Norah Bird goes to the Zoo

Once Upon A Time there was a little girl named Norah Bird whose parents were dying to take her to the zoo. They waited and waited until they felt she was old enough to appreciate the animals and actually gain anything from the experience (thereby justifying the price of zoo admission and parking). By 10 months old, they felt she was more than ready. So on Labor Day weekend they loaded her up in the car in time for her morning nap and headed to Philadelphia....where it poured relentlessly upon their arrival. With no sun in sight for the rest of the day, Norah's parents took her to check out the (indoor) Reading Terminal Market in Philly.

Daddy and Norah at the market.

The market wasn't too interesting but Norah enjoyed people-watching while her parents did some food shopping and eating. It was better than totally scrapping their drive to Philly because of the rain. Another lesson learned by Norah's parents this trip was that planning to drive during nap time doesn't necessarily ensure that Norah will nap in the car and awake refreshed for the day's activities.

A couple of weeks later, the weather was splendid and Norah's parents didn't have any plans. This made for the perfect opportunity to venture to the zoo again. This time they waited until after her morning nap and hit the trail. It was a gorgeous September day and the zoo critters were out in full swing. Their first stop (after the bathroom) was the Rare Animal Conservation Center. Norah and her parents enjoyed looking at the monkeys and other primates here. But those were nothing compared to the naked mole rats.

Norah getting up close and personal with the naked mole rats.

Photo op: Norah the Baboon!

Moving outside, Norah's parents couldn't agree on what to see first or which direction to go. So their visit was more of an aimless meandering punctuated by opportunistic viewing stops. Just how a zoo visit should be. Norah's parents quickly learned that Norah Bird was not too appreciative of some of the smaller and/or slower moving animals that were hard to see. So they saved some things like the reptile house for when she is older. They also realized that some things that were interesting to them, were not so interesting to Norah. Like the small tortoise who lumbered all the way over to our side of the exhibit just to munch on a leaf.

Lunchtime for the tortoise.

"Umm...I'm looking at a rock with legs?I don't get it."

The larger animals were what really captured and held Norah's attention. She very much enjoyed watching the three giraffes wander about their yard. Also high on Norah's list of favorites was the camel and pony rides. While she was too small to actually ride any sort of zoo animal, she got a kick out of watching them go round and round with small children on their backs.

1 - 2 - 3 Giraffes!

Flamingos are TALL!

The flamingos were pretty cool but they don't make much noise. So Norah wasn't as interested in them as her parents thought she would be. But the macaw. Oh, the macaw was a different story. Norah Bird finally found someone who speaks her language and was quickly engaged in a private conversation with a large, blue macaw who had a lot to say. It's almost like the macaw was waiting for someone just like Norah to tell his stories to.

Video Link: Norah and the Macaw

Of course, with all of the lions, rhinos, tigers, and bears at the zoo Norah also enjoyed some time with the small barnyard critters at the children's zoo. Norah's parents could've done just as well for her by visiting the farm up the road and saving themselves $50.

Daddy sneaking a shmuggle while Norah gazes at the chickies.

Bunnies!

Watching the mutt ducks swim.

Daddy charming the goofy pigeon.

Even more amusing were the non-exhibit animals that we could find on any street corner: the pigeons. These guys are used to getting handouts from zoo visitors who feed the ducks and so they were quite tame and very funny looking to Norah. Of course, Daddy wants to see his little Norah Bird smile and so he decided to break out his pigeon-charming talents.

Video Link: Norah and Daddy the Pigeon Whisperer

Daddy and Norah Bird

Clearly, birds are Norah's thing. Lucky for her, they're her mama's thing too. Norah's mom was really looking forward to taking her in the aviary. Unfortunately strollers were not permitted in the aviary so Norah's dad had to hang outside. But Norah thoroughly enjoyed many close encounters with all things feathered.

Mommy and Norah Bird outside the Aviary.

All in all, Norah's first trip to a real zoo was a success. It certainly beat their earlier trip to the local Brandywine Park "Zoo" which was less than impressive (Blog Link: 7 month tidbits). And Norah had such a blast that she completely missed her afternoon nap which she immediately cashed in on as soon as she got back to the car to head home.

Sleepy, shmuggy Norah Bird.

The End.

A Social Butterfly

Dear Norah Bird,

It’s been a busy summer for you. While your Dad and I have been busy with grown up things like packing, moving into our new home, settling in and entertaining guests, you’ve been busy in your own right. Your circle of friends is growing almost as fast as you are and it isn't uncommon for your social calendar to fill to capacity. In fact, most days your schedule has more on it than your parents’ and I’m guessing that’s how it’s going to be for the next 20 years or so. 

In August you had a number of play dates with your baby buddies and, of course, your music classes. Soon after settling into our new home we also had a visit from your Nana and Grandparents as well as your Aunt Nado and Uncle Adam.

Grandma with a sleepy Norah Bird.

Grandpa getting your piggies!

Kisses from Auntie Nado.

We also wrapped up your Summer music session with a family jamboree which you thoroughly enjoyed. Music class was a great experience for you and you received your first evaluation from your music teacher who gave you a glowing review, of course. At this point I am still undecided as to whether we will enroll in the Fall session as it is scheduled during your nap time. But you really do enjoy it and it's a great way to see your baby friends and so I may decide that pushing your nap time limits is acceptable for just one day a week.

Norah and Riley enjoying the peekaboo scarf song. Again.

Bumble Bee, bumble bee...

Joseph and Gracie enjoy rolling to the music.

Our rhythm sticks and shakers mostly serve as chew toys.

Video Link: Norah and Riley Music Class Jamboree

New to your social engagements are birthday parties. A couple of weeks ago you had your first two parties that you were invited to on your own. It was a busy weekend and your Dad and I recognize that this is only a preview of what's to come this Fall and Winter when most of your baby friends celebrate their first birthday. On Saturday we went to Delcastle Park to celebrate your friend Puneeth's 3rd birthday. Puneeth was our neighbor from your first home at the Arundel apartment complex. He and his mom would often join us outside and we would sometimes go down to his apartment to play with him. Puneeth loved babies but he also, unfortunately, liked to throw his toys at you. Luckily, his mom plays great defense and Puneeths' behavior never resulted in a direct hit and you were oblivious to your friend's true interest in your companionship as a target.

Party hat? Check. Party face? We're working on it.

Happy Birthday to Puneeth!

Despite Puneeth's tendency to act out around you, he really is a good little boy and so we were happy to attend his birthday party where all of his toys would presumably be safely wrapped in brightly colored paper. You were a hit with all of the party guests and your dad and I were so proud of you. You seem to have gotten over your stranger danger phase and warm up to people quite easily now. You had no trouble going around with Puneeth's mom and dad. Jewlery helps and is a great attractant for you.

Norah with the birthday boy and his dad.

Buttons! Fascinating!

There's no rest for a social butterfly like you. The next day we were off to your friend, Lucius' 1st birthday party. Lucius' mom works with your dad and last year, while pregnant, I volunteered with her at Mt Cuba Center where she and your dad work. The two of us were quite the team with each of us expecting our first child and we were often referred to as "team mom" by those who saw us walking the halls with our ever-expanding bellies. So Lucius' mom and I became fast friends and have shared a lot over the last year. Still, Lucius' first birthday crept up on me and it made me realize that soon enough we will be celebrating your first birthday.

The day of Lucius' party was a gorgeous end of Summer day - perfect for a garden party with his friends and family. You enjoyed yourself immensely playing with Lucius' friends and had a great time. 

Birthday Boy Lucius!

Homemade Barn Cake Carnage.

Content just chewing on a glowy ball - the next best thing to cake.

Playing with the shiny bottle opener. A proud moment for all involved.

Coloring with crayons for the older kids.

Checking out Lucius' homemade teddy bear....perhaps you'll have your own someday.

Testing out Lucius' new toys - this one was a huge hit!

Luckily, Lucius doesn't mind sharing.

Playing bocce ball with Dada.

Butterfly in Lucius' garden.

Almost a year later, you still have plenty of scheduled play dates with your baby friends. When you were just 2 weeks old, I joined a mom and baby group at the hospital where you were born. Each Monday morning a group of over-tired new moms would haul our babies to the hospital for a group meeting where we could ask questions, vent our insecurities and fears, and commiserate in shared laughter. At first this group served as a sanity saver for most of us moms and it soon evolved into something we looked forward to each week. After 3 months the hospital "graduates" the moms and so we started our own group. We met regularly for lunch and play dates and almost a year later we're still going strong.

Having moved to Delaware just before you were born, I feel so blessed to have found such a great group of mom friends. They have helped me through so much and I look forward to you and their children growing up together. We've all shared so much in our first year and I enjoy seeing their babies grow and reach milestones almost as much as I enjoy sharing your accomplishments with your growing world of those who care for you.

And so just a few short weeks after moving into our new home we hosted a big mommy-daddy-baby BBQ and play date. My mommy friends were so happy for us in getting our new home and your baby friends were anxious to explore the stairs and all the empty crawling space we still have. Despite our limited parking, things went fairly well for hosting a dozen of your friends and their parents. The great thing about hosting a party before furnishing your new home is that at your and your friends' age, furniture isn't necessary. Us parents mostly find ourselves plopped on the floor where we can better reach you guys.

Adam and his parents look quite dapper while you and Declan couldn't even be bothered with pants.

Declan and Maisy checking out the play block.

Petey and Gracie testing out the crawl tube while Charlie observes from a safe distance.

Petey telling Charlie a tale.

Sophie takes Charlie's pants...

...and then doesn't bring them back.

Charlie the pantless.

Sophie the mischievous (but oh so cute!).

Cooper the cute.

Declan the couch-conqueror!

Gracie and Declan going for a stroll together.

Fun in the play room.

You have a sudden interest in pacifiers but only if they are in someone's mouth.

You are missing from most of your first house party's pictures because you were so excited that morning you didn't nap well. And so, as a result, you crashed halfway through the afternoon and then took a solid nap during your friends' visit. It's tough work being such a social butterfly. Your dad and I were actually quite impressed with how well you slept through the commotion in the play room above your room. This house is great for napping.

With Summer ending and the Fall season just beginning, your social calendar hasn't eased up. In fact, we're finding more and more things to do from hikes at Ashland nature Center to farm days at Coverdale farm. And, of course, we still have play dates with your friends as well as visits from family and friends who come to stay with us. Most weekends are full and I look forward to each one now that you're at such a fun age. You're enjoying so many new experiences and I'm enjoying watching you grow.

Love,
Mom