Throwing rocks

Since I'm having a baby sorta soon (by sorta, I mean, like, realllllly soon) we decided last weekend would be the perfect weekend to get in one last trip to the cabin before we become a family of 4 (4!!) Norah loves to go to Granddaddy's Cabin. She especially loves throwing rocks in the pond near the cabin, so my dad would get her nice little piles of rocks to splash into the water. This gal was in heaven, surrounded by her favorite people at one of her favorite places.

Why yes, those are size 12-18 month pants sagging off my skinny 23-month-old child ...

One month left

One month. 4 weeks and a day. 30 day. No matter how you say it, this baby is coming soon.

Best Chocolate Chips Cookie Recipe Ever

Norah looooves to help in the kitchen, and of course her favorite thing to make is cookies! I've been making cookie dough and freezing it so we can have freshly baked cookies any time we want. Currently, we have oatmeal, chocolate chip, and M&M cookie dough just waiting to be baked into warm, sweet goodness. Here's the recipe we used for the chocolate chip cookies:

Best Ever Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 cup real butter
1 tsp vanilla

Mix together

Add:
3 cups flour
1 tsp soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cup chocolate chips (I usually just add the whole bag)
1 1/2 cup nuts (optional)
1 cup coconut (optional)

Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes

Of course, it's hard to resist sneaking some of the dough...

And waiting for the cookies to finish can be torture!

But once they're done, it's only polite to share

Norah definitely approves! Oh, and how adorable is her apron? Made for Norah with love by her Grandma Elder ... or as Norah says, "Dumby."

Making the bed is fun to do

In an effort to make chores seem appealing to Norah, I often have her help me out with day-to-day tasks like sweeping, emptying the dishwasher and making my bed. So far she thinks it's all fun and games, we'll see how long that lasts :) Of course, sleeping on Mommy's bed is much more fun than making it.

Mother's Day

Oh what a beautiful day today! Everything was so perfect, even my primary class (mostly) behaved themselves. I'm grateful for the time I was able to spend with my little family and my extended family (both in person and via technology) and for the wonderful blessing it is to be a mother. Truly, there is nothing better.

My mother, enjoying her Mother's Day spoils

My mommy

The Elder gals

My beautiful parents

Delicious Mother's Day Dessert

Dancing with Grandaddy

Confession, this picture makes me sad. When did my baby get so big?

My perfect princess, the one that made me a mom

So ... she decided she wanted to go swimming ...

Bubbles

I have been trying to savor every last moment with this little girl before the baby comes. As excited as I am for his arrival, I'm going to miss my one-on-one time with her.

Norah

Dear Norah,

I am convinced you are perfect. When your daddy and I decided to add a baby to our lives, we had no idea we would be so blessed. Watching you learn, develop and grow in every way is such a joy. You bring a light into our lives that we never knew could exist. I love the way you call me "Mama" and how you are so delighted to be my best friend and shadow. I love getting ready with you in the morning, and letting you pick out what we're both going to wear for the day. Your smile brightens everything around you, and your funny little personality makes me melt. Pretty soon you are going to be a big sister and I am so excited for you to have a little buddy. I hope you know how much your parents love you!

Love,

Mama

Photos taken at our recent outing to Thanksgiving Point, we love spending time there as a family.