Noah is Walking!

Noah started walking a couple days ago. He has been taking more and more steps over the last couple weeks, and he has finally let go of the walls and furniture. He has become mister independent with his new found freedom. Now I am trying to keep up, but it is the best.

Laughing

This is just a cute video of Noah laughing, that I needed to share. His laugh always brightens my day. I hope it brightens yours as well. Enjoy!

March of Dimes

Today Noah and I had the pleasure of walking to raise money for "March of Dimes." "March of Dimes" is an organization that raises money for research and education for premature babies. We walked 5 miles along the Snake river in Lewiston, Idaho and Clarkston, Washington. We had a great time with many of my co-workers from the Family Birth Center, along with their friends and family. It was a scorching 92 degrees before we left, but what a great cause we were supporting.

Memorial Day Campout

Over Memorial Day weekend, Andy, Noah and I went to Laird park for a campout with Andy's parents. We had a great time. The weather was great and Noah was a great little camper. He was certainly ready to go home when it was time, but he had a lot of fun. Here is our campsite from behind.

Noah having his morning milk and banana. I said the word banana and he pronounced it exactly like I said it. As Noah called it, "nanana."

Noah playing in the camper.

Noah playing with toys at the Tibbals campsite.

Noah and Sophia playing with Lightening McQueen.

Andy and I walked the trail once over the weekend. Noah is riding in one of his birthday presents. He thinks it is pretty cool. He just sat in his chair, looked around, and chatted away as we walked.

Here is the happy boy at the beginning of our walk.

Before we were to the end of the trail, Noah had fallen asleep hunched over in his chair.

Noah and his Papa playing.

Noah going for a walk with his walker.

Noah and I spent a lot of time walking around, with him holding on to my hands because I wouldn't let him crawl around in the dirt and rocks. #1, I couldn't handle the dirt and #2, there were pieces of thorn trees all around our campsite with 1 inch thorns, I didn't want him to get punctured.

Overall we had an awesome camping trip. Noah had a great time and so did we. When he eventually starts walking by himself, we will have to go again, and it will be twice as great.

Eating with a fork

Food has become quite an adventure at our house; from trying new things and then later seeing the results of the new things tried. Most, however, is MESSY! And Noah feeding himself with a fork is no exception. As you can see, he isn't terribly great with the fork, but everyone has to start somewhere. Ravioli and large chunks of fruit is all we have tried so far, but more will come as he learns to use the fork gracefully.

It definitely takes patience to sit at the highchair, and allow him to feed himself. It certainly would be faster if Andy or I fed him, but we can't feed him forever. He has to grow up sometime.

A walk at the arboretum

Tonight was a wonderful night to take a walk at the UofI arboretum. Noah and I went with Grandma's Paula and Becky. Andy was out of town, so he didn't get to enjoy the walk with us. We played in the daffodils. Instead of putting Noah in the backpack or letting him ride on my shoulders, I put Noah in the jogging stoller. Which I was sure was the dumbest thing I could have done. But I was wrong. This stroller is amazing. It drove through paths of the arboretum without any problems.
We stopped to play in the tulips. At least that is what I wanted Noah to do. He was more interested in the wood chips and dirt than the flowers. Typical boy!

We walked down to the ponds and checked out the different kinds of ducks.

Noah rode on grandma Paula's shoulders. When I put him on my shoulders, he reached down to get to his grandma.

It was a beautful night for a walk and we had a lot of fun. This is only the beginning of our outdoor adventures, now that spring is here.

Goldfish Swim Class

A few of my friends from work enrolled their babies in swim class, so I did too. This was our first class. Noah jumped into the water from the side of the pool. He loved swimming in the warm water.
We had so much fun together!
Our first swim class was a success. Noah loved the water and had a TON of fun. After class was over, he fell asleep in the car on the way home and took a 3 1/2 hour nap, once we were home.

Happy 1st Birthday Noah

Today we celebrated Noah's birthday at our Church. We had a great time with many family and friends. Here is the birthday boy early in the day, before he is tired of partying.

Noah and I. Here is our newest family photo.

My mom, sister, and I spent all day in the kitchen preparing the food for the party. We had veggie bars...chocolate covered strawberries... as well as chicken alfredo casserole, and baked spaghetti with garlic bread. But of course I forgot to take a picture of the casseroles. Many people were present for Noah's party; great grandparents, great aunts and uncles, grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins and friends. Here is Noah's uncle Charles and Cousin Sophia.
This is the best shot of everyone all around the room before the party started.Here is Mike holding Ella, who is fashioning Noah's new sunglasses.

Noah's great-aunt Deb, aunt Annie, grandma Paula, grandpa Pete, great-uncle Kim, and great-aunt Pam.

Grandma Paula and Noah.
Noah's lovely cake that matches the birthday napkins.
This is Noah's personal cake, ready for destruction. Noah was a very dainty cake eater in the beginning, but once he tasted how sweet and delicous it was, he dug in.

A messy boy.
Noah probably would have eaten the entire cake, but I took it away, so he didn't sugar buzz to bad before bed.

I gave Noah a rinse in the kitchen sink to get all the cake off. It was everywhere.

Then we opened presents. Noah was more interested in playing with Sophia, so I opened his presents for him. He got a lot of fun presents.

Andy is fashioning the new backpack, for us to carry Noah around in.

Noah and I having a snuggle before the party is over.

Noah had such a great birthday party. Two hours was definitely a long party for the kids at the party, Noah went right to bed once we went home, and he slept great.

It is hard to believe that he is one year old already. But what a fun and exciting first year we have had together. Nothing gives Andy and I more joy than seeing the little boy Noah is turning into.

Annie's 21st B-day Celebration

Today we celebrated Annie's 21st b-day "family dinner" style. We had a great time with each other. This is the first time Annie has been back from Eugene; so we were happy to celebrate and party. Every time our "sisters" get together we have a sister picture. These go back a long long way, we just get older and older.Annie wanted steak fajitas for dinner so that is what we had, with all the best toppings. YUM! And for dessert, angel food cake with strawberries and cool whip. Here is the birthdayday girl!
And Annie opening her presents.
And Noah just being cute like always. Annie and I.

This is the first time in almost a year since all of us have gotten together. These memories we will cherish forever.