Look at that belly

 

Cute stuff

 

Noah reading to us

It took three pictures for the book to stay but we were finally able to balance the book in Noah's hands. He is growing way to fast! 

Time to eat again!

Relaxing with dad while drinking some milk
Noah has started trying to hold his bottle by himself; he can hold it for about five seconds and then the bottle falls :-)

 

More pictures from Lindsay's party

 

Happy Birthday Lindsay

A few of us got together last Saturday to celebrate Lindsay's birthday (though her actual birthday is not until the 23rd). We had a great time getting talking and getting caught up.

 

It's bath time

During Noah's last bath I decided to take some pictures so that everyone could see how long his hair is getting. Noah's hair is getting long enough for his hair to have a bed head look when he wakes up :-) (thus the excuse for another nick name).

 

What's In a Name?

What's in a name you ask? Well I suggest you be careful with the NICKNAMES you choose for your child. Yes, ladies and gentleman, the ensuing story is based on real events. In this case, the names haven't been changed to protect the innocent, less you miss the irony and humor of it all. This may well be the second most important lesson I've learned about parenthood so far (for the first, I refer you to my theology blog here).

There are few things in life right now that thrill me more than playing with Noah and making him smile. Knowing that you are the cause of your baby's smile; that they recognize and respond to you and it's not just gas anymore (at least I hope) is a special cause of joy that may just be indescribable for one who is not a parent. THIS is why (for those who may not have children) parents will go to such crazy extremes to entertain their children. For me personally, this has meant the creation and implementation of numerous silly voices, faces and phrases to accomplish such an end. Certain phrases imparticular seem to delight him, particularly when said certain ways. ALRIGHT, enough preface. Here's the situation: From the day he was born, Noah has always been a gassy baby (I think he gets it from his mother, but she has other ideas...). This is why we put him on formula so early; it seems to make it easier for him to burp and digest. However, burping isn't the only means he's found to alleviate excessive build up, if you know what I mean. This has led to the ascribing of a nickname that is both apt and one that he seems to get a kick out of, namely: Fartmonster. I've often tickled his belly, greeted him in his crib after a nap, or patted his back after a feeding, all the while calling him my little fartmonster. It ussually elicits a grin, especially if said the right way. So what's the problem you ask? Hamrless banter between parent and child right?

The other day, we were trying to see if Noah recognized his name. We repeatedly called, "Noah" standing just a few feet away. No response. After a minute or two, just for the heck of it, I called out: "Hey fartmonster." You guessed it. His head snapped around and he grinned as he made eye contact. Coincidence? Maybe. But Dawn's since tried it a time or two as have I only to find the same result :-) We've recently begun the long process to remedy the problem, with several proposed solutions. I suggested to Dawn that we could look into changing his middle name; she wasn't too keen on the idea. Instead, I've begun calling him "Noah, the fartmonster" or just "monster" occaisionally, in an effort to wean him off of his previous moniker via word association. Who ever thought parenting could be so tricky? I know, It's just begun!

Happy Birthday Angie

Today is my sister's birthday and I hate that we are to far away to celebrate in person! I hope that you have a wonderful day Angie! See you soon!!! 

It's time to eat!

Nate and I took Noah to the mall on Friday and when it came time to eat Noah decided that he did not want to be held so here is how we improvised; Nate held him sitting on the table while I fed him. I never knew that eating could be such an ordeal.
Noah now also arches his back when we put him in his car seat; so though he does not get as upset riding in the car he gets upset when we buckle him in his seat. The last new thing is that he has started eating the baby rice; he had no problems understanding what to do with this new food. He is growing too fast for both of his parents!!

More pictures of the Christmas party

Russell & Kristin 

HSBC Christmas party

Nate and I went to his Christmas party last night and here are some pictures of our friends that we sat with. Though we had to wait in line for our food the majority of the time, it was still nice to get dressed up and have a night out.

Jess and James

Julie and Rob

Me and Nate (as you can see I still have all my hair on my hair on head and Nate has added some to his ) :-)

Here he is

I have been reminded that it has been almost a week since we have put any pictures of Noah up so here he is :-). He is getting so big and is so much fun!!! 

I Need Your Help!!!

Calling all bloggers (and commenters of blogs...particularly on this one). My wife has it in her head to cut her hair. Now the last few months have been filled with people commenting on how awesome her hair looks. Further, the comment sections over several of the previous posts have indicated that still more people think her hair looks great. Last...and probably least...as her husband, I think it looks fantastic. Nevertheless, she still wants to cut it. She claims it will keep Noah from grabbing on to her hair as much (though I advised it would have to be as short as mine to accomplish such a feat). Bottom line is she's just making excuses :-)

Here's your chance to weigh in on the matter. I want as many people as read this blog (even those of you who lurk in the shadows and neglect to post comments normally) to sound off in the comment section. NOW...let me clarify the issue: I am not asking whether or not she should have the right to cut it or whatever you think would make her happy. I want you to honestly post YOUR OWN opinion of what you think of her hair. Yes, this is an incredibly shallow post, probably my worst ever, but I will not be dissuaded. Ok...Dawn said I'm desperate. But please, none of the "Oh she should do whatever makes her happy" stuff. I need you to grow a pair (metaphorically speaking of course) and post YOUR OPINION. Girls AND GUYS -- young and old, regular commenters and shadow lurkers....come one and all and help me out! If you don't know what she looks like, refer to the last two posts for the latest pics.

**Postscript** Let me be clear: ultimately your opinion doesn't matter, particularly if you disagree with me. So what have you got to lose? :-)

Chillin' at Starbucks

Dawn had to finish up some things on her Sunday School lesson today, so I offered for a guys' night out (actually afternoon) with Noah. Our destination? Starbucks of course! Not only do they know me by name, but several of the baristas know him as well. He was an AWESOME baby, snuggling with me for a little bit, then napping for 45 mins so I could bang out some pages of my latest read (Jesus and the Victory of God by Wright). He even rode well in the car both ways.


After getting back home I snapped this picture of him and his Mom; I think my favorite so far!

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Not that again!

The teens at Colonial are going through Jerry Bridges' book "The Practice of Godliness" for Sunday school, and I found out last Sunday that I will be teaching some of the teen girls this coming weekend. This is my first time teaching since Noah was born so I was excited, but I am ashamed to admit that when I was told what the chapter was on I wanted to opt out. What topic could be so bad you ask? Chapter six of Bridges' book is on humility. Now, I know that humility is very important for every believer, but I felt like I had taught on this topic a number of different times the past four years and I was afraid that the girls would tune me out once they heard what the lesson was about. As I began thinking about the lesson I was reminded that I don't obey everything I hear the first, second or even third time, and I am sure that there might be some other sinful people out there just like me who need to be reminded about the importance of having humility.
I am still in the beginning stages of studying, but Bridges has reminded me of the "key" to being humble.

"Humility in every area of life, in every relationship with other people, begins with a right concept of God as the One who is infinite and eternal in His majesty and holiness. We are to humble ourselves under God's mighty hand, approaching every relationship and every circumstance in reference to Him." p74

"This humility before God is basic to all our relationships in life. We cannot begin to experience humility in any other relationship until we experience a deep and profound humility in our attitude toward God. When we are conscious of our (sinful) creature relationship to an infinitely majestic and holy God, we will not wish to selfishly compare ourselves with others. And to the extent that our awareness of our lowly place before God is an abiding one, we will avoid the temptations of pride and competition."p75

Before I started reading Bridges' book I had the mindset that I must be humble because it is commanded in scripture (which is true). What I was reminded of is that humility will be an outcome of a right view of God; it is not just a command that I need to obey out of sheer will power. When I am consumed with the awesomeness of who God is it is not difficult for me to by humble due to my sinful state. But, when I become consumed with the things and people of this world I tend to start comparing myself and become prideful in my heart. My problem is that I am not always consumed with the awesomeness of God; everything in my life must be about God! When God has my full adoration the things that I might have become proud about are no longer a temptation, because I have a different perspective. So though the topic of my lesson will be on humility, the emphasis will be about having a consuming passion for know Christ and God.

Our little baby is growing up!

I decided to see if Noah would like to sit in his exersaucer last week; though he needs a little help sitting up in it he loves all of the fun buttons to touch! 

"Scholar" in Training

Check out the scholar in training here.

More shopping pics

This was right after he drank the milk! 

Noah's first ride in a shopping cart

Today was Noah's first ride in a shopping cart! He did a great job sitting up (with the help of a few blankets)! It was finally cold enough for him to wear his winter hat :-) 

My two handsome guys

Nate and I took Noah to the beach this past Friday; you may not be able to tell from the picture but Nate is wearing a pair of shorts! I love living in the South!!!