Happy Birthday Noah Bean!

It's so hard to believe this little bean is only a year old. There are times I simply cannot remember life without him and feel as though he's been tagging along forever. It's been an eventful year with ups and some unfortunate downs, all the more leaving me with a true feeling of being blessed. When I look at this ridiculously happy and silly baby I am constantly reminded to stop and smell the roses, or in our case stop to get slimed, licked, bitten, pinched, tooted on or giggled at. I've been realizing more and more that the everyday moments that at a glance may seem mundane are my most cherished.

My handsome little birthday boy.

Somehow there is a moment everyday where someone is hung upside down and quite happy about it I might add. Will definitely have to post something of the our evening superman routine.

The downside of being born in the cold winter, means indoor play.

The bright side is being allowed to play in a germ infested ball pit-- good times!

Noah desperately trying to figure out why he is being tortured with endless photos and not given any cake.

Pretty sure Noah is thinking 'seriously he's eating the toppings off my cake- umm hello b-day boy over here'

Finally!

Australia

We headed to Australia for a fabulous wedding and some fun in the sun. It was Noah's first beach experience and overall I think he most definitely enjoyed it. He was pretty much obsessed with eating the sand and at times completely awe struck by the ocean. Kai of course was his wacky fearless self and ran to the waves like a moth to a flame.

This kid honestly makes me laugh everyday.  Everything he does now comes with the catch phrase "watch me mommy, watch me" 

The weather was so beautiful Noah took almost all his naps either poolside or on the beach.

We went to what I believe is the oldest Koala sanctuary in the country. It was very cool and we even got to pet and feed a ridiculous amount of kangaroos who were hopping all about.

Kai and I were a bit freaked out but forced ourselves to get in the mix since it was such an unreal experience. The kangaroo poop EVERYWHERE was a bit much, so our photos aren't nearly as intimate as that dude to the left laying on the ground chillin like he's on animal planet.

Have to say I'm still amazed we were able to see the joeys like this.  

I was the brave soul who volunteered to hold the koala, who had extremely long and rather sharp claws. I was convinced it would either maul or pee on me but did my very best to smile like this scenario was totally cool. Note to anyone interested in holding one of these furry little cuties: they sink, like really really bad!

These lizards were everywhere, whether we were outside walking about, or hanging around the pool and even at outdoor restaurants, you could see at least a handful of them ranging in every size under the sun.  

Noah was such an easy going little trooper on this trip, which made it all the more easier to be able to do  things Kai would get a kick out of.

Brisbane with Mitsuru

With two of my most favorite people: Lauren and Mitsuru, whose wedding was so very lovely.

This is the pose he came up with when I asked him to look serious.

Noah having a grand moment with the ocean

Another attempt at a family photo where none of us end up looking good

And now

[A Special Contribution by Mr. Kai Finn Ikeda]

Kai really loves to take photos with our small point and shoot. Usually he runs around taking pictures of objects, Noah and the room. These photos were taken at the end of our stay, Naoto and I were cleaning up from dinner and not really paying attention to what he was doing. I nearly fell out of my chair when I came across these.

And now for his take on Noah