Great Wagon Race of 2010: One Year!

You only wish this post was actually about Noah's birthday. Actually, though, I'm six weeks behind, as I haven't posted the cute pics of our superstar from his appearance at his cousin's birthday party... So stay tuned for his special day. You could at least get a sneak preview of the cake eating at Elizabeth's blog.

Ellia's party was a wonderful outdoor event, during a glorious summer day. Almost too hot, but not quite, the sun was a great opportunity for our new water-baby to enjoy a dip in the pool.

He didn't really want a lot of help, but he also wasn't too happy when he would occasionally slip and his face would end up underwater. It didn't deter him for long, though, and he stayed in the kiddie pool as long as we would let him.

And when we finally pulled him away from the pool, he found the other source of water: the slip-and-slide-like fountain thingie... Such a change from his days of fearing the water. He's a changed man.

Sometimes I think Noah gets bored at home. It's absolutely terrific having an au pair around and not having to take him to day care often, but I think he relishes every chance he gets to play with other kids and play with new toys. He certainly loved experimenting with some of Ellia's new digs, like the classic red plastic car.

He offered to drive Ellia around, but she had been watching him drive... she knew better than to get into the car with him. (As advanced as Noah is for his age, he surprisingly doesn't have his license, yet).

Libby and I were observing everything closely, taking notes on what made a successful first birthday party, as we'd soon be in the same boat. Note #1, quickly blow out candle as baby reaches for it... check!

Note #2: father should dutifully videotape cake-to-face smashing episode... check!

Note #3: enjoy watching baby smash every last little crumb into face.... check!

Note #4: Plan for quick getaway and washing of the baby after cake is served... check!

Note #5: Enjoy the first few gifts as a family when baby is actually interested in helping open them... check!

It was a fun day, but even the Energizer-Bunny-of-a-baby, Noah, who seems to thrive on such social situations needed to take a little siesta. But don't worry, he wasn't down for long...

Not when he discovered the ball pit, that is!

Then, for the rest of the time, he was pretty much giddy, as he tends to get when he's tired (what a great baby!), playing with the grandparents and then with Ellia some more...