Friday, March 20, 2009

Bon Appetit!

Virginia

Since our return to Virginia, Noelle has been to the doctor to receive her 4 month vaccinations. She is still not feeling or acting herself. She performed beautifully for Dr. Park by lifting her head for a long time while on her stomach. Dr. Park commented on her strong legs and no head lag when pulled up by her arms. Her stats were: 25 inches long and 16.8 pounds. Being already ill, Noelle was in no mood for four shots in her thigh. She did not take them well. I think her feelings were hurt. That sad little down turned mouth would have melted the coldest of hearts. We survived, however, and are beginning to have moments of fun during the day again. Noelle tried out her new exer-saucer today and was very, very intrigued. Mostly she would get that serious look on her face like she does when she is studying something. Every once in a while though, she would check back in with me and throw a smile my way. She didn't last long in the seat as her stamina isn't up to par, but I think it was a hit.

The bottom photo is Noelle eating green beans. We officially started baby food on Tuesday and she is learning so quickly. She is already starting to open her mouth for a bite and I swear today, day 4, she was pulling my spoon holding hand toward her open mouth. We began with green beans and she has eaten two little containers in 3 days. I think that's a darn good start. I figure in order to understand what Noelle is going through, as well as I can, that I should experience as much as I am able from her perspective. I ate some green beans. They weren't half as bad as I expected. I think Uncle Roy's are better though. Maybe he can puree us a batch.

Today, Friday, March 20th, we moved on to peas. Again, I tasted them...Gross! The texture is significantly more grainy or gritty. The video above is Noelle learning to like peas. She does seem to enjoy them also. So far, so good for the green veggies. It is clear in the video that Noelle noticed the change in texture. Her little tongue just flits in and out of her mouth like a snake. It's also funny that in the midst of all these new flavors and textures, what she really doesn't like is the touch of the rubbery spoon tip on her lips/gums. Sometimes it looks like she is going to gag when the spoon touches first touches her. Bon appetit!




Hand-Eye Coordination

This was taken around 16 weeks when Noelle first began reaching for things with her hands with any deliberation. I never got around to posting it at the time.

Baby Talk

How to Wrap a Gift

Glasgow-March 20009















While in Glasgow we did some visiting and had a music lesson at the piano. Alex and Cheryl were able to come home for a night to play with Noelle. Unfortunately it was then when Noelle began being very fussy and out of sorts. This continued during our visit with mother-to-be-again Cousin Emily and Owen fom Missouri with whom we had coordinated this visit. Turns out Noelle was sick. She was running a fever and getting a cold. We went to the doctor and got some medication. We are still trying to love her back to health. We had a rough few days in Glasgow. Of course Chris and I also contracted the germs. As if she weren't feeling sick enough she got her 4 month shots on St. Patrick's Day so she is really under the weather. We suspect that she may be teething as she is drooling constantly and chewing on everything but there aren't any white buds just yet.

After Lexington and Louisville we traveled to Glasgow. Our first stop was to Poppy's office since he was still at work. Turned out to be Noelle first visit to her favorite dentist in the world.

Lexington-March 2009

Durbin Bourbon Bash-March 2009

The four party people at the Jim Beam distillery. This guy's name was Booker Noe.

Although we didn't find the barrel inscribed with our Maker's Mark ambassador names, it still made a cool picture. Chris and I also were able to dip our own bottle of bourbon into the famous red wax. They were serious about the safety gear.
We were recently in Louisville for Brian's birthday party. It was a surprise that was miraculously pulled off. Party planner Stacy did a great job. We toured 3 bourbon distilleries via chartered bus and all had a great time, maybe even learned a thing or two. We left Noelle for the first time ever. The Durbin g-parents were nice enough to kept her safe and sound while we where out.

Nascar Door Jumper

Noelle may be the youngest Harvick fan around. Who knew coozies weren't just for beer!


Around the middle of February we broke out the door bouncer. As you can see Noelle isn't quite sure what to think about it--nor was Coach. We'll try again when she's a bit older. Unfortunately, the only doorway downstairs with a door facing is to the bathroom. Oh well.