Binkie Dilema

I was just reading the insightful comments from my fellow moms about what to do about the binkie when Libby approached the computer...You can't even see the full effect because she actually had found 3 binkies. (She tosses them out during the night then crawls around and finds them during the day.) One in her mouth and one in each hand.

Libby's Birthday Video

I now have a YouTube account where I am uploading Libby's videos. Dave recommended this so that you could watch the vids in full screen. Let me know if you have any trouble.

Libby's Stats

Libby had her 1 year appt. today. Shots! Ouch. But they held off on the chicken pox immunization, since it is a live vaccine and I am pregnant. So only 3 shots.
Here are the stats:
Weight: 19 lbs. 2 oz. 20%
Height: 28 1/2 inches 30%
Head Circumfrence: 18 inches 70%

I guess she is headed more toward becoming a brainy girl than a basketball player or a heavy weight.

The doctor made a suggestion that for the health of her teeth we should wean from the binkie--and now would be easier and better than after the baby comes (especially if the new baby wants a binkie). She doesn't get it often during the day, just for sleeping mainly. I don't see how I can do it though! She won't sleep for at least 3 days I don't think. (So of course, neither will I...) It makes me want to cry to even think about it. Any advice from the seasoned moms out there? My gut tells me that her teeth will be okay until we get through January or so? Yikes!

Libby Enjoys Her Presents

Here is Libby enjoying some of her presents. She got so many, it is going to take months for her to get around to them all! She loves the boom box from Brian that plays a rap version of "Mary had a Little Lamb".

She also enjoyed having her toenails painted--way more than I expected. This gift also led to a discussion because I found out that in the Norton household, the girls weren't allowed to wear makeup OR nail polish until they were 12. I agree with the makeup piece, but I think that in this Norton household, nail polish is going to be allowed a titch earlier than 12 :)

Libby's First Birthday!

We had a blast at her birthday...and so did she! I am going to put together a video this next week, but here are a couple of highlights.

Whew!

It appears that another bout of illness is behind us. Man, kids get nasty colds. She is still coughing, but the fever, stuffy nose, and whole body rash seem to be gone. She is definitely acting like her fun self again! We even found (knock on wood) a new med that has started helping with the diaper rash again.

Anyway, tomorrow is her first birthday! I am trying not to

think about what I was going through last year at this time. Here is her birthday "cake".

Sicky Libby...

Man, junk just keeps coming Libby's way. This time it is a fever, a stuffy nose, a cough, and today barfing. Yikes. Add to that the continual diaper rash despite some pretty serious drugs. I think it is just bad luck, but our doctor is going to have us get some lab work done at Children's hospital just to check her immune system. She hates being sick. I can tell she is miserable being unhappy, just the way I am when I am sick.

The Latest "Room"

This last week or so we have been working hard on the deck in preparation for Libby's 1st birthday party. Derek sanded, I stained, and I found this great patio furniture on Craig's list. The chairs are SO comfy. We are basically eating every meal out there these days.

I also stained the front deck. Boy have I been tired!

Libby Chasing Ice

Libby loves ice. It started the hot weekend when Derek was out of town. I would hand her a piece of ice and she would go after it! Eventually she can't hold onto it any more and she just leans over and licks the ice on the floor until it is gone. Hours of entertainment for all involved!

Psketti

We went to Derek's squad party on Saturday afternoon, then we went and picked up some sweet patio furniture I found on Craig's list. Libby was so tired and hungry when we got home. She couldn't decide if she was more tired or hungry though, so she kept eating psketti (not to be confused with spaghetti, this is a secret family recipe that is basically spaghetti but cooked all in one pot), then rubbing her eyes. So funny afterward when she had a red eyebrow.

Name Choice...

Well, Derek and I haven't offically been to Macaroni Grill where we can write all our name options on the table cloth to finalize our decision (that was where we decided on Libby's name) but we think we have it...

Sarah Catherine Norton

(Thanks for the idea Kate :)

Libby's Sunday Morning

Libby is starting to take one or two steps holding only one hand. You can see she is standing hesitantly while I am holding just one hand to take this picture. I think she will be walking pretty soon. I don't know how much I look forward to this, actually. It will make life much more dangerous. Also I got this great pic of her trying to crawl and getting caught up in her dress. She gets so frustrated! It is too funny.

Living Room

This room is taking shape, except for the lack of furniture. I love the glass display cases (they have lights inside). One side is Asian stuff, mostly Japanese from Derek's mission. The other side is European from my travels and mission.

There are a few too many globes around the fireplace. Once I have more stuff to set them on, they will get better homes :)

More Decor...

While Derek was at wrestling camp I worked on some decor. I finished the "impressionist" master bath and the master bedroom. The master bedroom is the story of Derek and I together and an Al Rounds print courtesy of my mom (not pictured) and some Monet prints.

What a Difference a Year Makes

Last year at the fourth of July Pancake Breakfast...

This year...OH HOW MUCH HAS CHANGED IN OUR LITTLE LIVES! For the better, of course. (Some things do stay the same, though, it seems. I am pretty pregnant again, and Emmi did admit that she is wearing the same shirt again, just pinned this year.)

Libby Eats an Apple

Today I accidentally knocked down our fruit hanger in the kitchen. While I was working on fixing the puzzling thing she snagged an apple. I looked over to see this... Then when I decided to take a picture of her with her trail of apple bits, she did this...as if to say, don't take a picture of my mess! (But I really think she was saying, that camera looks tastier than my Albertson's apple...has anyone else noticed that Albertson's has horrible produce?)
Then I handed her the apple again and she did this...

I love my girl!