Who's BIG???

Look at this big kid! Jay calls him "Big Kid in the Big Kid Car Seat". Since Noah has met the requirements of a forward facing car seat, we had to get him one right away. He loves it even more than we thought he would. He stares out the window in awe of everything he never knew was out there.

Happy 1st Birthday to our Newest Love, Noah!!

This morning, we made Noah's favorite breakfast - Blueberry Pancakes. We sang to him and he loved it!!

We took a picture of Noah at exactly 12:28pm. He was exactly 1 year old!!
Then Noah helped Daddy put his carseat in Nana's car. We were off to his 1 year check-up where the doctor was extremely pleased with his development. By the way, he is officially 20lbs3oz so we are going to get him a forward-facing carseat this weekend. He's going to love seeing everything around him. He always stretches his little neck to try to catch a glimpse out the window, but he's in there so tight that it's hard for him to see much.
That evening, we went out to dinner with Nana & Papa. Noah loves putting things on his head, so we emptied his cup for him and he made a party hat for himself. We sang to him again and again and again. The table behind us had two little girls that sang along also. They were wondering why we kept singing it over and over. Noah loves music (and dancing to it). He kept telling us (in his own way) for more - so we did - hey, it's his birthday!!

A Birthday Letter

I remember this day like it was yesterday. One year later, words still can't describe the feelings I have for you. It's like half of my heart wasn't even working for the first 25 1/2 years of my life. I feel more complete being your mother than any other accomplishment could ever fulfill. You have prioritized our lives. We never question what's most important. You are our life and our love. We thank God daily for sending us such a beautiful soul. We feel blessed beyond measure to have you as our son. We promise you and God to be Christian examples in hopes that you will come to know the Lord early in life. We hope that you find security in seeing that your mom and dad love and respect each other. We've made a covenant with God that we will be together till death do us part. We ask God to be with the parents of your future wife - that they lay a strong foundation to prepare their daughter for a life of serving the Lord. Noah, just know that we love you unconditionally. We are proud of you and everything you are today at the tender age of 1. Happy 1st Birthday!

Presents!

Noah's still not too much into opening presents. Once they're opened, however, he wants them out of the box to play with. Thank you to everyone for blessing Noah with such wonderful gifts. Now to find a place for them all... Aren't these the cutest pj's? Nana & Papa got him these along with a pair of Spidey jammies as well. Yes, that is a cape that you see in the top picture. I think I may love it more than he does! On top of all the gifts you see in the picture above, he also received a sandbox and picnic table from Mimi & Poppy and swimming lessons from Great Grandma & Great Grandpa Erickson. It's a Mommy & Me class, so we'll be taking them together. We're going to have a blast in the water! Don't worry, I'm sure Nana and Mimi will be in attendance to take pictures. I'll be sure to post them.

Noah's Party!!

Noah's birthday party was so much fun!!! He had a blast playing with everyone! He especially enjoyed his first taste of real sugar. You can see him eyeing that cupcake. It looks like he really knew that that thing contained sugar and it was about to be his, all his! And it was. We let him eat the whole thing - and he did. He was so neat about it. We imagined it being a wild mess, but he was so dainty. He clearly didn't want to waste a morsel. Thank you to everyone who came to help us celebrate! We haven't opened presents yet, but thank you for those as well. Noah will love them.
PS: Check out the video on the left of us singing to Noah and him eating his cupcake.

Happy Birthday Great Aunt Nancy!

Noah's Great Aunt Nancy and Great Uncle Steve are in town for a visit. Aunt Nancy was here last March visiting hopeful to meet Noah before heading back to Vermont. Unfortunately, little Noah didn't arrive on time. Well, they're back again and were able to celebrate Noah's 1st birthday with us all. And of all the days we could've chosen to celebrate, it was her birthday! Happy Happy Birthday! We've had a great time with you and Uncle Steve and are excited to see you again soon!

Birthday Favors

We are starting to prepare for Noah's birthday party this weekend. I made chocolate dipped pretzels and rolled them in caramel, sprinkles, and coconut. Then Nana came over and we made chocolate suckers from molds. It was a lengthy project, but lots of fun. They turned out so much better than I imagined, so I just had to post them. We hope everyone enjoys them on Saturday.

A Family Reunion!

What a small world it is to find out that your long, lost family friends live down the street... After too many years, we have been reunited with friends that feel like family. We had a great time sharing memories over a bbq dinner tonight. I have a feeling we won't lose touch again.

Congratulations!!

Congratulations Aunt Jenna and soon-to-be Uncle John on your engagement! We are so happy for you!!

Family Night

Tonight, we all had dinner over G&G Sottosanti's. There were 13 of us. It reminded me of a mini Christmas at my G&G Rosplock's house. It's crazy to see how we are all so different - our personalities, ages, preferences - but we get along so well. I know I say this all the time, but we are truly blessed to have a close family. It wasn't long ago that Jay and I were here in Arizona alone and had no idea how much we would value our family one day. We are so lucky that so many have joined us out here, and are extremely hopeful that there are more to come. We can't wait to have more at the table!! We love you all!! PS: Not like Noah doesn't get enough attention at these gatherings, but he would love to have more family to wear out.

Aunt Donna & Uncle Wayne

Aunt Donna & Uncle Wayne are here for a visit from NC. They were so thoughtful and brought Noah an early birthday present. He was much more into unwrapping than he was at Christmas. Thank you so much for the cute outfit - and the hanger - he loves it!!

Welcome Back!

Grandma and Grandpa Erickson just arrived! It didn't take Noah too long to reconnect with his Great Grandparents. He noticed Grandma's necklace and was trying it on a moment later.