Happy Birthday, Noah!

My little nephew, Noah, turned one yesterday, and my sister had his big party today. It was so cute - jungle/zoo theme. From our side, there was me, Chris, Izzy, mom, dad, and my Aunt Nancy. From my BIL's side, there was about 20 or so friends and relatives. *sigh* Actually, I left two people out from our side: Crystal's two best friends, Tricia and Christy (and Christy's adorable 10.5 month old, Brandon) were there too. They are just wonderful women. Crystal came down with a terrible virus and was too sick to come, which I know broke her heart, but her two best friends still came, which I think is just wonderful. They're really part of our family. There are few things we ever do all together, that we don't invite them to, also - and they ALWAYS come. That's the cool part. We always invite mine and Micki's best friends, too, and they sometimes come also, but neither made it to Noah's party.

Noah was completely adorable eating his little cake. Had blue all over his face. Including his eyes, but that was my fault. I was babysitting him and his sister, Maddie, on Thursday, when he decided to walk over and check out what Maddie and Izzy were doing. All was going well until his MaMa Joyce knocked on the door. Noah fell, and I ran over to get him, not thinking that he'd hurt himself. I pick him up, open the door and tell Joyce that he had fallen. Then I turn Noah around, and right between the eyes, a huge goose-egg has popped out a good 3/4 of an inch! I said, "Oh my God! What do we need to do?" We put ice on it, but the poor little guy kept putting his hand up to his forehead and whimpering for about 15 minutes. He's a tough little guy, too. Always stops crying immediately, so I knew he was really hurt. When he went down he caught the corner of the TV cart right between his eyes. I keep horrifying myself with the thought, "What would have happened had he hit his eye!!??" I still feel terrible. So Noah has two little bruises in the corners of his eyes for his one-year old portraits and for his party. I'm trying for Aunt of the Year too.

He had a blast opening his presents too. He is just a great big giant sweetie. At one year old, he's 32.5" tall, 29.5 lbs, and wears a 6.5 wide shoe. Kid is going to be a linebacker!

Happy Birthday, Noah!! Here's to many more wonderful birthdays to come, and no more bruises gotten at Aunt Cindy's house.