Eleanor's Blessing Day

Nora had a special blessing at church on Sunday. Most cultures have rituals to celebrate a new life in the community, and in Mormon culture babies are presented to the congregation and publicly given a name and a blessing. Male priesthood holders encircle the baby and one of them (usually the baby's father) says a prayer to name and bless the baby.

Nora wore the blessing gown made for me by my Aunt Sandy 30 years ago and she had many family members and friends in Laramie for her special day: Grandma Pat and Grandpa Dirk, Grandma Sheri and Grandpa Garth, Great Grandma Hansen, Great Grandma and Grandpa Bowles, Aunt Rachel and Gavin, Uncle Robert and Aunt Sarah and Seth, Uncle Justin and Aunt Annie and Clancy, Uncle Nick, and Cathy Stokes. They all traveled a long way to meet Nora and spend time together. Here are some photos!

Family Photos

We had family photos taken in our home and are really happy with the results.

 

Newborn Photos

Nora had photos taken at 4 weeks old and they are so charming. Here are some favorites:

Outings

Nora is six weeks old and she's getting out and about more. She's been to a Super Bowl party, a party in her honor given by Mike's coworkers, she's been to church, and she's been out in the Moby wrap and the Baby Bjorn with Mike and me for lunch, book browsing, and the like. She has met most of Mike's coworkers and most of my coworkers now, and she has met a few babies who we hope will be her future friends!

Here is Nora's cutest going-out outfit!



This beautiful dress is a gift from my co-worker Ellen and Nora wore it to church.

One Month

Today Nora is one month old. She is 9 pounds 9 ounces and 21 inches long. 

She sleeps for 4-5 hours at a time almost every night and is very alert all morning most days.

Nora likes to go for walks in the Baby Bjorn and she doesn't much like getting in her carseat.

She is the cutest and most delightful baby I've met!

Overalls!

My sister-in-law, Annie, claims that there is nothing cuter than a baby in overalls. I think she's right!

Playing dress-up

One especially fun thing about baby Nora is that she is exceptionally good-natured about playing dress-up.

Grandma Pat gave Nora a tiny faux-hawk after a bath

I love these itty-bitty flowered leggings -- and the socks look like ballet flats. 

One of Nora's favorite positions is arms up!

Arms again

These little pants have built in ballet slippers, and the onesie has a kitten!