Noah's Three!!

On Friday, December 17th, Noah turned three! This year has been filled with so much change! At his last birthday party, he was enchanted by candles, the happy birthday song, was talking in short sentences, and had a baby voice. Now, at three, his still enjoys music, loves to drum and play the guitar, talks in complex language, expresses emotion, and has a little boy's voice. We went through a failed attempt at day care, got lucky with a wonderful care situation, traveled to Florida, enjoyed the pool over the summer, and are looking forward to building snowmen this winter. We welcomed a new life into our family, and have been riding the roller coaster of emotions ever since.

We celebrated Noah's party with seven (!) other toddlers and their parents, Nano's parents, and special guests, a Djembe drummer and a guitar player! Noah was very excited about the party, especially about the drummer! They set up, and when they were ready, Noah suddenly counted, "One, Two, Three, GO!!" They took Noah's cue and started to play a little bit before introducing themselves. The excitement and cheer in his voice and dancing was palpable -- I have never seen anyone enjoy anything so much! The guys played some great songs, invited the children to play drums and tambourines as well, and then invited them to dance. Noah started off the dance with exuberant jumping! Then, he led the parade around the house with the kids and the drummers.

Once the musicians left, we got a light dinner ready for the guests. Everyone ate well, and then it was time for the much-anticipated cake! Our friend and neighbor Heather put together a fabulous train cake, which all the kids loved! They all wanted to get a piece of that mountain!

After the cake came the sugar high. Eight toddlers were running around our house, following a game that the father of one of Noah's friends, made up. The kids were now monkeys, and they had to run from end to end of the house looking for the dragon! Nano, who was coming down the stairs at an opportune moment, was the DRAGON! And, the little guys had to feed him cake!! Nyum, nyum, nyum!! They all had a fabulous time.

Then, Noah's buddy Scarlett wanted to give him his present, and chaotic gift-opening ensued! I just let the chaos happen, as any sort of intervention seemed fruitless! He ripped into several gifts in the middle of the floor, as his friends watched. Each one brought one to him, and he was thrilled to receive them!

We love you so much, Noah, and are so happy that you have enjoyed this birthday so much. I cherish this time with you as a sensitive, sweet, exuberant little toddler! We are so lucky to have our lives touched by you.