Paging Doctor Noah

One of Noah's therapist changed clinics, and it just so happens that her new office is adjacent to Daddy's hospital. Daddy is forewarned that he can expect some visitors twice a week around lunchtime for Noah's hour break before therapy.

Today both Noah and Daddy were super excited to see each other. 

Noah enjoyed some chocolate milk while playing with Daddy's paperweights.

Then Daddy took Noah back to see the machines.

Then Ms. Nora took Noah back to get a quick ultrasound of his wrist.

Then Noah got his very own hat and mask, "Just like Daddy."

Then, he announced, "I need something else!" So, gloves and some lead were added to his ensemble.

Someone asked Noah, "What kind of doctor are you?" "I'm a Noah doctor," he replied.

Daddy said as we headed off to therapy, "Best day of work ever!"

O Christmas Tree

Daddy promised Noah he would come home from work with a Christmas tree.

So, the kids and I went outside to wait.

Noah was super excited for Daddy to pull up.

Daddy picked out an awesome tree. 

And, he strung the lights.

Noah supervised.

Emma approved.

It turned out beautiful and filled our house with Christmas spirit.  If I didn't know better, I would think this spirit originated from our Daddy.  Yay Christmas!

A Perfect Fit

For Valentine’s Day 2003, Dean got up bright and early (about 9:00 AM for a pre-kid couple) drove to Big Lots and purchased our first queen bed frame as a gift for me. It was a sleigh bed that resembled the pricey ones sold at Pottery Barn, but for the bargain price of $299. It was a great bed, and it served us well for the next 8 years.

 

Fast forward to 2011, two kids and way earlier mornings, Dean and I are visiting family in Louisiana. I beg him to come with me to this Indonesian export furniture store. They don't deliver to Texas, but they are having a 50% off sale. We are thinking it's time for a king sized bed.  We end of buying a bed and a matching armoire.

This past weekend, Dean's parents were nice enough to rent a U-Haul and drive our new bedroom over. Dean and I were both looking forward to our new suite.

As Dean and his dad unloaded the dresser, carried it into the house, moved it down the hallway towards our bedroom, they came to the realization that the piece was too big to make the turn. They couldn't get it into the room. It was about a foot to deep. The problem solving begin. Solutions were tossed around and rejected.

Dean finally looked at me and said, "it is physically impossible to get this [non-refundable, matches our new bed] piece of furniture into our bedroom."

My response, "what about the bathroom window?"

I'm happy to report that three strong men were able to execute my crazy, last ditch option. And, now I'm pretty sure the armoire will remain in the house long after we're gone.

Thanks guys for all your hard work.

Five Things Friday 11.11.11 - Umm... How Could I Not Do a Post Today?!?

This week Noah's school had their annual "Dad's Day."  It is a day where dad's come to school with their kids and follow them around for the whole day.  The school has a mom's day too, but that's not until the spring.  Noah was super excited that Daddy was going to school, and we may or may not have told him about it a bit too early, because Tuesday and Wednesday he was crying at pick-up because he thought that Daddy was coming to school.  So, Thursday was the day.  These days are so great because you get to see a side of your kid that is usually reserved just for his teachers.  And, without further ado, here five things that Daddy has to say about spending the day with his little buddy.

1. Noah listens so well to start the day at school.  He is the first to volunteer... for everything.  During circle, Noah was chosen to sing the circle song.  Actually, it was more of a "Pick me! Pick me! I want to sing the circle song!"  He was a little shy, but got up in front of the class and sang out loud.  I was proud of my boy today.   

2. The teacher asked the class "what book to you want?"  Although Noah was the first to cast his vote, he was outnumbered twice.  I do think that there was a bit of collusion because I think the teacher was swaying the other student's votes.  Not in a conspiracy kind of way, but just to fit in accordance with her education plan.  I mean, who would really pick "Five Fat Turkeys" over the "The Old Lady that Swallowed a Pie."  Everyone knows that the old lady could die, and isn't that what a good book is all about. 

3. Thursday is gymnastics day with Coach B.  I was very impressed with Noah during gymnastics.  He did exactly what was asked of him.  Bear crawl. Big jump. Straddle stand. Forward roll. Hand stand. Balance beam jumps.  He  only struggled a bit with the forward roll.  But, really... who wouldn't.  The most amazing part was when Noah put both hands on the ground and climbed his feet up the wall and held the handstand for five seconds.  This display was followed by a chat with coach about private lessons. 

4. During social skills, the kids were playing cars.  Despite four other kids, three teachers and five dads all participating, Noah somehow ended up with three of the five cars.  Tricky.

5.  My only complaint was that they gave him five goldfish crackers on a paper towel for snack.  Little did I know that when I came home to complain to my wife, that I was talking to the school's snack coordinator.  Apparently, she's been a little busy and is planning to restock the snack closet really soon. 
 

I love my boy!

One

I read an interview with Bono once.  He was talking about U2's song One, and how he didn't know why so many couples used it as a wedding song since he wrote the song about a terrible breakup.  But, there is this one line in the song that says, "We're one, but we're not the same.  We get to carry each other." 

I totally get that.  And, for me that is what marriage is all about. 

Two people becoming one.  From totally different families.  Completely different backgrounds.  Different opinions and views.  And every day we get to be together.  It's a choice.  To help and support each other.  And, every time we make the choice we become a stronger one.

Happy Anniversary to my husband Dean. 

I watched you this past week with Noah.  You are so patient and kind and loving.  And, I wonder if eight years ago, I even considered what kind of father you'd make.  You are awesome, and Noah is so lucky to have you on his team.  We do things differently, and maybe that isn't such a bad thing.  I love our one, and I can't wait to get to carry on with you.  I love you!

PS - I am pretty sure Noah loves you too.

Back to the Bounce House

It's time to insert some levity on this here blog.  Nothing says footloose and fancy free like a birthday party.  Don't worry we aren't still celebrating Noah's birthday.  Although, he did have a grand total of five birthday cakes this year.  But, I digress. 

Happy Birthday Henry!  Arrggghh!

As I guess you can tell from his head wear, Henry had a pirate birthday party.  My friend Judi, who is oh so Martha Stewart-like in the baking department made this cake.

Ummm... impressive. 

Not only did the party have a super cute pirate theme, it was at the super fun bounce house.  Noah loves him so bounce house!

Daddy was off this weekend, so he was able to join in on all the fun. 

You know what else Noah loves about the bounce house... besides the bouncing, of course.  Air hockey.

So does Henry!  Oh yeah... this place is nothing but fun!

Our Backyard Just Got Super-Duper Fun

Sometime before the free swing set, we got a free sandbox. (Thanks Lisa!) 

And sometime between the free swingset and the free sandbox, I bit the bullet and ordered a backyard play castle.

Here's a little tip.  WD40.  It saves you a lot of time and brute strength when putting together these plastic play structures. 

Noah loved the castle and kept referring to it as the Magic Kingdom.

He was really excited about the slide coming out of the back.  I hate to tell him that he is going to outgrow this way quicker than we thought.

Noah is a fan of doors being closed.  Daddy may have to come up with some way to close this from the inside.  Fingers are bound to get smashed otherwise.

Oh yes.  This is turning out to be one fun backyard.  Anyone want to come over and play?

Our Backyard Just Got Super Fun

I was included on a random, mass email from a lady in one of my mom's group who was looking to get rid of a backyard swing set as soon as possible.  I emailed her back, "we'll take it."  And, sent Dean to pick it up yesterday afternoon from the nice couple standing in their backyard staring at a large pile of wood that would soon be their new, bigger, and better play set.  Dean arrived home late afternoon with cast off after giving it a quick run through the car wash.  Noah was super excited.

Noah couldn't wait for Daddy to put it together.  He sort of got in the way during the assembly process, so I had to corral him in the house.

And, Daddy luckily got it together in time for a quick test run just before dark.

Today, despite the so-so weather, Noah spent a lot of time outside breaking in his new play set.  Here it is.

And, if these faces are any indication, I think my impulse to give this play set a new home where spot on.

Even Daddy said that all the hard work getting this thing in our backyard was so worth it.

W.D.

Unless you live under a rock, you may have heard the Saints won Superbowl 44. We are pretty excited over here.  And, we were cheering for the hometeam.  Although, I am sure it was no surprise that I had a little trouble cheering against Peyton Manning. Remember this and even this.  But in the end, how could I not get behind something like this.

                                          Photo taken from NOLA.com

I love this post from the Motherlode.

"Who Dat" has been the word on the street all season.  And, for Dean, it's one of those longstanding, irrational, football fan superstitions that he holds firm. "I don't say 'W.D.?'" he tells me mid season.

"W.D.? You mean Who Dat?," I ask.

"Shh... not in this house.  Never ever." he says giving me the evil eye for my utterance.

Well, Internets you know what they say about saying never. Last night as the Vince Lombardi trophy was carried through the crowd of Saints players, each reverently touching the silver football perched atop, Dean looked over at me and whispered, "Who Dat?

Congratulations Saints! Way to make your state proud!

My dad forwarded me some pictures of the kids from hometown celebrations.  Now these are some true members of the Who Dat Nation!  Miss you guys!!

Morgan

Seth

Katie

Brooke

Zack