For the past several days, Noah has also discovered that he loves sticking out his tongue and has spent a lot of time channeling his Michael Jordan-esque tongue wagging.
Monday, July 28, 2008
New Things
Noah is able to sit up by himself now. I think he started doing it consistently a few days ago, about two weeks shy of his 6-month birthday. He seems to be very proud of his new found independence on the floor.
For the past several days, Noah has also discovered that he loves sticking out his tongue and has spent a lot of time channeling his Michael Jordan-esque tongue wagging.
For the past several days, Noah has also discovered that he loves sticking out his tongue and has spent a lot of time channeling his Michael Jordan-esque tongue wagging.
Catching Up
Mommy and Daddy have been slacking on the blog posts lately, so I took it upon myself to post some recent pictures...Love, Noah
Celebrating Aunt Alyssa's birthday with Mommy, Gigi, & great-Aunt Susie
I need some Jimmy Buffett music!
Playing with my new friend Jacob
great-Aunt Amy babysat me while Mom and Dad went to dinner at Fleming's. We had fun!
great-Uncle Charles teaching me "Touchdown Tennessee"
Celebrating Aunt Alyssa's birthday with Mommy, Gigi, & great-Aunt Susie
I need some Jimmy Buffett music!
Playing with my new friend Jacob
great-Aunt Amy babysat me while Mom and Dad went to dinner at Fleming's. We had fun!
great-Uncle Charles teaching me "Touchdown Tennessee"
Friday, July 18, 2008
Noah's Friend Haley
There is a sweet little girl in Noah’s class that needs to be lifted up in prayer. Her name is Haley. She was born on Feb. 5 (just two days before Noah). She has Down Syndrome and had heart surgery this past Tuesday to repair a valve. Her surgery went beautifully, but she developed an infection yesterday and almost died. She is now stable, but still fighting for her life.
Noah’s lead nursery teacher visited Haley’s family after work yesterday and stayed at the hospital until 11 pm. Haley’s parents have been calling P&J all week to keep everyone updated. P&J’s director, Jenny, took a basket of goodies to the family this morning.
Since Noah is just 2 minutes from my office, I am privileged to get to spend my lunch break nursing him everyday. I’ve gotten to know Haley and she is such a remarkable baby. Please pray for Haley’s body to heal and for her parents to feel God’s arms wrapped around them and their precious little girl. Although we praise God everyday for Noah’s life, it’s times like these that take your breath away as a parent. We are so thankful for Noah’s health and hope he and Haley will get to hang out again VERY soon.
Noah’s lead nursery teacher visited Haley’s family after work yesterday and stayed at the hospital until 11 pm. Haley’s parents have been calling P&J all week to keep everyone updated. P&J’s director, Jenny, took a basket of goodies to the family this morning.
Since Noah is just 2 minutes from my office, I am privileged to get to spend my lunch break nursing him everyday. I’ve gotten to know Haley and she is such a remarkable baby. Please pray for Haley’s body to heal and for her parents to feel God’s arms wrapped around them and their precious little girl. Although we praise God everyday for Noah’s life, it’s times like these that take your breath away as a parent. We are so thankful for Noah’s health and hope he and Haley will get to hang out again VERY soon.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Cover Boy!
Congrats to Noah on being the cover athlete for the new NCAA Football '09 video game, which hits store shelves tomorrow. As you can see, he's intense and intimidating!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Just a good story for the day
I came across this story today and just wanted to pass it along. No matter if you're a fan of John Mayer (Tyra and I are) or his music, this is a heartwarming story about how a simple act of kindness gave this little boy, Issac, a memory he will never forget. It's just really, really cool to read stories like this!
I'll post the links in the order that I read them:
1. John Mayer's Blog ~ "Meet Issac"
2. Issac Foundation's Blog Read the stories "More Ups and Downs on Our Journey" dated July 6, 2008 (read the bottom of the post)...then read "Life Lessons from John Mayer," dated July 8, 2008.
I'll post the links in the order that I read them:
1. John Mayer's Blog ~ "Meet Issac"
2. Issac Foundation's Blog Read the stories "More Ups and Downs on Our Journey" dated July 6, 2008 (read the bottom of the post)...then read "Life Lessons from John Mayer," dated July 8, 2008.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Carry The Fight!
I think I'll start showing this video to Noah twice daily until the season opener at UCLA (Monday, Sept. 1, 8 pm EDT, ABC). This video rocks! Only 54 more days's till IT'S FOOTBALL TIME IN TENNESSEE!
Monday, July 7, 2008
5 Months Old Today!
Noah turned 5 months old today. It's so hard to believe how fast the time has flown. He has changed so much over the course of this month that looking back on pictures and videos from earlier in the month, it makes me wonder, "was that really THIS month?"
Noah is learning new things everyday and it's such a gift and blessing to see his curiosity grow more and more. Here are a few fun-facts about Noah's 5th month:
- He started sleeping primarily on his stomach at bedtime. This started when he had a stuffy nose and he just naturally started rolling over during the night. Most of the time, now, he'll roll right over when we put him down for bed and sleep all night like that. He never stays in one place though and he often does doughnuts in his crib...we never know which end of the bed he'll wake up on! Also, for any of you with young babies, Tyra and I highly recommend this and this for colds and stuffy noses!! Works like a charm and smells good too!
- He now eats rice cereal twice a day (morning and afternoon) and seems to really like it. It gets a little messy, but who cares. His, poops, have become...shall we say...a little stinkier! Whoa!!!!!
- He is fascinated with Gabi and enjoys watching her walk around, play with her toys, and wag her tail.
- He plays peek-a-boo with himself and us. He likes using his burp-cloth to "hide," then pull it down so we can see him.
- He laughs a lot at our silly songs and faces.
- He wakes up almost every morning at about 6:30 talking to himself in his crib, then gives us a huge smile when he sees us...one of the best moments in life!
- He has started to hold his own bottle, though he still needs a little help to tilt it up all the way.
-Has patented what his teachers at PJCA call his "old man face." Some examples--->
- Noah loves being around other kids. He cracks up when they act silly around him.
- As you'll see in his 5 month video, he is trying really hard to crawl, but he's not quite there yet.
- Favorite toys this month: Octi the purple octypus, black and white "crunchy-sounding ball, monkey rattle, blue dog that plays music.
Noah is learning new things everyday and it's such a gift and blessing to see his curiosity grow more and more. Here are a few fun-facts about Noah's 5th month:
- He started sleeping primarily on his stomach at bedtime. This started when he had a stuffy nose and he just naturally started rolling over during the night. Most of the time, now, he'll roll right over when we put him down for bed and sleep all night like that. He never stays in one place though and he often does doughnuts in his crib...we never know which end of the bed he'll wake up on! Also, for any of you with young babies, Tyra and I highly recommend this and this for colds and stuffy noses!! Works like a charm and smells good too!
- He now eats rice cereal twice a day (morning and afternoon) and seems to really like it. It gets a little messy, but who cares. His, poops, have become...shall we say...a little stinkier! Whoa!!!!!
- He is fascinated with Gabi and enjoys watching her walk around, play with her toys, and wag her tail.
- He plays peek-a-boo with himself and us. He likes using his burp-cloth to "hide," then pull it down so we can see him.
- He laughs a lot at our silly songs and faces.
- He wakes up almost every morning at about 6:30 talking to himself in his crib, then gives us a huge smile when he sees us...one of the best moments in life!
- He has started to hold his own bottle, though he still needs a little help to tilt it up all the way.
-Has patented what his teachers at PJCA call his "old man face." Some examples--->
- Noah loves being around other kids. He cracks up when they act silly around him.
- As you'll see in his 5 month video, he is trying really hard to crawl, but he's not quite there yet.
- Favorite toys this month: Octi the purple octypus, black and white "crunchy-sounding ball, monkey rattle, blue dog that plays music.
Fouth of July Weekend
We had a fun and relaxing Fourth of July weekend. It spoils us to get an extra weekend day with Noah, and makes heading back to the office on Monday even tougher. Here are some pictures from the weekend, as well as a few others we've taken over the past few weeks.
Chillin out in my swimming pool
They made these t-shirts at school for the kids...we love all the crafts they make!
Happy Birthday Grand-Don!
Noah and JenMommy at Pancake Pantry in Nashville
Noah playing with cousins Leah and Benjamin
Chillin out in my swimming pool
They made these t-shirts at school for the kids...we love all the crafts they make!
Happy Birthday Grand-Don!
Noah and JenMommy at Pancake Pantry in Nashville
Noah playing with cousins Leah and Benjamin
Monday, June 16, 2008
The Forrest Spence Fund
Our good friends, Brittany and David Spence have created the Forrest Spence Fund in memory of their son Forrest, who passed away on November 4, 2007.
The first annual Forrest Spence 5K race is being held in Memphis on Saturday, September 6, four days before what would have been Forrest's first birthday. There is an opportunity for people who cannot make it to Memphis for the race to be a "GHOST RUNNER" in the race to show your support for the Forrest Spence Fund, which benefits the Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center in Memphis. I hope you will all consider joining Tyra, Noah, and I on being "GHOST RUNNERS" in the race.
Here is some more information on the Forrest Spence Fund, and please visit the website for more stories, photos, and information on the race.
Goals of the Forrest Spence Fund
The Fund supplies a convenience basket for families with babies in the PICU who are facing an extended stay. Comfort items in the baskets include the following:
A handmade blanket
A roll of quarters for vending machines
Magazines
Lotion
Hand sanitizer
A stuffed animal
Children's books
A journal
The book "Praying the Scriptures for Your Child"
Chapstick
Baby socks
Baby hat
Notecards
A card to decorate for the baby's bed
Snacks and water
The Fund also provides for stocking the PICU wish list with items such as:
Crib mobiles
CD players
CDs
Books
Blankets
Socks
Hats
Teethers
Crib mirrors
Sound machines
Night lights
Bubbles
Stuffed animals
Goodies and treats for the PICU staff
Last year, more than 1600 children and their families were cared for in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center. With each child, there came a story. It is these stories - stories of courage, love, fear, uncertainty, healing, joy and sadness - that explain the impact that Le Bonheur and its staff can have on a child, a family, even a community and a kingdom.
Eatin' From a Spoon
On Saturday, we let Noah try his first few bites of rice cereal. Not surprisingly, he LOVED it! He got the hang of eating from a spoon almost instantly, and didn't even make much of a mess and he slurped the cereal from the spoon. It was fun to watch!
A great weekend
Thanks to everyone for that "Happy Daddy's Day" wishes. We had a great weekend, and it was so much fun to celebrate my 1st Father's Day as a Dad. We just hung out at home and relaxed most of the weekend, and watched a lot of golf on TV! It was always great to remember my Dad so fondly on Father's Day, and I think all dads have a special and unique connection with their sons or duaghters. Different than Moms, but special and unique in its own way. I now know what it means to look at my son and see myself and Tyra in him, and laugh at his personality and little quirks and feel so proud that he's our son.
I was really touched this weekend with all of the outpouring or love, stories, respect, and sadness for the passing of Tim Russert. Friends and colleagues commented almost in unison of his strong work ethic, preparation, and passion he had for life, but that what he loved most in his life was his wife and son, Luke. You could just feel the genuine sadness of the loss, but yet, the stories they shared of his life were so happy and touching. How neat that he made such a mark on so many people's lives, simply by being a good, caring, diligent, fair, and loving person---traits that were instilled in him by his dad, Big Russ! If you haven't already, take time to read Big Russ and Me and Wisdom of our Fathers, two great books that really express how much impact fathers have on the lives of their sons and daughters. This impact is immediate, tangible, and real.
The connection that I had with my dad is something that I will try to emulate every day between Noah, me, and our future children. How blessed we all are to trust in a God who loves us more than we can ever fathom----and it's because of His love for us, that we are able to love others. He is the source of all things pure, lovely, and holy---and fatherhood stems from these good things. I hope one day Noah can say the same things about me that I can say proudly of my dad, that Luke Russert can say of his dad, Tim, and that countless other sons/daughters can say of their dads!
Several of my closest and best friends have become dads this past year, and it's been such a blessing to share stories with each of them how life changes instantly, for the better. So, here's a toast to us Dads...let there never be a day when our sons and duaghters don't know how much we love them, their Moms, or our Heavenly Father through our thoughts, words, and actions.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Happy 1st Father's Day Eric!
It has been such a blessing to watch Eric grow into fatherhood over the past four months. I always knew that he would be the most amazing dad to our children, but now I actually get to see him in action.
Noah adores his daddy. Noah’s face lights up whenever Eric starts making goofy faces, singing silly songs or showing off some interesting dance moves. Eric has shared in every aspect of this incredible journey—from pregnancy to birth and all the uncertainty, anxiety and excitement that bringing a child into this world entails.
This slideshow is just a glimpse of sweet moments Eric and Noah have shared over the past 18 weeks. I look forward to the future knowing that Noah has such a wonderful role model in his father. Happy 1st Father’s Day Eric!
Noah adores his daddy. Noah’s face lights up whenever Eric starts making goofy faces, singing silly songs or showing off some interesting dance moves. Eric has shared in every aspect of this incredible journey—from pregnancy to birth and all the uncertainty, anxiety and excitement that bringing a child into this world entails.
This slideshow is just a glimpse of sweet moments Eric and Noah have shared over the past 18 weeks. I look forward to the future knowing that Noah has such a wonderful role model in his father. Happy 1st Father’s Day Eric!
Friday, June 13, 2008
Happy Father's Day from Noah!
Happy Father's Day Grand Don
Remembering my Granddad on Father's Day
Daddy learning how to be a good dad! With Uncle Drew, Uncle Brent and Granddad
Remembering my Granddad on Father's Day
Daddy learning how to be a good dad! With Uncle Drew, Uncle Brent and Granddad
Monday, June 9, 2008
4 Month Doctor Visit
This morning was Noah's 4 month doctor check-up. Everything went great and Noah really seems to enjoy the doctor visits. He laughed, babbled (a lot), and enjoyed looking at all the pictures on the wall. Of course, he wailed for a minute or two when he got his shots, but then calmed back down and was fine. We got the "go-ahead" to start introducing small amounts of rice cereal twice per day, so that hopefully by 6 months old, he'll have the whole eating from a spoon thing down pat.
The past few weeks have been a lot of fun to watch, as Noah is now constantly rolling over from tummy to back and back to tummy with ease. He seems to now prefer being on his tummy so he can lift up with his arms and look at us. Of course, we applaud him and he enjoys being the constant center of attention and grins ear to ear after doing one of his rolls. Twice this week he's been on his belly when we get him out of bed. It's funny to see him on his belly, because he'll try so hard to move forward. He'll lift his legs up in the air (almost like he's skydiving) and rock back and forth but can't go anywhere. He's good at turning around in circles though.
We've also been moving his bedtime up earlier and he's sleeping about 9 1/2 hours a night now, which is nice. We were a little worried how he'd take to the earlier bedtimes, but he's really done well and still wakes up at about the same time. He's actually starting to wake up LATER in the morning now that his bedtime is earlier, even sleeping 10 hours twice this week.
We're so thankful that God has blessed us with a happy, healthy, and growing baby. Every day with him is a tremendous blessing! Here are his 4 month stats. He is well on pace to get some playing time on the defensive line for the VOLS this season!
Weight - 18 lbs. exactly (95th percentile)
Length - 25 1/2 inches (72nd percentile)
Here are some pictures and video from today's doctor visit that I took with my phone:
Ready to see the doctor
Playing on the table...as you can see, he ripped the paper sheet on the table to shreds!
The past few weeks have been a lot of fun to watch, as Noah is now constantly rolling over from tummy to back and back to tummy with ease. He seems to now prefer being on his tummy so he can lift up with his arms and look at us. Of course, we applaud him and he enjoys being the constant center of attention and grins ear to ear after doing one of his rolls. Twice this week he's been on his belly when we get him out of bed. It's funny to see him on his belly, because he'll try so hard to move forward. He'll lift his legs up in the air (almost like he's skydiving) and rock back and forth but can't go anywhere. He's good at turning around in circles though.
We've also been moving his bedtime up earlier and he's sleeping about 9 1/2 hours a night now, which is nice. We were a little worried how he'd take to the earlier bedtimes, but he's really done well and still wakes up at about the same time. He's actually starting to wake up LATER in the morning now that his bedtime is earlier, even sleeping 10 hours twice this week.
We're so thankful that God has blessed us with a happy, healthy, and growing baby. Every day with him is a tremendous blessing! Here are his 4 month stats. He is well on pace to get some playing time on the defensive line for the VOLS this season!
Weight - 18 lbs. exactly (95th percentile)
Length - 25 1/2 inches (72nd percentile)
Here are some pictures and video from today's doctor visit that I took with my phone:
Ready to see the doctor
Playing on the table...as you can see, he ripped the paper sheet on the table to shreds!
Friday, June 6, 2008
4 Month Highlight Video
Noah turns 4 months old tomorrow. Here are some highlights from a busy month of May!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
How's This For "It's a Small World?"
There is a boy in Noah's class named Will. Will's mom is an OBGYN where Noah was born...the same doctor who happened to be on call the day Noah was circumcised! Ha!
That's right, Will's mom circumcised Noah! Tyra thought she recognized her yesterday when they were dropping off Noah/Will, and she finally realized who she was later in the day. Pretty funny!
That's right, Will's mom circumcised Noah! Tyra thought she recognized her yesterday when they were dropping off Noah/Will, and she finally realized who she was later in the day. Pretty funny!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
First Day at School
Noah's first day at day care was yesterday and it went great. Noah made his classroom (i.e. nursery) debut at about 8:15 am and although he was sound asleep, the other 4 babies in the room immediately recognized Noah as the new class clown, ladies man, chic magnet, chatty cathy, and the new "it" guy at Pride & Joy. Ok, so it didn't happen just like that, but you get the idea.
Ready for his first day at P&J Academy
We both went to P & J to drop Noah off for his first day. Tyra will take him most mornings, but of course, on day #1 both of us wanted to be there. I know one thing for sure, day care centers are Grand Central Station at 8:00 am during the week. Noah fell asleep on the way (as he did again this morning, on day #2), so he was happy-go-lucky as we took him into the nursery. We left him in his car seat, so he would keep napping, spoke briefly to his teachers, gave him big kisses goodbye and were out the door.
I remember looking back through the double glass doors of his room as we made our exit. There he was...sleeping peacefully as we left. I don't think I'll ever forget this day, and I know Tyra won't either. My mom told Tyra last week that this would be the first of many "letting go" moments in his life, and now I can see that makes sense. There was our little boy, who except for staying with grandmothers Gigi and JenMommy, has never been away from us. Would his teachers know what he likes? Know what makes him laugh out loud? Know his favorite toys, songs and books? Know how we put him to sleep for naps? All of these questions were weighing on our minds this past week. It's been a struggle, especially for Tyra, but as yesterday came to show, we can only trust that God will keep Noah safe and happy each and every day while we're not with him. I can't imagine the "letting go" moments will EVER get any easier as Noah grows up, but it's such a blessing to know that our healthy, happy, and growing 16 week old little boy will always be in God's hands, and that is all the comfort we need.
Tyra did awesome as we left the building and headed to the parking lot, only shedding a quick tear. Since she works so close to P&J, she went to nurse Noah in the afternoon on her lunch break, so that was a treat for her and Noah. We called twice during the day, and both times his teacher said that he was happily playing in the room. They said "he just smiles so much," and that was a great thing to hear.
I picked him up a little after 5:00 yesterday afternoon and as soon as he saw me, he grinned ear to ear. That was an awesome feeling!! I was so proud of our little man...he did it! He had a great day! And as I loaded him in the car to head for home, he dozed off, worn out from his busy day.
Last night, it was funny, I wished so much that Noah could talk and tell us everything that he did that day. Tyra had a good first day back in the office too and was busy, which helped the transition I guess. So, now, we'll get back in the groove of this new routine and be thankful that the three of us get to go through it together!
Ready for his first day at P&J Academy
We both went to P & J to drop Noah off for his first day. Tyra will take him most mornings, but of course, on day #1 both of us wanted to be there. I know one thing for sure, day care centers are Grand Central Station at 8:00 am during the week. Noah fell asleep on the way (as he did again this morning, on day #2), so he was happy-go-lucky as we took him into the nursery. We left him in his car seat, so he would keep napping, spoke briefly to his teachers, gave him big kisses goodbye and were out the door.
I remember looking back through the double glass doors of his room as we made our exit. There he was...sleeping peacefully as we left. I don't think I'll ever forget this day, and I know Tyra won't either. My mom told Tyra last week that this would be the first of many "letting go" moments in his life, and now I can see that makes sense. There was our little boy, who except for staying with grandmothers Gigi and JenMommy, has never been away from us. Would his teachers know what he likes? Know what makes him laugh out loud? Know his favorite toys, songs and books? Know how we put him to sleep for naps? All of these questions were weighing on our minds this past week. It's been a struggle, especially for Tyra, but as yesterday came to show, we can only trust that God will keep Noah safe and happy each and every day while we're not with him. I can't imagine the "letting go" moments will EVER get any easier as Noah grows up, but it's such a blessing to know that our healthy, happy, and growing 16 week old little boy will always be in God's hands, and that is all the comfort we need.
Tyra did awesome as we left the building and headed to the parking lot, only shedding a quick tear. Since she works so close to P&J, she went to nurse Noah in the afternoon on her lunch break, so that was a treat for her and Noah. We called twice during the day, and both times his teacher said that he was happily playing in the room. They said "he just smiles so much," and that was a great thing to hear.
I picked him up a little after 5:00 yesterday afternoon and as soon as he saw me, he grinned ear to ear. That was an awesome feeling!! I was so proud of our little man...he did it! He had a great day! And as I loaded him in the car to head for home, he dozed off, worn out from his busy day.
Last night, it was funny, I wished so much that Noah could talk and tell us everything that he did that day. Tyra had a good first day back in the office too and was busy, which helped the transition I guess. So, now, we'll get back in the groove of this new routine and be thankful that the three of us get to go through it together!
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Awesome Memorial Day Weekend
We had such a fun weekend just hanging out. Of course, 3-day weekends are always awesome. Noah went on his first picnic at the UT Gardens on Saturday, and he loved looking at all the flowers and being outside. The weather was perfect too.
Exersaucer & Tummy Time
Noah has enjoyed playing in his exerscaucer and playing on his belly lately. Sometimes, he'll only do it for a few minutes at a time though. Whether on his back or tummy during play time, he cracks us up with how quickly he will use his arms and feet to turn himself around, like the second hand on a clock. Last week, he rolled over from his tummy to his back for the first time and we caught it on video, so that was neat.
Exersaucer & Tummy Time
Noah has enjoyed playing in his exerscaucer and playing on his belly lately. Sometimes, he'll only do it for a few minutes at a time though. Whether on his back or tummy during play time, he cracks us up with how quickly he will use his arms and feet to turn himself around, like the second hand on a clock. Last week, he rolled over from his tummy to his back for the first time and we caught it on video, so that was neat.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Noah's Orientation Day
Today was Noah's orientation day at P & J Children's Academy. Tyra starts back to work one week from today, so Noah's first day at school will be next Tuesday. P & J is in a great location for us, less than 1 mile from Tyra's office and I drive right past it every morning on the way to work. This transition will be tough on us, but we know that Noah will be in great hands and will get to meet lots of new friends and teachers who will love him. Noah loves being around new people, so we're confident that he will do great! Today, he met his teachers and new friends for a little while in the nursery room. There are two kids in the class that were born 2 days before Noah (on Feb. 5), and Noah was so much bigger than both of them. All of the kids, who ranged in ages from 3-9 months, were very cute and playful.
For the past 3 1/2 months, Noah has been with Tyra almost all day, every day, and it will be hard to change up their routine, but it will make their time together before/after work and our time together as a family even more precious. We just know that even though it will be tough in the short term, it's what is best for Noah and all of us for the future. Please be praying for Noah, us, and his teachers and friends at P&J over the next few weeks. It's just another "first" for Noah and us, and we know that with God's love and guidance, this will be a smooth transition for Noah. Thanks to everyone for loving our little boy!!!!
For the past 3 1/2 months, Noah has been with Tyra almost all day, every day, and it will be hard to change up their routine, but it will make their time together before/after work and our time together as a family even more precious. We just know that even though it will be tough in the short term, it's what is best for Noah and all of us for the future. Please be praying for Noah, us, and his teachers and friends at P&J over the next few weeks. It's just another "first" for Noah and us, and we know that with God's love and guidance, this will be a smooth transition for Noah. Thanks to everyone for loving our little boy!!!!
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