Our Rugby Player

Noah was sporting his rugby shirt today (thanks Toby). So we had to get a few pictures...I don't want to ever forget how cute he was today :)

Noah currently has one mission: learn to walk. He wants to stand and play or just cruise. Practice, practice, practice...and one day soon...he will walk. He is a much happier boy these days. Before he was cruising, he only wished he could get where he wanted. He has been standing (he used to jump anytime something hit his feet and would never be still and stand) for a few weeks now and has already mastered cruising. He started cruising (very wobbly of course) as soon as he started standing. I guess he had already mastered moving his feet in his walker so I am not surprised. He is more brave everyday thinking he can walk out on his own. Sometimes he gets a little too confident and ends up on his back. Most of the time he is just fine and wants some sympathy and loving from me. Sometimes I give it to him and sometimes I tell him to suck it up! Just kidding! Or am I? We have such a blast everyday. It is so neat to see him learning and loving life as always. He is currently getting over two ear infections, but as you can see, he is still joyful and playful. Isn't he the cutest!! You can see why hanging with him everyday is a joy despite the energy I expend!

We had a blessed Sunday morning and a great time in Mesquite visiting for Anna's birthday. I took a picture of my favorite people on the way to Church! Aren't they good looking!!

After Church we headed to Mesquite. We had our own Cornish hen, green peas, caramelized carrots, garlic bread, salad, and a couple desserts to choose from for dinner. It was a great meal! Noah even ate a little of 'big people food.' I gave him green beans, carrots, and some banana puffs. He ate everything. I was so happy!! We have really struggled with him eating baby food. He loves milk and we definitely do not have weight problems but he can't take his bottle to kindergarten! I even make all his baby food homemade...you can't get much better than that! I think he may have been distracted by everyone which made him just open his mouth without realizing it too much. He is a busy boy and I think he is just bored and does not like being confined in his high chair. This morning (Monday), I fed him again and he did not eat as well unless he had a toy in his hand. So, he was not bored but it was a battle to get the food in before the toy. I know one day I will wish he wasn't eating so much but it may take a bit to get there!

Noah and Makenna had fun playing together. They are both very interested in the other. Makenna enjoyed kissing everyone (one of her new and precious talents we all enjoy) and Noah loved watching her walk, crawl, and play with the toys. Makenna even gave Noah a kiss but Noah just wanted to grab her to show off his strength. Lily (my little sister, Amy's, dog) also got a few kisses in!

The Week End

Noah is becoming increasingly mobile every day. He truly enjoys the fact that he can get to a toy that he wants to play with. I know he will be even happier when he can walk and run to his desire. He not only loves playing in his exerciser but crawling in and out of it!

John is helping our friends move today while Noah and I hang out at the house. He loves playing with his new toys that I got at the JBF (Just Between Friends-2nd hand stuff) sale. I was very pleased with my purchases and hope to go again on Tuesday morning to see what I can get for 50% off. Some of the toys are older than his interest or abilities now but will be nice for other kids that come over. I also got a few 24 month clothes. Yes, he is wearing 18-24 month stuff and is only 8 1/2 months old! He does wear some 12 month outfits but his muscles just bulge out of the shirts as well as his seriously strong thighs...OK, I am not kidding about the thighs! It was hard to figure out what size I needed at the sale but look forward to going again in the Spring or to some of the sales in other cities.

Later today, John will enjoy watching the OSU game at a friend's house (we don't get that channel with our bunny ears) and Noah and I are going to a 1 year old birthday party for Presley (Mommy's friend's baby). It will be a fun and eventful day but sad to spend our Saturday away from Daddy most of the day :(

Tomorrow we look forward to our Church service (Wedgwood Baptist Church) where we will focus on the shooting that happened 10 years ago. Unfortunately, we will miss the Sunday night service this week but we are headed to Mesquite to celebrate Anna's (my older sister) birthday. Don't worry Anna is only 29! Next year will be a big one! Ha! Noah loves playing with Makenna (Anna's daughter)!

Labor Day Weekend

OK, so it has been a while since we've posted anything but I am going to start this up again and be more regular with it. I hope you enjoy the posts and pictures...I am sure they will be mostly Noah. But he is pretty cute!

It was really nice to be with the family for Labor Day weekend. It did not
go as planned but God is good. We left Thursday night (so Noah could sleep while we drove) and spend the night at Grammy and Pop's (John's Mom and step Dad). Noah enjoyed watching TV with Pops before he went to bed Thursday night. Cousin Laney also spent the night because Lori (John's sister) just had their second baby girl Thursday morning. But Laney was not fond of Noah taking her new presents she got from Uncle John and Aunt Emily. Noah just wanted to play (not understanding that a cherished toy is not to be shared) and Laney was not going to have that! I am sure Noah will learn that concept pretty soon!

That afternoon, we all headed to Stillwater
because we couldn't wait to meet Haley Jean and see John and Lori. It was so neat to hold Haley. I've already forgotten Noah was once that small. Isn't she precious! She has darker hair (which is not normal for Lori's side of the family) but we all love it. She is absolutely beautiful! She is a good eater and loves to be held.

Noah enjoyed being around all the family and watching the big kids play. He is very active but when he gets around other people, he loves to watch and learn. He became comfortable pretty quickly and was ready to play. Over the week and weekend, he became quite the crawler. He loves the fact that he can get around but wishes he could do it faster. I have a feeling he may skip walking and go straight to running. John and I think his mind has developed faster than his body because he has "ants in his pants" to run but is unable. It is becoming quite the chore to hold him (he thinks he can crawl into the air) and keep him happy just stationary on the floor. I think he will be a VERY happy boy when he can walk and go 100 mph!!! I guess I will no longer need to work out when I start chasing him around!

Noah loved the splash parties he had with Laney every night before they put their PJ's on. They both love the water! Don't they look ornery!

Saturday, most of the boys went to the OSU game and the women enjoyed the kids. It was a blessing to be with everyone. I've really missed John's family! We used to hang out all the time when we lived in Oklahoma, especially during football season when John played. We tailgated every game and had a blast! After the game, everyone met at Grammy and Pop's RV for dinner and socializing. OSU won! Go Cowboys! We headed back to John and Lori's house after dinner and headed to bed. That night was a nightmare. About 2:30am John Henry busted into our room needing desperate help. We headed downstairs to find Lori had had a stroke. Of course, we did not know what had happened at the time but went into survival mode trying to get an ambulance to the house and Laney (26 months) and Haley (few days old) taken care of. I think Laney was a little traumatized by the whole thing. She had already spent a couple days away from Dad and Mom while they were in the hospital with Haley and then this happened. Laney was sleeping with Mommy at that time and I am sure she wondered why Mommy was on the floor with a limp body unable to get up. They are still doing tests to see what caused the stroke. Currently they think she had a spasm due to the delivery. But praise God for her healing! At first, she was unable to use the whole left side of her body and her face was droopy on that side. She slurred her words and was very sleepy. Now she can move her left side some and can walk with help. We are seeing progress every day as she works with the therapist. Continue to pray for her, Grammy as she takes care of two little ones, and the rest of the family. Thank you all! We love you so much!

Emily (for John and Noah)