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.

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.

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.

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.  

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.  

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!  

 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.  

 

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.  

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.

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!

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.

 

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?"

 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

PNEUMONIA

We've had a pretty boring week due to the fact that my mommy has been VERY sick. She is 7 months pregnant and has somehow gotten Pneumonia. But she was able to see her doctor on Tuesday and he gave her some medicine. And she's been feeling better every day. So I've had to be very good and listen to what she says. I've been a very good helper, too. (Conveniently, I've found out that when mommy's sick, I get to watch some T.V. That doesn't happen too often.)