[.First Tooth for Christmas!.]

I decided to start directing my Blog directly to Noah.

You're first tooth broke through on Christmas morning! It was a tough week, you were pretty sick with a cough, stuffy, runny nose-the works. You weren't sleeping well. Mommy took you to the Dr to make sure you didn't have an Ear Infection or Flu. Luckily you didn't. I was scared you weren't going to be able to enjoy your First Christmas! Mommy & Daddy worked hard in Santa's Workshop to make sure your Toy Box was ready for all your new toys. We couldn't be more happy with the way it turned out! On Christmas Eve we went to see Mommy's Family & had a nice time. Everyone was dying of cuteness over you! This is a picture of your Christmas Morning & for dinner we went to your Great Grandma's on Daddy's side. You got too many toys to name but your favorite so far is the Jeep Walker, your Seahorse puts you fast asleep & Crawl Ball. You are trying hard to crawl now, but have yet to conquer sitting without reaching for Mommy just yet. Right now your entertaining yourself in your swing by pulling off your bib & just playing with that. Its too cute. We took out the 2 end tables in the Living Room giving you more room to play, this has become your Playroom & I am happy with the space we have for you. Tomorrow we are going to our neighbors for your First New Year's & I feel bittersweet about it. I am kind of sad that it won't be the year of your birth anymore! You will wear your born in 2009 shirt. Before writing here, I wrote you in my handwritten journal that I kept throughout my pregnancy so this is all pretty repeatitive! Ok, time to go play. Love you to pieces!

[.Tis Almost Here!.]

Yay, one week until Christmas! I am all done shopping. We are going to my Aunt's in Toms River Christmas Eve, Steve's Grandma's Christmas Day, have a break Saturday & over to my Grandma's the Sunday after Christmas. (She is the one who will have the most presents for my little one!) As you can see above we went for our Christmas pictures=LOVE! He did so good & was so full of smiles this time. I went for my Biopsy last week & the Dr saw nothing to be concerned over, so I am glad that is out of the way. I go December 29th for the results. We got granschildren pictures to give both sides of the family-that was tough to do! I don't think I will be taking him when he is 2.5-3 if he will act anything like what I witnessed! Haha. Visiting Sara weekly was short lived because the whole company went under in a months time! Steve is back @ Directv & was able to start right away thankfully. Steve & I have been getting so many movies before even released last night we watched 500 Days of Summer & it inspired me to get bangs like my childhood haircut (or better put like Zoey Dashanel's) We also saw Law Abiding Citizen which was really good. We took 6" off the toy box because it was just too high but will be done for Christmas-we just have to work daily on it which is fine. I was sad for a second because I read something saying the Laugh & Learn Puppy was recalled but I called up & ours was fine whew! Okies supposed to be big snow storm tomorrow so we have to get food shopping & ready. I will be back after Christmas to tell you all our goods!

[.The Greatest Gift.]

We finally got our tree & outside decorations done. The stockings are hung & Noah's is full! We hope to finish his toy box this weekend coming up or at least everything but the paint. We took his picture with Santa but he wouldn't smile! They said they would take more but I decided I wanted to capture his actual mood on his first Santa picture! The scanner is unplugged because of the lights on tree so I will get that up shortly. We have been getting awesome copies of new movies (theater quality) so that has been fun, we are working on getting Brothers now. I still have to watch Julie & Julia with Sara, Precious with Danielle. Steve & I were let down big time with 2012, I am so glad our date night didn't work out that time! Haha. Last Thursday Noah & Connor exchanged gifts & we spent the day together. We were trying to make it a weekly thing & go again today but the weather here was not allowing it. Tomorrow is FINALLY my Biopsy & nothing better stay in the way of making that happen. It is supposed to snow again this Sunday but if not we are going to get Noah's pictures taken as well as grandchildren pictures with the triplets & Stevie. I am almost done with all my shopping, just need one or two more things for daddy. I didn't make a list this year, I have full trust in Steve & from previous conversations I am sure he remembers things I have mentioned & hook me up as he always does! I will be sure to update in a few days after the appointment. OH & took Noah to the Dr last week & he jumped to 12.12lbs, he is really getting there! Today I am even attempting a size 2 diaper!

[.Thankful to be your Mommy!.]

Wow, my little bean is already 6 months old & we had our first Thanksgiving together @ my sisters this year. It was also his first time trying veggies! He did so good & stayed so clean! Lots new since my last entry. I went to see the Midnight New Moon, the line was madness but I am so glad I got to experience such a rush. People got pizza delievered to the line, all 15 theaters were sold out & they opened 3 am showings. Loved the movie even more than the first. Last week my Biopsy was an utter fail. My mom came all the way here (2 hours) to stay with Noah. As you know I was very anxious to get this done & over. So you can imagine my surprise that I was on the table, pants off, tools out, proceedure explained that he refused to do the Biopsy once he heard AF hasn't returned since having Noah. I was SO angry! For starters, its normal not to get it back right away, I was BFing for 5 months. I haven't missed a pill & I have already took an at home test. So I already waited 3 weeks for that appointment & now I have to wait until 12/10 to try again. Not to mention the girl bruised my arm hardcore to take the pregnancy blood work. Ugh, I can't even talk about it its so upsetting. In good news, got pretty much all shopping done other than Steve & we have been working together to build Noah a toy box to put his toys under the tree in. It still needs to be painted & a few special touches on it. Super excited on that. Tonight John & Aubrey are coming over & I am making Honey Dijon Pork Chops & Aubrey gave me her recipe to her awesome potatoes. Friday Sara is meeting me @ Steve's work to take me for the day to hangout & we will watch movies, shop, and I hope to try some of her home cookin! On 12/13 we have an appointment to take a grandchild shot to give Steve's mother/grandma as a present this year. Such a weight lifted giving the family cheap but thoughtful gifts this year & not having to worry about spending $30 pp. Now I just have to find him a great outfit to wear.

[.Team Edward.]

There is Noah in his babylegs! Omg, I have butterflies in my belly because it is just under 5.5 hours until I will be seeing New Moon! A movie has never made me feel this way! (well, other than Twilight!) I got my Twilight shirt on but hope to make it to Walmart early enough to get a New Moon one. Such a Twerd. I have been having an awesome week with the family..Steve surprised us & came home from work @ 115 yesterday. Noah has been doing great, almost done with the rice & going to start Oatmeal cereal. Monday I FINALLY go for my Biopsy then have to wait 2 weeks to find out what, if anything is wrong. I haven't had AF in 16 months I am in such a panic that it will happen before Monday to make me have to reschedule that appointment. Ok that is all for now, meeting Danielle & Alissa asap to pregame before New Moon!

[.How I love my little boy!.]

How could you look @ this picture & not smile? Impossible! Sorry it's been a few days-Steve took off 2 days in between jobs so I wasn't on much cause we had a lot to get done. We registered my car since I have the title to it, went to Target, Lowes, out to lunch, watched The Ugly Truth, Cuddled, Worked on some things around the house having a really nice time. We also got our Christmas shopping done~Sock Monkey's all around for my neices, nephew, & Connor. Now he is back to work. He was offered a union job with Verizon but the classes are 6 weeks long 8 hours a day which they don't pay you until completed so he would have to keep his regular job as well. I have no idea how the poor kid could pull it off, he would be home for 4 hours or so a day & that would be to shower & sleep. However, in the long run could be the best & most secure thing he could do for our family. Noah is changing so much everyday, so much more hands on & vocal..he is such a joy to watch! In other news I got a phone call saying I had an abnormal pap (first time ever) & now I have to go through all these tests on 23rd. My mom is coming over to stay w/Noah to make it easier on me. Ok have a ton of shows to go watch. Will try to stay on top of these updates!

[.Love Chunks.]

They say he is like 5lb under weight but look @ this chunky munky!? Haha, I LOVE it! I don't recall if I wrote this on my last post but I started Noah's Christmas Shopping. For stocking he has; 2 pairs of baby legs, teether-a neat one at that, Nuk Learner Sippy Cup & I think there is something that I am forgetting. For real presents I got the Cart Cover because he will be 7 months by Christmas so ready to be out & about in cart & the FP Laugh & Learn Puppy. My sister is giving me a walker & white noise machine, then I gave a few ideas to my parents & grandma (per request) of the Winkle & some other little things. Today I also got his Thanksgiving outfit which is pjs, bib & hat for only $20 total. Noah & I met with Danielle for lunch & shopping. I went back & got him socks to match his new favorite outfit & here is the Etsy Owl hat above which I am also loving!

In other news, Steve got an offer with Verizon to take classes to be in the union but it is 5 days a week & 8 hour classes ON TOP of actually working..So he would literally be home 4 hours a day & would just see me to sleep & never Noah. It is a HUGE sacrifice he would be making on his end & would be horrible stressful time for both of us..but in the long run will it be what's best for our family? Yes. It is a great company to work for; Med Coverage, paid holidays/sick time, gets laptop & possibly discount on our cells etc. We will see, I can't think about this so late. That's it for now!

[.Cutest Scarecrow!.]

How stinken cute is that picture? The weather wasn't all that great on Halloween but we managed to get a few houses in & saw family. I dressed up as a Scarecrow as well to match him. Noah stayed @ my mom's while Sara & I went out to eat @ Court Jester & went to the bar Breakfast Club. We had a great night, but was happy to get home to my little one! Sunday morning we went to Alissa's Grand Opening Party so that was fun. Sunday I stayed off the computer & Steve & I watched The Proposal & had this AWESOME Sirloin recipe that I made. Today we went to the Dr-things are looking good & he doesn't have to go back until his 6 month appointment. We also stopped in to see old friends @ my former job-his hat was a big hit wherever we went! (Got owl hat from Etsy) We went to Old Navy & I got him the cutest outfit they had & is surprising Daddy with GI Joe movie when he gets home! I think I am about to start making dinner, the chicken has been out for 2 days so I have to get a move on. Nothing new to tell for now!

[.5 months Old.]

Well, he was yesterday! Poor thing had gas & was cranky all day. He went to sleep tonight without a problem. Today I took his 5 month pictures & also his first art project which was dipping his foot in white paint to create a ghost for his first Halloween. I made a bunch to give to the family, scrapbook & us. Since I last wrote we also had the "Mummy & Baby Boo" party. Sara did a great job with the treats & it was nice to gather around & gossip mommy style. We hope to have more playdates in the future. Also, yesterday Early Interventions came to the house to evaluate Noah's motor skills because of the delay with tummy time. It was nice to have piece of mind that he is caught up & where he should be. Tonight I made Honey Dijon Pork Chops & they were great, we had them with roasted potatoes. Ok time to spend a few more minutes with Daddy & doggies before bed. Night

[.Made my day..Makes my everyday!.]

WOW, Noah tripoded today! I am SO excited & proud, I was crying like a baby-like hysterical! I think its just overwhelming because he was behind for awhile & now everything is taking its place & he is even ahead of the game with this. I am not saying he is a pro & can do it all the time but its a start! Hoping Steve gets home early enough so I can make this Savory Chicken recipe I have been wanting to do. Made meatloaf with mashes yesterday. Ok, that's it for now..just want to go love my boy!

[If you were a Pumpkin, I would pick you first!]

Today was a good day. First, we went to Noah's appointment & he gained 7oz again. It was 69 degrees here today so right from there we met my sister & nephew to go to the Pumpkin Patch (Since last time it was way too cold) He stole the show on the hayride-everyone was complimenting on how beautiful, good & observant he was. Someone even said he has a "perfect shaped face" & the usual "how old, name", etc. Once off the hayride we went to take some cute shots next to pumpkins & all was well until I moved this silly "goose" shaped squashed next to him & then he cried (and fell over) until mommy rescued him & then he was happy again. After, we went for Sushi. Since I last wrote I also followed through with my compromises & finally did a lot of cleaning & am on a roll with making some new meals (Lamb Chops, Chicken stuffed with Spinach, Meatloaf is next!) This coming weekend is our "Mummy & Boo" party & Halloween plans got a little messed up on Danielle's part so I am a little, ok really bummed about that! Not sure if I mentioned on my last post but we got our Midnight New Moon tickets also, whoo. Ok, I am up way too late & Noah went down easy tonight. We are in a good routine. All it really takes is the obvious, changed & fed but then I read one of the Beatrix Potter books-LOVE my rocking chair & my favorite is me sitting on the floor with my hands through the bars of his crib pretending I am sleeping so he falls asleep feeling safe & not alone. I find if I leave too quick he will cry & be upset. Ok, showing hubby this horrible thing the girls posted that Etsy is selling to see if he wants it for Christmas-Kidding, ew! Night all!

[.Seasons of Love.]

So yesterday it snowed here..in October! Makes me think all this talk about global warming really is true. I have been bummed out the last few days. I was really excited about this weekend going to the Balloon Festival & Pumpkin Picking but it doesn't look like it will happen with this weather,but it was his first time in shoes & he liked them! Steve & I also fought last night over the house being a mess & me not doing "anything" all day while he busts his arsh working all day so I could stay @ home. He knows I spend time with Noah, he just doesn't think its fair how I complain how messy the house is or that I "can't" cook when I don't even try during the day. Steve played hookie @ work Wednesday just so he could get some things done around the house. (hang pics, Halloween decor, etc) I know I have to compermise & work on some things. Right now Noah fell asleep on tummy time like he always does! At least no matter what kind of killer mood I am in he can always put a smile on my face so I am so very thankful for that! Tomorrow I am trying out a tasty new meal-Lamb Chops & Asparagus!

[.If I could speak, here's what I'd say.]

If I could speak, here's what I would say Happy in your arms, I want to stay.I am your gift, and you are mine too! Let love bond together, both me and you.
Lets enjoy this time, right here, right now.Don't let a schedule furrow your brow.Right now is the time, for me to hold,when you're less busy, I'll be too old.
Snuggle me tenderly, close to your chestit is here next to you, I am, at my best.Your rhythmic breathing and beating heart,Contentment, and comfort, to me impart.
To see you, smell you, assured by your voice,all, wonderfully simple, yet help me rejoice.A cuddle, a kiss, some playful fun and frolic,Can banish a mood, and prevent nasty colic.
Hold me, hug me, please show me your dayYou'll be sharing your love, in a marvelous way.My learning is best when perched at your sidewith arms as my classroom and you as my guide.
Please hold me up high, so I might seeAll the many wonders, surrounding me.With time spent close, as you socialize,My mind expands and clearly I vocalize!
When you work, walk or take a short tripWith me safely balanced, upon your hipMy muscle tone and self esteem are greater,I'll be walking much sooner, rather than later.
When we are in 'touch', it reduces our stressWe are happiest then, and worry much less.Safe in your arms, dispels all my fears.My beaming smiles, replace anxious tears.
To dream of our future is significant too,And I know a career is important to you.When I am older, then we'll join in the raceWe'll be more able, to keep up the pace.
Right now, what I know, as certain and rightIs that you are my sun, the source of my light.I don't need many things, expensive or new.What I need is your love, your time and you.

[.SO cute, it's Scary!.]

Here's his Halloween picture, I love it! As promised, I was able to get a real video without his face being blocked! Last night I put him in his crib awake & he went right to sleep. I think he is finally not scared to be alone & in his crib. I only checked on him twice last night, so I am getting better too! I have noticed a lot of changes in him over the last week; more alert, rolling & being much more active. I feel like his weight is getting to be where it should be. Progress on the Tummy Time as well but he still isn't totally sold. I had a horrible dream the other night that @ the hospital they put him under the light & they set it too hot & when I went to see him his face was bubbling & boiled-he later died. I hated that dream & keep thinking about it! Ugh.

In other news, I am finally getting this page to look the way I want it to, though I don't like how the followers are @ the bottom & not on the left but I don't know how to change without changing template which then would change the backround in the center which I don't want. My mom is fully moved into her new place but everything isn't fitting as well so I hope she works it out. Steve should be home soon, no plans-just some good eats & cuddle while we watch a movie. Anxious for next week though!

Events Ahead:

10/17 Hot Air Balloon/Timber Festival

10/18 Pumpkin Picking with Devlin

10/24 "Mummy & Baby Boo" Party

10/31 Breakfast Club

11/1 Wags N' Whiskers Grand Opening Paw-ty

11/20 Midnight Showing of NEW MOON!!!!

[.Floating on Air.]

Today I finally got a video of Noah laughing. It is the best thing in the world! I am a little bummed because the toys on his Activity Gym were blocking his face & then he wouldn't laugh again in all the other takes, but I will get it sooner or later. Noah & I also went to our neighbors for my friend Christinas' son's 2nd Birthday. Steve went to pick up Noah's Halloween picture & is almost home. I am really tired, I should join Noah for his nap. Not much on the agenda for this weekend but next weekend when we have Stevie (my stepson) we are going to go to the Hot Air Balloon & Timber Festival. On Sunday Alissa wants us to go pumpkin picking so we will see. I really want to see the movie Paranormal Activity, everyone is making such a stink about it. I ordered 2 pairs of "Baby Legs" for Noah, so those should be here Monday. Wednesday I have my first Gyn appointment & thinking about getting Paraguard IUD. I should also mention while being a stay @ home mom, I spend a lot of time on this site Thebump.com Its a network where mom's that have babies Noah's age & I can talk about questions, concerns, or even things not baby related together. I enjoy it a lot. This entry is all over the place but I am trying to make sure everything is mentioned. Ok, that's it for now!

[.Dreamed him in to Life.]

I will keep this short & sweet. Noah is now 4 months, we are having a little trouble with him gaining weight but I think he is slowly catching up. We just moved him out of our room into his own & it has been tough! Everyone said I would sleep better but totally not the case! I check on him at least 3 times a night. I have been soothing him to sleep now on the rocking chair & started reading him the Peter Rabbit books. He smiles, plays, laughs, waves & has good head control, however hates tummy time. He drinks 5-8oz @ a time & is on rice cereal. Motherhood has totally changed my life in the most delightful way. Did we have to make sacrifices? Sure, can't say I never miss going to bars, movies & be able to pick up & go whenever but we have a happy balance & are still able to do the things we both enjoy..and still get to go out to eat! Noah has a lot of playdates with Connor so that has been nice. Later this month we are having a "Mummy & Baby Boo" Halloween party & we will both be Scarecrows! This weekend we just took some family pictures & those came out great. I will play around a bit & see if I can get some pictures to post. Tonight we are meeting with Danielle & Buddy to have Hibachi for Steve's birthday so I better get going.

[.Our Love is Obvious and this is our story.]

OK, where to begin..I have been with my husband Steve, for over 7 years. We had our true fairy tale wedding May 1, 2005 & have a house that we built together in Pennsylvania. I have two besties Sara & Danielle as well as a lot of good friends like the people I worked with as an Ophthalmic Technician for many years, Aubrey, & a lot of great neighbors. I LOVE spending time with my family & we go to NJ a lot to visit them. I have one nephew who is two, Devlin & triplet nieces Abigail, Jaylin, & Joslyn. I can't even begin to tell you how blessed I am to have the parents I have. My sister is in the process of opening a "Doggy Daycare" & I am so proud, yet so scared for her.

Now that you are caught up with the past let me get to the present. My husband & I were ready to expand our family last August, shortly after "wha la" I was pregnant. For the first few weeks I was SO scared, thought anything I did would make me loose the baby. Finally I calmed down, luckily enough Sara was pregnant right a long with me & was able to help me step by step through everything. Once I was safe in the second trimester, I absolutely loved my pregnancy from the clothes, to belly, the attention & politeness I got from everyone. I counted down until I got to go to the Dr & hear my babies heartbeat.

Fast Foward to March, by then I already knew I was having a boy & had everything all picked out. I had the best shower EVER with a "Cute as a Button" theme. My friend Danielle made my invites & games for the party, us together pretty much planned the whole thing. My friends from work made adorable button cookies & the cutest, tastiest cake! Not to mention I got every "must have" & more off of my list, leaving us nothing to buy. By April, it was time for Sara to have her baby boy-once she was in labor, I couldn't sleep all night I was so scared yet excited for her! Visiting her & her son Connor was the last far drive I did for I was due a little over a month later.

May 1, as I mentioned earlier was our Anniversary-4 years. Now I was getting anxious to meet my lil smidgen. Everyday when I went into work people would say "You're still here?" We really thought it was going to happen earlier. I did everything-the walking, teas, membrains stripped etc to have a smooth pregnancy. FINALLY on Memorial Day Monday around 11:30pm I started having contractions & by 5:30am I was admitted & contractions were 2 minutes apart. Surprisingly me, who has a low tolerance of pain was such a trooper. Not often can I say I am proud of myself but in the 30 hours of labor I went through, I can truly say that I am. After many hours of waiting, trying, walking, and pushing it was determined that I would need a C Section which I really didn't want but once in labor, it was the cross over of me thinking of myself, to me thinking of meeting my baby boy & what was best for him.

Noah Daniel was born @ 4:57am weighing 7.6 lbs & 19.25 inches. Not even in my dreams was I able to create something so beautiful & perfect he was. For those that don't believe in love at first site, never had a baby. The recovery of the surgery was rough! Steve went above & beyond to change me, help me go to the bathroom, pick things up for me & take care of the baby. I know years ahead that I will be in good hands if I have to wear diapers before he does when we are older! But seriously, it was a true testiment to our love & relationship-he dealt with some smelly & yucky things!

Finally, what seemed like forever later it was time to go home. I had a lot of help between Steve, my mom, grandma, Sara & Aubrey. After about 3 weeks I was ok to drive & sleep upstairs again.