Celebrating Life

This past year with Noah has been a tremendous joy for both of us—seeing him take what he sees, touches, tastes and hears and then process that to learn how to sit, play, eat, crawl, walk, run, push, shake, squeeze, talk, sign (words), growl, laugh, smile, give hugs and (the best) kisses. To see Noah grow from a tiny little baby who slept all the time in to a little toddler with a unique personality has been a fun journey.

This past month Noah was my first haircut model. I’ve never cut hair before, but my cousin Kellie gave me the secret tips of a professional (smile—thanks, Kel) and I was able to give Noah his first haircut. It took an hour, lots of toys and a cookie, but what a cutie!

Noah’s actual birthday fell on a Wednesday. Ryan was able to work from home and join us for a trip to the pediatrician’s office for Noah’s 1-year checkup. Noah is a tiny guy, weighing 18 lbs. 8 oz. (5% tile for kids his age) and 30-inches (50%). He is super active during the day so it’s no wonder he can eat like a horse and still be so tiny. Noah also had a few vaccinations that day. He was not to happy about that...or the pain of teething. Noah has had two teeth since the middle of January and is currently cutting four more teeth. In effort to try to make it up to our Birthday Boy, we had tacos for dinner. He LOVES tomatoes, cheese and avocados. Afterwards he got to try orange sherbet followed by a ride around the block in his new wagon.

This past weekend we had our immediate families over for Noah’s first birthday. Fifteen (of sixteen) cousins came to celebrate Noah’s big day. Noah wasn’t quite sure what to make of so many people in his house at once, let alone all the extra attention and everyone singing to him. For the cake tradition, we gave Noah his own chocolate frosted cupcake topped with an animal cracker. With the encouragement from the crowd, Noah SQUEEZED his cupcake; the crowd cheered and Noah began to cry...until he tasted a crumb of that delicious cupcake. He ate the whole thing and hardly left a crumb for a mouse.

Here are some photos of Noah playing this past week. He loves to play peek-a-boo from behind the curtains and cuddling with his new pirate beach towel. Noah also got his first puzzle and a four-wheeler for his birthday.

We look forward to the memories that are yet to be made within our new family. We are thankful for the blessing that Noah has been this past year. Thank you to all our faithful readers, we’re so glad you can be a part of this journey too!

In Christ’s Love,
Monica and Ryan