Child of God

Norelle's baptism is over and it was a really nice day! The service was meaningful and featured a wonderful choir with a soloist we love. Norelle was perfect and sweet all day. The reunion with the birthfamily was peaceful despite our worries it would be otherwise. Godmothers Ellen and Abby recited their lines like conjoined twins(...what does that mean?) Nori received many great gifts and we had so much food! I made chicken tortilla & creamy wild soups, spinach salad and we picked up breads from the Breadsmith and a cake from Buttercream. Liz made a fruit platter and artichoke dip, Charlie baked his famous cookies while Hil brought truffles. It was special to have our families together since we are all so grateful for this day and our long awaited baby girl.

Food drop

Ho's were kind enough to make a Sam's Club run for us yesterday and we have the goods to prove it. Lo even came over for a DQ treat and to spend some time with her BFF. If she wants to know what you are up to, she says "doing?" as in "what are you doing?". It's CCCWTC!

Tiki Mammas

I'm back. Whew, what a week... I have hard time wanting to write when I am tired, stressed or sad and I was all of three due to my upcoming return work, constant plans, travel, company, party prep, etc. But it's all good and we had a busy final week at home, did some shopping, took some naps and shopped way too much for dumb stuff like paper plates or sesame seeds. Anyhoo, most of the work is done for the baptism tomorrow and we are just hoping for a peaceful day for all filled with God's love & grace.

I went to a rocking Tiki Mammas party last night at my neighbor Jill's house. My neighbors are known for hosting theme parties so it's super fun and helps me get to know all the people in my neighborhood, many of whom to go my church. We enjoyed Tiki drinks, lots of apps and good conversation. I'm lucky to live near such cool people and to actually have a small little community in the midst of a big city. We had to write on our name tags what we would call our memoir so obvi I wrote"...sensible of shoe" but that is probably just my first memoir from like 25-35, and my later volumes will certainly have a new theme ala Augusten Burroughs. Jill's husband Eric is an artist and I got to see some of the work in his studio...it's out there! Lots of glitter and highlighter but apparently a huge hit in NY where his shows sell out.

Easter

Alleluia, it's Easter! What a wonderful holiday to have a new baby girl. Despite mom & dad oversleeping, we all got to church on time after Grandma Liz's yummy breakfast. Norelle slept through church, as usual, and then came home to relax with her family. She taught Charlie how to do Sudoku, did brackets with Grandpa Steve, posed for photos in her bunny ears and thanked the Lord above for all her blessings. We are now safely back in Saint Paul and Auntie Ellen is here with us all week so fun is sure to ensue.

Nori meets Great Grandma Rosie & Grandpa Dick

Grandpa Dick not pictured due to March Madness...

Fiesta Baby Shower!

Tonight we had a fantastic baby shower hosted by Welkes and Rollmans with a South of the Border theme...lots of delish quesadillas and burritos! There were tons of friends of Steve & Liz there and we got many cute outfits, sunglasses, gift cards, toys etc. It was awesome to see how excited everyone is for us! Nori was a party girl and stayed up 3 hours past her bedtime just to hang with all the friends. Thanks everyone!

8 week check-up & misc.

It's official, our little pumpkin spice latte is 11 lbs! She had her 8 week check-up and while being weighed, peed 3 times on the table so any concerns about dehydration were put to rest. She is 21 3/4 inches long so that puts her in 25% for length and the 55% for weight. She got her first round of vaccinations and seemed no worse for the wear once the sting of the shots wore off. She did enjoy her first taste of grape Tylenol so I think she actually enjoyed the whole experience. She is battling a sexy case of baby acne and some cradle cap so that should keep the boys away... for now.


Gramsie Holly has been here this week but I do not know where the time has gone. I got back to work on the 1st so that will be tough transition. Today we are driving to Winona in another snowstorm for a baby shower hosted by Jake's parents' friends and then staying for Easter weekend, baby's first real holiday.


Next week (my final week home, boo hoo!) Auntie Ellen will be here and we will be having fun and preparing for Norelle's baptism on Sunday. Her gown is already ready and pressed. It is the same baptismal gown my dad and his brothers wore, Casey and I wore and all the grandchildren have worn so it is a 63-year-old Palbicki heirloom. I am a little stressed just because it will be the first visit for her birth family...I am sure it will go fine but I am just hoping everyone, including Jake & I, get to enjoy this special occasion with Nori. Sometimes it is little hard to think I have to share this baby with other people but that is just me being selfish because I love her so much. Her birth family is very respectful and Tasha has made such a generous and mature decision but I suppose it's only natural to have conflicting feelings from time to time. Tasha sent us the cutest candy bouquet for Easter and cards as well. Hopefully Nori's infant photos will finally be in so we can share them with everyone next weekend!