The 15th Month - May 2016

May was a big month for me. I am responsible for the logistics for my school's graduation ceremony, so I worked full-time and Lynn enjoyed extra Nova time.

Here's a shot of the auditorium about an hour before the ceremony began.  Everything went smoothly and we graduated about 465 master's degree students.  Congrats all!

While Mommy was working, Daddy was home.  Here, Lynn is displaying his ability to multitask like a champ: Cleaning and carrying a baby.  Love it.

Lynn also worked a little bit during May.  I found these "doodles" in our office one day.  You know, just writing out equations in his free time like we all do from time to time. 

So I decided to doodle some myself....see below.

Good job, me!!  

On to NOVA!  

"Happy Mother's Day, Mama!  Now, give me some broccoli!"

Nova got to play with little Sylvia this month.  They are too busy to capture them together, but Nova had a great time!

This photos isn't great, but it displays Nova's continued fascination with shoes.  When we are ready to go outside, I say, "Let's put your shoes on first."  Wherever we are in the house, she'll hop/run to the entryway and grab some shoes (usually Lynn's) and bring them to me.

Nova enjoyed her first corn on the cob this month.  It was a big hit!

Like all toddlers, Nova loves to play with my keys.  She also loves to sit in the passenger seat...but only when the car is off.  

One of my pals from Harvard, Jessica, was in DC for the weekend!  I hadn't seen her since 2010.  It was great to hang out again!  I miss you, Jessica! 

 We also hadn't seen Jack in a while (6 weeks!).  It was great to get our littles together again.

Grandma and Grandpa Rolfsrud visited this month!  Lynn took a page out of Nancy's photo-taking book and got a finger in the shot.  Perfect!

Check out the great landscaping that Grandma and Grandpa completed!  Thanks guys!

FINALLY....

 This month went out with a bang....or bangs.  I cut some bangs for Nova because her hair was always in her face!

At first she was displeased with her new look..... 

....but I eventually won her over!  So cute!

LANGUAGE

On May 17, Nova said, "alda!" for "all done!" after finishing reading a book.  She also said, "Pass" for her pacifier.  Once she says a word, though she seems to move on and often never says it again.  That's been the case for "alda" and "pass."  Hopefully she starts repeating words soon so she and I can have a conversation!

Very cute.  She also knows that shaking her head means "no."  One day, before nap time, I asked if she wanted to snuggle, and she shook her head "no" and rolled over.  Like father, like daughter.  

Nova's sign language skills are improving, too.  Up until May, she was good about saying "all done" by wiggling her wrists, or saying, "more" by clapping.  In May, we added "please."  Here's a video of Nova saying "please."

And, here's a video of Nova chatting with herself.  

We have Nova's 15 month appointment in a week. I'll be sure to update with her stats when I get them!