Christmas 2009 - Part 1

Christmas 2009 has been split into 3 stages: Stage 1, with Grandpa Rex in Cleveland; Stage 2 with the Sikes family in Yellow Springs; and Stage 3 still to come in Cleveland with the Bongornos. Here are some of the most prized moments of the first two stages, which has been captured on our new camera - a Christmas present from Rex! This also happens to be our excuse for not having any pictures of Stage 1... our old camera was out of order!

Nora has a newfound love for her sit 'n' spin:

She also loves reading on her little book bench:

Cute, anyone?

Nora got a new wagon for Christmas from Grandpa Rex:

Nora & Papa, caught dancing:

We practiced using the "smile meter" on our new camera, which Nora nearly broke with this big adorable dimple grin!

Nora got a new carseat from Grandma and Grandpa B:

Which definitely did the trick on the ride down to Yellow Springs:

Poor Sadie, crammed in the boot of our Subaru for the ride:

Down in Yellow Springs, where we baked cookies on Christmas Eve:

Nora and "Bull" played with toys, which was just adorable:

Then she got a new dollhouse from Grandma Mimi:

And a couple Christmas books from Mama & Papa:

But that wasn't enough... she snuck another one under the tree while we weren't looking!

The rest of us enjoyed a "Yankee Swap" after that, including some real gems:

Great Grandpa Sikes read Nora some Christmas tales before bedtime:

Christmas Day and more, coming soon!

Happy Holidays!!!

Love,
Naomi, Nora & Chris

A month and a half to go!!

Apparently, being pregnant and chasing around a 2 year old has dire consequences for this blog. So sorry, loyal readers. This will be short and will, hopefully, be followed up with some more substantive updates on our wonderful Nora and our growing little b!

I'm feeling good (assuming the normal complaints of late pregnancy). I seem to be carrying the same as last time - perhaps slightly lower - but everything else about this pregnancy feels totally different to me! Little b is a big time mover (although s/he is getting a bit cramped) and I get to frequently enjoy those wonderful sensations of feet/butt in the ribs, punching of the bladder, and that weird (TMI) feeling that can only be described as him/her "pinching" my cervix. I love feeling the baby move, but am a little worried that it means we're going to have a "no sleeper"! Ah well, we'll love him/her anyway.

Here's me earlier this week (at 33 weeks):


And, me at 34 weeks with Nora (wearing the same pants)!


Nora is growing more adorable and hilarious by the minute. Last night she was fighting sleep (again) and chatting in her crib (while I lay on our bed) and said "Mama! Mama! Whatcha' doin', Mama?! when she received no response: Mama! What's your name, Mama?! no response again...Nomi - Nomi Bongorno". SO cute!

Here she is walking across Wade Oval last weekend at the annual Holiday Circlefest...



With Papa, at the Natural History Museum...


Petting a reindeer!


With her pal, Sofia...


And, a cute pic with G'ma B...


Until next time!