Alex recently had some business in Chicago and since Nora had just passed that 6-week-old-safe-for-travel-mark, we figured why not make a little family adventure out of it?

I’ll admit, as excited as I was to welcome a new baby into our home, there was a lingering sense of apprehension about how Dakota would adapt to the transition. (She’s never been much for sharing her time with mama!)

It’s certainly been a transitional time for our family but Dakota is adjusting like a champ. She adores her new little Nora (or “Nora Noory” as she has so affectionately nicknamed her) and is often eager to help with the new baby. All those doting kisses and sweet cuddles are completely heart melting.

Nora Rose Baddock was born on Wednesday, February 6 at 9:14pm. She weighed 6lbs, 14oz and was 20 inches long. This is the story of her birth. (videos included!)

While new years resolutions often insight aspirations for mental and spiritual growth, the coming year signifies some much more literal growth for our little family.

This holiday season has been especially heartwarming since it is the first year Dakota has been able to fully appreciate everything the holidays have to offer.

Last year Dakota and her cousin Jaxon enjoyed their very first pumpkin picking experience at Councell Farms, so naturally we headed back again this year for some more Fall fun — this time with their cousin Emily!

After FINALLY getting some beautiful weather after all this rain (helloooo 65 and sunny!) it was definitely time to take Dakota out on her first pumpkin patch excursion of the season.

we took Dakota to Rehoboth Beach (her grandparents have a house nearby) and although the weather wasn’t exactly warm and sunny — a surprising twist in August — she had a great time.

Having witnessed Dakota’s pure elation at the fire engine parade in Winchester last weekend, we couldn’t resist a little excursion to the Cape St. Claire Touch-a-Truck. It boasted tons of different trucks (or “tuck-ah!” according to Dakota)… fire engines, school buses, trolleys, dump trucks, diggers… you get the idea.

Expecting a bit of rain, we checked out The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley. The rain held out long enough for us to explore the beautiful grounds, which turned out to be a good bit larger than we had anticipated and currently features a fun exhibit of large scale creatures built with Legos. Dakota especially loved navigating the steps and bridges in the Asian Garden.