Today... We Went to Target

We pretty much go to Target every day, but today was the first time Noah sat in the shopping cart. I am pretty sure he liked it. Not as much fun as the Baby Bjorn. He didn't laugh a lot, but he definitely was checking it all out. So serious.

Happy Birthday wishes to Grammy! We hope you had a happy day.

A New Place to Play

There is a bouncy seat permanently set-up in our bathroom. Since Noah's birth, it has come in handy. I have been able to plop him in it. Take a shower. Put on my makeup. Dry my hair. Maybe not all at the same time, but throughout the day, it gets done. Noah is as happy as can be to play and bounce. Let me rephrase that... he WAS as happy as can be. Since he has begun to sit up, he is so over being strapped into his bouncy seat. He arches his back and wants OUT! So, today I had to improvise. It seemed to work out pretty well.

It Never Gets Old

Can you ever get enough of messy eating shots? Noah seems to like any food I give him to try... even prunes. I promise this post will not resort to a discussion of baby poop, but let's just say... problem solved.

So This is Christmas, Part Two

We drove home on Christmas Day, and lo and behold, Santa had made a stop at our house. Momma and Daddy let Noah open these presents himself. Noah got some new books, stacking blocks, and some huge foam shapes for when he decides to get mobile. Right now, they make great teethers... definitely not a choking hazard.

Momma must have been very good this year because I got an iPhone and a new digital camera. And, you just thought I took a lot of pictures before. Thanks Santa, what great gifts!

P.S. - Santa was good for Daddy too. Anyone interested in trying out for our Rock Band?

So This is Christmas

And, what have we done?

Noah was such a good boy on our trip to Louisiana. He napped and slept very well. He was a little grouchy in the evenings, but only because we kept him up a little past his normal bedtime. You can't go to sleep at 6:30 PM during Christmas!

Noah got to spend some quality time with all his cousins. They were really excited to see him, and they all took turns holding him.

Noah also got to hang out with his friend, Little Miss Madison. Noah thought she looked adorable and tried to tell her so by grabbing her face. Noah still needs a little work in the romance department.

The big event was opening presents at Grammy and Papa's on Christmas Eve. Noah missed the entire thing. Yep. He snoozed right through it. It was fun and definitely chaotic. Daddy and I decided to open Noah's gifts ourselves. We knew he wouldn't mind. We loved all the gifts, and I know that Noah will too. Some of our favorites: puppets, Wee Sing DVDs, and Infantino blocks from Grammy, flash cards from Uncle D, Aunt Sarah, and the girls, jock in the box from Nanny Aunt Mo, Uncle Jeff, and the boys, and a Spiderman bib from the boys.

Noah woke up from his nap merry and bright... totally oblivious to what he missed during his long snooze.

Happy Christmas!

Twas the Week Before Christmas...

I wish I had something really fun and exciting to post, but the fact is that nothing fun and exciting has been happening over here lately. We have been gearing up for Christmas. All packed and ready for our drive to LA tomorrow. We did have a couple of fun outings this week.

On Tuesday, we had a play date with Claire at the children's museum. It was definitely fun and thankfully, not as exciting as last time. My how they have grown!

We met Daddy for lunch in the medical center on Wednesday. This outing did have a little excitement. While waiting for Daddy outside the med school, Noah got fussed by a security guard for sitting too close to the fountain. Also, he almost wasn't let into the building because apparently babies need a special permission slip. Who knew? It sure was difficult getting in to see Daddy. Maybe we will just wait for him at home next time.

And, today we went to my work Christmas party, my old work. Noah got to take another picture with Santa. This time, he was a little more interested in the tree than Santa.

After chatting with Noah today, Santa decided to stop by tonight and drop off an early Christmas gift, TMX Elmo. Apparently, Noah got his list in too late this year, and Santa had to wing it. Noah definitely did not ask for this toy. If I had to guess, Santa's thinking pattern in deciding on a gift for Noah went something like this... Noah's favorite book is about Elmo. Noah's momma kind of sounds like Elmo when she talks. Tickle Me Elmo Extreme is supposed to be the hottest toy this year (or was that last year.) Anyway, let's just say... Noah hated it. I know hate is a strong word, but I couldn't think of a stronger one. At least, I now know what Noah looks like when he gets scared out of his wits. Sorry Noah. Better luck next year Mr. Claus.

Mmm... Delicious

Noah is loving his rice cereal. We have even thrown a little carrots and bananas into the mix. He is getting really good at eating, and he is quickly working his way towards feeding himself. It is a little messy, but it sure is cute.

Isn't She Lovely

Noah and I were out and about today picking up a few things for Christmas. He was in a great mood and was happy to interact with anyone interested in talking. This is what Noah was wearing today.

Cute, huh? Blue. Such a great color... for BOYS. It amazes me how many people think Noah is a girl. "Isn't she a happy baby!" "How old is she?" "Isn't she lovely!" Seriously. He is wearing blue! I maybe can understand the mistake when he is dressed up in a little bubble or jumper. I mean, he is a pretty baby, but he was wearing blue today. Not just blue, but blue overalls. With all the adorable girl clothes out there, why would I be dressing my baby girl in blue overalls? Why do people ignore this? Maybe they are color blind. Sigh. I got tired of correcting people today, so by the time, the third friendly lady came along, I just smiled and moved on because really, does it matter that some stranger thinks Noah is a girl?

Sniff Sniff and Christmas Cheer

The deed is done. Noah has officially been moved to his very own room. I had to pick up the Pack 'n Play to resist all temptation. He is doing great with the transition. He had a really good night last night 6:30 PM to 4:30 AM then 5:00 AM to 6:30 AM. Ahhh... I think we have turned a sleep corner. For anyone wondering, Momma and Daddy are also doing OK with the transition. Maybe not as well as Noah, but we are doing just fine.

On a happier note, Noah and I helped our friend, Jessica trim her Christmas tree today. Noah was looking particularly festive in his reindeer jumper made by Grammy. Thanks Gram... it fits perfectly! Noah thought decorating was so much fun and was laughing and talking the whole time. I just know he was trying to say, "Mrs. Jessica, su árbol de Navidad parece encantador!"

I Love This Picture!

If you read my blog, you more than likely got a Christmas card from me, and if you got a Christmas card from me and you read my blog, you pretty much know that I used the same picture that was posted here. I tried to take another one. I really did, but I just couldn't recreate the moment. It is my favorite picture of Noah to date. I love it so much that I have it everywhere.

I mean everywhere. Not only is it on our Christmas card, but it is posted on our refrigerator. It is the wallpaper on my cell phone and on my computer. It is framed in our dining room. It is even the gift tags for all our Christmas gifts. Like I said, I am totally addicted to this picture. The funniest part of the picture is what was happening outside of the frame. This is how Noah was dressed that day. I mean... it was game day!

Smarty Pants

Noah first rolled from his back to belly at around 2 months. He first rolled from belly to back at about 3.5 months. I could probably count on one hand the number of times he has rolled over since. It isn't that he can't do it... it is more like, "been there, done that." Perfect example. This morning, in an attempt to encourage him to roll over and reach for toys, I put all his toys next to him on the floor. I put them just out of arms reach, so he would have to roll over to get to them. Do you think he rolled over? Of course not! He instead pulled the blanket closer to him, and in doing so, the toys moved closer right with it. Same outcome, less energy exerted. What a smarty pants!

Solid Success?

Noah had his six month doctor's appointment today. He is still all over the place on the growth chart. 60% for length, 25% for weight, 6% for head circumference. Tall and skinny. Go figure. He had to get more shots, which he was not happy about, but after a good, long nap, he really didn't seem to mind.

The doctor also gave us the go ahead to start solids. I think it went alright. He really enjoyed the spoon and got really upset when we took it away. I think he was ok with the cereal, but I am really not sure if it would have mattered whether the spoon had cereal on it or not. After a while, he just plain got mad about the whole thing. I figured it was time to stop and to try again tomorrow. Here are some pictures from our first attempt at the good stuff.

Noah Meets Santa

Noah had his first run in today with the "man with the bag." I think he enjoyed the visit. Momma made sure that Santa knew how very good Noah had been this year. Noah thought Santa was pretty great. He especially loved the fuzzy trim on Santa's coat. Noah was dressed to represent in his cute Santa smocked jumper. Lucky him, he matched Santa's chair too.

One More Thing

Oh... yeah. Can I have a national championship game too please? Geaux Tigers!

All I Want for My Half-Birthday...

Is an SEC Championship. Can there possibly be any more headlines, drama, and distractions (and more headlines) surrounding this game?

Noah turns 6 months today, and it is so hard to believe he has only been here a half year. Dean and I both said recently... "what did we ever do before little Mister No?" I have vague memories of a full night's sleep, but other than that our house must have been so empty without him. He is the best thing ever. Happy Half-Birthday Noah!