Baby Rives is Here!!

Josh and Mindy welcomed Lucy Kate Rives into the world at 9:43pm on October 18. She was 7lbs 6oz and 19.25" long. She is beautiful. We can't wait to meet her!!!

Pumkin Bread

Last night, Noah and I put together Halloween bags for his friends at school and made pumpkin bread for the teachers. As you can imagine it was an eventful experiance with a 20 month old. The kitchen was covered with flour and cinnamon and the dining room was covered with play dough and black string paper. He had a great time though!! It was worth the mess.

This is Noah helping me the bread. As you can tell, he preferred to eat the flour.

Then we put together these cute bags for all his friends. Aunt Coley made him the cutest little gift tags. They were the perfect touch.
Finally, at 9:45 we were finished, and we had pumpkin bread and . . .

A sleepy baby!!
Sorry, the pictures aren't the best. I took these from my phone rather than my camera.

Professional Pictures

A couple of weeks ago, Noah got his picture taken in Temple by Chitwood Photography. The photos turned out great. Our last phote session didn't go as well. To be honest, I figured if we got one or two good ones, we would be in good shape, but Marsha did an awesome job and got some great action shots. Unfortunately, Noah has quit a few teeth coming in at once, so there are quite a few pictures with his hand in his mouth. I think they are still cute though. I may bias :) The following are just a couple of the pictures. Enjoy!

Pumpkin Patch

Last weekend, we went to the pumpkin patch at Memorial Drive Methodist Church with Uncle Willy and Aunt Coley. We had a great time. The weather was perfect and Noah loved running around. He also kept picking the funky looking pumpkins (see below). I am not sure what that was about. Unfortunately, by the time we were ready to take family pictures, Noah was done and didn't want to take anymore (reason there is not picture of the three of us). If the weather stays the way it has been, we will have plenty of opportunities for those. Hope you enjoy the pictures.

The Zoo

Last week, Kate and I took Noah and Liam to the zoo. The weather was perfect, and they had a great time. We were there for about 3 hours and saw only 5 animals. By the time we took pictures, ate lunch, and went to the petting zoo time had flown by. We will definitely be going back soon.

When we first walked in there was a man holding a snake. Noah wasn't sure what to think at first, but I think he really liked him after.

As you can tell, Noah and Liam were more interested in the dirt than taking a pictures even though I was making silly faces and Kate was singing. I think there are a lot more of these pictures to come.

We finally got a good one!!!

Noah and Mommy in front of the elephants.

We hugged every animal in the petting zoo!

I think Liam loved the petting zoo as well.

Happy Retirement, Grandpa!

Last Thursday, Ben's dad retired after 39 years as a Conductor with the Union Pacific Railroad. Noah and I were unable to go, but his colleagues and friends hosted a good bye party Thursday afternoon in Waco. Ben, Dewayne's sisters (Yvonne, Paulette), and Ben's Unlce, Fern, all surprised him and attended the event. I think he was very surprised.

This weekend Noah and I got to celebrate with them as they came to Houston. We grilled out and had a great time. As you can see, I think Noah enjoyed the cookie cake the most!! :)

We kept trying to get a picture but instead Noah kept trying to put his finger in the cake. :)

Collection of "Firsts"

Since he turned one, Noah has gone through a lot of "firsts". Before the blog, we were a little behind and lacked in sharing many of his "experiences" with others. However, below is a list of "firsts" since the big day (1 yr. BDay).

First Haircut

His first haircut was at 13 months. I know kind of shocking considering all the hair he has had since he was born.

First Chuck E Cheese Experience

Noah was 14 months the first time we took him to Chuck E Cheese. As you can tell, he was not a fan. The mouse scarred him, and he didn't like any of the rides. We have taken him twice since this picture, and he still doesn't like it. Is that normal for child?

First Baseball Game (Astros vs. Phillies)

Noah was 14 months when we took him to a game. This was also the first time he had a hot dog. He was a fan of both!

First Visit to the Winery

I know some people would not consider this a "first", but I love the Williamsburg Winery and wanted Noah to experience it. He was 16 months when we took him.

First Trip to the Beach

Noah has actually been to the beach by my parents' house since he was 3 months, but it was just for "pictures". This was his first time he got to play and enjoy the sand and water (16 months). While he loved the water, he was not a fan of the sand. He doesn't like things on his feet and hands.

First Trip to the Zoo

This summer we went to the zoo while we were in Denver. Noah loved it!!! He was 17 months when we took him. I am not sure why we havent't been to the Houston zoo before.

First day of Mother's Day Out

In September was Noah's first day of Mother's Day Out (18 months). He looks really happy in this picture; however, he was not happy when he got there. He went to day care there last year and loved it. I think he just missed his Aunt Liz.

It is crazy how fast time is flying by. We have enjoyed every minute we have had with Noah. He is such a blessing to us and the rest of our family. We will cherish these "firsts" for the rest of our lives and look forward to the many more to come.