Baby Nora

Last week I flew out to Oregon (by myself, no kids!) to visit Ann Marie and her new baby Nora. It was so great to be traveling alone- I forgot how easy it can be! I was loving the quiet time to just read my book and not stress about keeping everyone quiet on the plane.

It was so great to be with Ann Marie. Our friendship is so timeless, we always pick up where we left off. Nora is the sweetest baby, and the 3rd cutest baby I have ever seen in my life (I am a little bias to my girls, of course.) I kept telling Ann Marie how good they have it- the girl sleeps until 8 or 9 (sometimes 10) in the morning! When she is not sleeping, she is smiling her cute, open mouth smiles or making sweet little noises. I think I only heard her really cry hard one time. She has the laid back personality of her parents, so it seems. It was so fun to hold a little baby and remember what they are like at 4 months old. It is amazing how it just feels like yesterday my girls were that small. We had such a great weekend- walking around Bend with Nora in the stroller. We visted a turkish bath in a brewery (yes- we took a bath at a brewery!!! Only in Oregon! :)) We talked, and talked, and talked and I just felt our friendship was now at a whole new level now that we can relate to each other as moms. Ralph was out of town for the weekend, so it was just us girls. I wish so much that they were closer, I miss them already and I really hope Nora grows up knowing me, and that our girls can be friends. We are making plans already for family trips so the girls can get to know each other.

Mike did great with the girls all weekend. I came home to a clean house, and happy babies. How lucky am I??? I love that I can leave and not feel like I have to make a million lists for Mike on what to do..... he knows the routine as well as I do. Someone at my work said, "oh, so Mike is babysitting for the weekend?" I answered, "No, he is parenting!" I am so glad he sees it this way too. We are getting ready to leave again on Tuesday with the girls to marco Isalnd, Florida. Nana and Papa rented a house down there and we are staying the week for beaching, boating, shell collecting, etc. Can't wait for some sunshine!