Noe News is Good News

Joselyn's first day of preschool

All Joselyn could talk about the past few weeks was Preschool.

"Mom, on Thursday I'm going to preschool!" she'd say. And we'd talk about what to expect and how she'd be there all day by herself. WE picked out school supplies, got her a new backpack and lunchbox(es) and went to buy lunch food together. On Monday and Tuesday we went to the school and met teachers and saw the classrooms.

Then this morning came. It was all a rush this morning... even though I woke up at 7:15, trying to get out the door by 8:20 was a hassle. Lunches needed to be made, kids had to be dressed cute, I had to actually get ready and look decent... and I was actually feeling a little anxious. I know the kids have definitely had it rough this week. We've had some new adjustments to our daily routines and we have definitely not been home as much. But the new adjustment has been a little rough on me too emotionally. And instead of sadness this morning I felt panic. And I usually don't panic. I just didn't know what to expect today.

As we headed out the door, Joselyn looked absolutely adorable. She had a huge smile on her face and was ready for the day, even though it was raining.

Seeing the backpack on her back made my giggle- it was a small backpack but still huge for her tiny back. The patches that my mom helped me sew on were adorable and really just completed the backpack.



On the way to preschool we sang songs about the rain:

Rain rain go away
come again another day
Little Joselyn wants to play
Rain rain go away

It's raining it's pouring
The old man is snoring
He bumped his head
And went to bed
And couldn't get up in the morning

Rain is falling all around
On the rooftops on the ground
Rain is falling on my nose
On my head and hands and toes

Then Joselyn set down some rules.

"Mommy, you can't come with me. I need to go by myself. And Landen can't come with me. He needs to go to nursery"

Everything happened a little fast when we got there- I took her in and hung her backpack up under her name as she sat down at one of the tables and started slapping a bunch of apple stickers all over herself!
She is in the Apple Dumplings class (what a cute name, huh?) with Miss Sharon.

I took a quick picture of her and Miss Sharon and Landen and I were off to Nursery.



The good thing about volunteering there was that I was able to peek in on a few of her classes to see how she was doing. From what I could tell she was participating and happy. It was a good feeling. Landen, on the other hand, for bored of the Nursery room really fast. I had to take him on a few walks, or sit on a window ledge to watch the cars go by on Limestone.

I really like how they have the school and classes set up. IT's kind of like high school! She has a homeroom, then she goes to different "classes". She has art, discovery (science type stuff), cooking, music and Bible class. The teachers are all pretty awesome! Her cooking class teacher even told me that Joselyn ate a celery stick with peanut butter and raisins on it! WOW is all I have to say.

When the day was finally over, they lined all the kids up inside the classroom. Joselyn spied me and started crying for me when they wouldn't let her out right away- so she was a little tore up. We listened to her favorite songs on the way home to cheer her up. Even with all the fun, I knew this was probably a little overwhelming for my little lady. But I couldn't have been more proud of her.

Our tiny dancer

I don't know who was more excited about Joselyn's first day of dance class- me or her! One of the first things we did this morning was put on her leotard, which I had decorated with a big blue flower (got this idea from a super cute friend and fell in love). The flower is a pin so I'll be able to interchange the flowers and mix and match with leotards! I'm all about dressing up my little doll as cute as possible.

I even got a picture with Joselyn- although it took poor Adam many many tries! Joselyn just wouldn't hold still! She was so excited.



Joselyn immediately made new friends the moment we walked in and started dancing with all the other girls.

The class is for 3-5 year olds- and Joselyn technically missed the cut off date by 2 days (it was Oct 31st and her bday is November 2nd) but they let her in. Our hearts (mine and hers) would have been broken had they not. She was definitely the youngest there- so I was anxious to see how she would do. I was awestruck. I think her little dance class last year at our friends' home really helped. She did wonderfully. She followed directions really well and was able to do pretty much everything the instructor asked of her. Look at her form!



She really is a natural dancer. I'm so amazed. I know I'm her mom but I was really impressed with the things she could do- that the older girls couldn't do. Like Galloping. She of course loves her little tap shoes. You guys should really see her tap!




Check out her little tongue sticking out as she concentrates on her tapping. It's so adorable!

Little guy came with us today- but I don't think I'll do that again. All he wanted to do was go dance with his sister. And if they would have let him, he would have followed the instructions really well too I think. But instead I was chasing after him the whole time and trying to occupy him. I felt bad because he really wanted to be part of the group! So he may just go get to see his Nanny every Wednesday!

I am seriously in love with my little gal. She is growing up so fast and doing so many amazing things already and it just amazes me that she used to be a tiny little helpless thing! I'm quite excited about seeing all the things she will go on to accomplish- although I know there will be some bittersweet moments mingled in there as she continues to grow up way too fast!

Joselyn's new (big girl) bed!

Situations with sleeping arrangements around the Noe Household has been a little crazy the past few months. First Landen was in a pack n' play (since the day he was born) while Joselyn was in the crib. When we moved to our new house, it stayed that was for a week or two- then we took the small mattress out of the crib and laid it on the floor for Joselyn. THEN we put Landen in the crib and Joselyn in a pack n' play (her request plus we didn't have the mattress anymore or a bed to put her in). Yep, crazy.

Well, when she started climbing out of her pack n' play a few days ago, I decided it was about time to move her to the big girl bed finally. I already knew exactly what I wanted because I have been planning her room for months as well. So at the last minute yesterday, I dropped the kids off at Adam's parents and took the almost 2 hour drive to IKEA. I had never been there before... but have been drooling over their stuff for years! It was an awesome experience. Their showrooms were inspiring and even the food was good there! I want to decorate my whole house with their (inexpensive!!) stuff!

Anyway, I got a LOT of stuff at a little price and came home really excited to put Joselyn's room together! While I went to pick the kids up, Adam put the bed together (easy as can be!) and then we surprised Joselyn with the completed project. 

Her first night in her bed went very smoothly. But it didn't really surprise me because I have known for a long time that she was ready.

This morning, my sister Chelsea met up with me and we went to Home Goods in search of the perfect bedding for Joselyn. I had a very specific look in my head. I actually was starting to lean towards an all-white bed with colorful throw pillows and such. But when Chelsea pointed out  *this* bedding, I knew it was IT. It was whimsical and colorful which was perfect for her very light room- and her personality! AND it matched the flower garland I'd been wanting to use! IT's just perfect. And a very nice price tag too! I had looked EVERYWHERE- and even my beloved Target couldn't follow through!

I decided to get Joselyn a Queen Size bed for many reasons. A lot of people have asked so I will explain.

1. It will grow with her way beyond Teenage years if she wants to. If not I'll keep it for a guest bedroom :) I love it!

2. She is less likely to fall off because she'll have plenty of room!
3. It's easier to cuddle and talk with her at night when I am putting her to bed. I just lay down beside her and we talk about our day and I sing her some songs. It's wonderful.

She looks so tiny in it, but it's precious.

I finally decided on what to do with the Garland- I think. I might need to let it sit for a while. But I am pretty happy with how it turned out. Honest opinions anyone?? I still have a lot to do in her room before it's complete- lots of little projects and even more pillows on her bed! but now you have a little glimpse.

I'm glad this transition has gone smoothly because there are a few ahead in the recent future that won't be so easy and I am NOT looking forward to it!

Today we are going to buy panties.

I've been putting off potty training with Joselyn for a couple of reasons.

1. I didn't want to force it, and wanted it to come naturally for her
2. A doctor once told me that most kids were not ready for potty training until they are 3
3. I didn't want to deal with the accidents, messes and work. (in other words, I was lazy)

Well, everything changed yesterday and I was pretty much forced into the world of potty training- if you can even call it that.

I had a photo shoot in the morning, so my awesome sister-in-law Holly came to babysit the kids. She is so good with Jos and Landen. Well, from what I understand, Joselyn told Holly she wanted to use the potty. She's done that to me a few times too- and I always let her. But this time Joselyn refused to put diapers back on so Holly took it upon herself to potty-train Joselyn while I was away. Yes, she is quite amazing.

<semi-graphic details coming>

When I got home, she had gone pee 4 times and pooped once- in the toilet. One small accident. I didn't really know what to think- it was really unexpected, really. I knew Joselyn was mature enough to understand everything, but also maybe in a way I wasn't ready for her to be a big girl. And then I had to quickly prepare myself for the days ahead.

After Holly left, I kept on bracing for difficulties- accidents on the carpet, wetting the bed etc. I had told myself that when I got into potty training I was going to go full force, so I decided to see how she would do without a diaper during a nap. She woke up completely dry, went straight to potty for pee. Then a few minutes later she ran to the bathroom- by herself. I ran after her and she was already sitting on the toilet (not potty- she hasn't used the potty during this whole time) pooping. All by herself.

Then more nervousness set in- I had another photo shoot coming up and my mother-in-law was to watch her. So I called Carolyn and she said she was up for the challenge with Joselyn. I put lots of extra clothes in the bad and sent her on her way. No accidents!!!

Now the big test- overnight. People told me to just use pull-ups but I just couldn't bring myself to give her a way out. So I let her sleep in her panties. When she woke up, her panties were a tiny bit damp but her bed was surprisingly COMPLETELY dry. I immediately took her downstairs to use the toilet and she did her business like a perfect little girl. And she has already used the toilet again 4 times successfully.

I am so amazed (and delighted) that it has been this easy for me. My biggest struggle has been getting her out of the bathroom! Thanks Joselyn!

So today, we are going to go buy more panties. Lots of cute little panties. :)

Landen- going on 16 months

I haven't written much about my children lately- their developments, their personalities & quirks, and I've been thinking about this for weeks. I just want to remember them and who they are now because they change so fast! I finally feel like I have the recent news and important stuff out of the way to do some "updates" on our family. I'll start with Landen.

(photo by Kasey Shaw)

Landen's personality is really starting to show. He's going to be one of those boys that will win the girls' hearts. He's very sweet, considerate and gentle. But he is also very much a boy.

-He loves to run really fast and give me a quick hug for no reason at all. He'll lay his head on my shoulder, "ahhhh" and then go right back to playing. It's like a little reminder "mom, I just wanted to quickly say that I love you"

(photo by Kasey Shaw)

-He's very friendly. I'm sure he's just doing what he sees Joselyn do, but he loves to wave and say hi to anyone who passes him. He flashes his big sweet smile and no one can resist his chubby cheeks, big brown eyes and red hair. Including me.

- He loves to eat, and he'll pretty much eat anything


(photo by Kasey Shaw)

- He loves to talk. He didn't speak much when he turned one but there was one week a few weeks ago when all of the sudden there was an explosion of words coming out of his mouth. Besides "mama" his first word was "THANK YOU". Yes, he practiced it over and over again. My heart is broken because I actually caught it on video on my new iphone... and then accidentally erased all of my videos this morning. He's so polite- he even knows exactly when to use the word. Following that he said bird, ball, and dada. Now he will try to copy just about any word he hears.

(photo by Kasey Shaw)

- He loves his mama. The other night I had to download the song "Song for Mama" by Boys II Men for a wedding reception. Since Landen loves to say mama and hear me respond (he does this a LOT) I thought it would be fun to play the song for him. He LOVES it. He actually tries to sing it and gets really into it. And when it ends he says "gin?" (like, Again?)

- He's a climber! He climbs everything and is not afraid to fall. In fact, he's fallen so many times it's just routine for him now and he only cries if it's a REALLY hard fall. The other day he climbed all the way up a tall ladder. He started up it and I stood behind him- I just wanted to see if he could do it. And he did like a pro. He's not safe at playgrounds. I have a feeling he's going to be very accident prone just like his daddy was when he was little.

-When he is really happy he smiles really big by squinting his eyes.

-He has the cutest little facial expressions. I wish I could capture them all. He has a face for when he is ashamed, one for when he is shy, one for when he is having fun and each one has a variation. I just LOVE them.


(photo by Kasey Shaw)

-Like most children he loves to go outside. He will often bring us shoes to let us know he wants to go outside!

- He loves balls. This one doesn't need too much explanation because I've written a lot about this lately, but he is seriously obsessed. One time I had to buy him a ball at Target because he kept crying for one. He insisted on holding it in his lap even though it was pretty much larger than he was, and screamed when we went through the check out. He wouldn't let go of it in the car either, and I laugh thinking about looking back there to see his little arms barely holding the ball on his lap. I couldn't even see his face. Just a big ball with legs and arms. And he held onto it the whole way home. Sometimes he even sleeps with a soft plush ball. 

- He has an obsession with vacuums. It could be because we like to play the chasing game with him when I vacuum- which is often. Like 3 or 4 times a day. When we're at a store and he sees a vacuum he goes crazy, He calls them "va-coo" or something like that. 

-He's definitely a mama's boy although I'm pretty much the only gal he REALLY likes. He would rather hang out with guys. If his uncle Steven is around he will have nothing to do with me. Nothing. He loooooves his uncle Steve. Of course Steven loves him too. They are buddies. 

(photo by Kasey Shaw)

-I can tell that he is going to be pretty mild-mannered. Although he loves to run around and be a boy and is very friendly, he doesn't make a big fuss very often. He's easy going. He's starting to defend himself when Joselyn takes a toy away, but usually will just go find another toy. (unless it's a ball. then it's the end of his world).

-He still sleeps a lot. He takes a 2 hour nap in the morning and a 2-3 hour nap in the afternoon. He goes to bed at 8 and wakes up around 6:30-7. I like his sleeping schedule a lot. 

-He is ticklish under his chin the most. And I love to hear his laugh so he gets tickled a lot. Sometimes his giggles break loose just by pinching my fingers together like I'm getting ready to tickle him. 

-He loves to lay down in random places with his head on the floor- like on our back patio he paid down on top of a chalk drawing of an elephant to give it some love. He also has laid down randomly on the kitchen floor. Maybe he likes the cold against his face?


(photo by Kasey Shaw)

-Which reminds me, he loves elephants. He can't say elephant, but makes the noise of an elephant to describe one when he sees one or is thinking of one. Just this morning he brought me a piece of chalk and made the elephant noise and I knew he wanted me to draw him an elephant. So I did!

I just have to say I love my little guy. I'm so lucky to have him!

A Birthday Party and Landen Funnies

I love how photography gives me the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. A friend of a friend contacted me a few months ago about her interest in photography and because she is so talented, I have invited her to be a second shooter at some photo shoots and weddings. Sarah is super super sweet. In a recent exchange of memory cards, she invited me and Joselyn to stay for dinner with her family. She has a little boy, Max, about Joselyn's age and another little guy a few months older than Landen. Max and Joselyn were immediate friends. They played together so well outside and since then Joselyn has not been able to stop talking about him and asking about him. Well, Max is about to turn 3 and Sarah invited us to his birthday party yesterday. We all had a great time! Joselyn had to right in the middle of all the action of course, even helping Max with blowing out the candles. (sorry Max!) At least she reminded him to make a wish. For his gift we gave him some balls and a garden set... and Joselyn added to it with a little smack on the lips for him.

Landen had his own plans... he wasn't so much interested in the party. Instead, he kept on roaming over to the basketball court where some teenage boys were playing a game. He found an extra ball and joined right in. The boys were so sweet as I apologized for Landen's continuous interruptions. Instead, they're like "Get this boy a jersey!" and were cheering him as as he tried his hardest to throw the ball up into the basket. It was actually pretty cute. I love it how Landen just thinks everyone is his friend. He's not afraid of strangers a bit.

 

Landen also learned how to drink out of a straw! He wanted a Capri Sun juice pack so bad but I kept on telling him no because I knew he couldn't drink out of it and I didn't want to waste it. We have tried over and over again to teach him but no luck. Well then someone at the party recommended squeezing the juice into his mouth so he knew how it worked. So I tried it and he immediately caught on. Like, it took one squeeze and that was it.

Such a fun party... and we're so glad we have made new friends!

Landen's first steps!

Just a quick note- Landen took his first steps last night!!

Landen's First Tooth

This came as a surprise! As I've mentioned before, I did not get my first tooth until I was 14 months old. And Joselyn didn't get her first until she turned 1. So I really wasn't expecting to see a little white jagged tooth peeking out from Landen's gums for a few more months. But yesterday, I caught a glimpse. I pried his mouth open and saw it. I ran my finger across it and felt it. It was really there! Joselyn will surely think twice before she puts her finger in his mouth again!

I can't help but think that THIS is why he hasn't been sleeping well? I hope that's why, because maybe we can then do something about it.

Joselyn goes to her first birthday party

One of Joselyn's favorite friends, Nafeesah, recently turned 4. Her mom is a good friend of mine and does sucha CUTE job planning parties. And you should have seen the cake... good thing I got pictures!

The party was a Ballerina theme. Little details were adorable including handmade backpacks for the older kids that they decorated, little ballerina dolls, a bouquet of flowers for the girls and tutus! There was even a little stage for them to dance on and a dance instructor who came to teach them a little routine. Of course Joselyn was into EVERYTHING and tore down the cute little stage set-up! But it was really SO MUCH FUN and now I can't wait to start planning Joselyn's next party!!

Here are the favors that Joselyn got: a cute little ballerina doll and stickers!
 

Here is Autumn with her little backpack and ballerina

Some candids from the party:

And lastly, but not leastly (ha ha) the beautiful cake that Nafeesah's mom Jaleelah made herself. Yes, she is a master.

This was honestly the perfect birthday party for Joselyn because she LOVES to dance. What a great party!!

Joselyn goes to Nursery all by herself today.

I must admit that Joselyn has been a bit of a handful these past few weeks at church. She is just at that age where she can't sit still very well. It's also hard to keep her quiet because she LOVES to talk and giggle. Those are the things I am LOVING about her now though. I LOVE her energy and I love her little personality, so trying to calm it down is hard. Because of this, there are many things that I miss at church because I am out in the hallway chasing her down or calming Landen down. And yet, I was never one of those mothers who said "I can't WAIT until she goes to Nursery!" I may have said it once or twice because I thought it was what I was supposed to say and feel, but deep down I was aching that my little girl was growing up.

We started preparing early so that the transition would (hopefully) go smoothly. Adam and I would take turns with the kids every other week- one of us watching Landen while the other went into Nursery with Joselyn. I must say though that after a few times of going into nursery with Joselyn, that I was NOT looking forward to leaving her in there. There were just a few things that bothered me about it that I won't mention here, but I basically dreaded the day I would leave Joselyn in there by herself (when she turned 18 months old). And Joselyn absolutely HATED it int here even when we were in there with her. In fact I was SO concerned about it, that I called the Primary President to share my concerns.  Well, it turns out that there were some changes being made, and I felt a LOT better about leaving Joselyn in there.

Well, today was the day. Changes were in place and I was feeling better about it. My plan was to stay in there just a little bit while she got to know some of the new faces - but it was apparent after a few minutes that the best thing would be to leave her in there. I trusted the caretakers a lot and knew they would give her the attention and love she needed- and so I picked Joselyn up and told her I was leaving and that I would be right back. I told her that she would have fun in there (and I felt confident this time that she really would) and that people would take care of her. Then I handed her over to the Nursery leader and left as she started screaming "mommy! mommy! mommy"

I really had to hold back the tears... it was HARD. And I never thought it would be that hard. I stayed right outside the door for a little while and then went to find Adam in Sunday school. I was there maybe a minute before deciding to check on her again- no crying. I tried to peek through the little window, when one of the nursery leaders at the door said she was doing great. Relief. I checked 5 more times- and each time I saw her playing happily or being held by a nursery leader saying "mommy will be back" but there were no tears. What a comfort it is to know that the baby I love was being taken care of.

So I would call today a success at Nursery- her first time in there alone. And I can't believe it. My baby is not a baby anymore.

And I am so proud of her.