Norah pictures

I finally downloaded Norah pictures from the camera to our computer. Here are a few of them, with commentary.

An interesting birth story, to be relayed at another point in time. But since we took a "last picture" when I was pregnant with Heidi, we did it this time as well. Yes, my water has already broken, but only feeling minor contractions. It's 5 in the morning.

Last picture of Kristin pregnant with Norah

First picture of the three of us. I actually look pretty good!

Kristin, Norah, Kelby

Kelby and Norah

 Heidi meeting Norah for the first time. I wasn't sure how well it was going to go, but it went so much better than expected! I held Heidi for a few minutes, and then held Norah with Heidi sitting next to me. She noticed Norah's blanket right away, so I placed one on Heidi's lap. She is examining the blanket in this picture. Grandma is holding a tablet, while we skype with my sister, Laura and her husband John. Technology is pretty neat sometimes!!! My dad and Kelby were also in the room. A neat memory!

Kristin, Norah, Heidi, Grandma

 Heidi had been asking to actually hold Norah, and not just touch part of Norah, so here is the result. Heidi was (and is) in love. Most of the time she is gentle, and loves to help out in any way possible. Even throwing away dirty diapers is an exciting event.

Heidi, Kristin, Norah 

And life goes on. Our first measurable snowfall, Kelby built a little snowman for Heidi. Yes, Sophie is interested as well.

Heidi and Sophie

 We spend a lot of time like this. Me holding Norah, in different positions. Also holding Norah's hands, to try and prevent her from jerking herself awake.

 And another day, another location in the house...

I am not a fan of infant car seats, but I couldn't figure out how to get her in and out of the car during the cold, snowy winters we have up here. This was my solution. I am also not a fan of pacifiers, but Norah seems to have a strong sucking desire, and can't be attached to me/nursing all the time. But isn't she cute :)

 And she is crying....

Still Pregnant

I'll be 39 weeks pregnant on Sunday. Dr appt tomorrow, not expecting any news, besides that my lack of sleeping, lack of appetite, lack of energy, etc is all typical. More than ready to have this baby, although we could pass on a Halloween birthday.

And now for an assortment of pictures from this summer.

Kelby and Heidi playing trains

 Heidi and I went to a pumpkin patch with our MOPS group. A cold, muddy and rainy day. Heidi's favorite part, practicing her walking skills on this little bridge, over and over again. She was determined and proud of herself.

Heidi walking

 She was unimpressed with this child sized tractor. Her expression.... why did you put me on this?

Heidi

When asked to hold hands with one of her friends. So cute!!!

We convinced Kelby to join us at the playground earlier this week. Possibly one of the last nice days before winter fully arrives. Kelby helped Heidi practice going down the slide facing forward. On her own, she will flip onto her stomach and go feet first.

Heidi and Kelby

 We have sooooo many leaves. They look pretty on the trees, but it involves a lot of raking, of which I only last a few minutes at a time before I tire out.

Our backyard.

 Back in the summer, at camp. Four generations. And yes, can you see I'm pregnant in this picture?

Me, Heidi, Laura, Great-Grandma, Grandma

 I can't get over how cute Heidi was in a bathing suit and her hair up.

Heidi

For those asking, another pregnant picture of me.

Great-Grandma, Heidi, Me

 Great-Grandma and Heidi talking about flowers.

Great-Grandma and Heidi

 A unusual pregnant picture of me walking. Enjoy the rarity.

Me and Heidi

 Extended family time.

Emma, Caitlin, Heidi, Me

 Grandpa and Heidi enjoyed playing with a ball outside one day. Heidi's enjoyment was contagious.

Grandpa and Heidi

Heidi - her head is forward as she concentrates in trying to say something.

no words needed

Uh-oh, what happened?

 Grandma teaching Heidi how to make applesauce.

Grandma and Heidi

36 weeks and counting

As of Sunday, I was 36 weeks pregnant. Heidi came at 39 weeks, 3 days. Last friday, I had a sonogram to check baby's position, and she is head down. Approximate weight 6 pounds 12 ounces. At that point, Heidi was around 7 pounds.

Any guesses as to when this baby will come, and the baby's weight?

The doctor doesn't think I look big enough for a baby of this size. But my doctor in Texas said the same thing, and Heidi was born at 9 pounds 2 ounces. Something to contemplate.

Baby girl's room is done. We bought a 2nd crib as Heidi still loves her crib. She loves it so much, that when someone goes in to get her up in the morning or after a nap, she tells that person to "sit down" and wants to play for a while.

And now for the requisite pictures.


Heidi loves this activity. She is pushing pom-poms through the top of a diaper container. Will keep her occupied for quite a while. Superb fine-motor activity and she doesn't even know it! Oh, and I was packing for a trip, so her booster chair was on the floor. She chose to sit in it, and asked for her tray too.

Heidi concentrating

A picture from our trip to the Smokey Mountains, TN at the end of July. I was around 24 weeks pregnant, if my math is correct. I sure felt pregnant, even if I am not showing that much!

Me, Heidi, Kelby

 A few months ago, Heidi was having a rough night which is very atypical for her. Kelby went and got her out of bed, and she kept calling for me. Kelby brought her into our bed (very unusual and special experience), and she cuddled as close as possible to me. She took my spot on the pillow, and then even put my arm over her. Cute for a minute, but that is no way to sleep, so back into her own bed she went.

Heidi and me

Piseco Lake

We love it here, at camp.

Lots of trees, a lake, private beach, dock, boats, yummy food, good company. No electronics or TV or internet or cell phones (yes, we have a land-line phone, and maybe 1 channel on the TV on a good day.) But for the most part, nature and life intermingle.

Heidi and Aunt Laura

Aunt Laura's dog, Bo.

Heidi loves her babies. That is an understatement.

Heidi looking at the fish Grandpa caught.

Grandma helping Heidi on the stone stairs.

Me and my daughter.

making a mess, and the dogs (not related to each other)

Heidi loves to paint, color, use stickers etc. I now have a system set up where she wears a large t-shirt, and I cover the table. Heidi can make a mess, and then we clean it up. I have to tell myself not to worry about the mess each time, but it is worth the effort to watch Heidi learn new skills.

Heidi finger painting

I was working on dinner one afternoon, and needed to keep Heidi entertained and away from hugging my legs while saying "up, mommmy, up" over and over and over again :) So she received her own bowls of flour, a spoon, and a cup. It kept her occupied for quite awhile. 

Heidi playing with flour.

Yes, we still have both our dogs. How life goes, they have moved down the priority list. We still love them, and Heidi is starting to gently interact with them. She likes to throw the tennis ball for Sophie, or try to play keep-away with one of Sophie's toy. 

Sophie

Skipper keeps his distance too, but once in a while Heidi can calmly get close to him and pat him for a minute. He still loves to soak up the sun.

Skipper

Here, Heidi and Grandma are blowing bubbles, and  yes, Heidi tries to eat the soap. Ewwwww. This was this past week, and could be our last warm day for a long time. I've pulled out the next size in warm clothes for Heidi. She is mainly up into 3T already, with just a few 2T left that she can fit into.

Grandma and Heidi

Heidi is 18 months old and wants to share news with you.

Our beautiful Heidi.

How is this even possible? Heidi is 18 months old, or 1.5 years old. I no longer have a baby, but a toddler who is fast developing and growing as she learns new skills and independence.


She started walked right after 17 months. The therapist in me was starting to wonder if we would make the 18 month deadline for walking, and she did! Heidi waited until she was proficient in walking, turning around while standing, changing directions, starting and stopping, and getting into a stand in the middle of the room, and walk for distances before she was willing to walk independently. Now that she is, she cannot be stopped. And I like it!

Heidi practicing her walking skills.
She is also trying share news with you.

At her 18 month check-up, the pediatrician asked for me to complete the M-CHAT. I have given this screening before, but never been on the receiving side of it. No concerns, but it was interesting to see how a few of the questions could be hard to understand or interpret from a parent's point of view.

Heidi amazes us at her understanding of language, and her spoken language. She easily puts three words together, such as "byebye big truck" or "mommy read book." Heidi still uses single words and two-word phrases to get her point across, and often she still pairs a single word with the sign for that word. She is not as interested in learning new signs, but will imitate a new verbal word the first time she hears it. There is no way I could even begin to count the words that she uses on a daily basis, as her vocabulary grows each day.

Heidi and Daddy reading a book.
What is the name of the book?

She is a joy to be around. Lots of other updates to come, sorry for the lack of staying in touch. I've had a reason. Do you know what it is? Were you able to notice a theme in the pictures? Heidi is trying to tell you some big news. Have you figured it out?

Heidi practicing with a new infant car seat.

What about now?

And if you still didn't notice the theme of all the pictures, Heidi is going to be a big sister!!! Another reason I was so desperate for her to walk. Not interested in carrying two kids around all day :)

This pregnancy has gone much smoother than my first, thank goodness. Besides typical aches and pains, nothing out of the ordinary, and for that we are extremely thankful. Baby Girl Reed #2 due around November 9th. Would appreciate prayers for a safe and easy delivery next month.

With lots of love, The Reeds

Heidi's language

I wanted to remember Heidi's vocabulary at 14 months of age (yes, I'm late posting this. better late than never)

words/sounds
- baby
- banana
- roar (bear)
- dada
- grandma
- mama
- ahhahh (monkey)
- more

sign language
- airplace
-apple
- alligator
- all done
- baby
- bird
- ball
- byebye
- book
- cat
- cereal
- dog
- duck
- elephant
- eat
- fish
- grapes
- hi
- hat
- more
- music
- milk
- no
- open
- please
- phone
- rabbit
- shoes
- spider
- train
- water
- watch (clock)
- yes
- zebra

and if you made it this far... having fun with friends

Still catching up

Still heading back in time.

Bluebell, PA

"Great" Aunt Ann showing Heidi a new toy

 Baltimore, MD

Laura and Heidi

Heidi's 1st birthday party

A friend pushing Heidi. He wanted to push, she wanted to ride

Heidi contemplating a cupcake. I love her expression

Another cute Heidi picture

Good friends, Bob and Lois with Heidi

Heidi opening presents. Skipper and Sophie thought this one was for them.

Easter. It's odd thinking that most years, her birthday will be separate from this holiday, unlike the year she was born.

Heidi