Saturday, March 24, 2012

Donut Dash!

This morning we ran the Donut Dash, a four mile race benefiting the Child Life Program at Sutter Hospital.
Meet our sweet friend William. Wow, his story is one of courage, faith and strength. We just love him and his family.
Last year while he was out of school fighting cancer like a warrior I tutored him. Noah loved his time with the Murdock boys, especially William.

So when William is in the hospital, the Child Life Program gives him a chance to play, learn and prepare for what's ahead -- in a way that's as fun as possible.

How could we not participate? And, who doesn't love a little run to the city's best donut shop on a Saturday morning?

Team William had about 50 participants and, along with all of the runners, raised $35,000! And, William even made it on the morning news.

We had a great time running next to Noah's buddies (and their dad) and seeing many, many friends along the race route. It was our first race as a family and SO. MUCH. FUN. Can't wait for next year!

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Feeling Lucky

So lucky that these two are my guys.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Did I forget to mention?

Last week Noah finally started walking! Here's a little proof from the past few days.



I can't believe how much better he's walking after just a week!

Sunday, March 11, 2012

15 Months

Noah is fifteen months old!
When we visited the pediatrician this week he said, "I bet people wonder why your two year old isn't walking and talking, huh?"

My thoughts exactly.

Here's where he's at for fifteen months:
Height: 33.5 inches (97%)
Weight: 26 pounds, 14 ounces (81%)
Head circumference: 49.5 cm (96%)

I think it's a combination of the height and full head of hair that make this kid look a little older than he really is.
Oh, this is such a fun time for learning, playing and talking. I am constantly amazed at how much Noah understands. Words really have meaning for him already. Whether it's sounds or actions, he loves imitating what we do. About a month ago he started trying to wash and comb his hair and put on lotion. Really? You pay attention to that stuff Noah? I love that he wants to try to do it himself.
Noah's favorite things right now are books, trucks and dogs.
He LOVES being outside to dig in the dirt, pick up rocks and go down the big boy slide at the park.
He makes different sounds for cars and trucks, with the truck sound being a pretty deep grunt. His words are still mostly limited to 'mom' and 'dad', but he's also added in the word 'this.' He points to things and says, 'this', so we usually use that word to start a sentence telling what 'this' is. We hear 'this' a LOT. I sure wish I knew what he was talking about in his own little language though. He's got a lot to say!
I honestly can't say enough about how fun life is right now. Yes, it's exhausting too, but I think interacting with Noah and watching him change and try new things literally every day is fascinating.
By far, though, my favorite thing right now is how much he loves giving and getting hugs and kisses. Oh, this kid breaks into serious laughter when he's being smothered with kisses! It's so fun to be the one causing all of that laughter. Noah gives hugs and kisses to us, his stuffed animals, and even kisses the animals in the books he's reading. That's a sweet one to see. Often times when we're reading a story together he turns his head towards me and looks up. That's the cue for, "Um, kiss my forehead Mommy."
I feel so blessed to have this incredibly happy, overly energetic, noisy and silly boy as a part of our family.