RE-introducing Noah Habtamu Wheeler

Colorado validation is FINALLY complete! It came with his name change, which in my opinion is a big deal! In daycare and at doctors offices I don't have to list Noah as a nickname anymore and I won't get calls with people trying without confidence to pronounce Habtamu; which I find very easy even though I don't say it as an Ethiopian might.

Noah and I spend as many weekend mornings walking to a bagel and going for a walk - he does like it outside more than inside and always has fun! He loves the slide and climbing, but doesn't really like the swing. He enjoyed the sandbox on this morning, actually playing more than eating! He seems to like playing in the fountain most of the time, loves the water!

This was the best! Cousin Alec reading with him and I have to say it was the cutest thing EVER! Here is his Great Uncle Bill, enjoying a late day Noah nap! Doesn't he look cozy?

ONE YEAR AGO

A little reminscent this weekend - we met a little guy going by the name Habtamu; the most beautiful baby we had ever seen! He wasn't shy, but very engaging, with a special sparkle in his eyes; I have yet to see anything like it. I wish I could understand this experience more through his eyes, but I think he was a trooper and his little spirit was fairly unscathed by the big change of moving from Ethiopia to the US. His first few days at the hotel were full of rolling over and sleeping with a bit of screaming (he had good reason)... He was in so many ways a mellow baby who was open to anything. I guess since life has opened doors for adventure it's a pretty good thing.

Over the past year he has learned all of the typical baby things only to become an incredibly cuddly, focused, yet active toddler that is has so much desire to express himself that he can't hold back his frustration most of the time. He is running, opening and closing doors, chasing his dog and cats, loves playing with balls and in water, but he is most interested in learning how to put his shoes on; go figure. His biggest challenge has been biting. We work so hard at this one. Now he just has to endure 5 months without daddy so we can all go away on adventure together for a couple years. How many kids by 2 have lived in 3 different countriies?