New York, New York

I spent last Monday through Wednesday in New York with my boss and our agency shooting in-store demos for some of the new toys that we'll be launching for the fall. It was a long few days, but we still managed to have some fun and get lots accomplished! Monday night was definitely fun. After dinner in Times Square, we headed to The Garden to watch the Knicks play Orlando. It was my first trip to The Garden, so that was a totally fun experience. Susan's friend from college is on staff with the Knicks, so she scored us mack-daddy tickets in the executive box. It was Legends Night, so I was on my cell and Blackberry with Mark telling him all of the details. Needless to say, it was lots of fun!

The commercial shoot was interesting, but overall pretty dull and made for long days. We shoot on Long Beach, so at least I was looking at the water and had a beautiful view. Who knew?! I thought the only pretty beaches were in Alabama! We stayed at The Palace again - oh the life! No Gossip Girl sightings, but it was still fabulous. I have to admit that I slept great and took over the entire bed (all to myself!). Poor Mark was at home taking care of that sweet, but fussy baby and having to take her to the doctor. Not fun for him. Thank goodness he is such a great daddy!

Prince of Peace Play Date

Yesterday Nora and I had a fun play date with a couple of the other babies and mommies from the Prince of Peace Infant program. We met at the pond by our house and had a picnic. It was lots of fun watching the babies, sharing trips and getting to know each other. We hope to get together once a month. I am really looking forward to it! I think Nora is too! She loved being outside. Plus, she came back home and took a really good nap. Always a good thing!

One of the moms, Debbie, sent me these pictures of the kiddos (minus Jordan, who had headed home for a nap).

Teagan, Ella, "Ace" and Nora

"Ace" and Nora

10 Months Old (Ok, 10 and 1/2 Months...)

Nora is officially 10 1/2 months old today! Yes, I am half a month late on this blog - not surprising these days! At this age, Nora is tons of fun and a bit wild ... more than a bit sometimes! We have survived the double ear infection and are now onto cutting 3 or 4 new teeth. I bet she'll be glad to finally get some on top!

At 10+ months old, Nora...
Thinks she is very big!
Pulls up on everything and anything
Loves to walk behind her fun FP walker from Grammy and Buddy
Stands up and sits down without holding onto anything, then grins at us
Is obsessed with her pacies - she has at least 3 in her bed for naps and night, night time
Loves to watch Mavs games with her daddy (can you tell that someone told me to put that?)
Is fascinated with all textures
Can turn the charm on in a heartbeat
Can turn the stubbornness on equally as quick
Loves to play Peek-a-Boo (thanks Grammy for the great lessons!)
Loves seeing her reflection in the trashcan (random, but true)
Loves to eat big girl food in her highchair with her fingers
Is still trying to master a sippy cup (an on-going challenge since she refuses to even hold her bottle!)
Waves
Claps
Loves school - especially Miss Kathy
Says Momma and Dada (not on any type of consistent basis)

For some reason, Mark and I feel like we just have a live toy! I can't imagine why! She brings so much joy to our lives. I still stand over her crib and cry at least a few times a week while I watch her sleep. She fills me up with a love that I have never known. What a joy and a blessing she is to our lives!

We love you sweet pea!

Grammy & Bud in the Big D

Mark's parents just spent a week with us! We all had a good time, especially Miss Nora! They arrived just in the nick of time to keep Nora home and take care of her while she was recovering from her double ear infection. Thank goodness! We all had a really good time catching up and oohing and aahing over our sweet baby girl. Grammy wanted to take her home with them! Imagine that! It was so nice to not only have them here for a visit, but to know that Nora was so well loved and taken care of while we were at work and she wasn't feeling well. There is nothing like family! If only everyone lived closer...

Mark and I were able to come home for lunch just about everyday, so that was pretty special for us to see everyone in the middle of the day. We love extra time with that girl!

Thanks Gram and Bud for all that you did to help us throughout the week! We love when you come to visit and hope that you come back soon! We love you!