Noah Daniel

Six years ago today, Sarah and I accompanied Beth and Brian to the hospital in the wee hours of the morning to welcome Noah into the world. We knew we wouldn't be in the room when he made his first appearance but we also knew that we would be close by and we were. He was brand new when he got to the nursery and he was beautiful. At 10 pounds he was a grandchild record holder and he looked perfect. But as we watched through the nursery window we saw a drama begin to unfold. We saw his Daddy look loving and concerned and more nurses hovering around and checking him than seemed normal.

And before we knew it he was getting ready for his first road trip, by ambulance, to the NICU at a bigger hospital.

It was hard to believe that such a robust, healthy looking baby needed to go there but he did. Fortunately he thrived and two weeks later he was home where he belonged.

At about one year of age, his all-time favorite toys were the rings of his stacker toy. He couldn't get enough of them. He'd start with several and throw them so that they rolled across the floor. I know now that he was probably counting how many times he could roll them perfectly and always striving to break his records. Then I thought he just liked to watch them go. Who knew he was a budding mathematician?

By age 2 he had moved on to more sophisticated toys but ones that also involved numbers.

By age 3, he had a mind of his own and knew just what to do when things didn't go his way.

Less than a year later, his interests had become very high tech and he was good at everything he did. He was also even-tempered and, win or lose, he was always ready to go again.

At just shy of five years old he was the sweetest little New Year's celebrator you every saw.

And now, at the ripe old age of six, Noah has evolved into such an amazing, beautiful soul. He's adorable beyond measure and his personality can melt any heart. There's no one more loving and more considerate than this sweet boy. And he still loves math.


And I think it's wonderful that he's very kind when he corrects me if I have the date wrong or make a little mistake in my arithmetic.

So, Noah, have a very Happy 6th Birthday! We're so blessed to have you in our family!