Really...we are 1 already?

Little man turned ONE on wed. I really can't believe that it has been a whole year since we held that little 7 lb 8 oz football in our arms the first time. I looked at Ben today and asked "Do you remember where 2009 went?" he replied "its sitting in the back seat". Really it has been a year of wonderfully hard lessons and growth for all of us.

We had a little birthday party for the little guy on his birthday. Mimi and Pops were here to celebrate with us. I'm not sure Noah really got what was going on, but he kept us laughing. We let him eat (*destroy) a cake which really was more entertaining for us than for him. He started out by tasting it with one finger then when dad showed him that this stuff is squishy, he stuck both hands in and grabbed handfuls. It was hilarious. And since it was 30 mins until his bedtime, he then rubbed his eyed with his icing covered hands and got cake and frosting from the top of his head down to his belly. HE wasn't really into opening presents, but man he sure did love playing with all the new toys that were now in his box. Elanore Brainard is also turning one in a few weeks and she and Noah will be having their "CandyLand" birthday party this coming weekend. We (the adults) are super excited to have an excuse to get together and watch yet another cake smashing!

Noah, we love you so much and are reminded every day of our merciful God who gave you to us to look after. We have loved every day this past year with you. You are such a joy little chongo!

Love that Daddy of mine!

It is cute to see Noah's personality come out little by little. He is generally a pretty kick back little dude. Since he learned to crawl he is not interested in toys any more in the slightest, because who would when you can explore? He absolutely loves his daddy. His favorite time of day is about 5:30ish when Ben gets home from work. Ben will pick him up and he will kick his feet and bury his face into Ben's shoulder. He also loves to ride on Ben shoulders. I seriously don't think he stops smiling and laughing the entire time he is up there.

He is also a fan of eating Ben's hair while up there.

?

A few days ago Noah started doing this weird face and noise. Usually he does this between bites of his dinner. It cracks me up.

Christmas

We had a very blessed Christmas here in Kentucky this year. We were unable to make it home to California, but were thankful to have such a wonderful group of friends here to spend the holidays with.
We spent Thanksgiving with 4 other couples here in our apartment. Two of those couples were 9 months pregnant and one of them had just had their little one a few weeks earlier so it was a very laid back day. We are really going to miss these wonderful people who have become so dear to our hearts.
Christmas Eve Ben and I hosted 2 other couples that are also from California here at Seminary who didn't make it home either. We had another wonderful time with them over some yummy food.
Ben and I spent Christmas morning with just our little monkey. It was so much fun to watch Noah try and figure out why all this paper and boxes were all over his living room. Ben and I enjoyed a scaled down version of the Saunder's traditional Christmas breakfast. We were stuffed none the less.
On Christmas evening we went over to the Lyles house for dinner. David and Anna are our very good buddies who just welcomed Titus Neal into their family 3 days before Christmas. Anna's family was in town for the birth and were gracious enough to have us join them for Christmas.

My own version of Saunder's cinnamon rolls:


And half portions of Cheese Grits and Egg Casserole. I was up til 1:30 am after cooking Christmas Eve dinner making this, the tired is all over my face:)


This is Anna's dad. He and Noah hit it off right away. I left Noah with Mr. Waters when Anna and I went to the hospital to visit another friend's babies, and when we returned Noah was all snuggled up on his chest scratching on his beard. Noah got a little substitute Grandpa time, so sweet.


Poor David and Anna and little 3 day old Titus. After dinner. Can you tell they are new parents?


Ben trying to remember what having a new born was like.


David and Noah before dinner


Noah already taking the ornaments off the tree Christmas morning.



Noah enjoying eating presents


Opening presents with Dad.


Loving the musical orchestra toy he got from Mr & Mrs Miller.


This is the only picture I took on Christmas Eve. Probably because I was cooking then eating. But this is Josiah Abrisor. Our friends Eric and Danica'a son. He is 7 weeks younger than Noah.

The Breadman

Noah is now pulling up on everything he can get his little hands on. But back in the beginning of December when he first discovered this little trick, he could only really pull up on things that were really low. So the bread maker became his new favorite standing post. I think it was also due to the fact the breadmaker is usually sitting outside the kitchen door so he can stand on his breadmaker and watch me in the kitchen.

Love my Cheerios!

Noah now has 6 chompers in that little mouth of his. 4 on top and two on the bottom. And man does he know it and is dying to take them for a test drive. This kid wants to eat anything and everything. I swear he is a bottomless pit. It has gotten to the point that Ben and I are letting him try everything we eat just to see if we can find something he doesn't like. We are beginning to think he doesn't have taste buds. But I am counting my blessings, I'd rather it be this than have a picky eater.

The little guy is loving to use his new chompers on his newest favorite snack....CHEERIOS. I'll dump a bunch on his tray and he'll sit there and eat them one by one, its really cute. Sometimes I'll even put him in front of his favorite ( and only) video he watches, Praise Baby, if I need to get something done with out having to keep an eye on him. (He is in to everything these days!)

Here are a few of him eating his Cheerios.