this is me.

Monday, January 31, 2011

Good Morning, Dodo!

This photo is for my father-in-law, who recently retired and now starts his mornings off with a dose of Judah and our family blog.

We hope your morning is full of soaring stocks, strong coffee and a wife that gets up before 10 a.m. We are so excited for you and a new chapter in your life. We are so incredibly proud of all you have accomplished and how hard you have worked. You have taught us so many things over the years, like exterminators are actually Pest Management Specialists, dress shirts should be starched, head cheese is good for you (the jury is still out on that one), golf scores aren't necessarily reflective of swing ability, brown socks are always in style, and, most importantly, the ability to laugh at ourselves. And sometimes at you.

We love you.

Christmas Morning 2010
(The boys haven't had their coffee yet.)

:: Judah Winslow Noel ::

(Posted 1 month late. Momma's sorry!)

18 pounds 5 ounces

28 inches

At nine months old, you are becoming your own little person so rapidly.

Everyday there are moments when you seem like a little boy already, no longer a baby. Whether its in the way you turn your head, the way you understand I'm teasing you - giving me a sly little grin, or the way you sit munching on a mum mum. They all show me you are no longer my wee babe.

You got your two front teeth for Christmas, just days apart. The tiny little gap between them melts me.

You have gotten a wee bit sassy, desperately trying to escape while I dress you, and even throwing a mini tantrum once or twice. Its hard not to laugh. You scowl when focused and unimpressed... I see myself reflected in you. We have the same forehead furrow.

You've discovered your hands more and more, clapping to music or when your toys light up. You learned your first sign - milk - after only a few days. And then quickly learned to wave. Sometimes doing both simultaneously.

You are a sensitive babe, broken hearted and desperate when told "No". You are persistent, not getting frustrated by obstacles or well-placed obstructions, but tenaciously pushing forward until your goal is achieved (read: teething on something electronic & usually involves cell phones, tv remotes, and playstation controllers.)

My son, my son. You are making our life richer by the day.

Love,

your momma

:: Miss Skyla ::

Early January, Judah & I board a jet plane and headed down to Vegas. Not a typical vacation spot with a 9-month old, but my 'new' sister lives there. She's new because I got her for Christmas last year, courtesy of facebook.

We spent three days wandering malls, snuggling babies and discussing everything motherhood, including diapers, bootie creams, and breast pumps. Just like real sisters.

I could not get enough of 6 week old Skyla, Judah's very first cousin. Her cheeks were plump, her hair wild and her outfits beyond girly. She's a complete doll.

One of my favorites from our afternoon photo session.