Has it really been 3 weeks since a post? With both parents working 40+ hours a week; keeping up with two kids; all four of us getting sick; AND having the kitchen remodeled a bit, the blog fell off the family to do list. Well, here we are, alive and well, and it's back on the list. Now, I just have to get my brackets done (note: all THREE of Wendy's alma maters are in the Big Dance this year---first time ever. Go Zags, Vikings, & Zips!).
We really are managing to have loads of fun. Jackson has started to smile and react to us. Eleanor loves it (and demands "more") when he smiles at her. And he complies, like a good little brother, despite the abuse she has heaped on him. Here she is giving him a pacifier, which she has taken up as her major contribution to his life.
Eleanor is making so many strides it is hard to know what to report. She continues to expand her vocabulary and understanding of what we are saying (listening to what we are saying is another matter). She now says "Butt" on a regular basis, plus almost anything her Mama or Daddy says outloud. She also sings along with certain songs (Row Your Boat, ABCs) and enjoys doing hand motions with others (Turtle, Itsy Bitsy Spider).
She likes to say "cheese" with the camera but getting her to look at the camera and say cheese when we are ready with the camera is a different story. Recently, she has asked to "drive," which means she sits behind the wheel of Mama's car and pushes all the radio buttons. She loves it!
Another fun think Nora Kate is doing these days is picking up bags or the camera and putting the strap on her arm, which is how her Mama carries bags, and then she'll call "Bye Bye" over her shoulder as she heads to the door. She even grabs our keys and puts them up to the doorknob. Everything we do, she tries to do.
We picked her up a little bike and with the nice weather, she has taken it for a couple of spins in the backyard. She hasn't gotten the hang of the pedals yet, but moves pretty good pushing herself along. We are hoping by the time we are taking regular family walks, she can ride while Jack occupies the stroller.
Well, that's it for now, we are all having fun doing weekend trips to the park and might head to North Carolina in June. Geoff is heading to Chicago for the opening of the tourney this weekend, which should be fun.
