Three going on 14.

Noah's birthday, 2009:

And a mere 12 months later, he looks like this:

And he wears new shoes like this:

Smiles like this:

And tries on shoes like this:

I love him because he makes me laugh:

And I'm astounded by his independence...

I love that his best buddy is my dad:

I love this little airbender.

I love Noah!

Happy birthday, son!

Kids Say the Darndest Things...

Darndest Thing #1: While at Buffet City, where they charge $5 for three year olds:

Waitress: How old is your son?

Mama: Two

Noah: I am NOT two years old! I am THREE AND A HALF, ALMOST FOUR YEARS OLD!!

Mama: (sheepishly) Ummmmm... He eats like a two year old

Darndest Thing #2: After church, in the church gym while eating doughnuts:

Noah: I want to get baptized

Priest: That's wonderful...

Darndest Thing #3: In his big boy bed, getting ready to fall asleep:

Noah: Mama, will you close my door

Mama, from the kitchen: Sure, baby.

(Walks down the hall, partially closes door)

Noah: No, mama - all the way.

(Through closed door): Thank you.

Darndest Thing #4:

Noah: Papa you need a ladder

Papa: Maybe I will get one for Father's Day.

Noah: I will buy you one. I have money in my Cash Cow.

Mama: Noah, that money is for you. You are saving it so you can buy whatever you want.

Noah: I want to buy Papa a ladder.

Mama: Are you sure you don't want to buy a toy instead?

Noah: I said I WANT TO BUY PAPA A LADDER!

Noah-ism, again...

This morning, during breakfast: (Noah taking my hand) "Mama, you are my love."

Noah-ism, Part II

While in the car today: "Mama, I'm ready for summer. Summer is when the sun is warm and I can wear shorts, right? Yeah, I'm ready for summer."

Noah-ism

While sitting on the toilet: "Lolo, ihi (pee) and tae (poop) go together like pancakes and eggs go together."

Allergy Update

Things have been so busy with school I nearly forgot to post an update about Noah's peanut allergy. We took him to his allergist last Tuesday. Noah tested positive for peanut (again), so his doctor ordered another blood test.

I got the results to the blood test yesterday. It came back negative for peanut. Because of the inconsistent results, Noah has to do a challenge test at Primary's in June. I don't know much about challenge test, but when I learn more, I will be sure to keep you all updated!

Shhhhhh... Don't tell James.

I'm not supposed to be on Facebook as I prepare for finals. James thinks I'm addicted. I think I have the entire situation under control. Of course, I'm wrong. Really, what I have is a problem, so I asked James to change my password. I know I don't have self control, so I asked James to change my password and not tell me. I'm proud to say that it has been a couple of weeks and I haven't gotten on. Except... I want to get on tonight... But James can't remember my password. :( So, I've commandeered Noah's blog to share my good news:

MAMA IS DONE WITH HER FIRST YEAR OF LAW SCHOOL!!!! Yes, my friends, you have read that right. I have just completed my very first year of classes and it feels... Weird. It's awesome that I have my first year behind me. It feels empowering to know that I survived my first year of law school. All of the rigors and the hoops and the games. The moments of self-doubt and realization. Those days when I felt like I made the best decision for myself and for my family; but also those days when I felt like I've made the worst mistake. I'm proud of myself for surviving the worst part of law school - the first year.

In all honesty, though, I don't think that I would be here without James or Noah, my mom and dad, Tina, Vangie. I would not survive without everyone supporting me and being patient as I lose my mind to the law.

So, I guess what I mean is that WE ALL MADE IT THROUGH OUR FIRST YEAR OF LAW SCHOOL!! I do this as much as for James and Noah as I do for myself. James has it harder than I do. He has to be the dad and the mom and the one who takes care of our family so that it doesn't fall apart. He takes care of me so that I don't fall apart.

And Noah... the tough little man who makes me smile and laugh and feel good about what I am doing. My little monkey who never ceases to astound me. The boy who lets me sleep in on Saturdays because he knows mama is tired. He's such a tough kid who has a strong personality and more confidence than most kids his age.

We go through this together and James and Noah and my mom and dad and my sisters make the whole experience bearable.