Big Sis: Long overdue update on our gal

It has been waaaay too long since any kind of update devoted specifically to our sweet, goofball girl {Mommy hangs head in shame}. Where, oh, where do I begin {and this is why it's been so long since an update, how do you "sum up" your kid?}? So, this will be a random smattering of life with our Nora.

First, many have asked how Nora is adjusting to life with Silas. I would have to say marvelously, although there have definitely been signs she misses being the sole center of our attention. We didn't have much anxiety about her transition to having a little brother as she is such a laid-back kiddo, loves people and especially babies. Her introduction to Silas in the hospital was just precious. She knew right away as she entered the hospital room that Mommy was holding her new baby brother. She sat on my lap for quite awhile studying him and marveling at his "little nose" and "little ears" and wanting to see his little hands and feet {which were hidden under his swaddle}.

In the early weeks, there was some jealousy as she often wanted to be held by whomever was holding Silas. And, she quickly learned that his tiny, cat-like cry would get him immediate attention...so she would join in with her own melodramatic rendition of a newborn cry. And, in case, we didn't notice, she would quickly point out "Mama, I'm cwyyyiiiing!" As soon as she was acknowledged, she would be back to building Lego towers or reading books. She loves giving him kisses {especially on the lips! Thankful there hasn't been too much germ transfer thus far} and hugs and I hear at least several times a day "He's such a niiiiice baby." {melts my mommy heart}. We are so proud of our little girl as she's welcomed her new baby brother into the family.

"Can we keep him, Daddy? Can we?! Can we?!"

Let's see what else. Oh yes, cute story:

Thang started teaching Nora the Small Children's Catechism a few months back at dinner time. She has amazed us with her ability to memorize! {I've been trying to catch her recitations on video, but she clams up once the camera comes out, hopefully soon} If you're not familiar with the catechism, here is a sampling:

1. Who made you? God

2. What else did God make? God made all things.

3. Why did God make all things? For His own glory.

4. Why do things work as they do? God has so decreed it.

and so on...

One evening, I was in the kitchen making dinner and Nora came in to keep me company. She started playing with her animal refrigerator magnets, pulling each one off the fridge and declaring "Mine!", "Mine!", "Mine!" and twirling in a circle with each declaration. I grinned knowing this was a perfect opportunity to teach a life lesson. While stalling, trying to think of something wise to say, I asked "Oh, is that so, Nora?" She matter-of-factly replied, "Yes, Mama, God dee-cweed it!". Oh boy.

We have been working on potty-training now for, oh, 4 months or so...and counting. That is a whole post in-and-of-itself. But, as usual, my laid-back kiddo is in no hurry.

She has recently become enthralled with the wooden rocking horse she received from Oma and Opa last Christmas. We recently moved the horse to her room as our living room was beginning to look like "Toys R Us" and we desperately needed some adult space. Since then, the first thing she wants to do in the morning and the last thing at night is to rock on her horsey, going "Faster and faster and faster!". We're also working on such cowgirl appropriate terms as "Yeehaw", "Whooooa Nelly" and "Howdy guys". Just yesterday she named her horse "Chawley". I have no idea where she got that name, but very appropriate {as in "Charley horse" : )}. If you have any horse-related kid's book titles you can recommend, send them my way!

She continues to defy genetics and can most certainly be called an extrovert. Just last night we were shopping at Target and she greeted everyone that passed her by: "Hiiii!", "Hi guys!". Mommy grabbed a latte at Starbucks and as we were rolling out, Nora told the cashier girl, "Bye! Wuv you!". We have to watch her, because if let loose, she wants to hand out hugs and kisses too!

Nora has always had somewhat unusual "loveys" but her newest fixation is on money. While her other little girlfriends love to carry around their dolls or Disney princess paraphermalia, Nora eats, sleeps and generally always has a quarter on hand. It started when Nora's Opa began giving her quarters every time we visited...now a common phrase coming from our 2 1/2 year old is "Where's my money?!" Maybe a future in banking?

And, finally, it's hard to believe it is time to be thinking about preschool for Nora, but she will be 3 in July(!). Right now we are leaning towards keeping her home and doing "school" with Mommy next year, or possibly joining up with a few other moms to do a preschool co-op together. We realize how important play is at this age in the learning and discovery process and don't think Nora needs rigorous academics, but I'm trying to think through rhythms and structures that would best enhance her curiosity about the world around her. For you homeschooling moms, any recommendations on good preschool materials, activities or methods?

And, some more pics of our Sweetpea:

Nora with her after-bath "cwazy hair!"

Nora's "earrings" (aka star stickers)

Nora helping Silas acclimate to his play-gym

Nora and Silas (at two weeks old)

Nora and Silas (two months old...and yes, he is a healthy eater, why do you ask?!)