The Magnificent Seven

This is the face of a happy baby. You know, when we finally decided to do this (have a child) again, we weren't looking at the world of "new baby" through rose colored glasses. Sure, we looked forward to the snuggling, the first smiles, the first laugh, the cooing. But we also remembered the midnight feedings, the crying (which always seemed to happen at dinner time), and the exploding diapers. And yet, the reality of it all is so different. The first smiles are sweeter. The cooing is the sweetest sound on earth, and the lack of sleep is a killer. BUT... all that is to say that Norah has hit the magnificent seven. Seven hours of uninterrupted sleep overnight. It is heaven. It is bliss. It makes the thought of going back to work in two weeks that much easier. So not only do we have happy baby faces around this house, we have happy parent faces that have not-so-dark circles under their eyes. Yee Haw!

Now, even when Norah was waking twice a night to eat, blessed Josie was able to sleep through it. It seems she is the one getting the best sleep in the house (well, and perhaps Lucy the cat). Josie has adapted to life with Norah quite well. We have still had our tantrums and strong-willed Josie melt-downs... but is that because of Norah or because it is just Josie. Hard to tell. Overall, Josie wins many points in the Big Sister category of life.

As I mentioned, I go back to work in two weeks. The countdown has begun. Funny how a two week vacation seems like a long time and two weeks remaining of maternity leave seems like two days. I guess it is all about perspective. But between now and then, Norah will be baptized at Linn Memorial (Eric's church) and then introduced at Community (my church) once I start back. A great family event to look forward to, for certain. Josie, while having enjoyed her time at Linn Memorial these past three months, is quite excited about getting back to Community to see her friends and teachers there. We are thankful that Josie feels so at home at both churches and seems to truly enjoy being at both of them -- that certainly makes our lives as parents and ministers easier. Let's hope the same will be true for Norah.

A few more animated baby pics below... Josie's dance pictures will be forth coming as recital time is FAST approaching. Enjoy!