The Lawn

Last night during a quick reprieve from all this rain we've been having, Paul finally went out to mow the lawn. He didn't get too far though...

There were several tiny baby bunnies, and some of them were too petrified to move. So much for short grass!

No Small Miracle

So last Sunday, Nora swallowed my earring. I was getting more and more worried each day when I didn't see it pass, so I finally took her in for an x-ray on Thursday- the same day that Paul gave her a blessing. I was expecting the worst. I was sure they were going to have to operate, that it had likely snagged somewhere in her intestines. I couldn't see a happy ending any way I looked at it. But the x-ray came up completely clean- no earring whatsoever. At first I didn't trust the radiologist, thinking he must have missed it, but had to later conclude that this was a miracle! There is no other explanation that makes sense to me, other than the Lord was completely aware of our needs and blessed us. It might have been small, but it wasn't small at all to me. I know He hears and answers our prayers.

Easter Festivities

Last week we joined some friends at Purina Farms for the Easter Celebration there. Nora loved petting all the baby animals, but all the bigger and noisier animals were too scary.

Nora meeting a nice bunny and her lady.

Nora meeting a duckling.

Peter enjoyed the animals too, but was mostly excited to play with the tractors at the corn tables.

Benjamin had a great time playing with his preschool lady friends. 

Winston, Ruby, Josie, Mary Joyce and Benjamin on the hay ride.

Of course we also did the usual festivities too. Coloring eggs,

hunting for eggs (indoors, since it was much too soggy outside!),

and making "Empty Tomb" cookies. We just started making them this year, but they were a tradition in Paul's home growing up. We also made a lamb roast with our Easter feast, and shared it with some friends and family. We had a wonderful Easter; I am so grateful that HE lives! 

Waiting

You guys are really sweet about my painting and "good" mothering skills. I certainly can't accept that kind of praise though....especially when Nora choked on, then swallowed my other hook-back earring on Sunday afternoon, and still, there's no sign of it's surfacing. We won't go into details here about how she even got said earring. I think we might need an x-ray if we don't see it soon. Wouldn't you be worried about the hook getting caught along the way down?!

It's Hailing, It's Pouring

This was taken this evening just minutes before the tornado sirens started wailing. Golf ball sized hail. It's a crazy night! 

Finished

I finished Nora's portrait, at least for now. I'm pleased with how it turned out. It was so fun to work with my oils again! Someday, I'd really like to have my own studio.

Nine Months

Another month has flown by. No teeth yet, but she mouths everything. She understands enough to spit things out when I tell her to, which is good!

Nora also knows what to do with a comb and a headband, and nuzzles in for more when you kiss her cheeks. She plays peek-a-boo with us, and has a generally cheerful disposition. She also loves to read books with us, especially feely ones. Her hair has gotten long enough where I would probably cut it  if she were a boy. She has wavy wisps around her ears now that are very cute. She makes the funniest sounds with her mouth. One is a seething sound through her closed gums and another is a loud click she makes with her tongue hanging out. She has a breathy little laugh and loves being entertained by her brothers. She is very much a mama's girl, but also loves Paul's silly antics. I know last month I wondered if she'd be walking soon, but I seriously doubt she will. She doesn't like it when we try to walk with her holding onto her hands, and will sit dow then try to get picked up. She just seems to get more and more fun!

*Nine month stats: 17 lbs. 13 oz. (33% weight), 27 1/2" (43% height), 17 3/8" (55% head circumference).