A hamm already?

A few days ago I was bringing in groceries so I left Noah in the yard to play (don't worry, it's completly fenced in so he couldn't go in the road). Our storm door was open but somehow he managed to shut it from the outside and then proceeded to make these silly faces in at me. I was dying laughing, tears rolling down my face so of course, he kept hamming it up. At one point he was even licking the door. I'm grateful Noah has a good sense of humor because he keeps me laughing everyday!!

Even his left eye is squished into the door...

Yep, he's definetly an Ernest!!

Here's a much more flattering picture of our little boy posing

for his 1-year pictures in his favorite wagon!!

My new niece!!

Meet my new niece! Isn't she beautiful!! She doesn't have a name yet, although there are a few being thrown around so i'll keep you posted, but nonetheless she's perfect in every way. She was born Monday morning at 9:04 via scheduled c-section, weighing 7 pounds 14 ounces and 20 1/2 inches long. We are so grateful that we were able to drive to Idaho Sunday evening to help with the other kids and meet this new little girl only a few hours after she was born. There is something so special about new babies. While at the hospital holding the baby for the first time, my newphew Cooper, who is 4, asked his Mom if the baby had germs...it was a teaching opportunity for my sister to let him know that she is clean and pure and just sent from Heaven, so she didn't have germs. My neice is so lucky to have chosen such a great family to become apart of. She is already very loved and adored beyond measure.

Doesn't my sister look fantastic for just having had major surgery!! What a trooper!

My baby is 1 already??

How is it possible that my baby is 1 already? I have pondered this question alot since last Thursday...the day of the big happening. I clearly remember April 8, 2008...the day we spent 18 hours in labor only to end the delivery with a c-section at 3:26 am and one beautiful little boy who was perfect in every way. It feels like yesterday we were bringing him home, so i have mixed emotions about how and where this last year has went...but I will tell you this...it has been the best year of my life. Noah has taught me so many lessons as I have strived to be the best mom possible...but more than anything he has added to our little family in ways I can't even describe. I can't remember life without him in it...he just fits so perfectly and makes it so much better...and interesting!

Noah is/does/has:

-25 pounds (75%)

-30 inches (50%)

-has 8 teeth and loves to bite (don't let his mouth get near your fingers),

-loves grapes, green beans, m&m's and anything sweet,

-loves snuggly, soft blankets and stuffed toys,

-enjoys torturing Oscar and pulling his ears,

-loves climbing and scaling everything,

-loves being outside and cries when he has to come in regardless of how cold it is,

-loves watching his cousins run around,

-enjoys books and being read to,

-loves laughing and has the cutest giggle you've ever heard,

-makes the world a better place for his Dad and I.

Our birthday boy!

Every birthday boy needs a party hat!!


His tractor cake (yes, i made it and i'm proud of it)!!

It didn't take him long to figure out the whole cake was his to demolish and he did a good job of it!

Happy 1st birthday little man! I love you!

Our friend Jacob

Our sweet friend Jacob passed away last Sunday leaving this earth and into the arms of our Heavenly Father. We will miss his sweet smile, contagious giggle, "go Jacob, go Jacob go" kicking routine, and precious Spirit. We are so grateful for the time that we had to get to know this little boy. He taught us so many lessons on living life fully even when you're sick and don't feel good. Despite J's health problems, I never saw him without a smile on his face. In February, me, Noah, Michelle and Jacob went to the park for a walk. Noah, as usual kept his eyes on J the whole time and a hand on his stroller. He loved his little friend and wanted to keep ahold of him at all times. Jacob was blessed with this ability...to touch everyone who met him from the first moment they came in contact and it was no different for us. We will miss you J, but you have left a peice of yourself in our hearts. Thanks for being such a brave little boy and Spiritual giant.

Jacob Henry Besendorfer

September 2, 2007-April 5, 2009