our little npf: Long Time, No Blog

So, long time no blog. Neil is gone for what seems to be the 100th time this year and I have lots of DVRed shows to watch - so it's the perfect time to get everyone caught up on our little npf!

Hopefully, you've had a chance to check out some out some of Noah's updated photos on shutterfly... and if you did...you have seen that the little man is walking (well, running now)! It took nearly 17 months, but he finally did it. At his 15 month well visit I had a panicked conversation with Dr. Tien (me panicking, him totally calm) about Noah just not being interested in walking. He seemed physically capable, but it didn't seem like he cared. Dr. Tien assured me that he thought Noah was fine and that he might just be focused on perfecting another skill. He specifically asked if Noah had been talking much. I paused and Noah actually chimed in saying "Elmo" clear as a bell while pointing at the little red monster on the wall. Dr. Tien laughed and said not to worry. He thought Noah was was just focused on learning to talk and would move onto walking soon. I think he was spot on!! Noah is such a little chatterbox now!! (He looked at a stop sign the other day and said "octagon". What kid does that?!?!)

We did lots of other fun fall things (besides learning how to walk). We...

went to Mapleside Farm and bought apples

played outside

looked at pumpkins

ate apple fritters

and dressed up as a pirate for Halloween (Noah obvs - not Neil and I)!

We also found out we will be welcoming a new cousin and lots of new friends this spring/summer (4 are expected on Noah's b-day alone). Yea! Congrats all around and especially to Uncle Sean and Aunt Barb! Noah can't wait to meet his little girl cousin!

Our holidays were really busy, but it was great catching up with family and friends. It is always great to see the Poland crew. This year we were even lucky enough to catch up with my old friend Jeff and introduce our little boys! It was such a nice visit (and proof that good things can come out of Facebook). Here we are on a rare nice day in November!

Noah enjoyed his Thanksgiving feast. The sweet potatoes were his favorite.

And like the rest of us, he kept eating right on through December (but still can't seem to get over the 23lb mark). To his credit, he did help decorate cookies (before eating them) during a marathon day of baking at our house.

Noah had a nice visit with Santa. No crying! In fact, he actually gave the big guy a high five! His good behavior was rewarded with a trip to the Disney store where all of the grandparents, aunts and uncles wanted to spoil him rotten. Here is Noah with a fuzzy little Dumbo that of course was rushed to the cash register and purchased for him :)

Unfortunately, Noah missed a visit Santa made to our house VERY early on Christmas Eve (he was napping). But Santa and his little helper were nice enough to let us take a quick pic to share with him when he woke up.

As you can imagine, Noah had a great Christmas. He received more gifts than we could count (I think we now have just about every Elmo themed toy/book out there) and he just loved being the center of attention.

We tried something new for us and invited a photographer into our home to help commemorate the holiday and Noah hitting the 18 month mark. We liked a lot of the photos she took... but here are a couple favs!