Jonathan and Tomi: Another Milestone for the Baby Boy

Noah started preschool on 10 September. He’s still going to the same place he’s gone for the last 1.5 years, but this is his last year. Being born just 2 weeks after the school cutoff puts him going to Kindergarten when he’s 6. Actually, he’ll go for just a few weeks as a 5 year old, then he’ll be 6. We’re actually really glad that he’ll be one of the oldest in his class. First of all, it gives us one more year of holding tight to our little boy. Secondly, it gives him another year to grow, develop and overcome his shyness prior to going to school. Ms. Janae, his preschool teacher says he’s really come out of his shell this year and he’s gabbing up a storm in class. Last week she said he kept doing all sorts of things to make all the kids laugh. I think he’s going from being the shy little boy to being the class clown. J In church last week, we were practicing for the primary program. When it was Noah’s turn, I walked him to the front and he tried to then hide behind me. One of the dear ladies in the primary then took him by the hand and got him up the microphone and as she whispered to him, he said his line perfectly. I couldn't have been more proud than that moment seeing him break out of that shell and speak in front of the entire class. I squeezed him so hard when he sat down that I’m sure he thought I’d never let go.

Hitting age 5 is a huge milestone, like turning 30. Noah was so excited, more for the party and seeing his cousins and friends than he was about the actual birthday. We celebrated at home on his birthday with a few presents in the morning and an overnight visit from “Bowling Grandma” in the afternoon. He’s definitely a spoiled child since he got a bounce house and golf clubs. Dad really wanted a golfing buddy since his work schedule doesn't really allow time for bowling with friends. J Tayton gave him a ton of bouncy balls that are now lost somewhere and shoved in every nook and cranny. We got to take Grandma and Noah out with the family for a special dinner at Rickenbackers to celebrate. Nothing is better than good food and lots of airplanes taking off and landing to make the best birthday ever.

On Friday, we enjoyed a party at Jungle Jim’s with our dearest friends and family. Lots of rides, fun, prizes, food and Noah was once again spoiled with art projects, clothes, sleeping bags, planes, butterfly habitats and so many wonderful things!! We had a blast. Teri describes the place as a “Kids dream come true and a parent’s worst nightmare.” Even as an adult, I love it, but mostly to see the huge smiles on all the kids faces as they pull each other from one ride to the next. We are so grateful to have such supportive family that shows up to every birthday event in our children’s lives and acts like it’s the best red carpet event of the year. They rally around to support us and all the little milestones and events in our lives. It’s the people and the events that make the memories!!! Despite all the people that were there, we still had a ton of cake left when we got home, so we started delivering plates to the neighbors at 10:30 p.m. Hope they enjoyed the midnight snack!

One night, the kids attempted a mini sleepover on Noah’s floor in their new sleeping bags. . . they love to play together so much that it wasn’t long before they had their 3^rd warning and lost the privilege of a sleepover. Dang! They were so disappointed, so we’ll have to keep trying until they are finally able to have a successful sleepover. Then maybe they’ll get to have friends over for sleepovers!

Tonight at dinner, we were asking questions about preschool and it turned into a conversation about favorite things. Here’s some of my favorites from the night:

Who’s your best friend?

Noah: Bransen and Brilee

Tayton: Dad

What’s your favorite color?

Noah: Orange

Tayton: Pink

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Noah: A digger driver

Tayton: Bigger

Packing up little girl clothes to get the next size out

I just can't seem to get over the feeling that our family is not yet complete, so we carefully pack up the little people clothes that are too small and store them in hopes that someday soon we'll be blessed with another little one.