sorta worked!

     

 Despite the small amount of snow, Caleb was determined to make a "sculpture".  In the end, he decided to fill up his bucket and bring the snow into the house to have an experiment to see how soon the snow would melt in the house's warmth.

 You don't need much snow to make a snow angel!

Who says bubbles are only for summer?  To Shane's disappointment, we are all out of bubble solution.

 Of course, hot cocoa is necessary after a cold play in the snow.

Sweet Norah enjoyed the warm & quiet house while we were outside.

MLK Day

 While we have taken today off from the majority of school-related things, I did want to talk to the kids (mostly Caleb) about Martin Luther King, Jr. and why we use this day to honor him.

I showed him some pictures (yay for the Internet!) of MLK and told him about how he taught people about treating one another fairly.  

The kids colored a color-by-number version of King and we talked about peace, and what it means to live at peace with others.  We learned Hebrews 12:14 - Strive for peace with everyone.  We also painted a dove...I know doves are typically white, but we made a colorful version, using Q-tips and paint.

Caleb's

Meredith's

"Tummy Time"

 Why yes, doctor.  I do try to give Norah tummy time.  But, after she cries in protest for a few minutes, this is typically what happens...

Norah - 1 Month Old

 Sweet baby girl is already 1 month old!  While it seems like it has been forever since she was in my belly, I can't believe how fast the past month has gone.  And, you know me....I am already mourning the fact that she is so "old" already!

Norah is sweet and cuddly.  She loves to snuggle.  She gives us lots of smiles now, although I have a difficult time capturing it on camera!  She eats well, and seems to be gaining weight (I will take her on Monday for her 1 month well visit and find out her stats then).  During the day, she loves to sleep in her swing, bouncy seat, the Moby wrap, or her car seat if we are out, and occasionally in her crib. At night, she sleeps in her crib next to Mommy and Daddy's bed, and sometimes wakes up extra early to have an hour or so of snuggles with Daddy before needing her first meal of the day.  She loves to be swaddled, and the verdict is still out on whether or not she really likes her paci.  She is usually pretty content to look around and take in everything around her.  We just love her more each day, and we absolutely can not remember what life was like before our sweet Norah Jane!  And while I am one very tired momma, I wouldn't change a thing.  Norah is an incredible blessing.

I was able to catch a little smile...I'll take it!

Norah - 4 Weeks Old

Norah has given us a handful of responsive smiles (which are so so sweet), though I haven't been able to capture any yet on camera.  

Thanks to Uncle Warren & Miss Katie for this sweet Minnie Mouse outfit! 

My Girls Today: Love