Reflecting & Catching the Cleaning Bug

It is incredible when I reflect back to just a year ago when Noah was 1st learning to talk. How did that babbling toddler turn into a BIG boy who talks to everyone, asks a zillion questions a day, has countless books memorized and rather read them to me than have me read to him. So sweet. A year ago Noah started walking (last May) at almost 16 months old and today at 27 months he RUNS RUNS RUNS and JUMPS JUMPS JUMPS almost every minute he is awake. What an incredible process watching him grow up has been for me. He is so sensitive and helpful.

Today he actually really helped me clean not just clean up his toys. Sweeping, vacuuming, etc. He actually has his own daily "chores" putting his "babies & blankets away" I like to think of it as making his crib (which will someday translate to making his bed) feeding Addison, putting his shoes away (and Mommy's too sometimes) putting his dirty clothes in the hamper and his dishes in the sink. I wasn't so sure what my topic was when I decided to write today. Maybe like Mommy like son....Those who know me well know I clean not because I like to clean but I like a clean house. Seems like Noah has caught the cleaning bug!

FYI

Wonder why www.birthdayexpress.com is one of my favoritie websites (no I am not obsessed with buying birthday party supplies) Just go to the site put in Pooh where it says search, scroll down a little and their is our little model advertising Pooh Ears!! Yes I am a proud momma!

Noah playing tether ball with Aunt Elana & Daddy and Dancing with his Happy Heart

Grammy & Aunt Elana Come to Visit

We have had a lot going on this last week and this Memorial Day weekend, but I am finding a minute early this morning to catch up. Last weekend Grammy and Aunt Elana came to visit. It seemed like days before Noah stopped asking where they were each morning after they had left.
While they were here we enjoyed the great weather we have been having in Hotlanta and took long walks, went to a big kid playground & spent the evening dancing! Yes dancing! Whether in our living room or at a local outdoor concert Noah is a dancing machine and especially so when there is live music. Last Saturday when out a local event with a band and other family friendly "stuff" the sweetest moment for Mommy was when Noah was in line to get a balloon sculpture. The boys in front of him were asking for things like motorcyles, swords and guns. When Noah got to the front of the line he looked up at the nice man and said "Can I have a heart?". What make it even sweeter is for whatever reason when Noah says the word heart it is said with a very strong southern twang.
Noah has certainly had his moments these past few days of disobedience and using that dreadful word "No" over & over & over! But when his "happy heart" is lost he is doing a good job and getting it together and finding it...

Washing Weston!

Each morning when Noah wakes up I review with him our plans for the day. This day I told him "Noah we are meeting Ty and Mrs Pinson for a walk, then you have swim school and after your nap Weston is coming over for you to babysit him. All day he said "I am watching Weston tonight! I am watching Weston tonight!" It took Weston awhile to warm-up after his Mommy and Daddy dropped him off, but by bath time Noah had him splish splashing! And Watching Weston turned into "Washing" Weston.

Big Boy Pants...Not quite!!

We gave it a try and got Noah some big boy pants with Thomas and Cars. We did "potty training boot camp" for a few days. After the middle of day 3 Noah was very resistant to sit on the potty even knowing he would get a special treat. It seemed he was doing well staying clean and dry and then after several struggles, I suggested we pray. Noah and I asked Jesus for help with potty training and for help deciding if this was the right time to change from diapers to big boy pants. After our time of prayer Noah looked at me and said "Mommy I am not ready to be potty trained". For now I am trusting his little heart and we backing off for awhile. But still he looked so cute in his big boy pants!

Mrs. Harper

Noah has had a busy week with MOPS, Swim lesson, walks, lunch dates and playing, playing, playing. So sweet - today 2 special moments for Mommy. Right, before swim today Noah was getting anxious. I said "Noah do you want to pray and ask Jesus to help you during your lesson" He said, "Yes Mommy!" We went into the changing room - and asked God to keep us safe and calm and help Noah to swim, float and blow bubbles. What do you know he had a GREAT lesson. Than while we were driving I asked Noah "What is Mommy's name" (he has been calling me mom lately and I require Mommy or Momma) He said "Mrs Harper" love it!
Just FYI, we have Noah call all of our friends even our closest friends by their last name as a vehicle to teach respect for authority which we pray will translate someday to respect for the our ultimate authority - God!

We did it...

Today was the day! Noah's first haircut. I have contemplated it for months and even had dreams of giving him a buzz cut with Phillip's clipper. As I have shared with many of you the time and product that I spend on Noah's hair is just as much if not more than I spend on my own. His locks were LONG and full of blonde highlights that remained from days at the pool and beach last summer.
Lately bathtime has had us finding dirt, sand and even sticks embedded in his locks and has left Mommy with lots of frustration as I attempt to comb out the knots.
Noah was great! Not a tear or wiggle. He picked the red airplane chair and sat quietly and patiently while inches of blonde locks were cut from his sweet head. Even though it still measures that 3 inches are left it looks really short too me. I love it although I think I am still in a bit of shock. I know as the summer approaches it will grow back blonder and longer! And in the end the "maintenance" will be MUCH easier.
We highly recommmend Pigtails and Crewcuts in West Cobb. The owner is Nancy Anderson a friend of my mother-in-law. She gave us the royal treatment and was very generous. Check them out for your little ones next haircut.
And don't forget next time you see Noah to ask him about his trim and his "stylist" Ms Gwen!

IMAGINE IT!

This Noah and his great buddy Tyler took a field trip to the Imagine It Children's Museum. I think what I enjoy most is seeing the true friendships that Noah has developed with some of his buddies. Even though there was a lot of "mine" flying around - Ty and Noah love playing together. All the extras at the museum were just icing on the cake. It still seems that one of Noah's favorites is painting and dancing! And as usual whenever time allow Ty gets in a tackle.