Days Gone By

May 1, 2009
As I was working on the blog tonight I was somehow struck by how much time has past. I can't believe it's been almost 6 months already. I looked back at the early pictures and cried at how small Noelle used to be. It's amazing to me that only 6 months have gone by yet already I had almost forgotten how teensy she really was. It is so hard to revel in the early moments because they are also so trying. I guess you learn how to really appreciate what was after it is no more. Noelle has just become, Noelle, a person that I know in my life. My daughter. She is no longer 'the baby'. She is my daughter. I forget to see her objectively now. She is just my daughter. I am so used to her being here that I can't imagine life without her. I love her more than ever. I am moved by our progress and feel truly thankful as each day with her is a gift that I cherish. I am so in love with her that it hurts. It is truly incredible.

Mail Call

May 1, 2009
Noelle likes mail time around here. She likes the colors, textures and sounds of the different papers. She has even figured out how to rip them, the thin papers at least.

Cracker Contraband

Noelle has not yet been cleared to try anything other than baby food. However, since she is reaching for everything I have in my hand or in front of me, I have been experimenting just a bit. I think she's doing great. We have toyed with the puffed rice pieces and she seems to like them. She can't consistently get them into her mouth but when she does it's hilarious. She's like an old man without his dentures. Here is a video of her learning to chew, or rather, learning to gum her food.

Movin' On Up

We finally decided Noelle was ready for a highchair so she can start sitting up like a big girl. Here is a quick shot of her testing it out.

Easter Eggs

April 18, 2009. Hosted by the Jefferies, we attended a Easter egg hunt at their neighborhood park. It was a beautiful day with good food and great company. Noelle didn't find too many eggs this year but she got to swing with her buddy Harper Jefferies (6 months Noelle's senior). Actually, if you can tell from the picture, Noelle isn't yet able to sit up in the swing so she busied herself with gnawing on the tasty black rubber. Gross! "She'll learn."

Derby Daze

Derby Party

April 25-26. We had a great weekend with friends and family. All attended the Kentucky Society's annual pre-Derby party. It was quite "balmy" that day and the events somehow seemed more tame than previous years. It probably had something to do with the fact that everyone was sitting in the 'family section' --- at least it was shady. We had blankets and chairs to share as we chased the shade through the afternoon. As usual, our visits could be aptly described as fast and furious but we'll take what we can get. It was a fun time! Noelle loved being with the group and outside and was content the whole time. Soaked in sunscreen, she still managed to get some color. She was named the 'Gerber Baby' by some passers-by and everyone thought she was gorgeous. Of course, we agree and will always take compliments.
Derby Dolls

Here are all Derby Durbins plus one interloper.

Noelle made a new friend at the Derby party. His name is Andy Chatterjee and is 1 month older than she......future boyfriend perhaps?