How you doin'?

"How are you/Dug/Nora/things/" is the number one question I get asked these days. As you know what?  We're great!  (Everyone, stop what you're doing and knock on wood. Hurry!). Okay, the dust mite thing has been a challenge and money is what money is for those of us that are not independently wealthy. But honestly, Nora is doing so well that most if the time all of that recedes. It's been weeks since we've seen a doctor after months of constant appointments. She's sleeping a solid 8 hours almost every night and then goes back down for another 4. She's eating well, gaining weight, and she appears to be doing all the things that babies her adjusted age should be doing. So for anyone out there who sent us good thoughts or prayed for us, know that I'm sending them back at you because for now everything is just peachy. Our next appointment is next week so keep your fingers crossed that the doctors think she's doing as well as we do.

Chewing on her hands is a favorite past time. 

More hand chewing

The youngest student at Schulz University :)

She has a pretty cute sun hat to wear when we're working in the garden. 

This is what dust mite "bites" look like in their early stages.  Itchy.  

Adventures!

Last weekend no one felt particularly well. Dug had a stomach bug, Sara has a cold, and Nora has a runny nose. However, the Schulz home, affectionately known as Dugglesworth Manor, has been invaded by dust mites. I know what you're thinking--what else could possibly happen to these folks?  Well, stop thinking that because we are clearly jinxed so there is no need to add to that. So, dust mites meant we had to vacate the house Saturday so that it could be treated and then buy a new bed on Sunday. On the bright side, we got to hang out with some friends and Nora experienced several firsts--first brunch, first trip to a bar, and first trip to Ikea.  

Brunch at Austin Java with Jerms

Post brunch hang out at the Dog and Duck.  Mom and Dad were having a hard time figuring out where to go with a baby and a dog.  

Hanging out in the shopping cart at Ikea

Sitting pretty

Nora tried out an exersaucer (or as Dug likes to call it, a stationary command center) at daycare yesterday.  It seems that Ms. Nora likes to be propped up so that she can see the world a bit better. We tried the one at home this morning and she had a blast--kicking her legs and smacking the toys around her.

Tummy troubles

Nora is still thinking about rolling over but she hasn't quite got it yet.  Yesterday she wanted so desperately to be on her tummy; she was rocking back and forth and making quite a bit of noise.  I finally just helped her complete the roll and she fell right to sleep.  I then explained to her that if she wants to sleep on her tummy then she has to learn how to roll over by herself because if I put her to sleep on her tummy I'm pretty sure doctors and CPS agents will hop out from behind the curtains and take her away from me.  She was unimpressed.  

Also, Aunt Amy was here for a visit!

With Aunt Amy

Sleeping illegally on her stomach (while being closely supervised--stay away CPS agents, she's fine)

Hand to mouth

Nora's current favorite thing is putting anything she can grasp into her mouth. Here are pictures of her with a Minnie Mouse tether. Delicious!

Special bonus!

A bonus picture showing how delicious Nora's bib is!

5 months!

Do you remember what you were doing 5 months ago today? I know Sara and I won't forget anytime soon. Heck, I am still telling the story!

It seems to have flown by. Sara and I say that it seems Nora has always been with us.

Y'all aren't here for the mushy stuff, though. Y'all want the pictures of my little girl and her precious cheeks!

Swaddles are for chumps

Nora has decided that she does not want to be swaddled to sleep anymore. This results in us coming in to her room at night to find her with an appendage hanging out of the crib. Our little monster is growing up so fast!

Ready to roll

Nora appears to be getting ready to roll over. She rocks back and forth an makes it about 3/4 over and then stops. Eventually, she falls asleep in her mat and I don't have the heart to move her so she's been napping on the floor a bit. Here are some action shots.