Going to the Zoo, Zoo, Zoo...

Today is January 20th and it was 77 degrees! We took advantage of today's beautiful weather and visited the Dallas Zoo. This was Noah's second trip to the zoo. His first trip was last February, on another gorgeous winter day. He was much more aware of the animals this time and was so excited to walk around and explore.

He doesn't look too thrilled here. He wanted to get down and run around - not look at the camera with Mommy holding him.

First thing he did was run to the slide in the Children's Zoo area. He loves to slide!

"Hey Mom, look at me!"

I love this pic because it look like the fish is giving him a kiss.

I think the koi "pond" was his favorite part today. Some of the koi were as big as he was! He could have looked at them all day long.

He also loved the goats.

This child has NO FEAR. He ran right up to goats to pet each and every one of them.

Noah's Latest Trick

Noah is discovering new things every day. From new things to look at to new things that he can do. He is very good at climbing up and down our stairs now and can do so all by himself (for the most part). He has now discovered he can climb the outside part of the stairway. Scary!!

These pictures were taken a couple of nights ago. It was the first time and we were both so amazed that we kind of just let him do it to see how far he would go. We do not allow him to do this anymore. :)

After he got mid-way up, he climbed down a couple of steps and plopped down onto the sofa. He laughed the entire time. He is definitely going to be a handful as he grows up!

Flashback Friday

I love this picture of Noah with his sunglasses on. This picture was taken in Colorado. It was Noah's first time in the snow.

Flashback Friday

I am going to try something new starting today - Flashback Friday.

It's almost hard to remember that Noah used to be this small! Both pictures were taken when he was almost 2 days old. He is growing up way too fast!

Ice Skating

Noah got his first pair of baby ice skates for Christmas so we decided to take him ice skating. We went to the Galleria in Dallas. Grammy, Amy, Bryce and Garrett joined us and Grandma. Noah loved it at first but quickly became frustrated. That's okay, he's got plenty of time to learn! He sat out with the Grandmas and watched everyone else skate.

Christmas 2011

I am FINALLY posting about Christmas. We had such a good Christmas this year. Noah was a little more aware of what was going on this year but I know next year will be even better. Our little guy made out like a bandit with gifts from his sweet family!

We had Christmas with Adam's side of the family on December 23rd. Noah had so much fun playing with his cousins. I think that is the best present for him! I actually forgot to bring our camera, so the pictures were taken by Aunt Amy (thanks!).

Uncle David, Adam, Kerri, Amy, Bryce, Ryan and Noah

Garrett, Noah, Bryce, Drew and Truett

Who cares what's in the box?! It's more fun to jump and dance ON the box!

My mom flew in from Atlanta on Christmas Eve and was able to spend an entire week with us. Christmas morning we all opened our presents.

Noah saw his Rody Horse first and jumped right on!

Merry Christmas from Grandma!

Lola and her Jingle Jammies

Ooh, what's inside?

Noah's first pair of ice skates!!! Our little hockey player is ready!

New slippers!

Dancing on top of the box again

Making cookies with Grandma

Grandma and Lola chasing Noah for the cookie!

Later in the week, we took a day trip down to San Antonio to visit my grandparents and aunt. Mom hadn't seen them in awhile and it had been a couple of months since they had seen Noah.

Hanging out in the front yard

Grandma, Noah, Kerri and Granny

I'll make dinner tonight - we're grilling!

Noah loves to be chased!

Fist bump/high five combo with Grandpa

Snuggles with Granny

Noah, Grandma, Granny and Aunt Michele

18 Months

Noah, you are 18 months old! Your well exam wasn't until this morning, so I am posting this a few days late. You are growing by leaps and bounds in every way. You amaze me every day and I love to watch you discover new things.

• You now weigh 26 lbs, 7.6 oz (50%) and are 33 inches long (75%)
• You are wearing some 18 month clothing but fit mostly in size 24 months and wear a size 6 shoe
• You are still wearing a size 4 diaper
• You have not cut any teeth over the past few months so you still only have 11, but I see a couple that are ready to pop out
• Your hair is growing and growing. You have a little rat tail in the back when you hair is wet. When it is dry, you have lots of curls in the back!
• You are down to one nap a day and lately it has been in the afternoon. You will sleep anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours
• You usually sleep through the night, but during the last couple of weeks, you have been waking up at least once during the night. You will go back to sleep fairly quickly after we check on you.
• You are starting to say a few more words, but are mostly still babbling. You babble all day long! 
• You love to read books. Your favorite at the moment seems to be Put Me in the Zoo. You like to point at all the spots.
• You are learning more body parts - some new parts you now know are arms, legs, elbow, hands, and feet.
• You are starting to mimic things that you see Mommy or Daddy do or even things you see on your cartoons.
• You still love to be outside and play. Lately, it's been a little chilly so we haven't spent as much time outside, but we try to go out every now and then.
• You really like to help Mommy and Daddy with what we are doing. You can help unload safe dishes out of the dishwasher, put your toys in your toy box, put Lola's food bowl down for her, put things in the trash can, help clean/wipe down the table and lots of other things.
• You have become fascinated with Daddy's bicycle in the garage. I keep telling you that you have to wait a little while longer until you have your own.
• You love to give hugs and kisses. You also like to blow kisses to people.

Noah, you are so much fun and I am so thankful that I get to spend my days with you. Your Daddy and I love you so much and are so blessed to have you as our baby!

Just chillin' after dinner

Crazy post-nap hair. I kid you not, it was really sticking up like this!

Waiting for the doctor

"Who the heck is this guy sitting next to me?"

Driving the firetruck at the mall

Bubble bath!

We went to Santa's Village in Grapevine and Noah was more interested in the water fountain. He spent half the time we were there, trying to get into the fountain!

Snowman!

This year's visit with Santa - Noah wasn't thrilled to be in Santa's lap