And just like that, our boy is two.
When I go visit for the weekend I make sure I’m there to pick him up from nursery. I peek my head around the door to see where he is — he’ll look up, realise it’s me, run over to be picked up (his little run kills me) and screams. After cuddling me with his entire body he leans back in my arms and looks me in the eye and screams again, as if to say YOU’RE ACTUALLY HERE! It is the best and most amazing thing in the world. No one has ever been so happy to see me.
He counts to ten and says please and thank you (“plea-sh” “ackoo”). Once in a while he’ll say something so perfectly it stops us in our tracks (“birthday cake”).
He’s still crazy for tractors and trains are now getting a lot of play time too. And he adores balloons. And painting. And Play Doh. He’s really good at naming colours now, though sometimes everything is just “colour!”
He loves cucumber, strawberries and blueberries. And I noticed all the pears, apples and bananas in my sister’s kitchen had little bite marks in them. He likes to sit on my lap when I’m eating my breakfast so he can have some too. Sometimes he’ll bite off more than he can chew, so he’ll hand it back to me:
When he’s excited it’s like his whole being is filled to the brim with light. He loves being outside, and sneaking into next door’s garden to bounce on their trampoline. He is completely fearless. We hired a bouncy castle for his birthday party and the lil dude was on it like a shot.
I handed him my book and without missing a beat he looked at the cover, smiled and said “Shoo-she!” As he flicked through the pages he’d stop when he saw pictures of me — “Shoo-she!” — and when I pointed to a photo at the end and asked who’s that? he said “No-no!”, his way of saying Noah. And yes, like the sap that I am, I got a bit teary. Couldn’t help it.
I am so lucky I get to be his auntie.
And in case there’s any doubt that we are related:
Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, Noah is so cute! I was getting all mushy and stuff and then those bottom two photos made me chortle. Yes, chortle. So fun! ♥
oh Susannah, it is so hard to believe Noah is already two! I remember your first proud photos of him. He is just a little beam of sunshine. I love how much happiness he has brought you and your family. You’re a great aunty! xo
I think the raised eyebrow in pic #6 pretty much seals the whole related thing :)
Love that boy so much.
Noah is SO amazing! beautiful, etc, etc, etc.
Thank you so much for sharing this Susannah. You just put hundreds of smiles in my heart!
:)
XX00
and Happy Birthday Noah! Long, healthy and happy life
How much do I love that he put that camera up to his face? Kids today don’t know to do that unless they have parents (or fabulous aunties) who are photographers. Love!
What a sweet post. I love the words coming out like that, the excitement they have then. so great and amazing to think we were all like that one day. He is a doll!
Entire body cuddles are the best! Susannah he is just the perfect age for these fantastic books – Tremendous Tractors and Terrific Trains. HUGE favourites when my boy was 2!
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tremendous-Tractors-Amazing-Machines-Mitton/dp/0753414910/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1333563193&sr=8-5
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Terrific-Trains-Amazing-Machines-CD/dp/0753415240/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1333563272&sr=8-8
Awesome! Thanks, love!
I’ve so loved watching Noah grow from a little baby on your Skype screen, to this joyfull little two year old :) It’s amazing how fast time flies, it doesn’t seem that long since I was giggling at those Skype screenshots where it looks like he’s Skyping you all by himself! Hope you guys had a wonderful time celebrating with him.
Can’t believe how big he’s getting!
Cannot believe he is already 2! It’s been a joy watching him grow through your eyes!
The pictures of Noah with your book are so precious! I love the description of when he’s excited “it’s like his whole being is filled to the brim with light.” That’s definitely one of those things we tend to forget how to do once we’re adults. Children are clearly the best reminder =)
They do grow up fast though. I’m on my way to see my niece. Two doesn’t really seem that long ago, but she’s now 21. I still adore her just as much.
New reader here! Hello :)
Beautiful words and photographs. I have a five-year-old cousin I’m lucky enough to see often and watch grow up. I love her so much it makes my heart ache, so I totally understand how you feel about your nephew! Kids are the best.
oh….he is adorable
and i loved this post!
he is so adorable!!! it’s been fun watching him grow on your blog!!!
Awwwww…..really love the photos. He’s a cutie pie!!
the love between you and noah is, well, i don’t quite know the word i’m looking for. as lucky as you feel to be his auntie, he is that lucky to be your nephew. you two are growing such a beautiful relationship. there’s inspiration here…
Entirely too cute! I have one niece and two nephews and like you, my fav part is – no one else is so happy to see me as they are. It is lovely being an aunt!!!!
He´s so cute!!!
I. Just. Love. The way you love him. I have a huge smile on my face, and it’s all due to how beautiful it is to watch you love him.
Also, man! He’s such a little man! Can’t believe how grown up he looks. And his long hair is rad. xo
This post really made me smile! Love to see his painting talent and to read how he is intrigued and fascinated by his fantastic auntie. I think this is one of the most fabulous feelings in life! Thank you for sharing all this love with us! And of course the photos with the camera added some twinkle to my eyes, as I can imagine how this must feel for you :) Happy 2nd B-day to the little dude!
Crazy! I remember when you always called him Wobble. so sweet, I love the love in your posts about Noah.