Nora's "New" Room ... Again ...

"Wait ... didn't she just GET a new room?"

Yes. Yes she did. *Sigh.*

The one thing Nora wanted the most in her new room was a tent. So, if you recall, I got her one:

It was nine dollars on clearance at Michael's. I thought it was the deal of the century! It was the perfect color and looked like "play" quality. I was wrong. The thing fell apart. And then fell apart again! After the fifth time getting out the butterfly Duct Tape, it was tossed. Nora was disappointed, and so was I.

Originally she wanted this tent from Hearth Song. It was cute, but it was forty dollars! I thought about making a similar one, but I had a very limited amount of time to do this room project. So I nixed it and searched elsewhere. This past month I went to go check it out again to see if it was something I could make, and it was 50% off! Sold.

So, here it is in her "new again" room with a functional tent:

I had to move around some things to accommodate this corner tent (which meant more hole-filling and painting) but it all worked out in the end. Now I am wondering why I didn't just do this in the beginning! Nora loves it, and I am happy with it too. It really is a much better use of space.

Happy Birthday little Nora. :)

Until next time . . .

Gray's 10-Month Update

I dare you not to love this face. What a lil (drooly) cutie! Ready for a photo bomb? Here we go:

So, Gray is ten months now! He's all over the place. He's giving five, babbling up a storm, and basically being the cutest little boy you have ever seen. He has a FANTASTIC attitude, even when he's tired. He pulls up on everything, and is finding his balance already.

He crawls very fast - toward anything with wheels! His focus is remarkable for a child his age, and he gives the best kisses (until he's done, in which case, he smacks you away).

He recently outgrew his walker, and is in the process of outgrowing his exersaucer (he currently hates to be in it!) He spends his days crawling around the living room or his room. He likes to play downstairs in the playroom, or go outside and "plank walk" around on the concrete.

He continues to love water, and will SPLASH and SPLASH every time he is in it! He constantly tries to put his face forward in the water, or crawl out of the bathtub (much to mommy's dismay!) Swimming and bath time are always fun with Grayson.

His favorite toys this month are his trains and cars. He will crawl up to them, flip them over, play with the wheels for 20 minutes or so. Then he flips them back over and pushes them around while cocking his head to the side so he can watch the wheels turn. :) It's so amazing to watch him push the cars around!!

Food-wise, he continues to be unique. :) He eats and eats and eats!! He likes Ritz crackers with hummus and pears a lot. He's not really a fan of mac-n-cheese or chicken, but he will DEVOUR cheese ravioli. He will try anything once. We are testing him out with different types of food, and he seems to love things that are garlicky. He does well with eating table food for someone who doesn't have any teeth!

Yep, no teeth. Just like sis at this age. :) He drinks very well out of straw cups and sippy cups though. Next month I am pretty sure there will be no more bottles in this house.

Gray is a good kid who loves to play. We're totally blessed. :)

Before you go, check out his 9-month photos from my cousin Heidi Clark:

Until next time . . .

Gray's First Zoo Trip

Things I want to remember about this wonderful day that our family got to spend together at the St. Louis Zoo:

First of all, it was Gray's first trip! Of course, Gray does everything with a smile. :)

Secondly, I think it's fun to randomly mention that today Nora has been obsessed with the song "Home" by Philip Phillips. She had to hear it before we left, and again while we were at the zoo, then she sang it all afternoon, and played it again after we got home. She refers to it as the "ahhh-ah-a-a-ahh-ahh-ahhhhh" song. When we got home, she looked very seriously at her dad and said: "if you're lost, you can always be found." From now on when I hear that song, this day will come to mind!

Anyway, back to the zoo - Nora got to be an animal trainer at the Children's Zoo and use the clicker. She did really well!!

Another thing to remember is that we were at the zoo for SIX HOURS. From 10 a.m. to almost 4 p.m. I mention this because neither of my kids had a meltdown. Is that not amazing??!! Also, Gray spent all day in the stroller and though he was wiggly and probably bored, he was really very well behaved. They are seriously good kids.

Nora's favorite area was probably the butterfly tent. She was engrossed by this butterfly chart and did NOT want to give it back. I love watching her take such pleasure in learning.

Annnnnnd, we found all the animals on our checklist!!!! Neither Cory or I thought we would do it. :) This checklist was a lot of fun - I am glad I laminated it so we could use it again next time!

This is the end-of-day photo. We were overdue to spend some time together as a family, so this trip was good for us. What a wonderful day!

Until next time . . .