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!!!