It goes so fast

Seven months ago tomorrow, we first met Nolan Oliver face to face.

Our little guy is so full of life and vigor. He just eats it up. I love the fervor with which he attacks life. It's awesome to watch.

Instead of crying at fireworks, he excitedly rocked on my lap, clapped his hands and appreciatively oooh-ed and aaah-ed. He loves his big brother and is entertained by everything Matthew does. He thinks Matthew is hilarious. Except when he steals Nolan's toys. Then he lets Matthew know what's up. He is not to be trifled with just because he's younger.

I cannot believe the things I have let him eat lately. I could dedicate a Not Me post just to that. Avocados, banana and ice cream. Mac n' cheese, oranges and watermelon. Animal crackers, whole ones gobbled right up. If it's headed toward our mouths, he wants it. Badly. And he's a determined little fellow when food is involved. He's so cute to watch, testing things about, mashing away with his gums.

Our baby is social, happy, exuberant and determined. But he is also a precious sweetheart. He lights up when his sees his daddy's face every morning and he buries his head so preciously in my hair when he's tired. He loves to rub his soft blanket against his face and play with his own hair to relax. I love his chubby cheeks and little toes and his happy, gummy smile. His contagious giggle inspires me to be funny, just so I can hear it again. I love my little Nolie-pie.

Tonight our neighbors were shooting off fireworks, so we went over to say hi. They just had a baby recently, so I grabbed a package of newborn diapers that I had never opened to pass on to her. As I started to hand the diapers to her, she told us that her baby Dominic passed away two days ago. They were outside with their older boys, trying to provide some sense of normalcy for them. We were shocked and had no idea what to say. Except that we were so sorry and would pray for them. I felt awful holding this giant bag of babyness in my hands as I continued to talk to her.

You know life is like a vapor, but sometimes it really hits home. We walked back into our house, checked on Nolan, kissed Matthew on the head and told him we loved him.

As Bob and I listen to the miscellaneous fireworks exploding all around us tonight, we are very thankful to be in our darkened house with our two little boys sleeping soundly in their beds. We have so much to be thankful for.