A Family of Three

We got our family photos taken this past weekend.  I am thrilled by how they turned out.  You were super grumpy before the photo shoot began, so I was afraid that you wouldn't smile for the camera.  It took you a while to warm up...

You're not paying attention, but you're still cute as can be.

"Do I really have to do this, Mom?"

 ...but then Mom and Dad talked to you about it...

"Please smile, Noah!"
You look like you're thinking about it.

...and you decided to cooperate!  Once you got smiling, you couldn't stop!  You are so cute!

You love your dad!  And he loves you!

My very favorite shot!

Dad's Little Sports Star

Your dad loves sports, and he is already trying to teach you to love them as well.  Every time I turn around, you have a new and different type of ball with you, all strategically placed by your father.  It makes me laugh.

Look under your left elbow. :)

If you turn out to be an athlete, I think I know who will be at every one of your games! :)

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!

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?

Just Chillin' On a Saturday Morning with Dad

Road Trip!

We made the long journey home to Colorado from Utah.  Thank goodness Aunt Laura came along for the ride--the trip that usually takes 8 hours took a lot longer with you!  We stopped multiple times to change your diaper, feed you, and stop you from fussing.  Overall, you were really good, but I am so happy to be home with Dad again!

Our first stop was Provo, Utah, where my good friend Molly Hunter took your gorgeous one-week photos.  We will treasure those images forever.  Aunt Laura helped me get you ready for the big photo shoot by styling your mohawk. :)

After the photo shoot, we drove for several hours to Green River, Utah, where I performed by first diaper change in the car--with you on my lap (don't worry, the car was parked!):

You look surprised by the vigor of my kiss. :)

 Then it was on to Grand Junction, Colorado, where we stayed with your LaBonde cousins for the night.  They were all so excited to meet you!

Aunt Beth and Cousin Marcus

Two cute boys in yellow

Too cute

Cousin Jordan

Cousin Lauren

Uncle Steve

 The next day, we drove all the way to Denver.  You were tired!

Lunch stop in Vail, Colorado.  Can you see the car on the front of your shirt?  We thought it was an appropriate outfit for the occasion.

When we arrived home in Denver, you had quite the entourage waiting for you--most notably your Aunt Sarah.  When we rang the doorbell, she came running to the door screaming.  She couldn't even wait for us to get in the house before she pulled you out of your car seat and snuggled you. :)

A bit more reserved perhaps, but just as excited, were your great grandparents and Uncle Logan.

And of course, your cousin Callum was eager to meet "Baby Noah."  He showed you one of his favorite cars and gave you multiple kisses.  I think you two are going to be best friends.

Your dad was so happy to see you.  He refused to put you down for the rest of the right, even while he was finishing up his work for the following day, and he hung a cute sign on your bedroom door, welcoming you home.

Together at last!!