Norah in October

Norah has been such a good girl this month. She is still not watching TV and I’m just amazed at how good she is at entertaining herself. She does sometimes tell me that I’m not giving her enough attention but she’s really been fantastic about coloring independently for a good chunk of time when Alice naps. She’s learning new words all time, in English and Spanish, and she often amazes me with her thoughtful questions like “Why don’t the planets fall down?”

Norah is such a good friend. She is so genuinely happy for her friends on their birthdays and she’s quick to compliment them with gusto about everything from their new shoes to their artwork. She’s always been extremely friendly – even when she was just a toddler she’d go up to kids on the playground and say “oh Hi friend!” like she knew them. A week ago we were in the new children’s garden and she was playing in the sandbox and telling all the kids how nice their castles were and encouraging them and offering her help when their sand structures crumbled. She has also been so kind and helpful with Alice at home. When Alice demands whatever Norah has (which is all the time, Alice has to do or have exactly what Norah does/has) she often gives Alice a turn or shares before I even prompt her. Of course she can still throw fits and get jealous and she has her moments when she doesn’t share but these instances seem to be decreasing and her moments of generosity, kindness, and empathy are increasing. She loves to help me and she actually is helpful now – even with not so fun tasks like picking up all the crayons. She is particularly helpful with Alice and Alice loves it when Norah helps her. Sometimes Alice squirms so much for me when I try to change her diaper that I ask Norah to do it because Alice will cooperate for Norah. Norah can’t quite fasten the diaper right but she gets a good start so I can quickly finish the job. She also helps Alice wash her hands and put on her shoes. It’s been a joy watching her develop emotionally.