Preschool Graduation

Our little Isaac is quickly approaching the end of his school year. This Sunday we will get to attend his Preschool Graduation. Caps & Gowns and all- Isaac is quite excited. He loves both his teachers (Mrs. Sturm & Miss Tindall) so much and is very sad that preschool is coming to an end. However, now our little guy will get to venture off to what he calls "Big kid school" and will be attending Elba Elementary this fall. He will be in the Early Fives class and is so excited that he'll get to ride the bus to school. It sure does seem like just yesterday that we were visiting Isaac in the NICU as a tiny frail infant. We are so proud of the boy he is growing up to be and can't wait to see what this next year will bring for him.

Bahama Cruise

This past February we had the great opportunity to get away just the two of us. We decided to take a cruise to the Bahamas. Although we came home with complaints of a small ship with nothing to do while at sea, we are so greatful we took the opportunity to spend that time together. It was a great experience!

SPRING BREAK

Isaac's spring break was actually one week after his cousins, however we decided to take part in the family fun and went on a little bowling excursion. Isaac loved it. During bumper bowling Isaac scored over 60 points (which, was his first time). The first few times, I helped him... but then he pushed my hands away and told me he could do it on his own. Even our little Bella decided to take up the new sport. At first I hadn't planned on letting her bowl but when she saw everyone putting on "shoes" she wanted her own pair to wear. Then Aunt Trina and Kristin suggested I let her play anyhow. She definetly needed my help but had lots of fun and felt like one of the big kids.

#3 in the Oven

Some friends of ours have yet to learn the news that we are expecting #3... yes that means another baby. It has been quite the experience for me (and I'm pretty sure Doug would agree). This first trimester has been a great trial on our family and our marriage. However, that very statement is what makes this little baby all the more special to us. We began of course with the fear of miscarriage (due to past experiences). Taking progesterone as a preventative to such a fear. For the first time (with 4 pregnancies under my belt) I experienced the true meaning of morning sickness (in my case it was 24 hour sickness). Losing 5 pounds in a week the doctor put me on an anti-nausea medicine called Zofran. I was in love! However, that seemed to have side effects that I will not attempt to bore you with. Our little family experienced weeks of "no mommy/no wife". That is... I was feeling no desire to cover any of my responsiblities. The fatigue is really what seemed to cripple me. Dinner was a rare occasion for Doug to come home too, as well as a nice clean home. My goal each day was simply to make sure the kids survived, and that I did. I was an emotional nutcase. However things are now looking up. Hallelujah!

Today I mark the calendar at 11 weeks. The sickness has disappeared (knock on wood), the fatigue is gradually exiting my body and mind, and I'm beginning to relax about this baby as I near the second trimester. I was able to see the heartbeat via ultrasound on Monday (during a miscarriage scare...). Dr. Ritten said everything looked normal. Music to my ears! I don't have the ultrasound picture to upload but I thought I'd add a web link so you could see how our little bean is growing and what stage it is at. Isaac is certain I'm carrying his baby brother, however we have to wait til June to figure that one out. Bella points and says "baby in tummy" and I'm sure if she had the vocabulary she would claim there's a sister in there. The next 6 months much of this blog may consist of the pregnancy ... so check in weekly, I'll be sure to write more as the pregnancy progresses.

http://www.babycenter.com/6_your-pregnancy-11-weeks_1100.bc?intcmp=pulldown_preg

The Journey Begins!

Well, here we go... officially joining the bloggers of the internet. A catchy new thing that just seems to be everyone's new addiction. I am very much computer illiterate and pray I can figure things out as I go. I love the idea of keeping everyone posted on our lives without sending out nagging emails. Those who care to know, can just check in on us here and get the weekly scoop on the Lil' Norton Clan. So welcome to our blog spot... hope you enjoy the future blogs to come. I will do my best at adding pictures (that is where I am the most illiterate). An exciting journey lies ahead. Just remember to bare with me... in Doug's words- I talk too much (which means I will type too much) and well, I cannot spell very well either. Enjoy!