No Open It, Mommy

Today at lunch, I went to cut up a strawberry for Norah. She asked me to "no open it". So, I handed it to her whole. She proceeded to eat it, nibble by nibble, and ate it all - even the green stem. She didn't even make a grimace or funny face.

Hat Weather

It's coat, hat and glove weather. But Norah doesn't have a coat or gloves, and this hat is sized 6-12 months. I am planning to go shopping for a coat tomorrow, or at least before the Thanksgiving trip we hope to the Arctic North (a.k.a. Taylor Ridge, IL - they have snow there). Do they make gloves for toddlers? I have seen mittens. Parents, have you seen any 2T gloves? Please pass on your knowledge.

Changes

Leaves are changing colors, falling from the trees. And Norah has been changing as well, developing independence. She has discovered that there is no overuse of the word, "NO!" and has forgotten how to fall asleep. Before I had a child, I did not know sleeping was a skill. It is! So I am going to consult a couple of books that have helped me at trying times, mostly showing me that Norah and I are normal and giving me a few alternatives to ponder or remember. And pray that my choices lead her to Fin's and my ultimate goal - Norah's independence from us and dependence on God.

2 Votes

I have a cold. Norah and I have been spending a lot of time cuddling on the couch, but we did get up to go vote.

Erica: Do you want to go vote with Daddy and me?

Norah: Bote! Go bote! 2 botes!

We talked about how we would have 2 votes all the way to our polling station. There was another little girl there who she played with. We voted, and Norah got stickers. Later, Norah talked to our real estate agent (yes, we're still looking).

Norah: Bote. 2 botes!

Debbie: Who did you vote for Norah?

Norah: (pause) Elmo

Lake Sylvia

My good freind Kevin McKelvy invited me to spend the day with him exploring the Ouachita National Forest today. We spent the afternoon driving around Lake Sylvia looking for off-roading challenges. Kevin convinced me to stop in the middle of one of the easier water crossings long enought to snap this pic. The best part was the scenery. I took some pictures, but Erica's the photographer, so they don't do it justice.