What's new with the Norton's?

Hi everyone! It's been a little while since I've added anything, so I thought I should share some news. The day before Thanksgiving, we found out that we are expecting our second child. I am 10 weeks and due August 6th! We are very excited, however now that we know what it's like to raise a child, we are a little nervous as well. At least I am. Addy is excited......we think! I will be posting pictures of my growing belly......since it already seems to be growing....and who knows, maybe Addy will have some words of her own to share about a new baby.

Big bed or Little bed?

OK...so we gave in. One night we let Addy sleep with us in our big bed. I know...I know what you all are thinking.....BIG MISTAKE. Well, it was, but very short lived. I realized that it would be the last time she slept in our bed when she decided she wanted to nap in our big bed the next day. I think this conversation between Addy and I straighted that idea out.

Addy's trip to Grandma's Work!

Recently we visited Grandma Nancy's and Addy got to see how brownies and cookies were made. I think she was more interested in the Ah M's (that's M & M's in Addy language). Between the handfulls of mini m&m's, brownies and McDonald's, we think she had a pretty good time.





Halloween is here and Gone!

Hi everyone. As we promised....more photos of Addy in her Minnie Mouse costume. She got to wear her costume to school that day and she was so excited. We left the ears and gloves at home and she insisted on her pink crocks, but as always...she was adorable. She did such a good job trick or treating, however, I made the mistake of not making her eat dinner before she got all of her candy. Her dinner consisted of suckers, candy corn, and gold fish crackers. Here are couple of pictures of her picking out her pumpkin for Halloween as well.

























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Minnie Mouse!


So, we received Addy's choice for Halloween costume yesterday.....I couldn't resist her trying it on! Minnie Mouse beat out Tinkerbell by a close vote.

Addy loved it, although she was a little apprehensive with the huge gloves. More pictures to come after 10/31. Enjoy!


Kail


As all of you know, Kail is currently serving in Iraq with the Marines. Here's Kail's latest update...(although he isn't allowed to shared much
detailed information on where he's been & what he is doing):

Well, I can say that I have been to Al Sad, Iraq, Korean Village, Iraq,
& Rawah, Iraq. Recently I have been doing shifts on guard. I have also been
doing another job putting in comm. lines for internet and phone lines. Also,
Iraqi watch.
What I do to pass the time? Usually sleep, the gym, and internet.

My address for the base I'm at now is:

Demkey Kail Lcpl
MWCS-38
41137
FPO AP 96426-1137

I really don't need anything, but protein bars are nice and beef and deer jerky.
Also hygiene stuff. Or any snack food.
Well, that's about all I can say without going into detail.

Here are a few pictures Kail posted to his MySpace page from his tour in Iraq.


Leave a comment for Kail below!!

What We've Been Up To!


Well, as you all know, we have a pretty normal family. One child, Addy, and our Golden Retreiver, Sadie. We live in Godfrey, IL. Our first 2 years here have been pretty interesting. Let's just say that Jarid has learned A LOT about plumbing, putting in new bath tubs and toilets, and laying ceramic tile. He's done an awesome job with our home and it's really starting to feel like "home".

Our newest accomplishment?...Potty training. Yes, Addy is now potty trained and not even 2 1/2 yet!! We are pretty excited about that. Addy is an awesome little girl. She's 2 going on 10. She likes to read books, watch her shows, and color. Her favorite shows are Faggle Rock, Mickey Mouse Club House, My Friends Tigger and Pooh, Little Einstein's, and her newest favorite....Dora. She definitely has a mind of her own and likes to do things herself. She loves to help with anything she can. Her school has taught her so much. She can count to 20 and is learning her numbers in French....although, the only ones she ever remembers are 1,2,3 & 10.....it's pretty cute.

Jarid and I work at World Wide Technology, Inc. I am a Customer Service rep and Jarid works in Infrastructure Management as a Systems Administrator. He works really hard at his job and has gone from Customer Service to the position he's in now in about 2 1/2 years. Addy and I are very proud of him. Me, on the other hand, well....I've only been there for about 5 months, so give me some time. We both love the company we work for. It's a great place with a lot of awesome people.

That's about it for now, but stay tuned.....you never know what lies ahead for us Norton's.

Love, Shan

Addy Reading about Bears!!



Cubs Clinch the Central !!



What a game! What a celebration! Shannon & I watched the game from The 5th Quarter, a bar in Collinsville, during the annual Italian Fest.

It was great to see it happen versus the Cardinals, but we all know that there is so much more to be accomplished. Onward to October!