Noah in Action

Noah and his pet puppy, Boomer.

Enjoying some tummy-time with Noah. I think he might be practicing some tricks he learned from Boomer. Ha ha.

By Your Side

I heard this song on the radio the other day when I was heading home from a trip to the grocery store, yes, I got to get out alone for a few hours. It was great. Anyway, the lyrics ask why are you looking for love as if I'm (God) not enough, where will you go, where will you run? I'm here for you... "Please don't fight these hands that are holding you. My hands are holding you."

Instantly I thought of Noah cuddling in my arms while we rock in the glider before bed. Well, at least I'd like to cuddle. He's kicking and throwing his arms, arching his back, screaming, anything to get out of my arms. If he could just be still he could fall asleep.

I thought about my role as a parent. As parents we often know what's best (or at least better) for our child, but they don't always see it that way. Noah just wanted to be swaddled and laid in his crib. He didn't see rocking as a soothing way to prepare himself for sleep. How often do we fight our Heavenly Father? I am sure I've kicked and screamed that I want to do things my way, but God is patient and his strong arms continue to carry me despite my pride (or childish tantrums). I am thankful for God's unending, never failing, forever love.

I am on a personal journey right now—I started this week—to meet with God and listen to what he has to say. I don't think I've ever sat still long enough to really listen to what he has to say. I'm always the one talking to him, telling him what I need or frustrations I have or asking him to fix something or thank him, but I'm not always listening to what he has to say. Who likes being in a one-sided conversation all the time? It doesn't make for a great relationship, I'm sure. What if our ancestor Noah had chosen to listen to other people instead of building the ark like God told him? What am I missing if I'm not listening to God myself?

The song I heard on the radio is "By Your Side" by Tenth Avenue North from the album "Over and Underneath." You can read lyrics or listen to this song on Klove's website.

Yikes, where did the last month go?!

Noah is just about to celebrate his 3-month birthday ... without shots. Since our last post Noah has gained another pound. Grandma Pony brought over a baby scale on Sunday so we could weigh him. She said it was the same scale her mother used to weigh her and her brother when they were babies. It's pretty cool. Ryan has ideas for an upcoming photo shoot with Noah and this antique scale.

We've been super busy in July with family parties each weekend and trying to keep up with the laundry. I had no idea babies and their mom's went through so many outfits in a day. Noah can blow through 5 outfits, 3 bibs and about 5 burp cloths a day. Even though his clothes are tiny, I'm amazed that the wash machine is full each week.

We've been busy snapping away photos and taking videos of Noah who loves to smile and talk. I'm having a hard time feeding him because he just wants to talk (I think he gets that from his Opa and Auntie Jill—smile). It puts a smile on my face at 2 a.m. when I hear him talking to himself in his crib. I can't help but want to feed him in the middle of the night. Noah is also enjoying his jungle activity mat, he bats his fists and kicks his feet at the dangling toys. Yesterday he had "tummy time" on his mat. He's doing great holding his head up, he even pushes his body up with his arms a little bit. He surprised himself when he rolled from his stomach to his back three times. I am glad that he enjoys it because I know a lot of babies don't like tummy time.

A couple other family updates you might be interested in ... Jill moved to Arizona this past week, or "Zona" has Hayden says. Before she left Ryan did a photo shoot with Jill to get some portraits of her and her new tattoo. We also did family portraits last week on my mom's birthday. Hayden loves his baby cousin, he likes to hold him and help with diaper changes. He cracks me up, Hayden. This summer he's taken a liking to Oma's watering can. He uses it to vacuum the house and when he's outdoors it turns in to a leaf blower. I think the sound effects that go along with it makes it all the more fun to watch. When I call the house I always hear him in the background. I am sure he's looking forward to Noah growing a little so they can play together.