A Momentous Day

Today was a big day in your life, Noah.

Today is the first day that you wore SHOES!

Shoes for a one month old.

Ridiculous...yes. Adorable...for sure!

Snuggle Ducky

Snuggle ducky, you're the one...

who makes bath time so much fun!

Snuggle ducky, I'm awfully fond of you!

Poor Daddy

Dad has been working 12-14 hours days lately.  He is tired.  But it works out because you are tired too.

When you're not snoozing together, you are often studying together.

Dad's squeezing in a quick shave. :)

Dad is working so hard!  He loves having you to come home to!

Snuggly Wrap

You are such a snuggly little guy.  I know it won't last forever, so I love carrying you around in your Moby wrap.  It's fun to have you dozing against me.  Aunt Laura loves it too!

Callum is always so surprised when he realizes you're inside the wrap.  Sometimes he will be with me for an hour before he sees your little hand peeking out, and he squeals, "Baby Noah is in your shirt!"  :)

Three Weeks Old Today

Early this week, you had your two week doctor appointment.  You are healthy and getting chubbier by the day! You weighed 8 lbs 7 oz on Tuesday, and I think you are even fatter a few days later.  Last night, your dad and I were watching you sleeping and marveling at your emerging double chin.  Your dad said, "How much weight do you think he's gained since dinner??"  You looked so round!

You LOVE the sound of the blowdryer.  It is really funny.  Sometimes we can only get you to go to sleep if we turn it on.  I read a book called The Happiest Baby on the Block that explained how to soothe a fussy baby by simulating the conditions of the womb: swaddle you tightly, position you on your side, bounce or swing you, give you something to suck on, and provide loud white noise.  It really works to calm you down.

Sleepy baby, all curled up

The running blow dryer isn't far away!

Swaddled, swinging, on your side, sucking on a paci, with the sound of the blow dryer!

We had fun hanging out with Aunt Sarah and Callum a few times this week.  Aunt Sarah adores you and could snuggle you all day!

 One day she took some photos of you with her fancy camera.  You weren't so fond of the "posed" shots with props, but you did like being held by your mama!

Last but not least, you had your first "blow out" diaper this week.  We were eating dinner at the home of some new friends, and you made a mess all up your back and in your car seat.  Not cool!  I went to change you, and I had everything I needed...except wet wipes!!!  Nice job, Mom!

Spoiled Rotten

Noah, you are one lucky little boy.  Almost every day, a package arrives in the mail for you.  People all over the country are so excited that you are finally here! I wanted to chronicle some of the very special gifts you've received.  (You've received so many wonderful gifts, but these are the handmade ones.)


Dad showing you a package from Aunt Muriel...
Dad is excited; you are not.

Darling onesies from Aunt Ashley

Fun Hungry Caterpillar quilt from Aunt Sarah

Stunningly detailed cross-stitch blanket from Gitta (Bapa's secretary)

Receiving blanket with crocheted edges from Ida Zieler, someone whom I have never met but who found our blog through a mutual friend and followed our adoption journey



Bright, soft, huge quilt from Paulette, Uncle Logan's mom

Adorable airplane quilt from BJ Twiss, an older lady in the Buffalo Ward



Colorful "Sock Monkey" carseat cover and burp cloths from Christie Lewis, the mother of one of my best friends in college

Months 1-12 church onesies, to chronicle your growth, from Diana Hopkins, a dear friend in the Buffalo Ward

Hand stitched lap quilt from Aunt Edna, Katie's Grandma

Your quilt from Grandma Nielson--so cute!

Lovely owl quilt from Drew' mom, Shanea
She made a matching owl for Katie. :)

Are you spoiled, or what???  You will never want for adorable quilts!!  I got a big basket to display them all in your bedroom, and I love to pull them out for you to play on and snuggle with.  

Each of these gifts was made with so much love for you.

Spiritual AND Smart

Tonight, Dad read to you from The Book of Mormon for the first time--in Russian!!!  I think you are going to be just as spiritual as your dad because you seemed to be listening quite intently...and even reading along.  I didn't know you knew Russian! :)

First Time to Church!

You went to church for the first time yesterday, wearing your little tie onesie.

It's hard to see in this photo, but a light blue tie is sewn into this onesie.

Because you are so young, we only stayed for Sacrament Meeting.  I don't think you got much out of it because you slept like a log through the entire meeting!  You must take after your Bapa.  :)

After church, Dad gave you a bottle, and then you both fell asleep for a long nap.

Wuz up, Mom?

Tired? Annoyed?  Playing hide and seek?

Grandma Comes to Visit

Your Grandma Nielson spent the weekend here in Denver with us.  She couldn't get enough of you.  She held you and spoiled you all day and even kept you in her room for a few night feedings (now that's real devotion!).  She gave you several baths and read to you while she fed you.  :)  She is the best Grandma ever!

Snuggling with Grandma,
wearing the outfit that she gave you,
swaddled in the blanket she made you. :)

Grandma bought your crib, and she sewed all of the bedding that goes with it.  She made a quilt, bed skirt, sheet, and bumpers.  It looks so incredibly cute--just like you!

We will miss Grandma now that she's gone home to Idaho!