Nora and I had a nice relaxing morning just laying around, cuddling, and of course a baff.
I was so excited to get out a new toy for Nora that is on loan from Aunt Sarah. This activity center has been sitting upstairs from practically the moment I found out I was pregnant. After we received Nora’s diagnosis I couldn’t bear to look at any of the baby gear. It was a searing reminder of what was “supposed to be” and I was influenced by the notion that she’d probably never get to use any of it.
It was such a joy to place her in that little seat today. Her eyes lit up at all the fun new things surrounding her.
As if that weren’t enough excitement… Nora got “whipped” in physical therapy this afternoon!! (and now hopefully the proceeding pictures will show up to explain!!!)
“May I have some more, please?”
We revisited the rice cereal again, but Nora got all gaggy and puked up half of her bottle and ruined an outfit. We wanted to determine if it was the taste or the texture that she was having a problem with. After a couple of well-received squirts of whip cream, we determined that it was the texture of the cereal she wasn’t so crazy about. The whip cream was delicious!!! We placed it on HER hand, as opposed to a spoon so she could be the one to put it in her mouth. She readily and regularly puts her hands in her mouth.
Much to Nora’s delight, we have now added whip cream to our list of therapeutic strategies!
Gavin enjoyed another day off school. He’s completely better. Were it not for doctor’s orders, I’d have sent him back today. He has to be on the antibiotics for 24 hours before returning to school, so home he stayed!
We assisted Nora in making her very first music video, which she would like to debut here on the blog. From her latest album Smelly we would like to present “I’m Kinda Stinky*”
* We don’t mean “stinky” in a bad way! Nora “stinks” delicious!!!!!
Snowflakes! 🙂
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service.
(1 Timothy 1:12)
iwillcarryyou 
She is so freakin’ precious….thank you for sharing her with us! LOVE her new toy – so glad she is able to use it. She looks great in it too. Go whip-cream!!….girl KNOWS what she likes – lots of love, cuddles, baffs, and whip cream. Blessings & Hugs to you all.
And milkies !!.
The video is stinky-licious !!.
Great you got out that toy ( what’s the name for that???; it looks like an alien spaceship, lol) . Think maybe Little Muffin got a bit bored lately , that’s why she played looking at her hands and wrist.
Muuuaaahh 🙂
P.S: With Gavin on the mend, the bug season at the Yuskos’ is finally OVER . !!!
Hi! I’ve been reading your blog since the beginning & can’t believe I have never commented until now. My sister-in-law is great friends with Amy Schroder & that’s how I heard about your story. EVERY time you post a new story it puts a huge smile on my face – & today, the ‘Stinky’ video made me laugh out loud. Your story, your strength, your attitude & your family are so very inspiring to me. I grew up in church, but really got away from it in my late teens & hadn’t been back until about 2 years ago. Your blog motivates me to get even more engaged. Keep the stories coming…there are probably so many more out there like me…who LOVE them & get a lot out of them…but just haven’t posted yet 🙂
THANK-YOU!
Enjoyed the video that Nora made for her worldwide posse.
A new celebrity! Great update!
Well I don’t like the texture of oatmeal…whipped cream sounds so much better…you rock Nora!
AO! Its just me Papa. This baby girl has amazing presence that is amplified by her mom.
Nana and I miss Nora and all of the Yusko’s everyday. We might move into the basement.
I too am a first time poster. Nora is the poster child of God.
I love you – Dad
I loved the pictures of little Nora and her new toy. The excitement of all the new things to look at, reach and touch and listen to – has to be one of the best therapy you can get. I had to laugh at the way she likes Cool Whip. I can relate to that but do like it on Strawberry Pie best. I can understand about the texture of cereal. I had a friend that thinned it down to almost milk and put it in the bottle and her baby got used to it that way first. She is looking so healthy and just love seeing how well she is doing. You are doing a fantastic job with her and sharing time with the rest of the family too. It has to be a difficult time. So thanks for taking the time out of a busy day and keeping all of us posted. Prayers are with you and family much. To God be the glory for great thngs He has done. And you have been so obedient to Him. You have inspired me and many others.
I AM SO EXCITED TO SEE NORA IN HER NEW TOY SEAT. SHE LOOKS LIKE SHE REALLY LIKES IT AND DOES NOT KNOW WHAT TO LOOK AT FIRST OR TOUCH. THAT IS WAY COOL, IT HAS SO MANY THINGS FOR HER TO DO. LOVE THE WAY YOU BROUGHT THE WHIP CREAM INTO THE PICTURE. I CAN’T BLAME HER FOR LIKING THAT, I DO TOO. LOVE THE VIDEO AND THE SONG. SHE WAS DOING SOME FANCY MOVES. THANKS FOR THIS GREAT BLOG ALEISA. YOU ARE SUCH A GOOD MOMMY TO ALL OF YOUR CHILDREN. GOING TO THE NEXT BLOG. LOVE YOU ALL. GOD BLESS.
What is the name of the red seat Nora uses? I am a nanny to an almost 1 year old (april 30th) named Ireland and her 2 brothers. She was born at a birthing center and after cord prolapse immediate transfer to local hospital for emergency csection. Her diagnosis is hie ( hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy). I have been following your blog since her birth. Ireland was in nicu an hr. from her home for 6 weeks and due to ventilator and constant suctioning, she became orally defensive and had a mickey button (feeding tube) put in. She rarely opens her mouth, even to cry. She makes grunt sounds and has the best smile. She does not tolerate more than 3 bites of baby food without gagging and vomitting. She is just beginning to gain better head control but is not sitting on own and hates to be on tummy. She only weighs 14lbs. My daughters and I have thoroughly enjoyed your blog following precious Nora’s 1st year and your faith in God and willingness to be open and share sometimes raw emotion with your readers. I wish we still lived in Dayton, Ohio area so we might one day meet your little miracle.