One. Year. Old! So hard to believe we have had this beauty in our home
as our daughter for a whole year. She is far more precious than I ever
could have dreamed. She is full of spunk(lots of it) and cuddles and
laughs. She's a mover and a shaker and a girl who knows what she wants
and doesn't want. She loves her momma but will give cuddles to just
about anyone who picks her up. Or she'll give cuddles to any stuffed
animal(but this bunny is definitely her favorite)....or the floor for that matter.
It seems like yesterday and at the same time a life time ago that we
eagerly awaited her birth and the unknown of what would enfold in the 48
hours we waited for her birth parents to relinquish their parental
rights. We are beyond thankful for God's gracious and mighty provision as we walked through that process. We are also beyond thankful for Nora's birth mother who chose to place Nora into our hands, giving us the greatest gift we could imagine. If you remember her today, please say a prayer for her asking for extra nearness, love and comfort this day as I am sure she is grieving the loss of Nora.
My heart overflows with joy...
And melts again...
Here she is questioning my wardrobe choices and trying to pull off the 'one.'
'Get this thing out of my hair!'
Nora finally has four teeth now and several more are bulging under the skin. Poor baby. It has been no fun.
There is no holding her back anymore...not that she was ever really content sitting in my arms. She goes wherever brother goes just about. She is so stubborn and will continue pursuing something, like stairs or dog food, over and over and over.
She started walking independently this month, but really has taken off the last week or so. We all celebrate her each step. Such a fun stage.
Nora sleeps from about 7:30-6:30 at night but naps are unpredictable. Sometimes two hour naps and sometimes 30 minutes. No telling.
She is wearing 12 month clothes and is sometimes particular with what she eats and sometimes not. She'll have days where she eats whatever I put on her plate, then other days where she'll have none of it. Who knows. She also has still been taking 6 oz of formula every 3-4 hours. We'll see how she transitions to whole milk. :/
Nora makes noises all the time....yelling, babbling, whining, copying noises we make(ah-chew, roar, coughing, uh oh). She can say:
momma
dadda
doggy(in a blurry way)
all done(sometimes)
she gets the bu- or bo- for bottle and bunny
hi
We celebrated Nora's birthday over the Thanksgiving break with Josh's family. She loved the cupcake and didn't quite know what to think of so many people singing her happy birthday.
So blessed to call these people family....and honestly, everyone else(Josh's family) that I did not capture in a picture(oops) I am very grateful for as well!! They love on us all so well!
Levi was mainly concerned about the cupcakes of course.
Nora actually seemed to rather enjoy unwrapping her presents.
She's loved this little baby doll. She crawls around holding it and snuggling it. So cute!
Nora had quite the audience that exhibited a lot of self control waiting for her to slowly open each gift.
Levi thought Nora needed the baby bottle. Ha!
Nora Jessie Louise Teel, you have brought us more joy, laughs, and sweet moments than we knew possible. You are full of life, curiosity, determination and love. It is truly an honor being your mom!
