Week in Review

I realize that it's been a whole week since I last posted.  We've been busy just staying around the house.  We are all getting settled and adjusting well to having Nora home.  Ethan loves his baby sister.  He likes to look at her toes and pet her head.  On Saturday night we made our first trip to church as a family of 4.  Nora did great...she slept the whole time and Ethan, as always, had a good time in his class.

Ready for 1st time to Church

Ethan likes to help carry her carseat

This is just one from around the house.  Ethan was talking to her so I grabbed the camera.  He's such a sweet big brother to Nora!

On Monday afternoon, my mom came up to spend a couple days.  She left today :(.   It was so great having her here.  Jared decided to get sick on Monday night, so it was especially nice to have my mom here to help out.  (He's better now after spending most of Tuesday in bed).  She says she didn't help out much, but I disagree!  She was great at occupying Ethan, holding/cuddling with Nora and doing laundry.  Thanks so much for coming mom!  It was fun!

Ethan is really into this Batman book.  My mom got to know it well!

Max, Ethan, Grandma Terri and Nora

Nora Photoshoot

Nora is 1 week old today!  Yesterday, during naptime we had a little photoshoot.  I am by no means a photographer, but I think I got a couple decent ones.  We had a real photoshoot today (with a real photographer) and I can't wait to see the pictures.  Until then, these will have to do!

Day of Friends!

Yesterday we watched Ethan's friend, Braden.  The two boys get along so well...most of the time and just enjoy being together.  Jared is still home so he was a great entertainer for the boys and we all had a good time. 
We started the morning off playing in the basement with some blocks...

Making tunnels for the cars to go through

"Off-Roading"

2 4-wheelers make for some crazy boys!

After playing downstairs, it was time for coloring.  Both boys picked train pictures and stayed on the paper instead of the table!

Notice Braden's 2 hats...

And just look at that adorable face.  She had a good day too!

 I was a little unsure how naptime was going to go, but as you can see...success!  We were going to nap them in separate rooms, but Braden wanted to be with Ethan so there they are, and asleep.

2 Worn out boys

 The past couple days have been beautiful, so after nap we headed out to the backyard for some fun.  Jared was great with the boys...up and down the treehouse and slides, playing baseball and golf and any other outside games they could find.

Braden loves this bus.  And Ethan was happy just to ride along!

Rock Wall Fun on the Treehouse

Braden getting ready to slide.

Playing some catch with Daddy.  Have I mentioned how great it has been with Jared home this past week?!?  Sadly, he goes back to work tomorrow :(.

 After a fun filled day, Braden's mom and dad, Heather and Eric, brought dinner and stayed to enjoy it with us.  We are so lucky to have them as great friends. 

Heather meeting Nora

Eric being crazy with Braden and Ethan

 

Trick or Treat

Trick or Treat was last night in the good 'ole Village of Mt. Zion, so we suited up and headed out.  Ethan was definitely getting the hang of it after just a few houses.  He started noticing which houses didn't have lights on, and decided that they didn't have any candy left.  We started our night by walking around the circle in our new neighborhood.  Ethan got quite a haul.  Then, after a dinner intermission, we drove back to the old neighborhood to see the Neighbors.  Ethan loves going to their house and they were excited to meet Nora (who didn't seem impressed with her first Halloween). 

Our Little Pirate

The Pirate and Pink Skeleton on our way to trick or treat

"Trick or Treat" at Miss Ruth's!

Braden, the Cookie Monster with Ruth and Ethan

The Whole Cookie Monster Family

Our First Halloween with Nora!

Our 2 Skeletons.  Ethan does such a great job when he holds Nora. 

Showing off his costume change

Day of Firsts!

Nora had her first doctor's appointment this morning.  She and I headed out while Jared and Ethan stayed home to play.  The doctor was very happy with Nora's progress and weight gain.  She weighed 7 lbs 11 oz at birth and 7 lbs 2 oz when we left the hospital on Friday.  This morning, she weighed in at 7 lbs 8 oz (50th percentile) and still 20.5 in long (90th percentile).  We go back next week for a follow-up for Nora and Ethan's 2 1/2 year checkup. 

Dr. Bassnet and Nora

After we got home from the doctor's office, lunch was approaching.  I've been craving some Mexican and it's beautiful out so we decided to head out for lunch.  Nora slept the whole time and Ethan enjoyed his chips & sauce and taco.

On our way out after a successful 1st outing as a family of 4!

1st Few Days at Home

We've been home now for 3 days and we're doing great.  Nora is adjusting to her new home and Ethan is adjusting to his new baby sister.  He is also really enjoying having Daddy home (we all are)! 
A few things about our 5 day old Nora...
She likes to eat!  She is eating every 2-3 hours during the day and does great at night eating every 3-4 hours. 
She is gradually staying awake during the day more often.  I love to see her eyes!
She is growing like crazy already.  We had her first doctor appt this morning (more on that later)
Her brother likes to 'Say Hi' to her and 'pet' her on the head.  She doesn't mind :).
She hates having her diaper and clothes changed (not that I blame her)
She is so sweet and makes us feel so blessed every time we look at her!

Since this blog is also my scrapbook, I've got a lot of pictures to share.  Enjoy!

Pop met Nora on Friday before leaving the hospital.  I'm pretty sure he's a fan :)

The 4 of us loading up the van to head home

We're home! Thanks Abby for the Welcome sign and balloons.

Our attempt at a family shot at the front door

Nora in her new home

Ethan being silly with Daddy's glasses

Uncle Dustin and Amanda came up on Saturday to meet Nora and play with Ethan.

Open eyes time

Enjoying puzzle time with Daddy

Grandpa was hunting all week and came up with Grandma Karen on Sunday to meet Nora.  Again...I think he's a fan!

Grandpa and Ethan

Our percussionist in action...

She should be a heavy sleeper with the wild brother she has!

Baby Nora

We are home with our wonderful family of 4 and enjoying every minute.  I have a few more pictures from the hospital and coming home to share. 

Ethan meeting Nora for the first time.  He wasn't sure what to think at first...

But he warmed up quickly. Holding her with Daddy's help.

Our Sleeping Beauty

Getting ready to go home!

Being such a great big brother

The Collier Family of 4!

I'll be working on more soon.  Just wanted to share these photos.