Noah's 4th Birthday

Can't believe that it's already been 4 years since my petite little 9 1/2 pound bouncing baby Noah made his way into the world, changing our lives forever.

How the heck did that happen so fast?! Noah turned four on September 18th! We had a fun day celebrating. Paul & I had signed up to run the Zoo Run that morning. Noah was still asleep when we headed to the zoo for the 8:30am 4-mile run. I was surprised after finishing to see him, Elliot & Claire there at the finish line cheering for us. I felt so bad I didn't hear/see him cheering until I was done. It may be because I was simultaneously cussing Paul out in my head for telling me to sprint while trying to just breathe and keep going up that last hill. Paul & I finished the run in 38:53, which is great. Previously, my best 4 mile time was 40 minutes (downhill) and this was a very hilly route, so I was pleased. Paul went "slow" so he could run with me.

I look irritated, don't I? I heard someone say once they will take up running when they actually see someone running with a smile on their face. haha!

We hung out at the zoo for awhile, seeing the Polar Bear and letting the boys play. That afternoon we had family over for a casual party. We grilled out, the boys played, ate some cake and opened some presents. Just a laid back time with family. The boys spent most of the time building forts. I wish we had taken more pictures that day. I think we were just enjoying hanging out with our family.

This is a little 4 year old update on Noah:
- He is a big boy - 47lbs and tall (will know when he goes to the doctor next exact height). He wears a size 5 in clothes & 11.5 in shoes
-He is riding his big boy bike with pedals (and no training wheels) all.over.town
-He loves building forts with these rubber foam mat things we have
-He can write his name well (in capital letters). He knows all his letters and their sounds. Can recognize/sound out some simple words.
-He cuts really well with scissors, too
-He is pretty independent. Dresses himself everyday, brushes his own teeth, even makes his own lunch and snacks.
-He really enjoys playing with Elliot, but plays way rougher and wilder than I like. Elliot laughs the whole time and loves it - until he inevitably gets hurt.
-He is very sweet to other kids - especially little kids.
-He will be starting preschool in January 2 days a week! Then he will go to Pre-K in the Fall. I'm not sure if he'll do 2 or 3 days a week. I'll see what he's ready for when the time comes.

Opening presents

Pumpkin cake with cream cheese icing

"I wish for my friends having dinner."