Lisa: Love, Jeremy

Nora, you have touched so many people during your short life with your smile and your sweetness and your humor. Today at Jeremy's funeral I was reminded that you had touched him as well. Here's what he said about it, in case no one keeps his blog going in his absence.

I looked on the face of God.

I have a new favorite wallpaper. This is Nora. She is Blake and Lisa’s baby girl. And when I look at this picture. Her face. It fills me with a joy I rarely feel. And I’m very grateful.

Lisa: jump

Nora is crazy about Grandma, but I think she might be even crazier about Grandma's trampoline.

Lisa: Andre

For one brief, sunny day, a glorious chicken named Andre was part of our lives. RIP, little buddy.

Lisa: Liberty Park

The Liberty Park carousel: creepily tailor-made for all your amateur-horror-movie-filming needs!

Lisa: Craft Lake City review

I find it's most helpful to review an event two months after it happens, so that everyone who might once have cared has already forgotten about it. That's why I'm telling you now how much I loved Craft Lake City!

The craft booths were everything I wished the disappointing shopping at Swiss Days and Peach Days would be. Instead of seeing the same vinyl cutouts and magnet boards at every booth, there were tons of alternative and/or slightly subversive crafts, and fun and unusual fabrics galore.

Here are photos of my (reasonably priced) booty:

1. A skirt for Nora for next summer, from Noelle O Designs.

2. A horse finger puppet from Nifty Kidstuff, which has the cutest details--like a bright green lining to match the bridle.

3. My mom shopped Nifty Kidstuff too, and found Nora a doll that she can practice fasteners on. Nora named her Betsy Buttons, after this book. (Seriously, this girl makes so many cute things. How much do I want this little fabric sewing machine for Nora?)

4. Grandma also bought Nora some cute hair ties with fabric-covered buttons, but unfortunately they didn't have any maker-identifying packaging.

5. I had a hard time tracking down these ribbon-covered hair clips online (they're just marked 'am'), but I think the buttons covered with Japanese fabrics are darling, and they inspired me to make my own ribbon clips.

6. This little yellow papier-mache bird was an impulse buy at Beehive Bazaar, and I love having him on my mantel.

I also loved the fascinators and headbands from Its The Little Things, but I didn't have enough cash to buy one at Craft Lake City. Instead, I grabbed one of her cards and bought a hat for Jillian's funeral on Etsy later.

The family rockabilly band that was so cute was Mad Max and the Wild Ones.

Here's more of Nora enjoying them:

Anyway, I hope that Craft Lake City becomes an annual event, and that they have even more awesome booths next year. If I had one suggestion to offer, it would be to the crafters whose great wares were for sale: make sure your packaging is branded, and list your website right on it if you have one. That way, the love can keep going long after the festival is done.

Lisa: summertime

Alex and Nora, painting the back patio with water.

Lisa: Build-a-Kitty

Nora and I joined Sarah, Shantelle, and Abby at Build-a-Bear for a special sale event. The whole environment was a bit overstimulating, but I think Nora was happy with what she picked out.

I figure that if you're going to go with a licensed character, go all the way, right?

Lisa: they see me rollin'

My car? No. My sunglasses? No. This is why I should write things down. MAYBE IN THIS HANDY BLOG.

Lisa: chips

I see I have taught her well.

Lisa: packing

Nora's an old hand at helping Sarah pack and get ready to move.

This time, she mostly wanted to wear all of Sarah's aprons at once, and to take pictures of me with Sarah's camera.

Lisa: abstract

We set up the easel to paint a picture for Sarah. I think Nora's two-handed technique really makes the whole thing.

I asked Nora what she was painting, and she said "China." Not a photorealistic representation, but heartfelt all the same.

Lisa: and some tie-dye

You know what Nora likes? A face accessory.

Lisa: packages

Nora still loves to help me work.

Lisa: A mature palate.

Before we leave for church, Nora likes to go to the spice cabinet for a little refreshment. I think you know where I'm going with this.

Lisa: best girl ever

My beautiful, smart, sweet little friend.

Lisa: Princess Bride

Sarah passed the time before the outdoor movie started by taking some photos of Nora with her spiffy new iPhone.

Lisa: "I'm bigger now!"

Nora doesn't just go on the baby slide any more. Mew!

Lisa: binky buddies

Looks comfy to me.

Lisa: being behind is bad

I cannot remember where this was or why we might have been on a bus (?), but isn't Nora pretty?

Lisa: can you see her getting tired?

More from the Arts Festival.

Lisa: priorities

This is what happens when Nora wants Blake to play with her, but Blake wants to take a nap.

Lisa: cuddle time

Who doesn't like to cuddle during a movie? With some snacks?

Lisa: who needs rules?

Nora didn't do much actual mini-golfing, but she kept us busy chasing after golf balls and following her up and down every astroturfed contour. Thank goodness we had the place all to ourselves. Awesome activity idea, Jennilyn!

Lisa: honey crunch

Okay, yes, I am the kind of mother who feeds her child corn dogs from time to time. But look at that face. Could you say no? And corn dogs are really good for dipping.

Lisa: cutest android on the block

This is the event that convinced Kaeleigh that my daughter is an android. I had forgotten some of the details, but thankfully I heard Kaeleigh's Nora impression the other day (transcribed here).

After fleeing the rained-out outdoor showing of Mamma Mia, we all ended up back at my house, where Blake was getting Nora ready for bed.

Nora: "Rain! Outside! Outside! Outside! Rain! On face! Outside! Outside! Outside!"

So, we obligingly got Nora bundled up in her rain coat and galoshes, and set her down on the sidewalk in front of the house.

Nora: "Ew! Ew! Ew! Ew! Inside! Inside! Inside!"

Pretty much exactly like an android.

Lisa: star bright

You know what toddlers like? When you give them a whole bucket of foam stars, and then something else (say, an old printer) with a bunch of nooks and crannies in which to stick those stars.

It helps if you don't care about ever using the printer again.

Lisa: haircut

Nora's first real haircut, at the almost-too-entertaining Cookie Cutters.

They gave me a tiny ziplock bag with a lock of her hair inside, which I thought was sort of sweet at first. Now I'm not sure what to do with it because IT IS A BAG CONTAINING HUMAN HAIR.

Lisa: Sorry about your shoe, Dad.

More pictorial evidence of Nora's crimes against wet wipes.

Lisa: bink

It makes you feel better, doesn't it, Dad? DOESN'T IT?

Lisa: you can never have too many bracelets, right?

Nora discovered that her chain links are the perfect size to make bangle bracelets.

Lisa: I guess that's why they invented tape.

Nora doesn't want to look at the ripped-out pages of Knuffle Bunny, because she knows she's in trouble. She knows, because we just read about naughty babies ripping books in that Babies board book in front of her.

Lisa: pool toys

These pictures are giving me kind of a Kid Rock vibe.

I have no idea why.

Lisa: Who is in charge, here?

My mom brought over a new swimsuit for Nora while I was tending Alex, and before I knew what was happening she was wearing it, then she and Alex were dragging out the pool, Alex was filling it with the hose, and they were hopping in.

Lisa: tiara

Nora fell in love with some of the props for my Princess Bride-themed book club.

Lisa: monkey see, monkey do

Sarah was finally able to recreate the monkey game Nora plays with Grandsir. Basically, if you get it right, she'll copy anything the monkeys do.

Lisa: nap

When we got back from the park, Nora wanted to get tucked in for a nap on the couch, rather than in her bed. She didn't sleep at all, of course, but it was so cute that I indulged her for a bit.

Lisa: Sugarhouse Park

At the playground with Mom, Dad, Grandma'am and Grandsir. Nora insisted on walking across the rainbow bars, and I think she'd have done it with or without Blake's help. With his help just meant fewer broken Nora bits.

I'm going to try putting these larger sets of photos on Flickr to save server space, and then I'll post them here using this little PictoBrowser application. Let me know if you hate the presentation, and I'll keep looking for another solution.

Lisa: bot-si!

A few more pictures from Jeff's birthday:

Lisa: Heritage Days

I have to admit, I just stole these photos from Spring City's Heritage Days festival right off Valori's Facebook page. They had to be free, for all the world to see. Sorry, Valori.

Lisa: gear

I got Nora a sun hat and some rain boots that actually fit from Old Navy, and I don't think she took them off for three straight days.

Lisa: twist cone

Jason's Deli provided Nora's first officially sanctioned ice cream cone.

By that I obviously mean that Sarah got it for Nora while Blake was in the bathroom.

Lisa: I push it!

Sometimes I have a little trouble starting the lawn mower. Luckily, Nora was on hand to help.

Lisa: naughty shark

On the way to my cousin's wedding ceremony, Nora turned into a naughty shark for a few minutes. In case you don't know, sharks (the naughty ones anyway) bite people's arms and legs.

Nora loved the dance floor at the reception that night.

Lisa: What? It's comfy!

Nora thinks Sabrina's car seat is her personal La-Z-Boy.

Lisa: Caffe Molise

At Sarah's graduation dinner, Marci tried to take pictures of Nora making faces for the different emotions. Most of them came out "manically surprised and slightly insane."

Lisa: Moving Forward, Keeping Still

I guess it's the size (unless she just loves Eastern Wisdom), but this is not the first time Nora has chosen this book for a little rocking chair reading.

Lisa: Chester

Sometimes you have to sneak in and take a picture of your kid while she's sleeping, because it's just too sweet and cute.

Plus, this is an excellent opportunity for you all to meet Chester, a souvenir Grandma brought Nora from New York (and an adorably creepy littlemissmatched sock doll). Sometimes Chester gets nervous at night, and Nora has to hold his hand to make him feel better.

Lisa: No No Yes Yes

This is one of Nora's very favorite books. It's handy, too--we can say "what does the No No Yes Yes book say about that?" and she already knows that touching power outlets (or whatever) is a no-no.

I love these Leslie Patricelli board books. That reminds me, I should pull out my storytime stuff for Yummy Yucky.

Lisa: they grow up so fast

I meant to post these pictures on Sarah's birthday, and to tell you all what an awesome person she is and how proud I am of her. Luckily, I still feel the same way three days late.

Congratulations also to Mallory...

...and to Valori, who graduated at the same time! I love you guys.

I took some pictures of Nora, too. What do you want? I'm a mom.

Lisa: Tuesday morning

Nora and her buddy Alex, watching a movie and catching up on a little Eastern philosophy reading.

Lisa: Pleeeeeease!

Mom, could you at least stop working long enough to put on Monsters, Inc? Mo-om!

Lisa: squeezable

Alex hugged Nora some more.

But, having seen these knees, can you really blame him?

Lisa: a haunting

That's my girl, freaking out all the customers at the Crown Burger.

Lisa: someone taught that kid right

Alex learned about hugging. AWWWW!

Lisa: the farmhouse

Nora loves visiting my parents in Spring City--even when she has to trek to the animal pens with her feet falling right out of their too-big Hello Kitty galoshes.

Lisa: noodles

I just love this little munchkin so much.

Lisa: lunch

The perfect spring day: we visited Sarah downtown at lunchtime, picked up sandwiches from a little bakery, and ate them outside the Joseph Smith building (where there are almost enough pools, fountains, and waterfalls for Miss Nora).

Lisa: morning ablutions

I'm hoping that your disgust at the revelation that I allow Nora to suck on the top of the sea salt is tempered by the extreme cuteness of baby curlers.

Lisa: patio

THE PIGTAILS!

Lisa: Easter Dress

If only I had bought her a little white straw hat...

Thanks to Mallory and Marci for the darling dress!

Lisa: potluck

E sweetly let Nora help make her dessert...

...and then my mom came over and dressed Nora in all of her China souvenirs at once.

Love you guys! It's good to be home.

Lisa: home

I find it's best to greet your relatives after a long separation by shoving as much of their jewelry as you can into your mouth.

Lisa: China, day 14

Tuesday morning before heading to the airport, we stopped in for a quick visit at the Summer Palace. It was gorgeous and huge, but chilly and crowded--and Nora was just about through with being carried. For good.

The play area at the Seoul airport on the way home was much more what she had in mind.

Lisa: China, day 13

On Monday we went to the Great Wall, and Nora wanted to walk every inch of it herself.

Lisa: China, day 12

We wanted to do something that would be fun for Nora, so we spent the morning at the Blue Zoo aquarium. She loved it--especially the BIG, naughty shark.

Later, we walked around the old part of Beijing. This is either in front of the Bell Tower or the Drum Tower (I admit I'm not sure which).

Lisa: China, day 11

Here we are at the Forbidden City...

and the Olympic Plaza...

and of course, engaging in some international race relations.

Lisa: China, day 10

Today we got to Beijing, and met Blake and my dad at the airport. YAY! It's just what we needed to cap off the trip. Here they are with Nora in front of her favorite feature of our hotel--one of the two lion statues flanking the entrance.

Lisa: China, day 9

Nora, giving me her classic photo face in front of the terra cotta warriors in Xian:

And here she is outside the museum, trying to make friends with a very smiley but shy Chinese boy her own age in split pants. She kept kind of sidling up to him, shoulders hunched and belly out. Each time she got too close, he would run back to his mom.

Nora loved the video they showed about the history of the terra cotta warriors. For the next few hours, all she talked about was fighting, fire, running, and flags. Maybe someday Blake won't have to watch all his favorite movies alone.

Lisa: China, day 8

Nora, enjoying a vegetable bun at the best dumpling restaurant in Shanghai.

Lisa: China, day 7

Nora made quite a few conquests in the People's Park. This one was probably the most age-appropriate.

I have a cute video of this little guy singing her the ABCs, but I think YouTube is blocked in China. I'll post it when we get back.

Lisa: China, day 6

Checking out the view of Shanghai (or as she calls it, "Hai-Hai") from the window of our FIVE STAR hotel room:

Lisa: China, day 5

I couldn't choose just one picture for today.

Outside the Hong Kong temple, where we went to sacrament meeting:

Completely loving the cable-car ride up to the Po Lin monastery:

And with Grandma, looking up through the fog at the world's largest seated outdoor bronze Buddha:

Lisa: China, day 4

Me and Nora, riding a sampan in Aberdeen and having our picture taken in front of the world's largest floating restaurant.

Lisa: China, day 2

Nora and Grandma (her new favorite person) on the little couch in our beautiful hotel room.

In other news, I'm going to get a job as a Kiddie Kandids photographer.

Lisa: China, day 1

The most good-natured, cutest world-traveler ever was rewarded with a luxurious bubble bath in Hong Kong.

Remind me when Nora is a teenager and we're fighting how awesome she was for twenty hours on the plane today.

Lisa: packing

Nora tried her best to eat the snacks as fast as I could pack them.

Lisa: Kix

Snacktime with Alex.

Lisa: boxes

Maybe she thought sitting in a box would help her better understand the shapes?

Lisa: bathtime

Lisa: blocks

Just playing blocks with the A-man. Or, as Nora calls it, "building robots."

Lisa: see my vest!

Lisa: family business

Nora fell asleep in the Las Vegas airport, on the way home from scouting stuff for our clothing line at the MAGIC show.

She's the best little travel buddy a mom could wish for.

Lisa: friends

I'm glad I captured the very brief moment in time when both Nora and Sabrina would stay put on the same blanket for more than 12 seconds.

Lisa: And did you see those TIGHTS?

Sometimes Nora sits down right by my desk chair and plays while I'm working. Here she is, a compact little pile of adorableness, precious blanket (inexplicably dubbed 'peti') momentarily forgotten on the floor behind her.

Lisa: tomato face

WHAT?

Lisa: paradise

Sometimes, if Nora and I are out running errands during the day, we stop and have a little lunch together--just us grown-up girls, you know?

Anyway, here she is enjoying her favorite dish.

Lisa: ice cream

As Angie put it on Facebook:
"Hey, Nora! Cutest hair ever! Also, cutest t-shirt ever! Where'd you get that? Oh, your favorite aunt and uncle, you say?"

Or, alternately, as Nora puts it:
"KEEM! KEEM!"

Lisa: pigtails

My mom, proudly displaying her hairdo handiwork:

In the background, you can see my new Jamaica Trinnaman painting hanging over the fireplace. I know, I need to branch out and find another artist I like whose work I can afford. But it's awesome, right??

Lisa: Now make Mommy a sandwich.

Nora loves to 'cook,' which usually means stirring the air inside some kind of receptacle with various vaguely oblong implements. CUTEST BEAN EVER.

Lisa: in the eyes of the state

Nora passed the time in line to get a birth certificate with a little nap, and then showed us how to properly use the Wii.

I'm not sure how we never got Nora a birth certificate before, but when I went to collect the documents to get her a passport, all we had on file was the novelty certificate from the hospital. Now she has officially been borned.

Lisa: this little piggy

Just a few snapshots of our day--more hats on toes, with a side of trying to climb onto the couch.

Lisa: winter sports

My dad had the awesome idea of pulling Nora around their property in a sled. She loved it, even when one too-sharp turn spilled her out onto the road. She just got right back in the sled and started chanting, "fast, fast!"

Lisa: pegged

Nora quickly put her new table to good use: becoming a genius.

Lisa: Christmas Day

Here's Nora, bumming around at home while we threw the last few items in our suitcases. Since we almost crashed on our way to Spring City, this might have been the last picture of Nora, ever. Do I even have to say how glad I am that it wasn't?

Sarah gave Nora this adorable tutu. The vest is also from Sarah, actually. What a good aunt, right?

The table and chairs are from my parents. Unfortunately, they made Nora grow up about four months in five minutes...but she loves them.

Lisa: Christmas Eve

Lisa: head to toe

Nora loves to play with the Ziplock bag of her "hats." Spreading them all out on the floor is big, as is pulling them all out and putting them back in the bag again--but nothing quite surpasses the appeal of putting elastics around her toes.

Lisa: a Christmas miracle

Grandma brought over gingerbread cookies, and Nora was actually allowed to eat them!

Well, "allowed" might be a little strong. I'm sure if Dad had anything to do with it, those cookies would never have seen the light of day. Nora loved them, though.

Lisa: Mom, can't you just let me eat in peace?

No. No, I can't.

Lisa: funny face

Lisa: eggs on toast

Nora thought her fried eggs were really tasty, until they started giving her a rash. Oops.

Lisa: Not so much here, or over here, but all around HERE.

I seem to have gotten a tiny bit of spaghetti on my face.

Nothing a little bath won't take care of.

Good as new!

Lisa: bedtime story

Lisa: Christmas photos

This year we had another friend take Nora's Christmas pictures--Lacey Pappas, who took Dave and Angie's engagement and bridal photos.

Check out the whole shoot on Lacey's Flickr stream, here. There were so many adorable ones of Nora for us to choose from. Thank you, Lacey!

Lisa: lay flat to dry

Wash on warm with like colors.

Lisa: Sabrina Strikes Back

Who is this intruder, and why is she in my chair?

Lisa: Grossy McSupersick

For my birthday, Dawn promised to take me and Nora to see the Festival of Trees and then to lunch afterward. Nora was pretty tired by lunchtime (and teething) and turned up her nose at the food...until she discovered tartar sauce. Tartar sauce, where had you been all her life?

Lisa: ladies who lunch

Nora and I went Christmas shopping, and stopped while we were out for a little lunch at Mimi's.

Lisa: hat

My mom pointed out that Nora finally has enough hair that she can wear little clips and elastics. Now looking like a ragamuffin is purely by choice.

Unfortunately, Nora hates clips. Fortunately, she loves hats. We just tell her they're hats, and we're good to go. Should I not have admitted that?

Lisa: high chair couture

A little Sunday-afternoon snack in the dress Nora got from Dawn for her birthday.

Lisa: cute overload

Correction, THIS is why I don't get any work done.

Lisa: overstuffed chair

The Smith family having a quiet moment before my birthday party. Doesn't it make you want to puke a little bit? How cute we are?

Lisa: howdy, howdy, howdy

Another daily photo:

Lisa: tuppence a bag

Nora and I joined my cousin Heidi and her adorable girls at Sugarhouse Park for some bird-feeding,

playground time,

and a much-needed walk. Let's do it again soon!

Lisa: magic

Ever since Nora was tiny, Blake's dad has been able to put her to sleep in the crook of his arm like this.

Lisa: oh, HI

Mom and Dad's bed is the best place for flopping.

Lisa: xylophone

The Smiths gave Nora a xylophone for her birthday. I think an invitation to play at Carnegie Hall is forthcoming.

Lisa: juiced

Aw, look at her, so big. Drinking from a juice box.

Yes, it's from McDonald's. Don't you judge me.

Lisa: Halloween

When I saw this shark costume on Mighty Junior, I had to get it for Nora.

It's no wonder Alex is afraid of her--I think sharks are probably the skunk's natural predator.

Lisa: Just checking in!

I don't remember how it got started, but Nora and I send a picture like this to Sarah almost every day. Hi, Aunt Sarah!

Lisa: pumpkin

My dad gave Nora a pumpkin from his garden, and she has to go out to the porch to pat it every day.

"Pup! Pup! Pup!"

Lisa: pitter patter

The obligatory picture of baby feet BECAUSE THEY ARE JUST SO CUTE:

Lisa: Zoob

The cabin really only has one toy. Luckily, the Zoobs were a hit. With all of us.

Lisa: so like us

Who doesn't like to give their tummy a little scratch while vegging out in front of the computer?

Lisa: blocks

Nora is getting so smart and capable and self-sufficient I almost can't handle it. Here she is, putting the blocks in and out of the bag and the cups.

What's that, Nora? Your room is getting boring?

Lisa: so THAT's how that sauce got there...

Spaghetti and peek-a-boo: two great tastes that taste great together.

Lisa: Grand Sir

When I came home for lunch on my last Thursday at work, I caught Nora and Grand Sir having fun together. Thank you, Bill! I'm so glad you two are friends.

In the background, you can see Miss Petunia's tank, currently decorated with a little Buddha statue and some prayer flags. We respect our turtle's religious beliefs.

Lisa: little black thumb

Did Nora like to play in the flowerpot because the flowers were dead, or did they die because she played in the flowerpot? We may never know.

Lisa: mother-approved

A rare case in which I can sanction the wearing of leggings:

And yes, that is the Tivo remote. Don't make me tired by asking all these questions.

Lisa: the big one

We had a little birthday party for Nora on Sunday afternoon with chocolate cake (Nora had frosted cornbread on Blake's orders), adorable gifts (thank you, everyone!), and a little clip show of Nora's first year of movies set to one of her favorite songs.

Thank you, family and friends, for being so sweet with our little bean. And thank you, Nora, for being the most adorable and fun person I have ever met.

Lisa: I don't want to miss a thing.

Grandma and Pop-Pop came over to hang out with Nora while I was at work, but luckily an unidentified benefactor took some pictures of the event with my camera.

Lisa: yogurt and waffles

Lisa: farewell summer

Blake and I took Nora to Creekside Park in hopes of letting her swing. Unfortunately, I forgot there are no swings at Creekside Park. We had a good time in the blinding sun anyway.

Lisa: These are the Peach Days of our lives

It turns out you can't actually buy peaches at Peach Days, and you'll have to change your daughter's diaper on the ground by the row of trash cans, but at least Nora is cute. That makes a lot of things better, come to think of it.

Lisa: cabin keys

Lisa: high chair diaries

Nora likes to check the empty yogurt container to make sure it's really all gone.

Lisa: advice

Errands are more fun when you stop in the middle for grilled cheese at the park.

Lisa: wallow day

There is absolutely nothing wrong with hanging out at Sarah's apartment in your PJs.

Lisa: I'll start saving for her therapy now.

There comes a time in every mother's life when she must choose whether to put her child into a ridiculous situation purely for the sake of a funny picture. I'm proud to say I came down on the side of the huge blonde wig.

Lisa: filing

A secret treasure trove of papers! These must be taken out and examined immediately.

Lisa: Get Right

What? I teach my daughter good values! Do you know how many different J-Los are in that video??

Lisa: Su casa es mi casa

Sometimes I just get very thirsty. No, I mean for YOUR drink.

Lisa: Just give me the screwdriver, Mom

Thank goodness, Nora helped me install my new bike basket.

Lisa: it don't mean a thing...

We rode our bikes to the park so that Nora could swing. I think she likes it.

Lisa: why I didn't get your email

Sometimes you need a little bean to help you work.

Lisa: you can't hug a photograph

At the beginning of August, we went to an outdoor showing of Goonies that combined three of Nora's favorite things in the world: being outside, live music, and macaroni and cheese. Not to mention some of her (and my) very favorite people. Don't worry, I have already forgiven Sarah and Mallory for sticking pens in my hair while I was lying on the blanket.

The girls and I let Blake and Nora get to bed at a reasonable hour, then headed to Wal-Mart for midnight purchases of Breaking Dawn. Unfortunately, no one told me to take off my "I was bitten" pin before we went into the coffee shop, so I embarassed myself in front of the barista. Mew!

Farewell, Summer. I hardly knew ye.

Lisa: more of the same

I'm not sure why I can't stop taking pictures of Nora playing with her laptop. Maybe because she is JUST SO CUTE?

Lisa: here comes the big parade

Sarah and I rode our bikes in the Pioneer Day parade in Spring City, with Nora in the baby seat. The whole thing was awesomely ridiculous (and ridiculously awesome), but I think the best part was riding past my dad and hearing him shout to the crowd around him, "That's my granddaughter! That's my granddaughter!"

Lisa: biker gals

My first ride on my cruiser was also Nora's first bike ride, ever. Thank goodness it was properly documented.

Blake didn't realize he was in movie mode when he took this, but I kept it because of how well it captures Nora's initial feelings about her helmet.

Watch for the look of terror on my face as I negotiate the bike past Blake and into the driveway.

Lisa: a tangled web we weave

A normal day for Nora might include eating a snack in her high chair...

or getting herself hopelessly tangled in the TV cords. You never know.

(No babies were left unattended and nearly strangled before or during the taking of these pictures. I was sitting just out of frame, giggling as she turned around and around, making the tangling worse. So...I guess I'm not negligent, just kind of mean.)

Lisa: my fellow Americans

Something about being in a small town and with family just makes you feel more patriotic. Happy fourth of July!

Lisa: piano man

We get to keep David's piano while he's in New York, and he came over and gave it an inaugural playing. Nora loved it, of course.

Lisa: swimming

E introduced Nora to her first real swimming pool. Needless to say, Nora LOVED it.

She practically jumped right out of my arms and into the water. (You can see a bit of the skirt Sarah brought me from Scotland!)

Lisa: parking it

If it involves being outside and eating big-people food, Nora is IN.

Lisa: cyberbaby

I got Nora a little toy laptop, in the hopes that she would prefer it to working her magic on my computer. She uses it for her very important business.

Lisa: I love getting packages in the mail.

What can it be? This is so exciting!

It's my bike seat! Wahoo! Wait, what are these black things for?

And...a helmet? Wait a second. No one told me there would be a helmet.

Lisa: pose for the camera now (flick, flick)

Lisa: rocking out

Have you ever seen someone so excited to be in a rocking chair?

Lisa: snake charmer

My mom bought Nora this extremely realistic pink rubber snake at the zoo. Who knew it would become her favorite toy?

Lisa: boop!

Nora makes so many different expressions now--I can't get over what a big personality she has stuffed into that tiny little body. She was kind of sad when I started taking these pictures, so I cheered her up by making a bunch of crazy noises (as one does). In the photos where she's leaning to the side, she's trying to look around the camera to see how I'm making that "boop, boop" sound.

Lisa: but she looks fierce!

Our little camera hound has suddenly turned coy. Too many episodes of America's Next Top Model?

Nora is fascinated with grass. I sat her down in the center of the blanket, and she leaned waaaay over so that she could almost reach it, and then toppled over, wriggled onto her stomach, and picked a handful. Then she whined until I sat her back up again so that she could examine her bounty in comfort. Lather, rinse, repeat.

Lisa: Mother's Day

Blake gave me a new camera for Mother's Day, so I got things started right by taking a super close-up shot of him cooking his famous chili.

We went up to the cabin to hang out with my side of the family for a while, and Nora got thoroughly spoiled by my mom, Dave, and Angie (who aren't this blurry in real life).

We drove back down the canyon and over to Blake's parents' for dinner, and I took some pictures of his family for Nora's little photo book. Welcome to the internet, guys!

Lisa: toothbrush

Lisa: teeth and hair (It's cuter than it sounds.)

I finally got Nora to show off her two bottom teeth for you:

Sarah distracted her with Lulu so I could get a picture of Nora's crazy swoopy hair--just like Uncle Dave's!

Lisa: the crown

I was trying to get a picture of the back of Nora's Crown Burger onesie to give to the people at Crown Burger. Because I have a sickness.

The front says "small fry."

Lisa: two-foot-two, eyes of blue

Lisa: and then it snowed

The weather was gorgeous on Saturday, and we had an ambitious day planned. First, Sarah made Nora what she dubbed a "rally hat." Unfortunately, when our neighbor asked what cause Nora was rallying for, I didn't have an answer.

In the afternoon, when it was too hot for padded polyester hats and long sleeves, Sarah and I took Nora with us out to the Turnbulls' to pick up some strawberry plants. Obviously, it was very tiring.

After a nap (in her bed--we didn't just leave her in her seat!), Nora and Sarah camped out on the lawn, while Blake and I worked on the herb garden project that drank the Great Salt Lake. Because...it was so big. Anyway, Nora was cute.

Lisa: self portrait

Nora took this one of herself while she was playing with (read: eating) my phone.

Lisa: Yes, she has two different walkers. No, she's not spoiled.

Lisa: Spring in Spring City

Lisa: future hacker

While we were in Spring City, Sarah let Nora have some dangerous solo computer time.

Also, every time I use Sarah's camera, I'm more jealous of it. Thanks, Sar!

Lisa: practical jokes

Here are the outtakes for the LOLNora joke I played on Sarah:

I guess after messing around in Sarah's bed, we got really tired. Sarah took that opportunity to play her own joke on us, taking our picture while we were asleep. In the immortal words of Justin Timberlake, what goes around comes around.

Lisa: two little teeth (attempt 1)

Nora has two teeth on the bottom, and I tried to get her to show them to you. I really did.

Lisa: Easter

Lisa: happy face

Lisa: more high-chair hijinks

Lisa: it's very hard work

Lisa: queen of the mushroom people

Blake and Sarah got a little crazy with the Winnie the Pooh hunny pot.

Lisa: camera hound

Lisa: Babies for Obama

Since Nora had so much fun voting for Obama on Super Tuesday, I thought she might like a campaign shirt of her very own. I designed a graphic to look like his other swag and had Zazzle (who I've (used previously) print it up for me. I got it a little big, so that she can wear it this summer when the election's closer.

Don't be jealous. You can buy one too! I think I get like a dollar for each onesie sold--and I'll donate any proceeds to the campaign.

Zazzle's changed their site around, so here's the fancy new link to my gallery:

Lisa: an inexplicable hatred for socks

Lisa: shopping

Lisa: peek-a-boo

Grandpa came over especially to hang out with Nora, but Grandma snuck in and hogged Nora all to herself. Luckily, Sarah was there to document the whole thing.

Lisa: buddies

Lisa: Nora Bean, Girl Genius

Thanks to Sarah for taking these. You might have seen a few of them here.

Lisa: little valentine

Lisa: you talkin' to ME?

Lisa: green beans

Lisa: out to lunch

Lisa: walker

You can see Nora has to wear socks on her hands now because of the hamburger incident.

Lisa: hoodie

She might have scratched her head into hamburger, but she's still pretty.

Lisa: at Great-Grandma Gorgeous' house

Lisa: first cereal

Lisa: no particular reason other than she's the cutest...

Lisa: Who's Mommy's little cougar?

Lisa: Not everyone could pull off a hat like that.

Nora helped me set up for the KUED Super Reader Party. What a good sport.

Lisa: the favored dining establishment of Dillon, Texas

Sorry about the poor image quality. Camera phones are at their best in a bright environment.

Lisa: This is why camera phones were invented.

Lisa: Ringing in the new year with Aunt Sarah

Lisa: Christmas Portraits

I didn't want to spoil the surprise for those of you who got pictures of Nora for Christmas, but here's the whole set of proofs, taken by my friend Preston.

Lisa: Belinda

Lisa: bumbo

Lisa: so big

Lisa: Christmas at the Smiths

Lisa: Anderson Christmas Party

Lisa: sleepy

Lisa: sweater

Lisa: Sybrowsky Christmas Party

Lisa: wrapping presents

Lisa: helping Mommy work

Lisa: nighttime man

Lisa: bebe

Lisa: I love boobs

Lisa: Thanks, Grandmaam!

Lisa: so tired

Lisa: good little bean

Lisa: This is how I want to spend all my Wednesdays.

Lisa: perfect in every way

Lisa: This totally makes changing diapers worth it.

Lisa: it's hard to be a baby

Lisa: waiting for mom to finish hot-gluing things

Lisa: blessing

Lisa: mummy loves me

Lisa: the changing pad is her new favorite place

Lisa: baby blues

Lisa: Daddy is so comfortable.

Lisa: It's a sickness. They should take away my camera phone.

Lisa: if only she would sleep like this in her crib.

Lisa: she's worried i won't put down the camera and pick up the bottle again.

Lisa: my tiny bean

Lisa: how could you not love her?

Lisa: She hasn't learned yet to protect her soft underbelly.

Lisa: Aunt Sarah

Lisa: She's kind of noisy for a doll.

Lisa: boppy

Lisa: good vibrations

Lisa: We're expecting her to start changing her own diaper next.

Lisa: You'd think we'd stop menacing her with the camera. You'd be wrong.

Lisa: effortlessly glamorous

Lisa: she's very advanced

Lisa: As a matter of fact, I was born yesterday.

Lisa: happy birthday