Two

Attempting to light two candles, despite a breeze 

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.

1 Chronicles 16:34

A little over a week ago, we had the joy of celebrating Noah's second birthday.  It was a beautiful morning at a local park, spent with some close friends and family.  We enjoyed the swings, the slides, the cooler full of water and splash bombs, and the sunshine.  Noah helped me bake the cake the day before: a four-layer cake, comprised of yellow, blue, green and red layers.  For the week prior (and the week since), "Happy Birthday to You" was on the playlist of songs running through his little head.  (Since he tends to refer to himself as "you," the song works very nicely.)  It was a grand birthday indeed.

After the blowing out of the candles (with a little help from the wind), the eating of the cake, and the opening of the presents, it was official.  Our little guy was two.  He would now be referred to in years rather than months.  He would be a little kid rather than a big baby. 

What a strange thing to think about as a parent, that those two years of life are irreplaceable.  They have come and gone.  We have memories and photos and the future. A part of me mourns their passing, but I know that the Lord holds all these things in his hands.  I am so thankful to the Lord for the two wonderful years with which he has blessed our lives, stretched our minds and spoken to our souls through this little guy.  He continues to graciously give Noah health and joy; he continues to graciously draw Dave and me closer to Him and give us the wisdom we need to be parents in his stead.  For all of this, what more can I say than, "Oh give thanks!"

Noah living in the moment: cake!

Singing

Praise the Lord. 

How good it is to sing praises to our God,

how pleasant and fitting to praise him!

Psalm 147:1

A few weeks ago, much to my surprise and delight, Noah began singing along with me when I would put him down for a nap or to sleep at night.  For the most part, he will sing along with just the last word of a phrase, sometimes waiting for me to begin singing that word so he can remember what he's supposed to be singing.  He does have quite a nice handle on the wonderful monosyllabic la (thank you, David Crowder Band), and already knows how to sing "Oh Praise Him" by the same.


I have heard Noah singing to himself while in his crib, while playing in the living room, and while riding in the car.  He has the cutest "singing voice" I've ever heard, soft and a little raspy, but I'm sure I'm a little bias.


I wonder how much he knows about the Creator whom he praises.  I wonder if there is a place in his soul that feels complete when he says "Alleluia" along with the throngs in heaven.  Scripture tells us that all of creation praises our Lord (Psalm 148).  My heart is filled with joy to say that Noah is a part of that choir.