New Day Care

Noah started his new day care today. I was pretty nervous for him because we'd just done back to back trips (to Costa Mesa and then to Alabama) so his schedule was all out of whack. When I dropped him off he started playing immediately while I chatted with Ms. Wanda. I figured he'd have some kind of breakdown when I said goodbye, but instead he just ran over and gave me a big kiss on the lips and went back to playing.

At the end of the day I picked him and got the full report from Wanda. She started out by saying that with most kids there's a week or two of adjustment, where they're just all out of sorts and learning their place. But, not with Noah. She said that he "owned it". He was just instantly comfortable, happy, confident and direct. He was able to communicate with her immediately and told her specifically what he wanted. She said he was very easy going and friendly and "the sweetest boy" she's ever met. He played well with others and knew how to share. He also gently directed kids to play the way he wanted them to play (by gently pushing their back) and they responded by happily following him (!?). Finally, she summed it all up with, "I love this child".

It's one thing to think these things about your child--but its another thing entirely to hear it from a professional; someone who spends all their time with kids. I felt very proud and so excited for him because I know that he's going to continue to have so much fun there.

Last Day with Mouang

Today is Noah's last day with his nanny, Mouang. She has been with Noah 3 days a week for a year now and even longer with Max. We are so happy and lucky to have had her in our lives. Mouang has nurtured and played with the boys and taught us how to be more disciplined with our routines around meals and nap times. I'm filled with mixed emotions about saying goodbye, but I know its time the little boys move on. They're ready for change. And hopefully Mouang is too.

An Early Birthday Present for Mom

Today was our last day visiting Booboo and Zedi in Costa Mesa. As I was busily packing up our stuff Tobey asked if I could take a break to open an early birthday present, which, of course, I was happy to do. :) I was a little bewildered by the size and flatness of the present and even thrown more for a loop when she said it was from them (Gary and Tobey) AND Jeremy.

When I tore open the paper to reveal a wood back I was even more confused. Finally I flipped it over and saw my boy! My beautiful blue eyed boy in all his glowing little glory. My first reaction was to burst into tears. It's one thing to blow up a photo of your favorite picture, but to have someone paint a rendering of your child is completely awe inspiring and I would think terribly intimidating for the artist. I mean, this is my child. I look at him all the time. I know his every little eyelash and I know his spirit. A painting has got to be dead on, otherwise it will always just look wrong to the parent. This was dead on. It was perfect. Noah's light and smile and eyes and spirit were captured perfectly in a way that was different from the original photo. I was blown away. A million thanks to Gary, Tobey and Jeremy and a million more to the artist, Jethaniel Peterka, who clearly studied my little angel and got him just right.

Noah's Great Grandmother

Noah's Great Grandmother died today. It was just over one month ago that we lost his Great Zadi. Thankfully Noah got to meet his Great Grandma (and Grandpa) last October when we traveled to Missouri.

Yo Gabba Gabba

Noah loves to watch Yo Gabba Gabba--and actually so do we. He's a big fan of DJ Lance Rock so I guess it should not have been a big surprise to me this morning when he insisted on wearing this out to the car. Thankfully he took it off before we got to Max's house. :)