Racing down the Creeper Trail.....

This past Saturday, we were fortunate to have gotten a baby sitter for Nora all day (if you need a GREAT sitter, let us know!) and went along with Ben, Elaine, Jimmy, Melissa, IV, and Spencer to Creeper Trail in the Virgina mountains for a 17 mile bike ride. The grade was a gradual downward slope that was easy for all to cycle down. We followed the trail as it followed a river down the mountain for 17 miles from the drop off to Demascus, VA. The weather was great, by the way--party cloudy and 81 degrees with a 20% chance of rain.

We all rode bikes except for Meredith. She was in a little buggy/trailer that was attached to John's bike--she called it "Merenith's Strooooooooooooooller". Anyway, at first she laughed until some mud started flying off of John's tires onto her which caused hysterics because she was dirty! So, we talked her into wearing a jacket, letting us put the cover on the "stroller", and putting her sunglasses on. Once she was "covered" we were on our way. For the most part, she loved it! John and I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with just her and giving her a little alone time with us. We also loved watching her interact with IV and Spencer (she really loves those boys). It was also relaxing to just do this activity as a family unit where everyone was in one place at one time moving at the same pace. We feel that so often, we all get so caught up in our lives that we do not carve out time that is exclusive to spending time together without somewhere else to be, something else to do, and someone else to spend time with. We all had one goal: spend time with each other and enjoy the great scenery. What a great day!

On a side note, we look forward to having an equally wonderful experience with my mother and brothers soon! :) And, Happy Birthday, Momma! A girl could not ask for a better best friend and mother! I love you and am thankful that this birthday marks a great year for you!

Nora's 5 Week Check-Up

We have had a very busy first five weeks of Nora's life. Nora finally got to meet her Uncle Chad, Aunt Anna Ruth, and cousin Baylee for a few hours between their vacations with family (Meredith got to finally meet Uncle Chad as well which was exciting for us). My brother Greg was able to get some time off and come meet Nora as well--he adored her and it just warmed my heart that he drove here and then spent the whole day just watching her and enjoying his time with her. Also, he brought some souvenirs from Williamsburg, VA for Meredith which Meredith has yet to part with. We also visited the beach for a long weekend with my mother, her boyfriend (Kenny), and my brother. It was a great visit and relaxing, however, it became very evident to me that we are still transitioning. Here are a few pictures from these events:

Nora had her five week check up yesterday and she is doing great! She is 10 lbs., 3 oz. which is in the 50th percentile for weight and is 22 1/2 inches long which is in the 5oth percentile for height. She has started smiling and did so on Father's Day while we sat in church. Also, she is focusing on us and following objects that pass in front of her. So, she is right on track with respect to milestones. She is a gassy baby so we are giving her gas drops and being very mindful that she burps throughout the day so that the pressure does not build up. She has also gone through a couple growth spurts. Meredith just adores her and is always wanting to help out. If Nora cries, Meredith calls to me: "Mommy, baby needs her paci!" If I don't respond, she finds it and starts trying to give it to Nora. She also likes to pick out a diaper and help change Nora's diaper. It is adorable, also, how Meredith thanks God every night for her baby sister. My hope and prayer is that they grow to be very close as they both grow older. I am not naive to think they will never have disagreements, but I hope that they will be there for each other as best friends even after John and I are gone. Dr. Jedlica made a statement to me at the appointment when I was voicing concerns that it was really hard to split my time between the two especially when Nora is hitting growth spurts and needs to eat every two hours and is eating for 40 minutes since I am nursing. She told me that I shouldn't feel guilty because I gave Meredith a great gift in a sibling. That siblings are important because they provide support to one another even when the parents are gone. I loved that! I never had a sister and always wished (even to this day) that I did. I believe that John and I have given Meredith and Nora a great gift in each other. Thanks be to God!