Noel Up North

We Did It!

2011-01-05T07:59:00.000-08:00

Bodie is all done with his ear tube procedure! He made it through with flying colors and is now happily watching his second Toy Story movie of the morning!

Specialists

2010-12-21T09:50:00.000-08:00

Bodie has yet another ear infection right now. We've just gotten word that his appointment with the Specialist will be Tuesday the 28th. We were informed that it would take at least three weeks to get in, but because Bodie has had 8 ear infections since just after Halloween they put a rush on him. We are really looking forward to getting Bodie some relief and back to his normal happy self.

Holiday Dance Show

2010-12-15T09:52:00.000-08:00

Here is a video of the dance we did for the people in the Senior Living Center. It was a little holiday recital that we did for them as a gift. I'm the one on the far left. White shirt/dark blue and white kilt.

Snow Day!

2010-12-15T09:38:00.001-08:00

It's really hard to try to keep me entertained on a snow day. This Sunday was kind of like a snow day too because it snowed so much we were told not to go anywhere. We made Shrinkey-dinks.

We did other art and crafts too.

We played LOTS of board games in front of the fire.

Bodie and I snuggled together in Mommy and Daddy's bed and read books.

And then things got a little crazy!

Monday was a full-on Snow Day! Nobody had school it was SO boring! I did NOT want to have to stay at home with Mommy and Bodie. I wanted to go to school! But it was really a good thing. Towards mid-morning both Bodie and I ended up with really high fevers that we haven't been able to shake. We've now been put on anitbiotics and I really don't want to miss my school Christmas Program this evening. I'm feeling much better today. Mommy kept me home in the morning so that I could rest and sleep in as much as I needed. Then she took me in just after lunch. Right in time for my class and I to walk to the high school so we can practice tonight's performance on stage!

Big Girl Teeth

2010-12-14T12:04:00.000-08:00

Isn't this the most becoming photo? Ha!

Do you see my Big Girl Teeth that are growing in there?!!?!?! I haven't lost any of my baby teeth yet, but those two teeth are pushing my other ones right out of the way. Mommy keeps telling me to try and wiggle them so that I don't have to have the Dentist pull them out in February. But I'm a little worried about wiggling them.

Mommy-Bodie Days

2010-12-14T11:51:00.001-08:00

During the week, when I'm at school, there are some days when it's just mommy and Bodie. First, Mommy makes Bodie work shoveling snow or other things, depending on the weather.

Then they walk around our new house and explore the yard. Although, they can't do this anymore. We have too much snow and it's hard for Bodie to walk around in it.

Once they get good and cold, they come in and heat up with some hot chocolate. Bodie's hair looks like this for the rest of the day. Static City!

They play with cars and trains. Plus they both talk on the phone a.lot.

But the best part of their day is the cuddling and tickles that happen while I'm not there to steal some of Bodie's attention away.

Ears, Ears, and More Ears.....That Are Infected.

2010-12-08T14:31:00.000-08:00

Over the last month, our poor Mr. Bodie-boy has had 7 ear infections. All of a sudden. BAM! An ear infection here an ear infection there. He barely has time to get over one before he's got another one. As of Monday, he's been given two weeks to be infection free and without any signs of fluid in his ears. Otherwise, he will be headed to the Ear-Nose-Throat Specialist for tubes.

Since I've been in school, Bodie has come up with a new thing he likes to do. He will stand at the bathroom sink forever playing with his bath toys. He turns on the water and makes his fish swim in the waterfalls. He turns the water off and puts his fish to bed. That sort of thing. It can go on for a long time.

Bum.Bum.Bum.

2010-12-08T11:54:00.000-08:00

Mommy has been trying to find this video for so long. It's from almost a year ago. We practiced and practiced to do this just right!

First Day of School

2010-12-08T08:35:00.000-08:00

Here I am! All ready for school with my lunch, backpack, raincoat, and boots.

Daddy took me took school on my first day and the principal took our picture.

The coat room, where I have to remove all the rain-gear that I just barely put on.

This is me waiting to be released at the end of the day. We made Racoon head-gear to go along with the book "The Kissing Hand" which we read.

Back home again after an exciting first day of school. It's been over three months and I still love it!

Bodie Sings

2010-12-08T08:32:00.000-08:00

Mommy showed us her favorite movie from when she was my age....ANNIE! Both Bodie and I LOVED it. We both like to sing all of the songs.

Dance Video

2010-12-08T08:28:00.000-08:00

Here is a video of Noel's first dance in her first competition.

Noel's 1st Dance Comp 9\4\10 (19 photos), by Holly Nelson

2010-09-06T19:09:00.001-07:00

I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.
Click here to view photos

Bodie Skeered!

2010-07-07T11:29:00.001-07:00

This is what Bodie looked like when the "mo-ster" band went by. Daddy says at least we don't have to deal with Bodie wanting to play the drums....

Otherwise Known As

2010-07-07T11:14:00.001-07:00

On the 4th of July, I was in the Harbor Springs parade with all my dancing friends. It was really hot and it was a really long parade. We have renamed the 4th of July to The Day of Really Long Things. The parade started at one and I didn't come through until 230. Mimi, Papa, Bodie, and Mommy waited and waited and waited for me. Mommy and Papa were standing in the middle of an intersection where the parade route turns. Mimi and Bodie were about a 1/2 block down under an awning in the shade. Bodie was scared of the band. He said the drums were "mo-sters". He cried and cried.

Daddy was in the parade with me. He helped by carrying the banner.

Papa tried to get Bodie to smell the flowers in the window of the shop where he and Mimi were stealing the shade. He's asking papa, "dis one? Bode smell dis one?"

Bodie finally picked which flower he wanted to smell. He said, "Mmmmmm... Smellsch good!"

When we got home from the parade it was about 3. Mommy decided to put Bodie in bed for his nap so he would be fresh as a daisy when it was time for the fireworks. Except that he never woke up. He slept and slept until 715 the next morning. This was another of the really long things that happened to make us change the name of the day. I was able to stay up for the fireworks. They were great! Mommy stayed home with Sleeping Bodie. It's really good that he slept through them since loud noises scare him.

Blue Fairies

2010-07-07T10:55:00.000-07:00

On the third of July we headed to Traverse City to watch the Blue Angels. Thankfully, my parents informed me a few days before that they were, in fact, air planes and not beautiful fairies with sparkley blue hair. Because that was what I was expecting to see. Once we got there we had a picnic lunch and I started to complain that I was cold. Then, once I realized we were at a beach, I decided that I was hot and needed to swim. Mom and Dad told me that it was too busy and yucky to swim in the lake that day and I should just be happy that we were in the shade. We were in the shade because Grandma Mabel and Poppy got to the air show only 5 HOURS before it started so we could have a good spot. But I was NOT happy. I begged, and pleaded, and was very nice, and was very mean and still they wouldn't even let me put my feet in the water. THE NERVE!

Bodie played with Poppy's ears, and hair, and mustache while we waited for the show to start.

Good thing Grandma Mabel brought her "pirate things" so that I could look around to see if I could spot the planes first.

This was near the beginning of the Blue Angels. Right as they swooped over our heads. Before they did this Bodie said, "Wow! A-planes! Pretty awesome!" Then when they swooped, he had a convulsion or something. He wasn't paying attention and didn't know they were so close. They were really loud and scared him.

He pretty much looked like this for the rest of the air show. He kept saying, "Bodie, skeered! A-planes LOUD. Boo Angels skeer Bodie."

After the air show we were both very tired and hot. We slept in the car and then went to Mabel and Poppy's on the way home to have malts and hamburgers.

All Moved In

2010-06-26T11:22:00.000-07:00

At the very end of April we were able to move into a house that we are renting for the time being. It is quite similar to our house downstate and we love the area. I was able to have my birthday party here in our house and it was so much fun. It feels like home to us now and we are very happy to be done with the whole moving thing. I love seeing my daddy every day. He comes home and has lunch with us. We go to the beach a lot and if you can't find us sleeping then we are probably playing outside somewhere. We love to be outside. Even in the rain.

Upside-Down and Round and Round

2010-04-05T16:06:00.000-07:00

We are in the process of moving back up north. We weren't even gone for a complete 2 years. Now we are back. Sort of.

I'm going to school in two different places. I started school up here last week and I LOVE it! I go all five days a week up here. It's great! Daddy takes me to school and brings me back home at lunch. Sometimes he even eats lunch with me in the cafeteria before we head home.

I'm hoping very soon to have a home of our own and all of my toys with us. For right now we are all together for the first time in 2 months and that is what makes me happy.

Trick-or-Treat

2009-10-31T17:57:00.001-07:00

Mimi and Papa came down to visit us today. Their plan was to put the new knobs on our kitchen cabinets and then hand out candy while we trick-or-treated with both mommy and daddy. And they did exactly that. Above is the picture of Bodie in his costume waiting for the time to go. He was Bam-Bam. He had a club, too. He didn't really know how to use it.

This picture is of my costume. I'm a tootsie pop! We had to wait a REALLY long time for the other kids to start showing up. Luckily, both Bodie and I took HUGE naps today. I slept for 3 hours and Bodie slept for 4 1/2. We were well rested and ready for our late night.

It was finally time.... We headed out with the wagon. We made it to 3 houses before Bodie fell in a huge puddle. :( We had been gone for maybe a 1/2 hour before Mommy twisted her ankle and fell. Bodie had fallen numerous times. At that point we were all cold and ready to head back. Or hobble back as in mommy's case. It was then that Bodie took his club and bopped me over the head with it while saying, "Bam-bam!!"

We did have to trick-or-treat one more time at our own house with our mimi and papa. I could barely wait to get my sucker head off.

Mimi rushed us up the stairs and into a warm bath. But not before I opened the ring pop that Kev and Mon had dropped off while we were out. Since it was a special night, I got to enjoy it in the bathtub. Thanks guys! My favorite part of the night was handing out candy to my "customers". I had so much fun!

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T12:51:00.000-07:00

Swings

2009-09-25T10:24:00.000-07:00

Bodie loves to swing. This is him running on the path to the playground.

He's SO close now, he slowed down a bit to wait for us.

I like to make funny sounds and pretend that Bodie has knocked the wind out of me when I push him. It makes him laugh.

I learned how to swing all by myself this summer!

Second Day of School.

2009-09-16T07:45:00.001-07:00

The second day of school drop-off went great! I was in charge of feeding the class pet today. We do that first thing. I barely even had time to say goodbye to mommy and Bodie before I was off with a smile to feed the hamster.

Baby (Hair) No More - Otherwise Entitled Mullet-No-More

2009-09-14T19:12:00.001-07:00

Before mullet removal.

Actual removal of mullet

After mullet removal

(Not) My First Day of School

2009-09-14T18:32:00.001-07:00

Mommy kept telling me that my first day of school was coming up. I TOTALLY didn't understand what she was talking about. Honestly, my first day of school was a LONG, LONG time ago when I was three. This is NOT my first day of school. Just the first day of 4-year old preschool. We went out to breakfast at McDonald's. (This was not for the food so much as the playland.) Then we headed to school. Once again I kicked and screamed as they pried me off of mommy. I calmed down really quickly and had a GREAT time. I loved school and seeing all of my friends again. This year I know how to swing all by myself so I don't need a teacher to push me. My new teachers are nice and mommy is looking forward to me getting to know them so that I don't kick and scream when she leaves.

Rub a Dub Dub

2009-09-14T18:27:00.000-07:00

Disney Days

2009-09-13T11:47:00.001-07:00

Summer

2009-09-13T11:27:00.001-07:00

Our house up north finally sold this summer. The closing was in August. We all went up north and visited with our family and friends. Bodie and I were able to check out the new splash pad in Charlevoix and we took Aunt Teresa and Mommy to Lake Michigan one evening. Evening is the best time to head to the beach. (Says mommy.) It's not too busy, not too hot, but the sun is still shining and it's not completely deserted.

We also took Papa Reg to the zoo to see the Dinosaurs. I was SO scared of the dinosaurs. This is the only picture of me with one because its a smaller one and papa is there with me.

We also went to a Tiger's game. There were fireworks after the game and Bodie was a little nervous because of all the noise, but we were really good and had a fun time.

End of Year Picnic

2009-06-21T12:38:00.001-07:00

On the last day of Preschool we stopped at a park just before we got to school and had a picnic with all my friends. Daddy was even able to make it. It was a surprise that he came. I was SO happy he was able to push me on the swing..... (Even though he doesn't push me as high as mommy!)

Bodie is a big fan of the swings, too. This picture was taken before we got his sandals from Aunt Heidi in the mail. He now is the owner of a nice pair of Teva's!

Before we went left for the park, I got cards all ready to give to my teachers.

Today, Thursday, May 7th, 2009

2009-05-07T10:09:00.000-07:00

We must give all the credit to the makers of chocolate milk for the above video....

Today I had a field trip to a farm in the area. I was able to bring Bodie, too. We both had a lot of fun. It didn't rain until we were on our way home. We saw miniature horses, and pigs, and horses, and cows, and chickens, and turkeys, and bunnies, and goats, and sheep, and llamas, and peacocks. I could go on, but you get the idea. When we got there, first thing was a hayride all around the farm. We saw a marsh and bird houses and bat houses and fields that had just been plowed. (What, you wanna see, too?..... Mommy forgot the camera.)

Had to stop for milk on the way home and for a special treat mommy got a little bottle of the chocolate kind, too. We had chocolate milk for lunch which is why we were acting so goofy in the above video. (I get REALLY weird on any kind of sugar. You don't even want to imagine me after a little glass of "coca-coca classic").

The Cake

2009-05-05T07:52:00.001-07:00

While we were baking the cake Bodie took a few naps and played with Noel and Aunt Teresa and watched Daddy mow. But he got tired of doing that, so Grandma Pat strapped him to her back while she made her frosting.

Here is the bottom of the cake. We placed it on a board with minty green polka dotted foil (Noel's fave color) topped with a mirror. It was a white cake with white frosting all the way around and then finished off with pink frosting on top. We added some pearls for accessories.

This is the middle layer. It was a funfetti cake. Don't EVER use a funfetti cake if you are trying to stack. It isn't sturdy enough. We had to add several toothpicks and a lot of prayers that it would hold up and not crumble over night. We chose Noel's favorite color for the middle layer. Then we embellished with green dots down the sides as well.

The top layer was also funfetti. It held together better because it was smaller and didn't have to hold anything else up. Pearls were added to this one as well.

Here is the whole finished cake as up close as I could get with out cutting one of the layers out of the picture.

This cake took us 12 hours from start to finish and when we were done, I wanted to cry a little because it was PERFECT and I was so tired. THANKS GRANDMA PAT FOR YOUR HELP!

Someone's Turning 4!!!

2009-05-05T07:35:00.000-07:00

I had a Fancy Nancy birthday party this weekend. Almost everyone who came was dressed all fancy with lots of accessories and everything. Before this picture was taken, Bodie even had a suit and tie on. He wanted to play outside so we changed him. Mailey and her sister Gabby were able to make the drive down for the soiree (fancy word for party) which made it even more special. Papas and Uncles had suits and ties and very nice outfits on. Grandmas and Aunts had fancy skirts, dresses and they were very be-dazzling.

This was my gorgeous Fancy Nancy outfit that I wore to my party. It has flowers, wings, and lots of jewels on it.

Here's a pic of me and my BFF, Mailey. We were screaming FANCY NANCY!!!! Mailey had the same fancy slippers on that I got for a gift. Now our feet can alway match.

Here's a picture of the fancy cake that Mommy and Grandma Pat made and decorated. Mommy will put some more pictures of the cake in the next post. (It deserves it's own post.)

Here is the Fancy Nancy doll that Mommy and Daddy gave me. Other people got together to give me several outfits for her to wear and those boxes stacked up behind me were made especially for me to keep all of my Fancy Nancy things in. I also recieved some Fancy Nancy things for me to wear.

The day after my party I was heard saying over and over again, "I had the BEST birthday party ever!" Thank you to everyone who was able to make it and for being good sports about dressing up. It made my day so special.

Oh, and if anyone reading this has pictures of some of the guests all dressed up, could you email them to my mommy so she can add them to our collection of photos please? Thank you.

Spring!

2009-04-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

These last few days have been really nice, a little windy, but really nice. Bodie and I were able to try out our new wagon outside for the first time yesterday. It was fun, but neither of us liked riding in the backward spot. We took turns and it worked out okay.

Before our walk, Bodie was sleeping for his morning nap. Mommy and I played outside the whole time he was sleeping. We even had a picnic snack. I made up a few songs to sing while standing on my pretend stage. This is just one of the many songs I sang that morning.

A Day Out With Thomas At Greenfield Village

2009-04-27T11:03:00.001-07:00

On Saturday we took Mimi Becky and Papa Reg to Greenfield Village. Sometimes I get confused and have called it the Red Gardens. The first thing we did was take a Model T ride. Mommy took the picture from the front seat.

All I talked about the first hour or two was how I HAD to get a tattoo. Here's my leg getting a tatoo.

Finally it was our turn to take a ride with Thomas. It was so much fun!! We all had to yell "All Aboard!" so he would know it was time to take off. We were in the very last car so we had a great view of Thomas every time we went around a curve.

Do you see Thomas up there? Way up there? He's the blue engine.

We got a better picture of him when our ride was over!

We had a really great day. The weather was hot, but it was really windy so we stayed nice and cool. Then it got really cloudy and looked like it was going to rain. The wind died down, but the clouds kept us from getting too hot. It never rained except for maybe once while we were on the train. Then the sun came back out while we were on our way to the car. Worked out perfectly!

Bodie isn't a Baby Anymore.

2009-04-24T11:15:00.001-07:00

Look what Bodie can do....

He still chooses to crawl because it's faster, but he can walk.

Bodie's one year check up answered the weight and height question. He weighs 21lbs 5 oz. He is 31 1/4 inches tall. The doctor called him "long and lean".

He now has 6 teeth.

He can say a few things:
Key = Monkey
On = On
Aye = Hi- in a pirate sounding voice
momma
dada
"more" and "drink" and "eat" in sign language
He waves for hi and bye, and just today has starting blowing kisses.

He also likes to bob his head to music. Or shake it vigorously when Britney comes on the radio. We can't tell if that means he really likes her or is trying desperately to get her out of his head.

Bodie's Big Day!!!

2009-04-24T11:06:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures of the cake that Mommy and Grandma Pat decorated for Bodie's birthday. It was a train, made from scratch and then decorated to look like it was on a track going through a tunnel. It was a huge hit!

Bodie getting to eat his engine.

This monkey has become Bodie's favorite present. He hands it to mommy every morning when she gets him out of bed and says, "KEY!"

Daddy couldn't get the helicopter out of the box fast enough. Bodie was hanging upside down trying to get at it.

Henry Ford Museum

2009-04-24T10:58:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago, we took a trip to the Henry Ford Museum. We saw lots of cars, trains, and airplanes. The above picture is me inside an older plane.

Then daddy helped me make a paper airplane. This is the test zone where you can fly your airplane and see how far it goes. Mine actually went really far, but we missed the photo op.

Bodie and I decided we were hungry so we made a hot dog. Bodie is just a condiment....

and I'm the hot dog.

The very last thing we looked at before heading home were dollhouses. (I'm not picking my nose in this picture. It's an optical illusion...)

We Don't Speak Much German

2009-03-19T07:05:00.000-07:00

Mommy: AAAAAA-CHOOOOOO!!!!

Noel: Grocery Cart!

Happy St. Patty's!

2009-03-17T18:14:00.000-07:00

When mommy, Bodie, and I got home from school today we found these in the refrigerator. Shawn the Leprechaun came and turned our milk green. Can you believe it? He's such a sneaky guy.

I noticed these on my way up the stairs for nap. "The Leprechaun guy", as I like to refer to him, left us a little pot filled with "gold". Really it was filled with several coins for Bodie and I to put into our piggie banks.

Identity Crisis

2009-03-17T18:07:00.000-07:00

I'm a baby!

I'm a big girl!

I'm a baby!

I'm a big girl!

I just can't decide what's more fun, being a baby, or being a big girl. Monday was a very nice day. I was outside at 10:30 in the morning playing in the sandbox in my night gown. We are so happy to have a few days of nice weather to remind us that spring is on the way!

Suprising Saturday

2009-03-14T18:36:00.000-07:00

Mommy had a book club meeting this afternoon. After nap, Daddy took us on a surprise adventure. We ended up at the Michigan headquarters for Rainbow Play Systems. It was a huge building filled with playsets. I was able to try them all out and just have a good time climbing, swinging, and sliding.

Then it was back home for dinner and our first viewing of Pinocchio. It uses the term jack-ass frequently. My parents may have to explain that to my teachers at school. But it will probably end up okay. In Sleeping Beauty, the bad fairy says, "Now you shall deal with me oh prince. And all the powers of HELLLLL!" When I say it it sounds like this: "And all the powers of the HILLLLLL!" Hopefully, I will come up with something completely innocent for jack-ass, too. We'll have to wait and see.

The Homestead Resort

2009-03-12T17:57:00.000-07:00

On Sunday evening we headed to Glen Arbor to stay with the Fleury Grandparents, papa Reg and Mimi Becky, for a few days. They were lucky enough to score a condo at The Homestead for a week. We just stayed right around our condo and took a few walks. Our first walk was quickened by a sudden snow storm. The next afternoon we were able to take in the sun and much nicer weather.

Papa, Mimi, Bodie and I walked on ahead while mommy straggled along behind taking pictures.

This was a view of our condo from the walk.

All of the snow had melted off of most of the trees from the sun, this one was holding all of it's snow.

We headed back home Tuesday afternoon, not as early as we had planned because mommy's car ended up with a flat tire. Luckily, mommy saw the flat tire before she packed the car and we had started on our way. Mommy and Papa Reg changed the tire in the pouring rain. Then we were on our way.

Mailey has a birthday. She's 4!!!

2009-03-11T17:01:00.000-07:00

This is Mailey, Gabby, and I sorting M&M's to be used to make a rainbow on Mailey's birthday cake. She had a Care-Bear Party.

We had to play with all of the balloons before the party started.

Then we played Ring-around-the-Rosie to pass the time.

Just before all our friends got there, we put on the Care-Bear masks and had a hug.

Mailey's party was a lot of fun. I was able to see old friends and meet some new ones. We played a few games instead of sledding. It was too wet to sled. And then we had pizza and cupcakes after Mailey was finally able to get the candle out.

Happy Birthday, Mailey! I love you and miss you SOOOOO much!

BC Pizza

2009-03-11T16:56:00.001-07:00

Bodie and I met our great grandparents at BC pizza last Friday while we waited for Mailey's birthday party to start. Bodie actually climbed around a bit.

After he had a little bit of food. (A lot a bit of food if you want to know the truth.)

This is him taking a break from all the eating to wipe a little pizza sauce off of his head.

I thought it would be funny to make faces while I went down the slide.

This is a picture of the first time I went down the slide. I wasn't trying to look scared in this picture. I really was a little scared.

Bodie - 11 months

2009-03-10T18:55:00.000-07:00

Bodie is eleven months old today. He is happy ALL THE TIME. He loves his blankie, is a good eater, and doesn't like to be contained in any way. Yesterday his 4th tooth grew in. He cannot walk yet, actually, he probably could, but he seems a little scared. We love our Bodie-boy and can't believe he's almost a year old.

Play Dates and Photography

2009-03-04T16:25:00.001-08:00

This is how Bodie wakes up from his nap. Just a huge ball of happiness.

Here's a picture of Bodie that I took all by myself. It's of him drinking out of a "big-boy-cup".

Here's another picture I took all by myself. It's of my legs and the camera strap.

I had a friend over this morning for a play date. She has a little brother who's a little older than Bodie, so he came too. We all had a really fun time. Claire and I played dress-up and princesses. Bodie and Alec played with everything they weren't supposed to. It was a success with another one planned for next week.

I'm still not feeling tip-top, so I'm heading to bed early again tonight. Need to get all the recovery sleep I can before Mailey's birthday party on Friday.

More Pictures From Up North

2009-03-03T16:46:00.000-08:00

Here's the three of us playing superhero costume party. Mailey and Jet are easy to tell. I am PINK POWDER! My powers include a pink puff of powder that temporarily blinds any evil-doers.

Mailey and I with our totally cool shades!

Mailey, Jet, and I after Jet made it down the slide at BC Pizza!

Mailey and I waiting for Jet to get up enough nerve to come down the slide!

Tuesday-A Special Day

2009-03-03T16:29:00.001-08:00

Today is Aunt Heidi's Special Day! Happy Special Day Aunt Heidi!!!

I got myself dressed for school this morning. This isn't anything out of the ordinary, but do you see all of the buttons on this shirt? I did them ALL BY MYSELF! (Shhh!! Don't tell me they are a little out of whack! I don't want to hear it!)

After school I came home and had lunch. Turkey dog, peas, grapes, and bread and butter.

It was special because Bodie had the EXACT same thing as me! His favorite: the peas!

Here's Vladdy. She's patiently waiting for any leftover turkey dogs that may come her way. (Lucky for her she got a few pieces.)

I got up from nap not feeling too hot. Actually, I was feeling quite hot with a fever of 102. Ended up in bed and asleep by 6.

Monica's Monday

2009-03-03T05:06:00.001-08:00

Monica took the day off on Monday to spend some time with us. We played CandyLand.

Then Bodie wanted in on the action.

Monica brought over her Easy Bake Oven and we made a birthday treat for Kev. His birthday is the third.

Monica also helped me make a treat for myself.

And this is why we've decided that Bodie is too big for his Excersaucer. He can climb out of it. Actually, he climbs all the way until his head is almost touching the floor. Then he drops the rest of the way to the floor with a big klunk. Then he sits up, claps, and crawls away, so happy that he has escaped.

Nice weekend

2009-03-01T18:50:00.000-08:00

We had a really great weekend. Friday night mommy and Monica were able to go to the Red Wings game and watch them win. On Saturday we had lunch at B-Dub's with Kev and Mon, and Amy and Tim. Then it was home for a nap. We had Tacos for dinner and a nice night at home. Today, we played games while Bodie took his morning nap. My favorite game was Duck, Duck, Goose! It was so much fun! We all laughed so hard. The best part is watching mommy and daddy try to drag themselves up off the floor. Then we played with Bodie once he woke up. After our afternoon naps, we went to Chuck E Cheese's along with everyone else in the area. It was a TON of fun and Bodie went down a slide all by himself for the very first time. Sorry, no pictures. We just went to have fun.

Chess

2009-03-01T16:29:00.001-08:00

Over the last couple of weeks Daddy has been teaching me how to play chess. I know all of the names of the different pieces. This weekend he taught me how each piece moves.

Bodie thinks it's okay for him to play, too. He has a long way to go to catch up to me. He still has to learn that they don't go in your mouth.

Visiting EJ!

2009-03-01T16:22:00.000-08:00

We headed up north a couple of weeks ago to visit good friends. Mailey and I did a lot of reading together, and playing. We were able to meet up with Jet for some superhero costume time, but mommy forgot the camera.

Gabby entertained Bodie with some story telling. We headed to a really fun pool about a 1/2 hour away. Mailey and I were able to have some mom/baby-free time when Mailey's grandpa took us to a basketball game! That was my favorite part. A girl's night out.

Oh, and on the way up, we saw this moose sticking out of the back end of a truck!

When?

2009-01-20T18:40:00.000-08:00

Mommy: Noel, hurry up so we can get home to see Barack Obama on TV.

Noel: Rock A Bomma?

Mommy: Barack Obama.

Noel: Barack Obama. When is he gonna come to our house and bring presents?

Mommy: Wow! That would be nice!

Noel: It's not gonna happen is it?

I'm SO Funny..... At Least Bodie Thinks So!

2009-01-15T07:45:00.001-08:00

Sometimes if mommy is finishing something up and she can't get right to Bodie when he wakes up, she has me go into his room and talk to him and entertain him and stuff. And boy can I entertain him. He thinks I'm a great comedian! Who knew a laundry basket and a big sister could be so funny?

WHITE DAY!

2009-01-15T07:38:00.001-08:00

At school today we are talking about the color white. So far we've had green, brown, and red. Mommy thought I looked so cute in my preppy white shirt that she took a picture. And I must agree with her: I am quite cute in this picture. Oh, and I've been wearing my hair like this for the past several days. I like it because it keeps my hair out of my face, but it shows how long my hair is...... Just like a princess. After school today, some of my classmates and I are heading to Jungle Java to have lunch and play for an hour or so. I'm excited to check it out. Maybe I'll have some pictures this afternoon.

If I sing this song, Santa will come again soon. Right?

2009-01-15T07:32:00.000-08:00

After Christmas I realized that if I sang this song, Santa may get confused about the time of year and come to deliver more gifts. (It hasn't worked yet, but I try almost every night.)

A Girl in the Snow With Her Dog

2009-01-15T07:26:00.001-08:00

One day last week was absolutely perfect to head outside with Vladdy while mommy made lunch. It wasn't too cold and we didn't have too much snow. I did learn, however, that I needed to pay attention to where the pool is. Right after mommy took this picture I kept running straight ahead instead of following the dog and I ran right out onto the cover for the pool. Thank goodness I don't weigh any more than about 30lbs. The cover held me up long enough to get back to the side. But I came in crying after that because I was scared. Mommy was laughing at the thought of all the neighbors listening to her scream, "NOEL- GET OUT OF THE POOL!!" in the dead of winter.

A Note From Mommy.....

2009-01-07T06:35:00.001-08:00

Here is a picture of the first time Noel wrote her name in the correct way. Usually she would just write a random amount of N's O's E's and L's all over the page in varying sizes. Today she sat down while I was feeding Bodie and said, "I'm gonna color a E." And she did. Then the next time I turned around she had the O and L right beside it. I said, "Isn't there another letter in your name?" She said, "N! Up down up." Then put it in front of the E -backwards of course- but that's great. (Yes, I know that the E and O are mixed up. It doesn't matter.) Noel wrote her name. ALL BY HERSELF! At the same time she was doing that, Bodie finished his cereal and I started loading the dishwasher. I turned to look at Bodie and he was banging his two fists together - very close to the sign for "more". And I said, "Bodie do you want more?" And he started banging his fists really fast and laughing. So I gave him some cheerios and he ate them all up. Both of my kids were having "firsts" at the same time. Yay!

This is the very seat that Bodie was sitting in when he signed "more". Of course he wouldn't do it for me when I asked him to. At that point he didn't want more. I know he's wearing a pink bib. He doesn't care. His sister LOVES pink and sparkly, and for now he does too. It's what happens when your big sister is a princess. Don't tell his grandma Becky he's got the pink bib on. She'll run out and buy him 7 blue ones just to make up for it. ;)

Amazing right? Vladdy is capable of calming down. We had a very nice day on Monday and she took the opportunity to relax by the pool.

Here's a cute picture of Bodie playing while I was making him dinner. He's trying to eat the tire off his new car he got for Christmas. He will sit in there and play for two hours if I need him to while I'm cleaning. Luckily for him, I don't clean too often.

A Few Questions

2009-01-06T10:39:00.001-08:00

Thinking face.

So, when mommy and Bodie picked me up from school today I had a few questions. I'll also include the answers mommy gave me.

Noel: Mommy? Where does water come from?

Mommy: *long pause as mommy decided how in depth she wanted to go with the water cycle.*

She decided to start with the clouds. She said that water came from the clouds and once they got too full of water, it rained.

Noel: Oh, that's nice. I meant the water we drink.

Mommy: hmm. Well that water comes from the city and into our house through pipes. *She didn't get too in depth on how the water we drink comes from clouds, then it falls, then it goes into the ground....blah....blah...

Noel: Mommy, where do trees come from?

Mommy: Well..... They start out as seeds and the seeds are planted into the ground and start to grow. Some of the seed grows down and that's the roots and some of the seed grows up and up and up. And after a lot of years, you get a tree.

Noel: Mommy, what if I want a little tiny tree to start with instead of a seed?

Mommy: You know, there are some stores that start the seeds for us, then we can go buy a little tiny tree and put it in the ground.

Noel: Oh, that's nice. It's nice that stores do that for people. How do stores know exactly what people want to buy?

Mommy: This is the question I don't have an answer for.

Noel: You're the most perfect mommy. You're just precious.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2008-12-26T19:40:00.000-08:00

Here's Bodie with his toy from Santa
Here's me bright and early Christmas morning opening my gifts. I hadn't gotten to my Sleeping Beauty doll yet, but you can see my hula-hoop.
Bodie and I are currently in the midst of our Christmas Festivus. So far we have celebrated twice with four more coming this weekend. We are so grateful to have so many people who we get to celebrate Christmas with and have so much fun over the holiday. Santa came to our house on Christmas Eve - you guessed it, I was good all year long. Then a few grandparents came down that afternoon. Santa brought me a hula-hoop, Barbie cash register, and da-da-da-DAAAAA....... A singing Sleeping Beauty doll. She is beautiful. I get to brush her hair, and put her shoes on, and crown on and listen to her sing ALL DAY LONG. I love her with all the love any little three year old girl could love a princess doll. She has her own bed in my room. And I kiss her on the cheek and whisper, "You are SO precious" into her ear. Then, I put her to bed. Then, I get her up, put her shoes on, and start all over again. She's perfect. And the best part...... Mailey got the same Sleeping Beauty singing princess doll from Santa. He must have known that we are best friends or something. Mailey called me Christmas morning and we had our dolls sing to each other over the phone. It was so much fun.

Mailey's Visit

2008-12-26T19:28:00.000-08:00

   This is the face Gabby made when mommy asked her to smile.
   Mailey and I playing at the mall.
   Mailey and I shopping at the mall.
   Christmas Pancakes
   Matching PJs.

A little over a week ago, my best best best friend in the ENTIRE world came down for a visit. It had been just about 2 months since we had seen each other. Funny thing, we ended up having the same pajamas. Then the next morning, daddy made us Christmas shaped pancakes and we went to the mall. (CHAOS) Then we just hung out for the rest of the weekend while our mommies took a much deserved break and headed a few miles away to check out IKEA.

Christmas Party

2008-12-11T17:29:00.000-08:00

Receiving gift
Singing on stage
my dove mask
Christmas Party

Today was the day we celebrated Christmas at my school. All of my classmates did really well. We did a reenactment of the Carol of the Animals. I was a dove. We had doves, and donkeys, and camels, and sheep. There may have been more, but I can't remember. Then we showed our parents all of the songs that we've been singing this year. After that there was a little reception with treats and things. And SANTA CAME! He brought us each a present. I was a little bit scared at first. But then he called my name and I went right up to get my gift. But I forgot to say thank you. When it was time for Santa to leave I took off after him. He turned around and I gave him a hug and told him thank you. It was a big improvement from the last few years. Last year I wouldn't even talk about going near him. The year before that, daddy had to be in my Santa picture with me...... And I was crying.

Christmas Card Picture

2008-12-10T17:27:00.000-08:00

Christmas Card Picture

So, mommy spent about an hour today taking several pictures of Bodie and I to get a good one to put into Christmas cards. These are a few of them that didn't make the cut!

Cookie Extravaganza

2008-12-10T17:21:00.000-08:00

Cookie Extravaganza!

Grandma Pat came down this past weekend to make cookies with me. She brought me my own rolling pin (it's pink) and TONS of decorating things. My rolling pin worked great and I am really good at making cookies..... And eating the dough. We made SO MANY COOKIES! I can't believe it.

What's been going on.

2008-12-10T17:15:00.001-08:00

Bodie can stand up.
A friends' B-day.
First Sink Bath
Nice Day in Nov.
It's been quite a long time since I've posted anything. So here are some pictures to get you all up to date.

2008-11-16T14:01:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pictures of our first snowfall just to prove to those of you up north that we do get snow down here! Yay! I'm so "eksygged" -excited-!

2008-11-02T07:37:00.001-08:00

WE HELP DADDY!

Yesterday was spent working out in the garage getting everything ready for winter. I was able to help daddy a lot. I even got to climb a ladder to see into the attic where daddy has some of my toys stored.

2008-11-02T07:24:00.000-08:00

Halloween 2008.

We had a great Halloween. We learned that trick or treating starts a good hour and a half later down here than it did up north. At first we thought we had the wrong day. And man, was I gonna be upset if I didn't get to go trick or treating. It was a BEAUTIFUL night. It was almost 70 degrees when we started out. Poor Bodie had his polar bear costume on and was pretty hot. Mommy took him back inside and took all of his clothes off and put the costume back on just over his diaper. It was great weather for my pineapple costume. I didn't have to wear sweatpants or my coat under my costume. I remember that last year my mommy put me in my pajamas and then my dinosaur costume. But this year we didn't have to do that. Once I was done trick or treating, I was able to stand on the porch and hand candy out to the older kids before I was FORCED into bed. My costume was such a hit. There were even some middle school aged girls that stopped me while I was out to give me candy out of their own stash just cuz my costume was so cute. I decided I wanted to be a pineapple really early this year. I started talking about it in June or July. So, as the day got closer and I still was talking about a pineapple, mimi Becky came up with the costume. Then, once the costume was done, I decided that I was a pineapple princess because of my crown of leaves.

2008-10-30T15:21:00.000-07:00

Army of One!

Well, Bodie has found a better way than rolling to get from one place to another. He has perfected the "army crawl". Ahhhh! Mom! Time to batten down the hatches and get the baby-proofing in order.

2008-10-26T08:24:00.000-07:00

Me and Mailey

Papa Bodie and I

Mailey, Gabby, Jet, and me

Noel Up North

So, I actually was up north last weekend. We visited a few friends, family, and our last stop was my old house. We had a great time and great weather up until our last day. We went for a couple of walks, to a pumpkin painting party, to Sunday school, to the casino for brunch, and to an apple orchard. (We did the apple orchard in the rain - of course it would happen that way.) We had a GREAT visit.

2008-10-21T14:26:00.000-07:00

Bodie's measurements:

At the doctor office last Friday, Bodie weighed 16 lbs 7 oz and was 27 1/4 inches long. Too long for his car seat, but mommy's not sure she's ready to give it up yet since it's so convenient to get him in and out of stores. He only received three vaccines this time. Then mommy scheduled the three others ones for a few weeks down the road. I will be getting a flu mist - live vaccine when we go, too. That's one where you breath it in instead of getting a shot.

2008-10-13T15:54:00.000-07:00

Bodie and I playing
Bodie at 6 months

Bodie is 6 months old now. You already know that he can sit up for short periods of time. He also says, "Mamamama!" (He seems to say it conveniently when he wants mommy, too.) But what he's really good at is clapping. He claps ALL the time. We say, "Clap, clap, clap!" And he smiles and claps. What a genius!

Bodie laughing at me.

Bodie clapping.

2008-10-05T13:46:00.000-07:00

Isaac and I riding a turtle
Looking at the bear fountain.
In between a bear's legs.
Eating a snack.
Playing with Bodie.

We had some visitors this weekend. The Spratkes came and I was able to meet Isaac for the first time. We had a pretty good time. We went to the zoo and did a ton of playing. We had a lot of fun and only a few problems with sharing. (Quite often I was found walking around with my favorite toys of the moment above my head - out of Isaac's reach.) But everyone kept telling me that it was fine to let Isaac play with my toys because he wouldn't take them home. So, once I was reminded of that, I would share. By the end of the weekend, one of my very favorite toys -monkey- could be found with Isaac. I was that giving. BUT DON'T YOU DARE LET THAT BOY HAVE MY MAGIC WAND! Isaac brought a few of his own "Choo-choos" so we were able to play great together on my train table. Isaac is really good at teasing girls already. He kept trying to tell me that MY mommy was HIS mommy with the cutest little impish smile that I've ever seen. I'm so glad they were able to come for a visit.

2008-10-05T12:34:00.000-07:00

Look what Bodie can do!
There he is again.

You've seen it. Bodie can sit on his own. Not for hours and hours yet. But long enough to get a new perspective on the world. And he's so happy about it. He will be six months old on the tenth. So it's about time he mastered this ability. I could do it when I was four and a 1/2 months. The slacker!

2008-10-01T15:40:00.000-07:00

Ducks that WERE swimming but then got out.

THE HAPPIEST BABY ON EARTH

Running The Bases

We went to the Tigers' last home game on Sunday and I had another great time. We were in a suite and had tons of great things to eat and drink. From there, you could see all of downtown Detroit and it was a great view of the game. Once the game was over, I was able to go down on the field (with about 8,000 other kids) and run the bases. I was in the last group to go around, so mommy and Bodie had to wait a while to see daddy and I. But we did it. Paws was waiting at second base so I got to say hi to him again.

NO MORE TEARS

When my mommy dropped me off at preschool on Tuesday, I didn't even get sad. That's a big difference from all the other times. I usually get a few tears and am sad when she leaves. But on Tuesday, I really didn't even care if she said goodbye to me. It was great. And SO much easier on everybody involved.

2008-09-26T14:37:00.000-07:00

More Fun!

We have been having such a great time lately. I've been to the zoo twice this week. On Monday, I went to the zoo with my aunt Teresa and Mommy. Then on Wednesday, I went to the zoo with mommy, Bodie, and Papa Reg. We rode the train again. When we were getting on the train, mommy bumped her head VERY hard on the door frame. She thought she was gonna have a goose egg. But she didn't. After my nap, we ended up going to the Tigers game. I got to meet Paws and ride the ferris wheel. What a WEEK!

2008-09-23T18:01:00.000-07:00

Fun Times!

We've had fun getting into a preschool schedule. I'm doing much better, only a couple of tears and a slightly quivery lip when mommy leaves. The teachers tell mommy that I'm the one who had the most fun at school. Even when I slip and fall and end up with a goose-egg on the back of my head.

Mommy and Daddy went to Lexington for a few days. While they were there they were able to head to Louisville to see some of the Ryder Cup golf tournament. They had great time and Bodie and I did just fine without them. Mommy has some funny stories about daddy packing unauthorized things -shaving cream, and face wash- and then handing the carry on to her to take through security. (She could have killed him!) Then, as they were walking away, daddy says, "Well, why didn't they take my razor blades?" Are you kidding me? Just keep your mouth shut!

Once my parents got back, I had some visitors come down.... Grandma Mabel, Papa Clinton, and Aunt Teresa. Grandma Pat came for a day visit as well. I wasn't feeling very well. I had a cold and I was exhausted. So I slept for 4 1/2 hrs before they woke me up. Then the next day I was feeling much better and ended up taking Aunt Teresa to the zoo. The polar bears weren't swimming yesterday, but I was able to ride the train for the first time.

2008-09-11T11:43:00.000-07:00

First Days of School

This is a video of me BEFORE we left for my first day of school. Don't be fooled. This is not how I looked when I realized that mommy was not going to be staying with me. But it is what I looked like when she came to pick me up. I had such a good time. I haven't made any close friends yet, but I'm quick to add that all the kids are my friends. I've also added a picture of my new Tinker Bell backpack. I LOVE it. I have a new lavender towel for rest time. It is supposed to be left at school, but I keep insisting that it will be lonely in it's little cubby. (Even though everyone else's rest time towels stay. MINE will be lonely.) So, it comes home with me.

I cried a little bit when it was time for mommy to leave me again today - my second day of school -, but she waited in the entry room and I only cried for a minute.

2008-09-11T11:33:00.001-07:00

Last Days of Summer

It's taken all summer, but I've finally gotten up the nerve to jump off the diving board of our pool. This does not, by any means, mean that I'm scared of the diving board. I will sit out on the end of it when no one is in the pool and without a lifejacket on. But don't you DARE ask my to jump off of it into the pool with my lifejacket on. All that has changed now. I'm no longer afraid to take the plunge.

2008-09-09T07:29:00.000-07:00

Another Busy Weekend

This weekend started out quick with trip to the airport Friday morning to pick up Aunt Heidi. (Pony-tail Heidi) Then we headed downtown to meet daddy for lunch. After lunch we came home for a quick, late nap. During my nap, Mimi Becky and Papa Reg came down to visit. They took Heidi to Alma with them that evening. We were supposed to head to the airport again at 8:30 am Saturday to pick up Heath. But because of the hurricane in South Carolina, had to wait until his flight came in at 2:14. As we were pulling out of the driveway, mommy got a text from Heath saying that he had already landed. 45 minutes early. So, we flew down the highway and made it to the airport just in time. He hadn't yet made it to the exit. Then we went up to Alma. Got there at 4:30. Had pizza at Pizza Sam's, then left to head back home with Heidi. Her plane left at 6:45 Sunday morning. (I didn't have to make that trip to the airport.) We had a pretty lazy Sunday morning. Just tidying up the house. But then, Grandma Pat and John came to visit in the afternoon and we went out to dinner. Whew!

2008-09-02T18:37:00.001-07:00

Preschool Begins

Well, not quite yet. I went to a conference today that mommy had with my preschool teachers. It only lasted a few minutes. But it gave me time to become even more acquainted with the school and it's teachers. By the time it really does begin next week, I'll be so excited to be there when there are other kids, too. Mommy was roped into signing up for various things while we were there today. She thinks it will help her meet people. We'll see about that. But she is excited to be the new Scholastic Book Order Parent for this year. WHEW! What a responsibility. At least she didn't sign up to be the Pizza Fundraiser Parent.

I'm adding some pictures of me playing at the playground in our neighborhood. They are from last week when it was a little cooler.

2008-08-31T07:28:00.000-07:00

We Have Had a Great Weekend!

On Friday, I had to visit the doctor to get a physical for entering preschool. I am very healthy. They pricked my finger to check my blood. I didn't even jump. I now weigh 30 lbs and am 40 inches tall. In the morning, before the doctor, mom took Bodie and I to the zoo. So, I had to pose by all of the cement animals. I'm also sending a picture of me pointing at a seal. He was swimming in one of the vent currents.

After my doctor appointment I decided that it would be fun if we went out to eat at the place where you bang the gong. (Mongolian BBQ) Then we went for ice cream. (What a day)

The next morning, daddy took me to get new shoes for school. They are pink and silver tennis shoes. (If I have to get tennis shoes, they have to sparkle.) After the shoes, I went by Build-a-Bear Workshop and told daddy it would be fun if we made another animal. Since it was "Indulge Noel Day" he decided that would be a good idea. Then he took me to Toys R Us where we picked up the new Ariel movie. Then it was time for our movie to start. It was a "Free-d" movie about bugs going to space so I had to wear funny glasses and the bugs kept flying at me. It was so much fun. After the movie, it was time for my nap. Mommy woke me up from my nap at 5:00 pm when it was time for us to go to the Tigers game. We met Kevin and Monica for dinner and then rode a bus to the game. We stayed for the fireworks afterwards and it was so much fun. "I love you, Mon and Kev, for going to the game! I betchoo have fun at theeee fireworks?"

2008-08-25T12:19:00.000-07:00

Life with a Pool

I went outside one evening after dinner and found the BIGGEST fly I had EVER seen. It was as big as one of my mom's thumbs. We took several pictures of it. Then, once we got the fly out of the pool I decided it would be fun to set my slide up by the pool and use it to slide into the pool. It was a very cool evening, but I wanted to try it out anyway. So, daddy dutifully got into the pool so I could go down the slide 3 times and then be done.

2008-08-25T11:49:00.000-07:00

Our First Tigers Game

Mommy and Daddy took Bodie and I to our first Tigers game. We had so much fun. I was able to get a pink hat. That was the most important part of the game. Right when we walked in I saw the hat stand and picked the pink one out first. They had one that fit me and it even says princess on it. PERFECT! Here are some pictures from the game day. We had lunch outdoors at a bar and from there we went to the game.

2008-08-25T11:31:00.000-07:00

Four Month Update On Bodie

We took Bodie to the doctor for his four month check up last Tuesday. Once again he received 5 vaccinations. He weighs 13lbs 12oz and is 26in long. The doctor noticed that he is moving right along with his motor skills and was very pleased with his progression. So, Bodie has now started to eat cereal. He always ate it all up, but he whined and cried the entire time. After a few days, mom got an idea. She mashed bananas into his cereal, and he ate it all up without making any noises except at one point he said, "Yum!"

Here's a video of Bodie showing things he likes to do now that he's four and a half months old.

2008-07-24T12:58:00.000-07:00

From Piggie Bank to ATM!

The nickel has made its reappearance into the world. It came out Monday morning, right before the pediatrician's office opened. My mom was supposed to call that morning to get another x-ray! Yay. I can now go to the restroom on my own, in the normal potty, and no one has to search my poo-poo anymore. I will tell you that I wanted to put that nickel into my piggie bank, but mommy said it was way too yucky, so she threw it away.

Child-care, Here We Come!

This week we have started to go to the child-care center that is in the fitness center mommy goes to workout. The first day, I didn't do very good at all and mommy finally just left me there in tears. (Itdidn't take long for me to get happy, the nice ladies working there turned on the Little Mermaid.) Bodie did great . The second day, I did really good. Didn't even want to hug mommy goodbye. I just ran right over to the computers when we were let into the gate. Bodie did great.

Somebody's Getting Big

Here's another update on Bodie: He rolled over on Monday afternoon. Mommy and I were in the kitchen making pizza. Bodie was out in the living room on his little playmat. He was having a great time talking to himself in the mirror that hangs from above. Then after a while, he started to whine a little bit. (That's not like him, he's usually VERY happy.) When we went out to check on him, he was on his stomach, face-down, poor guy. We don't know how long he had been that way. But, sooner or later your neck gets tired and you lay your head down. Then, it doesn't take too long before your squished nose starts to bug you.

2008-07-14T13:34:00.000-07:00

Piggie Bank

So, on Friday, I was under the impression that when I woke up from my nap.....I was a piggie bank. My mom was vacuuming the carpet and found a nickel under the couch. She asked me to please pick it up and put it on the kitchen counter. I had every intention of doing just that. But, on the way to the counter, I saw something else I wanted to do that needed both hands. So I put the nickel in my teeth. Then, when I stood up...(You know where this is going, right?)....The money went down my "froat"! I then ran out to my mom to tell her just that. She started freaking out just a little bit. Finally decided to call 911. The ambulance came and the three paramedics couldn't understand why they were there since I was dancing around the living room, obviously not in an emergency state. They told my mom to take me to an urgent care. It was the end of the day and daddy was almost home. So once he got there, we took off for an urgent care 15 minutes north of our house. We were there for about an hour. They took an x-ray, saw that it was in my stomach, and sent us to the Children's Hospital......40 minutes south. (We should have gone there to begin with.) Once we made it to the ER, I got another x-ray. It showed that it was still in my stomach. They sent us to a little room and told us a surgeon would be right in. 3 HOURS LATER he opened the door, told us it was in my stomach and so he wasn't going to do anything but wait it out. Then he sent us home. We got home at 1:00 am. Yes, I know that money doesn't go into my mouth and I'm not supposed to eat it. I've known that for over a year. I wasn't trying to eat it. I was trying to pick up my shoes and needed both hands to do it.

Needless to say, everyone gets really excited when I have to...ahem.... use the restroom. But, the nickel hasn't come to the surface yet. While at the Border's restroom on Sunday, the people in the other stalls were laughing when I asked my mom if my nickel came out yet. I'm sure it's just gonna clink right into the toilet all nice and shiny. I have to have it back, but mommy says she's not sure I'm gonna get to keep it. Boo!

I went to my doctor for a follow-up appointment this morning. My tummy isn't sore anywhere, so unless the nickel makes an appearance before Monday, I will be getting another x-ray in a week. I was able to get weighed today. I'm a whopping 29 lbs. I've gained a 1/2 lb in 7 months. I better start watching my diet.

2008-07-02T13:35:00.000-07:00

Princess

For my birthay, Monica and Kevin sent me a gift certificate to Build -a- Bear Workshop. Here's a picture of the bunny I made and named "Princess." I had tons of fun doing it. Then, I carried her all around the mall for over an hour. I didn't want to put her in the box she was sent home with, so mommy had to carry that. I love Princess, she had wings, and a shimmery magic wand sound when you squeeze her hand.

2008-07-02T13:15:00.000-07:00

Bodie Up-date

On Tuesday, mommy and I took Bodie to his two month well-baby check up. I know, I know, he'll be 3 months in 9 days, but with a mix-up of insurances and things, we had to schedule it just a little late.

He now weighs 11lbs 8oz -50%- and is 24 1/2 in. long -95%-. The poor thing, we had to take all of his clothes off and then sit in the FREEZING cold examination room for a few minutes before the appt. began. It's a good thing mommy brought a blanket with her even though it was 75 degrees out at 8:30 am. So we bundled him up and waited. Then he had to get 5 vaccines. Four of them in a shot form and one given orally. He was really hungry, so he sucked the oral one down like a champ. The shots, however, weren't so yummy. He jumped as all of the needled were jabbed into his little legs by a very nice but not so gentle nurse.

Once we were on our way home, he fell asleep and didn't wake up for quite awhile. He's been fighting a teeny fever for the last 24 hrs which is to be expected, but other than that, he's been our normal happy baby.

The picture is from the day Bodie finally got his thumb out of his tight little fist so that he could suck it. It took him 11 weeks to figure that one out, even though he had been trying to do it almost every waking minute since he was born.

Bodie loves me so much. I was the first one to make him smile. Mommy plunked him into the bathtub with me the other night and every time I said something to him he laughed so hard. He really liked being in the bathtub with me, but since he can't sit up by himself mommy had to hold onto him at such an awkward angle that her arms fell asleep and her knees wouldn't work quite right. So, I'm not sure how often that will happen in the near future.

2008-07-02T13:10:00.000-07:00

I'm a Little Mermaid!

I so desperately love Ariel, the Little Mermaid. I tell everyone that she is my best friend. I pour my heart out to my mommy when she tucks me into bed. It's when I tell my deepest, darkest secrets. I've told her that I want red hair. I've told her that I want Ariel to come over and swim with me. And I've told her that I NEED to meet Ariel. I so desperately love Ariel. Here's a picture of me pretending to be Ariel.

2008-07-02T13:04:00.000-07:00

More Dancing

One day a couple weeks ago, I decided to dress myself. Then, thinking of Fancy Nancy, I added some "sessories". Once I was all ready to go, I HAD to dance for the video camera before getting in the car. Here's one of the videos.

2008-06-26T10:45:00.000-07:00

Party at the Pavilion

Mommy, Bodie, and I went to the story time that the library puts on at the pavilion downtown this morning. It was REALLY hot, but there was a roof over our heads if we needed it. We only got there 5 minutes late, due to lack of parking, but they were already done reading. After that, they had hoola-hoops, bubbles, jump ropes, and other fun things to play with. Plus, puddles from the recent rain. I had fun rolling the hoola-hoops across the grass, dancing under a parachute, and going shoulder-deep into a bucket of bubble water. Then, when we were on the way home, I couldn't figure out why I was so wet. Mommy had to remind me about sweat. I decided that it seemed kinda yucky. Next week we are gonna try to make it a little bit early and have a snack there before story time, so that we will get to hear the story. Bodie slept through the whole thing, of course, so I'm not sure if he thought it was fun or not.

Hally-Lu-Ya!

We were finally able to get our car back from daddy. The body shop was able to fix the damage that our doggie caused to his car. Now we are able to go wherever we want whenever we want. Yay! I was getting kinda bored just walking around our neighborhood. It's a nice neighborhood. It's just not very close to many shops or the library or anything. Maybe if we lived closer to downtown, it would've seemed not so noticeable. At least we no longer live in the middle of nowhere, so that we could go to our playground. But I'm forever asking to go to some stores. And now that we live where there are lots of stores, I ask to go to some NEW stores.

I like to shop.

2008-06-19T07:35:00.000-07:00

Playgroups and Playgrounds

This week we've been pretty busy. On Monday we went to the grocery store to get a few things. We didn't need much.

On Tuesday we went to playgroup at the library for the second time. I must admit, I like my new playgroup, but there are so many kids, I can't dance to the music the way I would like to. I'm quite a dramatic dancer. After a half hour of dancing and stories, we go into another room where there are all sorts of stations set up. These are for art projects, and puzzles, sand, you name it.

Wednesday left us without a car. (Actually, my dog Vladdy left us without a car.) I'm sure you can imagine what damage a dog can do to a car that's sharing a garage during a thunderstorm. I won't go into detail, it's too devastating. So, we had to stick close to home. We went for two walks. (Would have just been one, but once we got to the playground, I had to go potty. So, my wonderful mother walked me all the way back home. Then I really wanted to swing, so she walked back to the playground with me.) Once daddy got home, we had dinner, then I went outside with him while he worked on the pool heater. I was sitting on my mini picnic table when I fell backwards. I just had to talk about my boo-boo. It is actually about five boo-boos, all the way down my back. And then one on my ankle, and one in my armpit. (Don't ask me how I got the one on my armpit, but it's there.)

So, with my knees, ankle, back, and armpit, this has become the summer of boo-boos. Apparently, princess-dancers are really clumsy.

2008-06-16T13:46:00.000-07:00

Talking and Laughing

My great-grandma Fleury was down to visit this past week. Apparently, Bodie thought that she was a hoot because he laughed at her. It was the first time that he has done that. Here's a video of him talking to her, with a teeny little laugh somewhere in the middle.

2008-06-16T05:38:00.000-07:00

Oz-zee! Oz-zee!

Mommy and Monica took Bodie and I to the Stanley Cup parade last Friday. We had a great time even though it was extremely hot and crowded. I particularly liked the part when Chris Osgood (the greatest goaltender of all time) went by. The crowd just screamed, "Ozzy! Ozzy!" It was way cool. So now, I run around the pool yelling the same thing constantly. I also do it when we're at the mall, in elevators, eating at restaurants, or anyplace else where it would echo or be highly embarrassing to my parents. And I really like to point at anyone with a Red Wings hat on and ask in my incredibly cute, not at all annoyingly screechy voice, "It's Ozzy mommy, it's Ozzy?" Now most of you know that my mommy is quite fond of Ozzy herself but, I kid you not, she had nothing to do with my obsession. I came up with it all on my own.

2008-06-16T05:29:00.000-07:00

Birthday Cake
I've forgotten to post a picture of my Ariel birthday cake that my mommy made with help from my Aunt Heidi! They've been bugging me for over a month now, so here it is.

2008-06-14T17:46:00.000-07:00

Day Tripper

Bodie, mom, and I were so excited. We were able to make our first day trip to Alma. Since moving downstate, we've gotten close enough to visit grandparents without having to spend the night. We went today so that my mommy could go to a baby shower. (Daddy stayed home in hopes of getting the last of the house unpacked. Which, by the way, he was able to do. Go Daddy!)

Mommy took Bodie with her to the baby shower, and I stayed with my mimi Becky and Poppy Reg. We watered flowers and ate some snacks. Then, mommy picked me up, and we came back home again. Daddy and I were even able to fit swimming in at the end of the day. It's wonderful.

2008-06-13T10:46:00.001-07:00

Swimmers

Here are a couple of pictures of Bodie and I getting ready to swim at our new house.

Corn Dog

Here's a picture of me eating my first corn dog. I got it at the Alma Highland Festival.

2008-06-03T16:21:00.000-07:00

My name is Noel. I like to dance.

Here's a video of me dancing at Highland Festival a couple weeks ago. Don't I have some sweet moves?

2008-04-23T14:03:00.000-07:00

Bodie's 2 Week Appointment

Mommy and I took Bodie to his 2 week appointment this morning. We did really well just the three of us. We found out that he HATES his car seat! But other than that it was a good trip. Luckily, he had fallen asleep before we got to the doctor's office because we had to wait over an hour. I was really good waiting too.

The doctor says he's doing really well. He has already made it back up to and beyond his birth weight. He now weighs 8lbs 12oz. He still seems to sleep most of the time. But for now, that's just fine with us.

Snakes And Highland Dancers

This weekend we went to the children's health fair. They had Highland Dancers there. I had barely started to watch them when I told my Daddy that I wanted to do that. When I got home I showed Mommy and Daddy that I already knew how to put my arm up with my fingers shaped like a deer and where my foot goes right under my opposite knee.

There was also a Python at the fair. I had told my Daddy that I didn't want to pet it, but I would go with him to do it. Then, when I learned that the snake's name was LeRoy, I decided that I wanted to pet him. Then the girl with LeRoy asked me if I wanted to hold him. I answered, "Sure!" Then I put my arms out like a tree and she put him around my neck and draped him over my shoulders. Mommy and Daddy couldn't BELIEVE I did it. And they didn't even bring their camera for a picture of it.

2008-04-14T13:16:00.000-07:00

FINALLY!!!

My baby brother has finally arrived. His name is Bodie! Here's a picture of me showing him to my best friend, Mailey.

He weighed 8lbs, 11oz. Was 22 in. long. Has a small amount of strawberry blonde hair.

I LOVE him very much.

2008-02-06T09:12:00.000-08:00

My first haircut! It's funny that I'm 2 and 1/2 and have never gotten my hair cut. Here are some pictures. I'm holding my bag of hair for my baby book in one picture. So now, I'm officially a big girl.